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4 Key Testing Phases for Power Conversion Equipment

4 Key Testing Phases for Power Conversion Equipment

door C.N. Rood

Power conversion equipment is a critical component in modern electronics, from power supplies to energy storage and electric vehicles. To ensure these devices operate efficiently and reliably, a rigorous testing process is essential. With the adoption of wide-bandgap materials like silicon carbide (SiC) or gallium nitride (GaN), testing strategies have become more complex. In this blog, we will explore the four key testing phases required during the design and production of power conversion equipment.

1. Material-Level Testing

The first stage of testing occurs at the material level. The wide-bandgap material must be tested to determine its suitability for use in power conversion equipment. Testing is also conducted at the wafer stage to determine its specifications and behavior. Resistivity and Hall mobility are the main parameters measured in this phase, and the Van der Pauw method and Hall Effect measurement are the common techniques used for these measurements.

Parameter analyzers such as the Keithley 4200A-SCS are used for automatic Van der Pauw resistivity and Hall Effect measurements, saving valuable research time and eliminating the need to purchase a separate system to perform these tests.

2. Component-Level Testing

The next stage of testing occurs for components/devices fabricated on the wafer or as a stand-alone component. Device I-V characterization is performed to compare simulation data to actual measurement data. Post-manufacture component testing plays an integral role in the device designer’s creation of data sheets and quality control.

High-power source measure units (SMUs) are commonly used for I-V characterization measurements, and the Keithley 4200A-SCS is also capable of performing CV measurements. The 4200A-CVIV Multi-Switch can be added to the 4200A-SCS for additional advantages, such as measuring circuit-level capacitance directly and eliminating the need for external capacitors or shorts.

3. Circuit-Level Testing

The third stage of testing occurs at the circuit level. The switching characteristics of a MOSFET, for example, must be tested and characterized after installation in a circuit, typically by means of double-pulse testing using an Arbitrary Function Generator (AFG) to create the pulse test waveform. This testing measures parameters that include turn-on and turn-off characteristics as well as thermal behavior.

The Tektronix AFG31000 Arbitrary Function Generator offers built-in software for double pulse testing, eliminating the need to spend time creating waveforms on a PC or microcontroller. Instead, you can set up your double pulse test in under a minute right on the AFG31000.

 

4. System-Level Testing

The final stage of testing occurs at the system level. A fully assembled power module undergoes testing for its operating efficiency using a variety of instruments, including oscilloscopes, power supplies, isolated probes, and power analysis software. These instruments and the measurements they provide play a critical role in meeting regulatory guidelines as well as qualifying for certifications such as Energy Star compliance.

Innovations in test tools such as source measure unit instruments, capacitance-voltage units, arbitrary function generators, oscilloscopes, probes, and software tools enable design engineers at all phases of the life cycle to work toward power conversion equipment that can cost-effectively meet rigorous design requirements.

In conclusion, the testing of power conversion equipment is a complex process that requires attention to detail at every stage. By using advanced testing tools and strategies, engineers can ensure their designs meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. At CN Rood, we offer a wide range of test and measurement solutions to support engineers in the design and production of power conversion equipment.

 

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you meet your testing needs.

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C.N. Rood

Degelijk.  Betrouwbaar. Kennispartner.

De CN Rood groep is koploper in kennis en oplossingen op het gebied van test- en meetapparatuur. We onderscheiden ons met een persoonlijke en klantgerichte aanpak. Onze klanten zoeken vaak niet een product, maar een oplossing en wij hebben allemaal de gedrevenheid om mee te werken aan die oplossing. Wat wij het liefste doen: continu bezig zijn met de nieuwste ontwikkelingen op het gebied van test- en meetapparatuur. Nu, en in de toekomst. Want daar ligt nu eenmaal onze passie: het precies willen weten. Zo kunnen we onze klanten optimaal verder helpen.

