Microchip Technology Inc. has launched a fully configurable, 1200-V digital gate driver that delivers multiple levels of control and protection for silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET-based power systems in transportation applications. In addition to commercial vehicles, the production-ready AgileSwitch 2ASC-12A2HP dual-channel digital gate driver with Augmented Switching technology can be used in applications such as charging infrastructure, energy storage systems, solar inverters and aircraft flight actuators.
When compared to conventional gate drivers, the AgileSwitch gate driver products can dampen drain-source voltage (Vds) overshoots by up to 80% and cut switching losses by as much as 50%, said Microchip. In addition, the 2ASC-12A2HP digital gate driver can source/sink up to 10 A of peak current and includes an isolated DC/DC converter with low capacitance isolation barrier for pulse width modulation signals and fault feedback.
Click for a larger image. (Source: Microchip Technology)
The new gate driver is compatible with Microchip’s latest release of the Intelligent Configuration Tool (ICT). This interface allows users to configure gate driver parameters including the gate switching profiles, system critical monitors, and controller interface settings. This enables a gate driver that is tailored to their applications without having to change hardware It also allows designers to change control parameters during the design process.
Click for a larger image. (Source: Micro Technology)
The free-to-download ICT can save designers approximately three to six months of development time on new designs, according to Microchip. The ICT includes starter settings for many commercially-available SiC switches. The gate driver also is supported by a family of module adapter boards to help designers connect to several different footprints, as well as the company’s Augmented Switching Accelerated Development Kits (ASDAK) that include gate drivers, module adapter boards, a programming kit, and the ICT software for SiC MOSFET modules.
The 2ASC-12A2HP gate driver is compatible with the company’s portfolio of SiC power devices and modules and is interoperable with other manufacturers’ SiC products. It is also complemented by a range of microcontrollers (MCUs) and analog solutions for a total system solutions for high-power applications.
The AgileSwitch 2ASC-12A2HP digital gate driver is available now in volume production. The gate driver can be purchased at Microchip’s purchasing portal or via an authorized distributor.
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