News of Importance to Power Semiconductor Users www.pwrx.com Second QUARTER 2007
2007 IEEE International
Conference on Pulsed Power
June 17-22, 2007
Albuquerque Convention Center
Albuquerque, NM
Booth 301
PowerSystems World 2007
October 30-November 1, 2007
The Hilton Anatole
Dallas, TX
Booths 414, 416
Powerex, Inc. recently named Craig Morrow as its new President
and Chief Executive Officer.
Craig succeeds Stan Hunt, who retired at the end of March after
sixteen years of distinguished leadership as the President and
CEO of Powerex. Craig had been working with Stan and the
Powerex team since November, 2006, preparing for the
transition. He officially took over on April 1.
In recognition of Stan’s contributions at Powerex, in February,
the manufacturing building, located at Powerex headquarters in
Youngwood, was renamed the “Stan Hunt Manufacturing
Facility.”
In 1985, as General Manager for Westinghouse Electric
Corporation’s Semiconductor Division, Stan was instrumental in
bringing all parties together to establish Powerex, Inc., a joint
venture of General Electric Company and Mitsubishi Electric
Corporation. In 1991, Stan was appointed as President and CEO.
Building on the company’s foundation as a pioneer in high
power applications, during Stan’s tenure, Powerex emerged as a
market leader, supplying discrete, modular and integrated high
power semiconductor solutions.
Craig comes to Powerex from General Electric where he held
several leadership positions, including Leader of Controls
Product Lines at GE Energy, Vice President of Power Conversion
at GE Drives and Controls, and Engineering Manager at GE
Industrial Systems.
Prior to joining GE, Craig worked for Rockwell Automation and
held additional leadership roles there as Regional Manager and
Engineering Manager in Global Technical Services. He brings to
Powerex a track record of creating customer value, driving
profitable growth, championing new product introductions, and
expanding into global markets.
TRADE
SHOWS
UPCOMING
AND
CONFERENCES
Youngwood Factory Renamed
“Stan Hunt Manufacturing Facility”
NEW President and CEO of Powerex Appointed
Craig received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical
Engineering from Tennessee Technological University, obtained
a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (Controls
Emphasis) from Auburn University, and earned a Masters of
Business Administration from UCLA’s Anderson School of
Management.
Craig Morrow (shown at right) took over April 1
as the new President and CEO of Powerex, Inc.
He succeeds Stan Hunt (shown at left) who
retired in March.
2
Optimized for applications in frequencies of operation between
20 and 30 kHz, the new NFM-Series not only fills a requirement
in medium to high frequency applications but also does so with
the only single device of its type on the market.
Standard industrial IGBT modules are optimized for hard
switched PWM inverters with carrier frequencies less than
approximately 20kHz. With these devices, low VCE(sat) is key.
However, some applications, e.g., induction heating, require a
higher frequency (30kHz to 60kHz) operation where low ESW(off)
is most important.
In 2003, Powerex introduced
NFH-Series to meet the high
frequency requirements needed
in applications including power
supplies for medical equipment,
such as CT and MRI; inverter
type welders; and UPS for
telecom. The design of NFH
incorporated an optimized fifth
generation CSTBT (Carrier Stored
Trench Gate Bipolar Transistor)
Powerex NFM-Series Closes the Gap in
Higher Frequency Applications
chip, trading VCE(sat) for increased switching speed. Offered in a
wide range of voltage and current (100A to 400A/600V, 100A to
600A/1200V), NFH features superior turn-off switching energy,
providing as little as 20% of the turn-off switching loss when
compared to competitive devices.
NFH opened up new possibilities for high frequency applications,
providing 30-60 kHz operation. However, a gap still existed for
medium frequency applications where operation between 20
and 30 kHz is required. Powerex has now filled that gap with
the introduction of the NFM-Series IGBT.
Rated at 1200V, the NFM-Series offers low loss and hard
switching at 20 to 30 kHz. Duals are available from 100 to 300
amperes in a 108 x 62 mm mounting hole package while singles
are available in the higher current range of 400 to 600 amperes
with the same mounting. The single configuration on this kind of
device is the only one currently available on the market.
