Purpose and Objectives

The primary goal of this thesis is to investigate the feasibility and advantages of Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology as a key component in inverter modules, compared to existing solutions such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs and Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs).

The work will be divided into three main phases:

Phase 1: Technology Analysis and Benchmarking

Objective:
Conduct an in-depth study of GaN technology for inverter applications.

Activities:

• Review state-of-the-art literature and technical papers to understand current trends and advancements in GaN-based power electronics.
• Benchmark GaN against alternative technologies (SiC, IGBT) in terms of:
  ▪ Switching speed
  ▪ Efficiency
  ▪ Thermal performance
  ▪ Reliability and cost implications
• Analyze what major OEMs and semiconductor companies are currently implementing in this domain.
• Collaborate with NXP’s Application and Product Definition Team to gather expert insights and feedback on GaN adoption strategies.

Expected Outcome:
A comprehensive report summarizing the advantages, limitations, and market positioning of GaN technology for inverter modules.

Phase 2: Gate Driver Architecture Design for GaN

Objective:
Develop and validate a gate driver architecture optimized for GaN devices.

Activities:

• Focus on GaN requirements:
  ▪ High-speed switching
  ▪ Low parasitic inductance
  ▪ Robust protection mechanisms
• Perform analog design activities, including:
  ▪ Architecture definition and evaluation
  ▪ Behavioral modeling and simulation
  ▪ PVT (Process, Voltage, Temperature) analysis
• Address industrialization aspects, ensuring the design meets manufacturability and reliability standards.
• Supervise and support layout design activities, considering:
  ▪ Parasitic effects
  ▪ Signal integrity
  ▪ Impact of layout on performance

Expected Outcome:
A fully simulated and optimized gate driver architecture for GaN, ready for prototyping.

Phase 3: Bench Characterization and Validation

Objective:
Validate the performance of a previous-generation GaN gate driver in NXP’s laboratory environment.

Activities:

• Perform hands-on bench testing and waveform analysis.
• Identify critical issues and limitations in the existing design.
• Document findings in a detailed characterization report, including:
  ▪ Measured performance vs. simulated expectations
  ▪ Recommendations for improvement

Expected Outcome:
A complete validation report highlighting gaps and providing actionable insights for next-generation designs.

Key Deliverables

Literature review and benchmarking report on GaN vs. SiC/IGBT technologies. Gate driver architecture design documentation, including simulations and layout considerations. Bench characterization report of previous-generation gate driver.

Required Skills

• Analog circuit design and simulation (SPICE-based tools)
• Layout design (Cadence Virtuoso or equivalent)
• Power electronics fundamentals
• Laboratory measurement techniques (oscilloscopes, power analyzers)
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams (Application Engineering, Product Definition)

More information about NXP in Italy...