Plug-and-play gate driver speeds up development

By Alex Pluemer, contributing writer

Power Integrations recently launched its new SCALE-2 2SP0430T2XX IGBT gate driver for industrial, traction, UPS, and renewable energy applications. The plug-and-play gate driver is designed for use with Infineon’s PrimePACK 3+ and Fuji-equivalent IGBT modules for 2-level and 3-level applications and provides reinforced isolation for 1,200-V and 1,700-V IGBT modules.

The 2SP0430T2XX family provides integrated safety features including undervoltage-lockout (UVLO) and short-circuit protection, as well as the new dynamic advanced active clamping (DAAC) feature for protecting against unstable voltages causing DC-link voltages to approach maximum values in photovoltaic inverters and traction drive applications. By integrating all of the key protection features and the DC/DC converter in the driver unit, it improves reliability and reduces the bill of materials, said the company.

The new gate driver is available in two different versions for PrimePack 3+ IGBT modules with 1,200-V and 1,700-V blocking voltages, respectively, and supports two different isolation classes — 5,000 VAC (50 Hz/1 min) and 9,150 VAC (50 Hz/1 min). Both versions provide a peak output gate current of ±30 A and a regulated gate voltage of +15 V/–10 V while delivering up to 2 W of output power per channel at an ambient operating temperature of between –40°C and 85°C. All models feature double-sided conformal coating, and propagation delays last fewer than 100 ns with a jitter variation of ±4 ns.

The new gate drivers meet IEC60664-1 and IEC61800-5-1 standards and are available in versions that that support PD2 and PD3.

Power Integrations said that the 2SP0430T2xx gate driver is a first in the industrial market with a variant for 1,700-V PrimePACK IGBT modules that meet PD3 requirements for creepage and clearance distances, and it operates in 3-level applications with a grounded DC link, reducing development challenges and time to market.

The 2SP0430T2XX gate drivers are priced at $162 each in 100-piece quantities.