New solid-state isolators to deliver faster switching

Infineon Technologies AG has introduced a new product family of Solid-State Isolators to execute faster and more reliable circuit switching with protection features unavailable in optical-based SSR. The isolators use coreless transformer technology and support 20 times greater energy transfer with both current and temperature protection, contributing to a higher reliability and lower cost of ownership. The new solid-state isolators allow driving the gates of the company's MOS-controlled power transistors OptiMOS and CoolMOS to decrease the power dissipation of up to 70% of today's solid-state relays using SCR and Triac switches.

The company's solid-state isolators enable custom solid-state relays capable of controlling more than 1000V and 100A loads. Improved performance and reliability make the coreless transformer technology ideal for applications in advanced battery management, energy storage, renewable energy systems, and industrial and building automation system applications. With its solid-state isolator drivers, engineers can further improve the efficiency of electronic and electromechanical systems.

"Implementing coreless transformers in solid-state isolators and relays is truly a game-changer for power engineers; it provides 50 times lower RDS (on) than existing optically controlled solutions. This enables their use in higher-voltage and higher power applications," said Davide Giacomini, marketing director for the Green Industrial Power Division at Infineon Technologies.

When matched with the CoolMOS S7 switch, the isolator drivers allow switching designs with a much lower resistance than optically driven solid-state solutions. This translates to longer lifespans and lower cost of ownership in system designs. As with all solid-state isolators, the devices also offer superior performance compared to electromagnetic relays, including 40% lower turn-on power and increased reliability due to elimination of moving parts.

The family of devices is designed to be compatible with the company's wide switching portfolio, including the CoolMOS S7, OptiMOS and linear FET portfolios.