The rise of wide bandgap materials

In semiconductors today, silicon is the standard. However, there are new materials such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride – both wide bandgap materials – that are better performing. These materials have inherent properties that make them more efficient, including working better at high temperatures and the ability to carry more current. Lux Research Analyst Pallavi Madakasira told Automotive World, “OEMs are getting interested in the materials because silicon has almost reached theoretical limits in performance, and to push it any harder for any application is going to be very challenging. With wide bandgap materials, you can operate things at higher temperatures, without too much electricity loss. The system becomes more efficient.” Wide bandgap materials are promising materials for the emerging power electronics performance needs in EVs.