Plug-and-play gate drivers suit high-reliability HVDC / rail applications

Power Integrations has introduced the 1SP0350V SCALE-2, a new single-channel +15/-10V plug-and-play gate driver. Optimally suited to high-reliability applications in the HVDC and railway industries, the 1SP0350 reliably and safely drives 4500V Press-Pack IGBTs and IEGTs as well as other IGBT and IEGT form factors. Based on the company's widely used SCALE-2 chipset, the new driver is equipped with Dynamic Advanced Active Clamping (DAAC), short-circuit protection, a built in DC-DC converter, regulated turn-on gate drive voltage, DC-DC overload monitoring and supply voltage monitoring. The driver is not tied to any specific IGBT package style nor to a gate resistor configuration. This flexibility allows designers to trial a variety of IGBT modules during development with confidence that the 1SP0350V SCALE-2 plug-and-play gate driver will function optimally. Plug-and-play capability facilitates commissioning and allows immediate operation after installation. Additionally, the highly integrated SCALE-2 chipset reduces component count by as much as 85% compared with conventional solutions, significantly increasing reliability. The new drivers meet creepage and clearance specifications according to IEC standards (IEC61800-5-1), says the company. Commenting, Michael Hornkamp, senior director of marketing for high-power products, Power Integrations, said: "These new devices are not limited by topology, package or the need for external components. They are efficient, rugged and highly flexible, reducing design time and cost of ownership."