3.3 kV All-SiC Power Module for Traction System Use

High voltage power modules in a railcar traction system are required to reduce power loss and system size and increase system reliability. To satisfy these requirements, Mitsubishi has developed the first 3.3-kV all-SiC (silicon carbide) power module composed of SiC-MOSFET (Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) and SiC-SBD (Schottky Barrier Diode) for practical use in a railcar traction system [1] [2]. The new 3.3-kV all-SiC power module has about 80% lower total power loss than a conventional Si power module. In addition, we have developed technologies that achieve sufficiently high reliability for actual use.