As silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductors become the foundation of electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, AI infrastructure, and high-efficiency industrial power electronics, the complexity of validating these devices has increased significantly. From high-voltage switching and thermal reliability to insulation verification and power quality compliance, engineers are now required to perform a wider range of precise electrical tests throughout the development cycle.
To address these challenges, Kikusui Electronics has introduced an integrated testing approach that combines programmable power supplies, electronic loads, electrical safety testers, and centralized control software into a unified evaluation platform. Rather than offering standalone test instruments, the company's solution is designed to streamline the complete power semiconductor validation process, enabling engineers to build flexible and automated test environments for both discrete devices and power modules.
One of the core technologies behind the solution is VMCB (Virtual Multi Channel Bus), a network-based control architecture that allows multiple DC power supplies to be grouped and operated as a single synchronized system over a LAN connection. The technology supports one-to-many and many-to-many instrument control, synchronized output sequencing, centralized data logging, and remote monitoring through standard SCPI commands. This significantly simplifies multi-channel testing, improves repeatability, and reduces setup time for complex evaluation systems involving several power supplies and measurement instruments.
Kikusui also addresses one of the common issues encountered during semiconductor reliability testing—current overshoot. During constant-current startup, conventional power supplies operating in constant-voltage priority mode can generate transient current spikes that may damage sensitive semiconductor devices or affect long-duration aging tests. The company's CC Priority Mode, available in its PWR-01 and PWX series DC power supplies, minimizes current overshoot by prioritizing current regulation during output startup. This makes the supplies particularly suitable for semiconductor burn-in, power cycling, and reliability qualification tests where controlled current delivery is essential.
As next-generation wide-bandgap semiconductors continue to push operating voltages higher, insulation and dielectric strength testing have also become increasingly demanding. Kikusui addresses this requirement with its TOS9311 Safety Analyzer, which supports AC and DC withstand voltage testing up to 10 kV, along with insulation resistance measurements. The instrument incorporates controlled voltage ramp-up functionality and real-time graphical monitoring of leakage current, enabling engineers to safely evaluate the insulation integrity of SiC devices, high-voltage gate drivers, inverters, converters, and other power electronic systems.
The company also provides solutions for evaluating the immunity of semiconductor manufacturing equipment to power disturbances. Its PCR-WEA/WEA2 Series programmable AC power supplies can simulate voltage sags, momentary interruptions, and frequency variations required under the SEMI F47-0706 standard. These programmable sources help equipment manufacturers verify that fabrication tools—including etching, deposition, thermal processing, and ion implantation systems—continue operating reliably during power fluctuations commonly experienced in industrial environments.
By integrating programmable DC and AC power supplies, electronic loads, safety analyzers, and automation software into a single ecosystem, Kikusui enables engineers to create scalable test platforms capable of handling electrical characterization, reliability qualification, insulation testing, and compliance verification within one coordinated environment. This integrated methodology reduces system complexity while improving testing efficiency and repeatability across power semiconductor development programs.
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About Kikusui Electronics
Kikusui Electronics is a Japanese manufacturer specializing in programmable power supplies, electronic loads, electrical safety testers, measurement instruments, and automated power test systems. The company's portfolio supports applications across electric mobility, battery development, renewable energy, power semiconductor testing, aerospace, industrial electronics, data centers, and consumer electronics.
