SiC vs. GaN: Wide Bandgap Semiconductors

Silicon has been used in power electronics for years, but it has its drawbacks. One of the primary drawbacks to silicon is that it degrades when exposed to high-energy sources. The difficulty in handling high voltages and high temperatures continuously or repeatedly can limit the utility of silicon in many high-power applications.

Semiconductors with a wide band-gap require more energy to conduct electricity and can handle higher voltage and higher heat. For this reason, silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) are replacing silicon in modern power systems because they have a wider band gap.

What Is a Band-Gap?

A valence band is the orbit where electrons live when they are not moving electricity. The conduction band is the orbit where electrons will move. The gap or distance between these two bands is called the band gap. A semiconductor with a wide band gap requires more energy to move electrons from the valence band to the conduction band.

The wider the band gap, the higher the voltage the semiconductor can withstand. Semiconductors with a wide band-gap can also operate at higher switching frequencies and withstand higher heat.

In simplest terms, wide band gap semiconductors can perform better than silicon in tough conditions. This is why industries are moving away from silicon: it degrades under high-voltage, high-temperature conditions.

Silicon Carbide (SiC)

Silicon carbide (SiC) is silicon bonded with carbon. It works well at high voltage and high power. SiC is commonly found in wind power, grid power, industrial robotics, commercial solar, and medical imaging. It can also be used in residential solar and in factory automation.

Gallium Nitride (GaN)

Gallium nitride (GaN) is a compound made from gallium and nitrogen. GaN switches much faster than silicon and SiC, enabling GaN to operate in smaller and lighter systems. Typical applications of GaN include televisions, home appliances, game consoles, residential EV charging, laptop adapters, and smartphones. GaN is also found in factory automation and residential solar, like SiC.

Comparing SiC and GaN

SiC and GaN both offer improvements over standard silicon, but each has distinct advantages. SiC can handle higher voltages and higher temperatures. GaN is more effective for making smaller components and can support faster switching. These differences make SiC and GaN each more suitable for different devices and industries.

Why Industry Is Moving Away from Silicon

Silicon is a less efficient conductor than SiC and GaN. While silicon was once the best semiconductor material available, SiC and GaN have been shown to operate more efficiently, with less energy wasted as heat. These new discoveries in SiC and GaN have enabled industries to develop products with smaller components and lighter equipment. SiC and GaN are also more reliable in extreme conditions.

While silicon remains adequate for many applications, materials such as SiC have played a role in the development of important products, including electric vehicles. As new products are developed and innovations continue, demand for SiC and GaN is expected to increase.

Where SiC and GaN Are Used

SiC is used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems like commercial solar and wind power, grid power, and rail power. GaN is used in LED lighting, data center power supply units, and telecom equipment. The connection to Canadian industries and infrastructure is clear: these materials are part of the future of power electronics and will be used in various Canadian workplaces for the long term.

What Electronics Technicians Need to Know

Electronics technicians should understand how SiC and GaN differ from silicon and from each other. Knowing that SiC is most useful in products that require a high voltage as well as in high-heat environments, and that GaN is somewhat sensitive to heat and requires a lower voltage, can help electronics technicians when moving forward with repair and maintenance projects.

Using the right materials for the right application can make all the difference on the job. While there may not always be a perfect fit for any given material, understanding how each material performs in specific environments can help electronics technicians make informed decisions.

Why This Matters for Your Career

There is a growing demand for technicians who understand SiC and GaN and how these materials differ from traditional silicon. Employers expect technicians in modern power electronics roles to have enough expertise to apply these materials appropriately in various settings. Although on-the-job training will deepen technicians' understanding, a solid electronics technician training program will teach students how to use these materials and apply them in various settings. As the field of electricity continues to evolve, a solid understanding of how various materials perform across different applications is essential for job security and innovative companies.

Get Started As An Electronics Technician Today

If you're an aspiring electronics technician seeking electronics technician training, there are many programs at George Brown Polytechnic to help. We equip new technicians with the information they need to start successful careers. While there is still a place for silicon in various industries, SiC and GaN are a part of the future - and we're preparing technicians to succeed.

Contact us now to learn more about our Electronic Technician Certificate program and explore the opportunities available to you. You can also contact our Program Consultants toll-free at 1-888-553-5333 or reach us at info@gbctechtraining.com.