New IGBT power modules increase efficiency in TIG welding machines

Designed specifically for TIG welding machines, four new half-bridge and single-switch IGBT power modules have been introduced by Vishay. Built on proprietary Trench PT IGBT technology, the VS-GP100TS60SFPbF, VS-GP250SA60S, VS-GP300TD60S, and VS-GP400TD60S provide extremely low collector-to-emitter voltages down to 1.10 V and turn-off switching energy down to 11mJ for output inverter stages. With their Trench PT IGBT construction, the Vishay Semiconductors devices released today achieve a smaller size than planar IGBTs, providing designers with higher current density and lower thermal resistance (junction-to-case) without compromising on performance. The devices' low collector-to-emitter voltage enables extremely low conduction losses, while their turn-off switching energy is 50 % lower than previous-generation devices for increased efficiency and long-term reliability. The half-bridge VS-GP100TS60SFPbF, VS-GP300TD60S, and VS-GP400TD60S combine Trench PT IGBTs with HEXFRED and FRED Pt anti-parallel diodes in the INT-A-PAK package and dual INT-A-PAK package with an extremely low profile of 17mm. The single-switch VS-GP250SA60S features the SOT-227 package, provides very low stray inductance of =5nH typical, and is UL-approved file E78996. The RoHS-compliant modules feature operating frequencies to 1 kHz, 600 V collector-to-emitter voltages, and continuous collector current from 100A to 400A. The devices can be directly mounted to heatsinks and offer low EMI to reduce snubbing requirements, says the company.