The turn-off contribution to total losses is smaller in applications
having hard turn-on switching and this leads to a somewhat
slower optimization point than the standard high frequency
device. The selected optimization for the new module (NFM-
Series) is shown below. The new device has lower ESW(OFF) than
the standard speed device and lower VCE(sat) than the high
frequency optimized device. In addition, for hard turn-on
applications, a new free wheeling diode was developed for the
NFM-Series to reduce diode recovery and turn-on losses. The
new diode uses a shallow P-I-N junction structure formed using
epitaxial silicon wafer material to achieve fast recovery with
minimal tail current.
Powerex NFM-Series IGBTs
Samples are available and the devices are currently in mass production. For more information, call 724-925-7272.
EOFF -vs- VCE (sat) Trade-Off for 1200V, 200A module (Tj=125C)
VCE (sat)
EOFF (mJ)
1.6 2.6 3.6 4.6 5.6
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
▲
▲
▲
Standard 5th Generation Module
CM200DY - 24NF
New “NFM” series
High Frequency 5th Generation Module
CM200DU-24NFH
3
New 2007 Powerex Short Form Catalog
The Powerex short form catalog was recently updated and is available to order
in print or cd-rom version. This publication includes technical specifications
and outline drawings for all Powerex products recommended for new designs.
To obtain a copy, please contact Kelly Bandieramonte at
kbandieramonte@pwrx.com. Please specify if you want a catalog, cd or both.
The electronic version of this publication is also available to download from
the Powerex homepage.
Although the new site has been launched, Powerex continues to
strive to improve and enhance its web site. With this in mind, an
online survey form is included on the site to provide users with a
place to make comments and suggestions. The link (“Tell Us What
You Think”) can be found on the homepage. For more information,
please contact Kelly Bandieramonte (kbandieramonte@pwrx.com).
Powerex Launches New Web Site
Powerex recently launched its redesigned web site. Still located at www.pwrx.com, the site was
streamlined to provide quicker results for customer searches. Some of its new features include:
www.pwrx.com
•A “Search by Product Category” Online
Selector Grid System
The online selector grid system adds a third search
option. Keeping and further enhancing its search by
part number and parametric search by specification
options, Powerex added this third search area to allow
customers an opportunity to narrow their searches by
offering an overview of various product categories and
subcategories. The product categories and
subcategories used to group the broad Powerex
product offering are the same groupings used in the
new 2007 Powerex Catalog, which is available for
download on the new site.
•Search by Part Number Expanded to Include
Search by Keyword
•Addition of Enhanced Technical Library,
Searchable by Keyword
Responding to customer requests, Powerex greatly
improved and enhanced its technical library. Powerex
application notes, conference papers and other
technical documents were separated into a stand-alone
technical library, which is now searchable by keyword.
Once a search is completed, the results include a brief
summary of the document, a listing of related
keywords, and links to products related to the
document.
•RoHS Status Added for Each Part Number
•Where Applicable, Recommended Accessories
Are Now Listed with Individual Part Numbers.
The new BP7B is designed to
provide a complete interface
circuit for the L-Series IPMs
that uses only 12 external
components.
BP7B
BP7A
4
External Components Reduced in
New Interface Circuit Design Kit
Powerex recently introduced a new interface circuit design kit
for L-series IPMs rated from 50A to 300A at 600V and 25A to
150A at 1200V.
The BP7B is a complete isolated interface circuit for 6 and 7-pac
low and medium power L-Series IPMs. This circuit features the
VLA606-01R opto-interface IC for isolation of control signals
and isolated power supplies for the IPM’s built-in gate drive and
protection circuits. The isolated interface helps to simplify
prototype development and minimize design time by providing a
direct connection to logic level control circuits.
The new VLA606-01R replaces 28 circuit components. This is
illustrated in the figure shown at the bottom of this page which
compares the earlier reference design kit, the BP7A, to the new
BP7B. This demonstrates the ability to have a complete interface
circuit for the L-series IPMs that uses only 12 external
components. (Indicator LEDs and connectors are optional).
