Effects of radio frequency (RF) source power (plasma density) on silicon carbide etching are examined with variations in RF bias power, pressure, O-2 fraction, and gap spacing. The etching was conducted in a C2F6 inductively coupled plasma. Depending on parameters or plasma conditions, the etch rate varied quite differently. When the source power was varied, the bias power (ion energy) was strongly involved in determining the relative variation in the etch rate. Complex interactions between the parameters were ascertained by means of a predictive model. The model was obtained by using a neural network in conjunction with a 2(5) full factorial experiment. Model behaviors were consistent with experimental ones. By correlating the etch rate to the DC bias, it was identified that the source power effect on the etch rate is significantly enhanced as the DC bias is maintained at relatively low values.