ABSTRACT
When considering power semiconductor devices, one has to keep in mind that the device is essentially used as a switch. The goal is to achieve an ideal switch—one that has zero resistance when conducting, infinite resistance (i.e., zero leakage current) when off, an ability to block an infinite voltage, and switches between off and on and vice versa, instantaneously. In reality, a power switch is characterized by its on-state resistance and voltage drop, its blocking voltage in the forward and reverse directions (sometimes asymmetrical) and leakage current when off, and the speed with which it can be turned on and off due to the intrinsic capacitances in the device.
