Power Integrations’ New SCALE-iFlex LT Plug-and-Play Gate Driver Improves EconoDUAL IGBT Module Performance by 20%

Rhea-AI Summary

Power Integrations (NASDAQ: POWI) has launched the SCALE-iFlex™ LT plug-and-play gate driver, designed for high-voltage inverter applications. This new driver enhances the performance of EconoDUAL modules by 20%, allowing users to reduce the number of required modules by one in six, leading to cost savings and simplified control systems. The driver is particularly suitable for offshore wind turbines and improves efficiency by reducing switching losses.

Positive

• SCALE-iFlex LT improves performance of EconoDUAL modules by 20%.
• Enables reduction of module count by one in every six, lowering costs and complexity.
• Targets renewable energy applications, particularly offshore wind turbines (3-5 MW range).
• Reduces switching losses by 3-5% through advanced driver technology.

Negative

• None.

New gate driver eliminates one in six modules; substantially reduces system complexity

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Power Integrations (Nasdaq: POWI), the leader in gate-driver technology for medium- and high-voltage inverter applications, today announced its new plug-and-play SCALE-iFlex™ LT dual gate-drivers. The new drivers improve the performance of multiple parallel EconoDUAL modules by 20%, allowing users to eliminate one of every six modules from power inverters and converter stacks. In addition to saving the cost of the driver and module, this reduces control complexity and costs related to modules, wiring, hardware, and heatsinking. SCALE-iFlex LT targets multiple applications in renewable energy generation and storage, and is particularly applicable to offshore wind turbines in the 3 to 5 MW range.

SCALE-iFlex LT plug-and-play gate driver improves IGBT module performance by 20%; targeting multiple applications in renewable energy generation and storage, and is particularly applicable to offshore wind turbines in the 3 to 5 MW range. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Thorsten Schmidt, product marketing manager at Power Integrations commented: “Dynamic and static current sharing is critical for robust operation of modules arranged in parallel. For the same power output, systems using SCALE-iFlex LT require just five parallel modules whereas competitive approaches need six. This substantial saving of cost and complexity is achieved by guaranteeing less than 20 ns of variance in turn-on and turn-off commands between modules and less than 20 A of variance between modules when conducting the rated 600 A. This allows the modules to operate reliably without current derating, which is obligatory with less advanced driver solutions.”

Up to six EconoDUAL 3, or equivalent, power modules can be paralleled from the same Isolated Master Control (IMC) unit which has a more compact outline than conventional products. The Module Adapted Gate drivers (MAGs), which fit the footprint of the EconoDUAL module, each featuring two SCALE-2 ASICs – one per channel – to optimize symmetrical paralleling, efficiency and protection.

The new SCALE-iFlex LT gate-driver modules reduce switching losses by three to five percent, due to the fast turn-on and turn-off of the SCALE-2 ASIC which features an integrated booster stage. Power Integrations’ Advanced Active Clamping (AAC) protection enables higher DC link voltages to be achieved. A full suite of other protection features, including short-circuit, are provided. Drivers feature reinforced isolation to 1700 V and may be ordered naked or conformally coated.

As well as renewable energy, other applications include power quality, commercial air-conditioning units and medium-voltage drives. The new SCALE-iFlex LT gate drivers are available now. For more information, please visit www.power.com/scale-iflex-lt.

About Power Integrations

Power Integrations, Inc. is a leading innovator in semiconductor technologies for high-voltage power conversion. The company’s products are key building blocks in the clean-power ecosystem, enabling the generation of renewable energy as well as the efficient transmission and consumption of power in applications ranging from milliwatts to megawatts. For more information please visit www.power.com.

Power Integrations, SCALE-2, SCALE-iFlex and the Power Integrations logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Power Integrations, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210908006165/en/

Media Contacts

Nina Hurd

Power Integrations

(408) 414-8785

nina.hurd@power.com

Press Agency Contact

Nick Foot

BWW Communications

+44-1491-636 393

nick.foot@bwwcomms.com

Source: Power Integrations, Inc.

FAQ

What is the new product launched by Power Integrations (POWI)?

Power Integrations launched the SCALE-iFlex™ LT plug-and-play gate driver.

How does SCALE-iFlex LT impact module requirements?

It allows users to eliminate one in every six modules, improving system efficiency.

What applications does the SCALE-iFlex LT target?

It targets renewable energy generation, particularly offshore wind turbines.

How much performance improvement does SCALE-iFlex LT provide?

It improves the performance of EconoDUAL modules by 20%.

What are the efficiency benefits of the SCALE-iFlex LT?

The driver reduces switching losses by 3-5%.