For more information, contact the Powerex Applications Department
at 724-925-7272.
See Line-Up on page 5.
L-Series IPM Line-Up and Interface Circuit
Part Number Voltage
(V)
Current
(A) Package Recommended
DC to DC Converters
Reference
Design
PM50(#)L(*)060
600
50
A or B VLA106-24151 x 4pc.
BP7B
PM75(#)L(*)060 75
PM100(#)L(*)060 100
PM150(#)L(*)060 150
PM200(#)LA060 200 CVLA106-24151 x 3pc.
VLA106-24154 x 1pc.
PM300(#)LA060 300
PM450CLA060 450 DVLA106-24151 x 6pc. BP6A
PM600CLA060 600
PM25(#)L(*)120
1200
25
A or B VLA106-24151 x 4pc.
BP7B
PM50(#)L(*)120 50
PM75(#)L(*)120 75
PM100(#)LA120 100 CVLA106-24151 x 3pc.
VLA106-24154 x 1pc.
PM150(#)LA120 150
PM200CLA120 200
DVLA106-24151 x 6pc. BP6A
PM300CLA120 300
PM450CLA120 450
(*) Package Option: B=Solder pin, A=Screw terminal
(#) Circuit Option: R=6-pac+Brake, C=6-pac
Example: PM75RLB120 is a 75A, 1200V 6-pac with brake in a solder pin package
5
Powerex recently introduced a new reference design board. The BCIM board
features a three-phase AC induction motor controller at its core.
Designed to provide an interface between the controller and
Powerex IPM design kits, the BCIM board provides PWM signals
for the IGBTs in the three legs of a three-phase inverter plus a
brake signal.
Using this board in conjunction with Powerex DIP-IPM design
kits and L-series IPMs, along with their respective
development boards (example:BP7B), gives designers a
complete motor drive design and allows quick verification of
the power circuit layout.
With this approach, a complete three-phase AC induction motor drive can
be designed in a one-month period. For more information, contact the Powerex Applications
Department at 724-925-7272.
New BCIM Board Allows Quick
Verification and Design
BCIM, a new
reference design
board from Powerex.
6
Powerex is expanding its product offering on its two largest POW-R-BLOKs™.
For 600A LD and 1100A PD BLOKs, the maximum blocking voltage had
previously been 2400V. These lines have been expanded to include devices with
4000V blocking voltage.
Powerex POW-R-BLOK™ modules feature combinations of SCR and Diode
configurations in an electrically-isolated baseplate construction that allows for
mounting with other components on a common heatsink without additional
clamping or insulation components being required. The POW-R-BLOK™ series
adds convenience and overall size reduction in comparison to other
solutions.
The PD BLOK is the largest dual isolated
module on the market. Applications for these
devices include UPS/Static Switch, large
motor drives, traction (transportation),
induction heating and power
generation/alternative energy. The PD
POW-R-BLOK™ can also be used as a
front end converter with the Powerex Mega
Power Dual™ IGBT module in the inverter
section. (For more details on Mega Power
Dual™, see ad on this page.)
The LD is designed for use in applications requiring phase control and isolated
packaging. Applications include large IGBT circuit front ends, AC & DC motor
drives, battery supplies, power supplies and bridge circuits.
The new LD and PD products
have been submitted to
Underwriters
Laboratories for
approval. Based on the
UL testing schedule,
approval is expected at the
end of the second quarter,
2007.
BLOKs Expanded
to Include 4000V
Blocking Voltage
900A-1400A / 1200V
1000A / 1700V
Mega Dual’s compact
power package is 60% the
size of two Powerex single
1000A devices.
