Characterization of a high gain BJT used in power conversion on AC mains

Nowadays, the existing power devices (thyristors, Triacs, ...) used to drive usual AC loads (e.g. washing machines, dimmers, ...) are quite limited: no turn-off drive, small scale integration and high thermal dissipation. Within this framework, new architectures have to be developed. This paper summarizes the first results of the electrical characterization of a new high gain low loss 600V bipolar transistor. The static performances of our new bipolar transistor are compared with those obtained using some electrical simulations (Sentaurus). Combining two of these devices, we should be able to develop a new generation of AC power devices.