New Single-Board Gate Drivers for High-Voltage IGBT Modules

Power Integrations has introduced innovative single-board gate drivers that offer active thermal management for inverter modules, leading to improved system utilization and increased reliability by reducing the bill-of-material count. According to Thorsten Schmidt, the product marketing manager at Power Integrations, developing a single-board gate driver for the new dual-style IGBT modules presented a significant challenge. The compact SCALE-iFlex XLT gate drivers are designed to fit inside the module's outline, allowing for mounting directly on the module. This unique feature provides converter system designers with a high degree of mechanical design freedom.

The SCALE-iFlex XLT dual-channel gate drivers come equipped with Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) data reporting, enabling an isolated temperature measurement of the power module. This capability facilitates accurate thermal management of converter systems, empowering designers to optimize thermal design and achieve a 25 to 30 percent increase in converter power using the same hardware. Additionally, the isolated NTC readout simplifies hardware complexity by eliminating the need for multiple cables, connectors, and additional isolation barrier crossing circuits. The gate drivers utilize Power Integrations' SCALE-2 chip set to minimize component count, thereby enhancing overall reliability. Moreover, the gate driver board offers protection for the power switches in the event of a short-circuit.

For those interested in exploring the benefits of the new gate drivers, Power Integrations has made the SCALE-iFlex XLT plug-and-play drivers available for sampling. This allows potential users to experience firsthand the advantages of active thermal management and reduced bill-of-material count in their inverter modules. By visiting www.power.com/scale-iflex-xlt, individuals can access more information about the innovative features and capabilities of the new gate drivers.

In conclusion, the introduction of the SCALE-iFlex XLT gate drivers marks a significant advancement in the field of inverter module technology. With a focus on active thermal management and reduced hardware complexity, these gate drivers offer system designers a versatile solution for optimizing converter systems. The integration of NTC data reporting and the use of the SCALE-2 chip set demonstrate Power Integrations' commitment to enhancing reliability and performance in power electronics. As converter system designers continue to seek ways to improve efficiency and reliability, the SCALE-iFlex XLT gate drivers present a compelling option for achieving these goals.