Optimized IGBT
Power Package
for High Power
Inverter Applications
NEW
TECHNOLOGIES
IN ONE
MEGA
POWER
DUAL
TM
3
1
2
3
CSTBT
(Carrier Stored Trench Gate
Bipolar Transistor Chip) for
improved (V
CE (sat ) vs Eoff ) for
optimizing total power loss
PCM
(Plug Cell Merged) design
improves short circuit safe
operating area
●Controls saturation current level
● Reduces gate capacitance
LPT
(Light Punch Through) process
for decreasing current leakage and
mitigation of thermal run-away
●Lowers cross point for positive
temperature co-efficient
●Can be paralleled without
matching
PD POW-R-BLOK™
LD POW-R-BLOK™
The Powerex Version 4 Super Mini-DIP-IPM family offers
the widest line-up available in the smallest package on the
market. The Super Mini package measures in at
24x38x3.5mm but packs a super power in this small size,
covering 3A through 30A at 600V in one package.
This family of devices allows the end user to incorporate
one board design across multiple drive frame ratings. The
end result is decreased size, lower parts count and lower
cost. The Super Mini is also completely RoHS
compliant.
Designed with a 5th generation IGBT that provides
low loss, the Version 4 family also offers low
thermal impedance due to the incorporation of
new isolation technology. The new isolation
material yields a 20% reduction in thermal resistance
in comparison to the previous generation device.
Additional options available with this family include longer
leads, zigzag lead form and open emitters, which will
allow current sensing in each phase leg for motor and
circuit optimization. Over temperature protection is yet
another option. While an actual operating temperature is
not provided, this option provides internal protection for
the module.
The 3-20A Version 4 Super Mini DIP-
IPMs are currently in mass
production. Samples of the 30A
device will be available in May
with mass production
commencing in August.
Powerex has developed 200C capable modules for
evaluation of high-voltage silicon carbide (SiC) devices for
research and development programs and is working to
extend this technology to higher temperatures.
Power devices fabricated from silicon wafers have
fundamental limitations when scaling up to high voltages
and operating at high temperatures. Present maximum
operating temperatures for silicon-based diodes are 150C –
200C and 125C – 150C for SCRs & IGBTs. However, due
to different material properties, power devices fabricated
from SiC wafers can be scaled to voltages higher than
10kV and can operate at temperatures in excess of 250C.
Silicon carbide MOSFETs presently operate up to 200C.
In order to fully utilize the high operating temperature
capability of SiC devices, module package technology must
move from the present 150C operating/storage level to as
high as 300C. While the ceramic and metal components
typically used in power modules can operate at
temperatures above 200C, the other materials that are
used in modules, such as solder, potting gel and case
plastics, have to be carefully selected. Solders with
melting temperatures well above 200C, are readily
available and are currently used by Powerex to form
strong, reliable high temperature solder joints in power
modules. Machinable and injection-moldable plastics are
also commercially available that can operate in the 250C
range. Silicone potting gels presently used in power
modules are capable of extended operation at 200C,
making them the limiting factor in the temperature
capability of the module.
As SiC device technology price becomes lower with time
and volume, Powerex is positioned to support commercial
packaging of SiC devices. For more information, contact
Duane Prusia at 724-925-4402
7
Powerex Expands its High Temperature,
High Voltage Packaging Capability
Version 4 Super Mini:
Widest Line-Up, Smallest Package
Actual Product Size
Version 4 Super Mini DIP-IPM
●GREGG EHLERT
Office Location:
New Berlin, WI
North-Central
Area Manager
●KURT RASMUSSEN
Office Location:
La Jolla, CA
Western
Area Manager
●JEFF KAUF
Office Location:
Horsham, PA
Eastern Area
Sales Manager
●KEN JONES
Office Location:
Dallas, TX
South-Central
Area Manager
Management
Powerex Territory
USA
CANADA
MEXICO
For a complete listing of
Powerex manufacturers
representatives and
distributors, visit the Powerex
web site at www.pwrx.com.
Look for the Sales (Where to
Buy) link on the homepage.
●KATHY CULLEN
Office Location:
Youngwood, PA
Distributor
Sales Manager
●JEREMY SHAFFER
Office Location:
Cleveland, Ohio
Mid-Central, Florida
and New York Area
Manager
Global Power - Semiconductor Solution Provider
173 Pavilion Lane
Youngwood, Pennsylvania 15697
Phone 724-925-7272
Fax: 724-925-4393
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
PRSRT. STD.
US Postage Paid
Greensburg, PA
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