Power Integrations introduces a new wide creepage distance switch IC for 800V automotive applications

     Power Integrations, a well-known company in the field of energy efficient power conversion for high voltage integrated circuits, has introduced a wide crewback package option for its InnoSwitch™3-AQ flyback switch IC for automotive applications. The wide drain-source pin creepage distance of 5.1mm does not require three anti-paint coating, so that the IC meets the IEC 60664-1 standard for 800V vehicles, simplifying the manufacturing process while improving the reliability of the system.

     Mike Stroka, Product Marketing Engineer at Power Integrations, said: "Automotive designers are passionate about the high efficiency, low component count benefits of using the high-voltage power supply of the InnoSwitch3-AQ IC. The new package's increased creepage distance and electrical clearance between the primary side drain and source pins provide support for the next generation of EV bus voltage. "Power Integrations' unique InSOP™-28G package applies a high voltage of 1000VDC on the primary side while ensuring that all other pins remain securely isolated from Level 2 contamination."

     The 1700V rated constant voltage/constant current InnoSwitch3-AQ switching power supply IC incorporates a silicon carbide (SiC) primary switch, capable of delivering up to 80W output power. This highly integrated IC reduces the number of components in a power supply by up to 50%, saving space, enhancing system reliability, and alleviating component procurement challenges. The increased drain pin width is conducive to withstand high intensity shock and vibration, especially in automotive applications using electric drive axles.

     The new member of the InnoSwitch3-AQ family can be started at drain voltages as low as 30V without the need for an external start circuit, which is essential for functional safety. Other protection features include input undervoltage protection, output overvoltage protection, and overcurrent limitation. Synchronous rectification and multi-mode trough-on, intermittent/continuous on-mode (DCM/CCM) flyback controllers provide efficiencies in excess of 90%. Device no-load power consumption is less than 15mW. Targeted automotive applications include battery management systems, µDC-DC converters, control circuits, and emergency power in main traction inverters. The new IC also improves the remote on/off function.