Adjustable Current Limiting Function With a Monolithically Integrated SiC Circuit Breaker Device

Abstract

This paper proposes a current limiting function for a self-sensing and self-triggering monolithically integrated SiC circuit breaker device. The proposed function provides the device not only with a fast-response current breaking operation but also with the current limiting operation, including supplying a constant current to the load and preventing the detection of inrush currents. This function is suitable for replacing mechanical conductors in initial charging circuits within rectifiers and safety equipment in case of overcurrent phenomena. The proposed method achieves certain constant currents through a simple variation of the gate-drive circuit with the adjustable parameters of an additional MOSFET. The mechanism of the current limiting function is verified using TCAD simulations based on certain conditions. Consequently, experimental results verified that the circuit breaker device with the current limiting function reduces the inrush current by up to 76.9% using a 500 VDC distribution circuit system.