Power Integrations introduces a compact, efficient family of SCALE-iDriver™ ics that support 1700 V IGBTs

     The leader in IGBT and MOSFET driver technology for mid - and high-voltage inverter applications introduces the SCALE-iDriver™ family of electromagnetic isolated single-channel gate driver ics. The new device supports IGBTs up to 1700 V and is typically suitable for applications ranging from 400 VAC to 690 VAC. They are also suitable for the latest three-level topological photovoltaic inverters, as well as photovoltaic arrays with the new 1500 V DC bus standard. The expanded 1700 V SCALE-iDriver product family allows Oems to use the same highly integrated, secure and reliable drive solution across a wide range of solutions.

     The 1700 V SCALE iDriver IC can be used to drive IGBTs and MOSFETs. It combines FluxLink™ magnetic-sensing bidirectional communication technology pioneered by Power Integrations with its SCALE™ power device driver technology. FluxLink technology can eliminate the relatively low reliability of optoelectronic devices and related compensation circuits, so as to enhance the reliability of the system and reduce the complexity of the system. SCALE technology integrates all critical gate driver functions into ASics, simplifying design while reducing size and increasing reliability. The innovative eSOP package has a creepage distance of more than 9.5 mm and a CTI(relative leakage trace index) of 600, ensuring greater operating voltage margin and higher system reliability.

     The 1700 V SCALE-iDriver IC supports operation at temperatures from -40°C to +125°C with a maximum switching frequency of 75 kHz. The product family meets the upcoming IEC 60747-17 and VDE 0884-17 requirements. The new device features an advanced soft switch-off (ASSD) function, which provides reliable and easy-to-implement desaturation (short circuit) protection for power switching devices.

     Michael Hornkamp, Senior Marketing Director for high-power products at Power Integrations, said: "With the introduction of our latest 1700 V SCALE-iDriver IC, manufacturers can use the same platform to develop power supplies for all applications covering input voltages from 400 VAC to 690 VAC, simplifying the design process. FluxLink technology replaces common but potentially problematic optocouplings, and SCALE technology enables compact, robust and reliable designs to be easily and quickly completed."

     The 1700 V SCALE-iDriver IC provides A maximum gate current of 8 A and supports inverters above 110 kW without the use of an external push stage; In the case of an external push stage, A maximum gate current of 30 A is provided and inverters of more than 400 kW are supported. The 1700 V SCALE-iDriver IC is suitable for industrial drives, power supplies /UPS, photovoltaic inverters of all sizes, industrial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), EV charging stations, traction equipment, and commercial electric vehicles.