1. Context

SiC technology, considered a long-term prospect for silicon technology in the 1990s, is now poised to offer a non-competitive short-term alternative to silicon technology. This new technology is particularly suited to specific applications operating at high voltage and/or high temperature.

SiC electronic components are currently mainly developed for use in :

• to operate under severe environmental conditions (high temperatures > 600 ˚C);

• which must deliver high power at high voltages (some 10 kA, some 10 kV);

• to withstand intense radiation (e.g. for space applications).

The potential benefits of using SiC components in energy conversion systems have been demonstrated in the past, both theoretically and through demonstrations....