1.4 SiC Device Applications and Benefits

Exciting new developments in SiC technology are being achieved across a broad spectrum of applications. SiC high-temperature devices are developed for aircraft and automotive engine sensors, jet engine ignition systems, transmitters for deep well drilling, and a number of industrial process measurement and control systems. The uses of SiC-based distributed smart electromechanical controls which are capable of harsh-ambient operation will enable substantial jet-aircraft weight savings, reduced maintenance, reduced pollution, higher fuel efficiency, and increased operational reliability [14].

SiC high-power devices offer promise in solid-state lamp ballasts, surge suppressors, and power supplies [15]. Performance gains from SiC electronics could enable the public power grid to provide increased consumer electricity demand without building additional generation plants, and improve power quality and operational reliability through smart power management. More efficient electric motor drives which will benefit industrial production systems as well as transportation systems such as diesel-electric railroad locomotives, electric mass-transit systems, nuclear-powered ships, and electric automobiles.

SiC High-frequency power devices are being used in high-frequency power supplies, cellular phone base stations, phased array radar systems, and small, lightweight RF and microwave transmitters, where conventional GaAs-based devices cannot operate adequately due to high power densities and high temperatures demands [16].

The principal optoelectronic applications for SiC are low-intensity blue LEDs and substrates for gallium nitride (GaN) based high-intensity blue LEDs and blue laser diodes [17].

T. Ayalew: SiC Semiconductor Devices Technology, Modeling, and Simulation