Analyser and DPT enhancements accelerate dynamic power development
Automotive OEMs and power converter designers can accelerate time to market for discrete devices and power modules with the PD1550A advanced dynamic power device analyser and double-pulse tester (DPT) said Keysight.
The PD1550A targets power modules for use in electric vehicles (EV), solar power inverters, trains, home appliances and aircraft. Wide bandgap (WBG) device-based power modules are now being used by designers to take advantage of fast-switching operation, reducing the size of the power electronic module and ensuring efficiency. First introduced in 2019, Keysight Technologies has expanded the PD1500A power device dynamic analyser / double-pulse tester’s capabilities to offer what it believes is the first complete integrated solution that tests entire power modules (up to 1,360V, up to 1,000A). As a result, automotive OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers and power converter designers can test faster and gain more insights into power module characteristics, said Keysight. This insight can enhance the safety and reliability of power circuits for automotive applications.
Keysight’s PD1550A delivers an off-the-shelf, turnkey system that tests discrete devices and power modules with minimal setup requirements, explained Keysight. It is certified to worldwide safety regulations and is calibrated and tested as a system.
It not only delivers repeatable, reliable measurements while simplifying and automating the testing processes, but it eliminates the need for customers to build, test, certify and maintain an in-house system, said Keysight. Other advantages are that it can provide accurate gate voltage characteristics on a high side device using True Pulse Isolated Probe technology. It is also suitable for high current measurement with high bandwidth RF compensation.
The enhanced PD1550A includes an interface board with solderless contact and exchangeable gate resistor technologies.
Keysight said that the tester reduces design time and the number of prototypes to minimise costs as well as accelerate time to market. The company can work with customers to customise the system to specific needs, especially the pin and pad layouts.
