News: Microelectronics
27 April 2021
CISSOID adds new liquid-cooled modules for E-mobility to SiC MOSFET intelligent power module range
CISSOID of Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium is adding to its growing platform of three-phase silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET intelligent power module (IPM) products by introducing new liquid-cooled modules for E-mobility tailored for lower switching losses or for higher power.
The firm is also introducing a module based on a lightweight AlSiC flat baseplate that meets the demand for natural convection or forced cooling in aerospace and in dedicated industrial applications. These products integrate a three-phase SiC MOSFET module with a powerful gate driver.
Leveraging a technology platform that can be rapidly adapted to new voltage, power and cooling requirements, the new IPMs accelerate the design of SiC-based power converters enabling high efficiency and high power density, says the firm. The embedded gate driver solves multiple challenges related to fast-switching SiC transistors: negative drive and active Miller clamping (AMC) prevent parasitic turn-on; desaturation detection and soft shut down (SSD) react rapidly but safely to short-circuit events; and undervoltage lockout (UVLO) functions on gate driver and DC bus voltages monitor the proper operation of the system.
Two new liquid-cooled power modules based on a pin fin baseplate are rated for 1200V blocking voltages and for 340A to 550A maximum continuous currents. The on-resistance ranges from 2.53mΩ to 4.19mΩ, depending on current rating. The total switching energies are as low as 7.48mJ (Eon) and 7.39mJ (Eoff) at 600V/300A. The co-design of the power module and the gate driver enables optimizing the IPMs for lowest switching energies by carefully tuning dV/dt and controlling voltage overshoots inherent to fast switching. The reverse-bias safe operating area (RBSOA) authorizes peak currents up to 600A with DC bus voltages up to 880V making the power modules safe for 800V battery applications.
The new air-cooled module is designed for applications where liquid cooling is not an option, like aerospace electro-mechanical actuators and power converters, for example. This module is rated for a blocking voltage of 1200V and a maximum continuous current of 340A. The on-resistance is equal to 3.25mΩ. Turn-on and turn-off switching energies are, respectively, 8.42mJ and 7.05mJ at 600V and 300A. The power module is cooled down through an AlSiC flat baseplate. Thermally robust, the module is rated for 175°C junction temperature and the gate driver for 125°C ambient temperature.
“We initially developed this IPM platform to accelerate SiC-based motor drive development for E-mobility and we are also very pleased to see demand from aerospace customers,” says CEO Dave Hutton. “We are delighted to deliver this new SiC intelligent power module designed for natural convection or forced cooling in compact and lightweight power converters addressing these new demanding markets.”
Part numbers for the newly released products are CXT-PLA3SA12340AA (1200V/340A/pin fin baseplate), CXT-PLA3SA12550AA (1200V/550A/pin fin baseplate) and CMT-PLA3SB12340AA (1200V/340A/flat baseplate).
CISSOID delivers prototypes of three-phase 1200V/100A SiC MOSFET intelligent power modules to Thales