Wij denken mee, adviseren en begeleiden onze klanten in het maken van de juiste keuze in hun test- en meetapparatuur. Mensen in verschillende sectoren vertrouwen op onze expertise en ons advies. We werken voor overheid, wetenschap, onderwijs, lucht- en ruimtevaart- en auto-industrie in Noord-Europa en de Benelux. Daaronder bevinden zich vele prestigieuze en vooraanstaande organisaties. Vanuit locaties in Zweden, Nederland en België werken meer dan zestig toegewijde professionals aan oplossingen variërend van communicatie-testapparatuur en algemene test- en meetinstrumenten tot apparatuur voor data-acquisitie, logistieke automatisering, aangevuld met consultancy, training en turnkeyoplossingen.

We hebben een historie die teruggaat tot 1938. Onze oprichter, Cornelis Nicolaas Rood, was destijds een pionier in moderne elektronica. Onze mensen bevinden zich ook anno nu graag in de frontlinie van technologische ontwikkelingen. Op onze eigen manier leveren we zo een bijdrage aan belangrijke maatschappelijke vraagstukken. Bijvoorbeeld in energietransitie, quantum computing, medische technologie, de zelfrijdende auto, de auto op zonne-energie, de energie transitie en alle andere deeptech die bijdraagt aan de schonere en betere wereld van morgen.

Daarom letten we ook op onze eigen impact op het milieu en klimaat. Aangezien wij vooral een adviserende functie hebben is onze eigen milieu-footprint gering. Vanzelfsprekend zien we wel toe op een zo duurzaam mogelijke productie van de apparatuur die wij verkopen en zorgen we voor een maatschappelijk verantwoorde bedrijfsvoering. Al onze producten kopen we uitsluitend in bij gecertificeerde fabrikanten die werken met herleidbare en verantwoorde grondstoffen. Gebruikte apparatuur wordt kosteloos opgehaald en gerecycled.

Het zijn maar een paar voorbeelden om duidelijk te maken dat we hechten aan een langetermijnvisie op de wereld om ons heen. Want juist met een geschiedenis van meer dan tachtig jaar kun je goed vooruitkijken. Daarom blijven we ook vooroplopen. Onze brede en diepe technische kennis van test- en meetapparatuur, in combinatie met onze persoonlijke connectie met onze klanten, maken ons uniek in de markt. De CN Rood groep is uw degelijke en betrouwbare kennispartner voor test- en meetapparatuur!

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The CN Rood Group is a leader in knowledge and solutions in the field of test and measurement equipment. We distinguish ourselves with a personal and customer-oriented approach. Our customers often seek not a product but a solution, and we all have the drive to contribute to that solution. What we like doing best: continuously working on the latest developments in test and measurement equipment. Now, and in the future. Because that's where our passion lies: wanting to know exactly what is going on. That way, we can help our customers in the best possible way.

We think along, advise and guide our customers in making the right choice of test and measurement equipment. People in various sectors rely on our expertise and advice. We work for government, science, education, aerospace and automotive industries in Northern Europe and the Benelux. These include many prestigious and leading organisations. From locations in Sweden, the Netherlands and Belgium, more than sixty dedicated professionals work on solutions ranging from communication test equipment and general test and measurement instruments to data acquisition equipment, logistics automation, complemented by consultancy, training and turnkey solutions.

We have a history dating back to 1938. At the time, our founder, Cornelis Nicolaas Rood, was a pioneer in modern electronics. Even today, our people enjoy being at the forefront of technological developments. In our own way, we contribute to important social issues. For instance, in energy transition, quantum computing, medical technology, the self-driving car, the solar car, the energy transition and all other deep-tech that contributes to the cleaner and better world of tomorrow.

Therefore, we also pay attention to our own impact on the environment and climate. Since we mainly have an advisory function, our own environmental footprint is small. Naturally, we do see to it that the equipment we sell is produced as sustainably as possible and we ensure socially responsible business practices. We purchase all our products exclusively from certified manufacturers working with traceable and responsible raw materials. Used equipment is collected and recycled free of charge.

These are just a few examples to make it clear that we value a long-term view of the world around us. Because it is precisely with a history of more than eighty years that it is easy to look ahead. That's why we stay ahead. Our broad and deep technical knowledge of test and measurement equipment, combined with our personal connection with our customers, make us unique in the market. The CN Rood group is your solid and reliable knowledge partner for test and measurement equipment!

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