Power semiconductors are devices used to control and convert electrical energy in electronic circuits. They use semiconductor elements like silicon, germanium, and gallium arsenide. Types include power diodes, MOSFETs, thyristors, and IGBTs, with varying voltage and current capabilities. The basic form was invented in the 1950s by Robert N. Hall using germanium. Modern devices can handle thousands of amps and volts. They are used in various applications such as motor controllers, power supplies, and air conditioning systems.
A power semiconductor is a switch-like device primarily used to control and convert electrical energy in electronic circuits. In general, these devices make use of the electronic properties found in semiconductor elements, such as gallium arsenide, germanium and silicon. Also called power devices, these gadgets can typically dissipate more than one watt of power in standard operation. They are usually referred to as power integrated circuits when applied in integrated circuits, which can contain millions of devices connected together on a single semiconductor.
For the most part, the basic form of a power semiconductor device was developed in the 1950s. Engineer Robert N. Hall is credited with inventing the device. Made of germanium, these early gadgets usually had a current rating of around 35 amps and a voltage capability of around 200 volts. Compare that to modern power semiconductors, which often handle thousands of amps and thousands of volts.
There are several types of power semiconductor devices, including a power diode, metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), thyristor, and insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). Power diodes usually consist of two-terminal electronic components. They usually carry electric currents in a forward direction and prevent the current from coming in a reverse direction. Unlike their low-power semiconductor counterparts, they are capable of transmitting a significant volume of current.
Power MOSFETs are one of the most widely used types of low voltage power semiconductor applications. Typically, they are less than 200 volts and are used for motor controllers, power supplies, and DC-to-DC converters. Like a power diode, a power MOSFET is normally equipped to carry large amounts of electrical energy. They are often more efficient at lower voltages and possess higher switching speeds than other types of power semiconductors.
A thyristor is a type of power semiconductor used in everything from dimmers for light switches and pressure control systems to motor speed controls and liquid level regulators. Consisting of four layers, they are composed of alternating P- and N-type materials and commonly have three electrodes. They are often designed to control a considerable volume of power using a small trigger current or voltage.
An Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) power semiconductor is a gadget designed to turn itself on and off quickly. Considered a highly efficient type of power semiconductor, IGBTs are often used in air conditioning systems and electric cars. Stereo systems that contain switching amplifiers also sometimes use IGBTs to help synthesize complex waveforms.
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