28 January 2015

Cree adds four new 650V SiC Schottky diodes

Cree Inc of Durham, NC, USA has expanded its portfolio of silicon carbide (SiC) Schottky diodes with the addition of four new 650V diodes. Developed in response to the power supply industry's recent demand for components with a nominal voltage rating slightly higher than 600V, the new 650V Cree Z-Rec SiC Schottky diodes enable high-efficiency power systems with improved reliability, simplicity and total cost, the firm says.

Beneficial characteristics of the new diodes are said to include: zero reverse recovery current, high-frequency operation with low electromagnetic interference (EMI), temperature-independent switching behavior, reduced heat-sink requirements, and significantly higher surge and avalanche capabilities. The devices also exhibit higher efficiency than comparable silicon diodes, with essentially no switching losses, while a positive temperature coefficient on VF enables parallel devices without thermal runaway.

Designed to satisfy power systems engineers' need for higher current in a more compact, surface-mount package, the new 6A C3D06065E, 8A C3D08065E and 10A C3D10065E Cree Z-Rec diodes are supplied in TO-252-2 (DPAK) packages with a smaller footprint than many of the comparable diodes currently on the market, it is claimed. Exhibiting both zero recovery voltage and extremely fast switching, the new 650V devices enable right sizing of the diode, optimizing both cost and performance in applications including switch mode power supplies (SMPS), power factor correction (PFC) and motor drives. They may also negate the need for through-hole SiC Schottky diode assembly, as well as enabling smaller final assembly dimensions for new 650V designs.

Additionally, the three diodes are automotive qualified to AEC-Q101, and are suitable for use in the power factor correction and onboard power electronic conversion systems (e.g. chargers, dc/dc converters, inverters etc) of hybrid and electric vehicles (HEVs). Cree claims that, unlike competitors, whose automotive-qualified diodes are typically separate part numbers sold at higher costs, about 90% of Cree's C3D Schottky diode portfolio is, and always has been, automotive qualified at no extra cost. A complete list of Cree's automotive qualified diodes — available in five plastic package types, two voltage ratings (600V and 650V), and with current ratings spanning 2 to 20A — can be found on the Cree Power website.

The fourth new 650V diode — Cree's 6A, 650V C3D06065I internally isolated Z-Rec Schottky diode — is an alternative to full-pack diodes and a complement to the existing 8A C3D08065I and 10A C3D10065I. Featuring a TO-220 package with internal ceramic insulation (unique to Cree with regard to SiC Schottky diodes, it is claimed) that provides 2.5kV isolation, Cree's new 6A, 650V internally isolated diode also provides greater operating ranges and capabilities than comparable full-pack devices, including significantly higher maximum temperatures and greater power dissipation. Additionally, by eliminating the need to insert an external isolating sheet between the diode and heat sink, the new diode eases design, reduces cost, and supports the efficient manufacturing of HVAC, PFC and switch mode power supplies, the firm adds.

See related items:

Cree launches discrete 20A and 50A 650V SiC Schottky diode rectifiers for power supplies

Cree launches first 50A SiC rectifiers

Tags: Cree SiC Schottkys

Visit: www.cree.com/power