High Power, High Voltage FETs in Linear Applications: A User's Perspective
Authors: N. Greenough, E. Fredd, S. DePasquale
Abstract:
The specifications of the current crop of highpower, high-voltage field-effect transistors (FETs) can lure a designer into employing them in high-voltage DC equipment. Devices with extremely low on-resistance and very high power ratings are available from several manufacturers. However, our experience shows that high-voltage, linear operation of these devices at near-continuous duty can present difficult reliability challenges at stress levels well-below their published specifications. This paper chronicles the design evolution of a 600 volt, 8 ampere shunt regulator for use with megawatt-class radio transmitters, and presents a final design that has met its reliability criteria.
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Presented at: 23rd Symposium on Fusion Engineering, San Diego, CA May 31-June 4, 2009.
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Download PPPL-4446 (pdf 2.63MB 4 pp)
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