Surge Current Capability in lateral AlGaN/GaN Hybrid Anode Diodes with p-GaN/Schottky Anode

Abstract

In lateral power diodes, the conductivity modulation mechanism can pave the way to the demonstration of surge current capability. In a Hybrid Anode Diode concept with a p-GaN layer, an anode contact on p-GaN layer can be a source of hole injection that increases the electron density at AlGaN/GaN interface. The role of p-GaN layer on the surge current capability and its demonstration are investigated through TCAD simulations that explain the role of hole barrier tunneling at anode metal/p-GaN interface. These simulations show that surge current can occur in case of Ohmic p-GaN contact as the injected holes can lead to create additional electron density in the channel as well as a hole current to support the total diode current.