SiC power modules and programmable gate driver kit accelerate development cycle
Claimed to be the industry’s only low-inductance silicon carbide (SiC) power module and programmable gate driver kit, Microchip’s AgileSwitch digital programmable gate driver and SP6LI SiC power module kit is intended to enable inverter designers and developers to bring products to market.
Designed as a unified system to help designers adopt SiC power devices, AgileSwitch and the SP6LI SiC power module kit eliminate the need to procure power modules and gate drivers separately – including gate drivers that are qualified for production.
Leon Gross, vice president of Microchip’s Discrete Product Group business unit, said: “Now as SiC power modules increasingly enable the technologies transforming transportation and other industries, this complete product kit allows developers to focus on innovation and significantly reduce time to market.”
Microchip’s portfolio of 700, 1200 and 1700V SiC Schottky Barrier Diode (SBD)-based power modules use its newest generation of SiC die. Coupled with the dsPIC digital signal controllers which deliver performance, low power consumption and flexible peripherals, says Microchip, the AgileSwitch family of digital programmable gate drivers further accelerates a design to the production stage.
Microchip’s combination of SiC power module and software-configurable gate driver features Augmented Switching technology that enables designers to influence dynamic issues including voltage overshoot, switching losses and EMI. A mouse can be used instead of a soldering iron for evaluation and final optimisation, says Microchip, using a Windows-based computer interface.
Microchip adds that the AgileSwitch digital programmable gate driver and SP6LI SiC power module kit provide a central point of contact for support, and ensure that the die, power package and gate driver are designed specifically for each other which eliminates potential development delays.
An AgileSwitch Intelligent Configuration Tool optimises gate turn-on and turn-off, short circuit response and module efficiency while reducing voltage overshoot, ringing and electromagnetic interference.
The AgileSwitch digital programmable gate driver and SP6LI SiC power module kit solution is available for volume production and limited sampling.