3. Fundamental power semiconductor components

3.1 Bipolar diodes

Functionally the "simplest" element of active power electronics devices, the bipolar diode's design and operation often reflect the challenges faced by the power electronics industry, both from a system point of view (conduction and switching losses due to reverse overlap, avalanche voltage, leakage current), and from a technological point of view (junction termination, contact quality, semiconductor material purity). The diode is often used as a demonstrator to prove the feasibility of building an electronic component on a new material. Unlike Schottky diodes, bipolar diodes benefit from the phenomenon of carrier modulation, which enables them to achieve higher current densities, making them more suitable for high-power applications.