CSA Catapult turns research into Double Pulse Testing
Next-generation AI and data centre power electronics are placing new demands on switching performance, efficiency and reliability. Meeting those demands requires high-fidelity switching data that reflects real device and module behaviour under realistic operating conditions.
The UK's Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult is now applying its latest research alongside collaborative R&D in Double Pulse Testing (DPT) to enable industry to accelerate development cycles, improve modelling accuracy and reduce technical risk.
The Double Pulse Testing (DPT) service has been developed to support power semiconductor device manufacturers, and system integrators and OEMs.
For device manufacturers, the capability enables detailed characterisation of switching performance across realistic operating envelopes, supporting rapid validation of new device designs and materials such as SiC and future GaN technologies. The service generates high confidence switching data suitable for device modelling, customer engagement and product positioning.
For system integrators and OEMs, the DPT capability supports device selection and optimisation based on measured operating behaviour rather than static datasheet values. By improving system level modelling accuracy, the service enables tighter design margins and faster convergence on power electronic architectures optimised for efficiency, thermal performance and long-term reliability.
The service automates the extraction of key dynamic switching parameters directly from measured waveforms, including switching energy losses, switching speeds and reverse recovery characteristics. This allows fast, consistent and scalable performance evaluation across hundreds to thousands of operating points, addressing the increasing need for statistically robust high confidence switching data.
Chris Davies, head of product marketing at CSA Catapult, said: “This capability is about translating advanced research into practical engineering value for industry. Whether customers are developing next-generation power devices or architecting AI and data centre power systems, the ability to rapidly understand real-time switching behaviour under realistic operating conditions is becoming a competitive advantage.
“By combining automation, flexible test configuration and system-level insight, our high-fidelity DPT capability enables customers to generate high-quality, application-relevant data at speed which supports better modelling, faster device selection, design optimisation and reduced technical risk.”
Ingo Ludtke, head of power electronics at CSA Catapult, said: “We have engineered this capability to reflect real operating conditions, not idealised lab scenarios. We enable accurate modelling and faster design cycles which directly impacts time to market.”
The DPT service is immediately available for up to 1.5 kV and 1 kA operation, 25°C to 150°C temperature range; automated testing across voltage, current, temperature and gate resistance matrices; testing of both discrete devices and multidevice power modules; and compliance with BS IEC 60747 8 4 standards.
