Medium & low-voltage large-capacity converters(MLCs) are the core equipment of modern energy systems. However

on the one hand

the MLC using traditional silicon (Si)-based switches is difficult to break through its physical limits. Balancing the large capacity and high-performance output is difficult. On the other hand

new wide bandgap (WBG) switches are expensive

and the current level is difficult to meet the needs of MW-class engineering applications. Applying Si/WBG hybrid technology can complement the performance of different types of power switches. A new paradigm can be provided to crack the bottleneck of balancing MLC performance and cost. This paper reviews two representatives Si/WBG hybrid application technologies

i.e.

the hybrid switch and the hybrid system. The basic principles

construction methods

and applications of hybrid switches/ hybrid systems are introduced. A brief comparison between the hybrid switch and the hybrid system is illustrated. The key issues and challenges in the research and engineering applications of Si/WBG hybrid application technologies are summarized.