Gate drivers increase IGBT switch module capabilitie
One of five modules can be eliminated from a conventional windmill inverter stack, says Power Integrations, using the Scale-iFlex LT which it has added to its Scale-iFlex family.
According to Power Integrations, it increases increases power IGBT-switch-module handling capability to reduce control complexity and costs related to modules, wiring, hardware and heatsinking. The gate drivers increase power levels by up to 20 per cent using the same hardware by improving current sharing, increasing DC link voltage headroom and raising switching efficiency for simple paralleling.
Each ready-to-use SCALE-iFlex LT system consists of a central Isolated master control (IMC) unit and up to six accompanying module-adapted gate (MAG) drivers.
The Scale-iFlex LT allows up to six EconoDual 3 or equivalent dual-power modules, to be paralleled. The compact IMC provides reinforced isolation, regulated drive voltage and system fault reporting. Each MAG features two Scale-2 ASICs (one per channel) which optimise switching performance and symmetry between each system MAG. The MAG ASICs also protect each switch and report faults to the IMC.
Scale-2 ASICs feature an integrated booster stage which reduces switching loss. Advanced active clamping (AAC) protection provides safe shutdown during short circuits, safely clamping the peak voltage and providing more voltage margin that enables the adoption of higher DC link voltages. The MAG plus IMC features 1,700V reinforced isolation, supported by a 100 per cent transformer production test. Optional conformal coating is also available.
In addition to wind and other renewable energy generation, the Scale-iFlex LT is suitable for power quality, commercial air conditioning units and medium-voltage drives.
