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Efficient IGBT Gate Drive Without External
Sensors
SEMIKRON introduces first IGBT driver with isolated digital sensor
signals for high-power applications
Nuremberg, 19. May 2015
Regenerative converters in the megawatt class are driven by two trends. Increasing the output
power and reduction of cost. SKYPER Prime is an IGBT driver for Semitrans 10 and PrimePACK
modules. Apart from control and protection functions, the IGBT driver offers galvanically isolated
voltage and temperature signals. The absence of external power supplies, isolation or acquisition
boards saves up to 10% of the system cost. The sensor signals are available as PWM and allow
direct connection to the controller. Extra A/D conversion, reducing the accuracy, is omitted.
Thanks to the integrated over-temperature and over-voltage turn-off in connection with the notolerance fault management, the IGBT module can be safely operated at its performance limits.
SKYPER Prime drives Semitrans 10 package modules up to 1400A and 1700V. The operating area
(SOA) is specially tailored to the respective module and allows an increase in output power of up
to 30% compared to existing solutions. This saves on costly safety measures, while providing
significant performance advantages. To maximise performance, a new concept for parallel
connection has been developed. Accurate switching behaviour due to digital signal processing,
fault management for parallel operation and symmetrical signal distribution provide for maximum
output power.
The new SEMIKRON ASIC chipsets integrated achieve an MTBF rate > 3 million hours at full load.
Power supply, protection and driving functions are included in the ASIC chipset, external output
stages ensure optimal thermal decoupling. The isolated information is transmitted via digital
signals and is much more robust, even at high dV/dt. Hence, the driver operates safely even up
to 4kV interference on the signal lines. The SoftOff function and the V CE monitoring protect
against over-voltage in case of a short circuit without the tolerance constraints of clamping
circuits. Thanks to the short pulse suppression and an interface ground concept the usual high
EMC stability of the SKYPER family is achieved.
With the integrated sensor signal processing, available to the user as digital signals and the ease
of paralleling the SKYPER Prime offers the optimal IGBT driver solution for high-power
applications in the megawatt range.
Photo: SEMIKRON Pressephoto SKYPER Prime
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About SEMIKRON
SEMIKRON is one of the world's leading manufacturers of power modules and systems primarily
in the medium output range (approx. 2 kW up to 10 MW). Our products are at the heart of
modern energy efficient motor drives and industrial automation systems. Further application
areas include power supplies, renewable energies (wind and solar power) and utility vehicles.
SEMIKRON's innovative power electronic products enable our customers to develop smaller, more
energy efficient power electronic systems. These systems in turn reduce the global energy
demand.
SEMIKRON is a family owned business founded in 1951, headquartered in Nuremberg, Germany.
Today it has more than 2,800 employees in 30 subsidiaries world-wide. The international network
of operational companies with production sites in Germany, Brazil, China, France, Germany,
India, Italy, Korea, Slovakia, South Africa, and the US ensures fast and comprehensive service for
customers. By establishing the ONLINE SHOP in 2009, SEMIKRON increased their presence for
customers. The SEMIKRON ONLINE SHOP offers 24-hour availability and world-wide access with
multi-language sales and technical support.
Press Contact:
Werner Dorbath
Head of Marketing Communication
SEMIKRON INTERNATIONAL GmbH
Sigmundstrasse 200
90431 Nuremberg
Tel: +49-(0)911-6559-217
Mobil: +49-(0)176-30086217
[email protected]
www.semikron.com
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