Protection unit for wide bandgap power switching device and method for operating the wide bandgap power switching device

The invention relates to a method for operating a power switching device, particularly a wide bandgap power switching device, in a power application, particularly in a converter, comprising the steps of:- checking (S2) a transient voltage of or related to a voltage drop across the switching device (22, 23) against a predetermined first threshold (Vref1,UP, Vref1,LOW) ;- reducing (S3) conductivity of the switching device (22, 23) if it is determined that the value of the transient voltage exceeds the predetermined first threshold (Vref1,UP, Vref1,LOW);- after reducing the conductivity, checking (S4) the voltage drop across the switching device (22, 23);- deactivating (S5) the operation of the switching device (22, 23) if it is determined that the voltage drop is larger than a predetermined second threshold (Vref2,UP, Vref2,LOW).