Application of SiC-JFETs in current source inverter topologies

SiC-JFETs are promising for many future applications but have a normally-on behaviour, which usually necessitates an auxiliary MOSFET to achieve self-blocking capability. However this characteristic is predestinated to current source inverter topologies as an attractive alternative for fast switching applications. The paper presents practical investigations of SiC-JFETs with a modified driver stage in a current source inverter and for comparison in a voltage source inverter topology. Measurement results of both topologies at a frequency of 250 kHz are included. Furthermore differences in the minimising of switching losses for each topology are shown