Protecting power semiconductors like SiC MOSFETs and IGBTs from damage due to oversaturation is critical in power electronics design. When these devices perform beyond their intended operating region, excessive power dissipation can lead to thermal stress and failure.

Desaturation (DESAT) protection circuits offer cost-effective protection by monitoring the voltage across the semiconductor and shutting it down during an overcurrent event. This article explores how DESAT protection works, key circuit components, and how to design a DESAT circuit with the TPSI3133 isolated switch driver.