Power Integrations introduces 1200 V dual-channel gate drive core to replace the optocoupler

     Power Integrations, a leader in IGBT drive technology, has announced the 2SC0115T2A0-12 dual-channel gate drive core for inverters and converters ranging from 90 kW to 500 kW. The new drive core uses the SCALE™-2+ integrated circuit and isolated transformer technology for DC/DC power and switching signal transmission, and eliminates the need for an optocoupler, greatly improving system reliability and performance.

     The enhanced electrical isolation of the drive core is specifically designed for systems with an operating voltage of 900V, a technique usually suitable for 1200V IGBT modules, and meets the PD2 and OV II requirements of IEC 60664-1 and IEC 61800-5-1. The 2SC0115TA0-12 gate drive core supports modules with currents up to 2400 A and switching frequencies up to 50 kHz.

     The 2SC0115TA0-12 gate drive core has a plane size of 53.2 x 31mm and a height of only 13mm, making it the most compact industrial device of its kind on the market. The highly integrated SCALE-2+ chipset uses 85% fewer components than comparable products and provides short-circuit protection through Vce-sat detection and independent power voltage monitoring of the primary and secondary. The new gate drive core also provides soft turn-off (SSD) protection for low stray inductance applications. For more demanding environments, the 2SC0115TA0-12 supports a full advanced Active clamp (AAC) to control IGBT voltage overshoot when turned off.

     The two output channels are separated from the power supply of the primary and secondary channels. Each channel can provide ±15A output current and 1.2W drive power, and can produce a gate voltage swing from +15V to -6V. Regardless of the output power level, the starting voltage is regulated at a stable 15V.

     Michael Hornkamp, Senior Marketing Director of Power Products at Power Integrations, said: "The 2SC0115TA0-12 gate drive core is the ideal platform for 600 V and 1200 V IGBT modules in medium power applications, such as general purpose inverters, UPS, PV inverters and medical applications, especially for applications with extremely high fast switching requirements."