Master Thesis - Evaluation of Current-Mode Gate Driver

Master Thesis – Evaluation of Current-Mode Gate Driver Title: 30 hp – Performance Evaluation of a Programmable Current-Mode Gate Driver for Automotive SiC MOSFET Power Modules

Introduction Scania is undergoing a transformation from being a leading supplier of trucks, buses, and engines to providing complete and sustainable transport solutions. Together with TRATON and our sister brands MAN, Volkswagen Truck & Bus, and International, we are working to shape the future of mobility with innovative and environmentally conscious solutions.

Our values - customer first, respect, team spirit, responsibility, and elimination of waste - are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are at the forefront of creating a sustainable future.

Background Silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs are increasingly used in automotive traction inverters due to their capability for high switching frequencies, low switching losses, and operation at high DC-link voltages. However, the high switching speed of SiC devices also introduces challenges such as voltage and current overshoot, oscillations, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and increased sensitivity to parasitic elements in the gate-drive and power loops.

Conventional automotive gate drivers typically operate in voltage mode, where the MOSFET gate is driven toward predefined positive and negative voltage levels through an external gate resistance. Consequently, the instantaneous gate current is determined indirectly by the gate resistance, gate-source voltage, device capacitances, and parasitic elements in the gate-drive loop.

An alternative approach is current-mode gate driving, in which the gate current is actively controlled rather than being indirectly determined by the external gate resistance. Programmable current-mode gate drivers can apply different gate-current levels during different stages of the turn-on and turn-off transitions, providing additional flexibility for controlling the switching behaviour of SiC MOSFETs.

Objective The proposed thesis will investigate the performance of a programmable isolated current-mode gate driver together with an automotive SiC MOSFET power module. Its switching performance will be experimentally evaluated and compared with that of a programmable voltage-mode gate driver under equivalent operating conditions. The study will focus on understanding the potential benefits and trade-offs of current-mode gate driving for automotive traction-inverter applications.

Job Description

• Develop an understanding of programmable voltage-mode and current-mode gate-driving principles and their influence on the switching behaviour of automotive SiC MOSFETs.
• Setup the programmable current-mode gate driver with a selected automotive SiC MOSFET power module and establish the required gate-drive and measurement interface
• Characterize the switching behaviour of the selected SiC MOSFET power module using both programmable voltage-mode and current-mode gate drivers in a double-pulse-test (DPT) setup.
• Evaluate and compare the performance of the two gate-drive approaches at identical operating points using relevant electrical performance indicators.
• Determine the advantages, limitations, and practical implementation challenges associated with current-mode gate driving for automotive traction-inverter applications.

Education/program/focus

• Background in power electronics and electronics circuit theory.
• Experience with the electronic circuit design, analysis, and laboratory measurements.
• Practical laboratory experience with oscilloscopes, measurement probes, power supplies, and power semiconductor devices.
• Previous experience and knowledge of SiC MOSFETs and gate-drivers is considered an advantage.

Number of students: 1

Start date for the thesis work: January 2027

Estimated time required: 20 weeks

Contact persons and supervisors: Tomas Jonsson, [email protected]

Application: Your application must include a CV, personal letter and transcript of grades

A background check might be conducted for this position. We are conducting interviews continuously and may close the recruitment earlier than the date specified.

Publication date from - to: 2026-10-01–2026-11-22