Infineon introduces new high-power phototouch thyristors

     Infineon Technologies Bipolar Ltd. further expands its bipolar semiconductor product lineup with the introduction of phototouch thyristors that enhance system reliability, reduce system costs and simplify the design of ultra-high power applications. Infineon's new 6-inch thyristors are equipped with a reliable optical trigger component that eliminates the need for an external electrical trigger circuit. In addition, on-board safety features such as overvoltage protection, dv/dt protection and protection against forward voltage transients during recovery time further reduce the number of components and effectively reduce design complexity.

     Thyristors are ideal for controlling extremely high currents and voltages because they outperform IGBT-based voltage source converters (VSCS) in terms of on-state loss and symmetric blocking capabilities. Infineon's highly integrated phototouch thyristors are the first to incorporate FRP (forward recovery protection), in line with the company's strategy to provide system solutions that minimize design costs, increase system reliability and reduce component costs.

     Optical contact thyristors (LTTS) are ideal for high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission, and they are also suitable for the design of large power grid systems requiring interconnection of different frequencies. The 6-inch LTT has A reverse blocking voltage capability of 9.5 kV and is designed for steady-state DC currents up to 6,250A. It can handle a maximum surge current of more than 140kA. These high voltage, current and surge ratings allow designers to meet the needs of a variety of different applications with a single device. In addition, Infineon plans to further increase flexibility in selection and design with the introduction of 4-inch and 5-inch LTT thyristors with blocking voltages of 9.5 kV (instead of 8.5 kV).