Power semiconductor devices are the core of today's energy efficient electronics. However, without adequate integration into power electronic systems, they remain useless. This is achieved by providing application-tailored modules. The development of power modules is reviewed from basic design and material considerations, with special emphasis on simulation and characterization techniques.

Power semiconductor devices are the core of today's energy efficient electronics. In this course, an understanding of the functionality of modern power devices is developed. Typical device concepts for power rectifiers and transistors are discussed. In addition to silicon-based devices, wide bandgap semiconductors such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) are considered.