PI introduces gate drivers with fast short-circuit protection for 62mm SiC and IGBT modules

     PI introduces a new series of plug and play gate drivers, which are suitable for 62mm silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET and silicon IGBT modules rated up to 1700V, with enhanced protection to ensure safe and reliable operation. The SCALE™-2 2SP0230T2x0 dual-channel gate driver deploys short-circuit protection in less than 2 microseconds to protect compact SiC MOSFETs from overcurrent damage. The new driver also features an advanced Active clamp (AAC) feature that protects the switch from overvoltage during shutdown, allowing for higher DC bus operating voltages.

     Thorsten Schmidt, Product Marketing Manager at Power Integrations, said: "The 2SP0230T2x0 gate driver offers a very high degree of design flexibility; The same hardware can be used to drive the SiC MOSFET or IGBT module. This reduces system design and procurement challenges, and the plug-and-play approach speeds up development."

     The 2SP0230T2x0 gate driver is based on Power Integrations' proven SCALE-2 technology for greater integration, smaller size, greater functionality, and higher system reliability. It is ideal for applications such as rail transit auxiliary converters, off-board charging devices for electric vehicles and power grid static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) regulators. The compact 2SP0230T2x0 from Power Integrations is 134x62mm in size and offers 1700V reinforced insulation to drive power modules up to 1700V. This is 500V higher than conventional drives, which are typically limited to 1200V.