Plug-and-play gate drivers target 4,500-V IGBT modules

By Gina Roos, editor-in-chief

Power Integrations has introduced the 1SP0351 SCALE-2 single-channel, +15-V/–10-V, plug-and-play gate-driver, developed specifically for 4,500-V press-pack IGBT (PPI) modules from manufacturers such as Toshiba, Westcode, and ABB. Based on Power Integrations’ SCALE-2 chipset, the new gate drivers are suited for high-reliability applications such as HVDC VSC, STATCOM/FACTS, and medium-voltage drives.

The SCALE-2 ASIC chipset uses sophisticated digital control techniques to reduce component count by as much as 85% compared with conventional solutions, said Power Integrations.

The 1SP0351 drivers integrate dynamic advanced active clamping (DAAC), short-circuit protection, a built-in DC/DC converter, regulated turn-on gate-drive voltage, DC/DC overload monitoring, supply-voltage monitoring, and active Miller clamping. Other features include plug-and-play functionality for immediate operation after installation, a two-pin power plug for simpler operation, and conformal coating for increased ruggedness and reliability.

The 1SP0351 SCALE-2 gate drivers meet creepage and clearance specifications according to IEC standards (IEC 61800-5-1). Available now, they are priced at $214.20 in 1,000-piece quantities.