2.5kV BIMOS Bidirectional Switch Module for High-Power Relay Protection

IXYS Corporation announced the availability of the MIO50-22B module is designed for bidirectional current conduction. The module which is offered in the V1 package contains a 2200V rectifier bridge and a large and rugged BIMOS switch with 50A nominal current and 2500V blocking capability to guarantee a high level of energy absorption capability. The MIO50-22B was developed for solid state relay applications especially for arc protection of high-power electromechanical relay contacts that are deployed in dc and ac electrical grids, solar panel installations, electrical vehicles, hybrid electrical vehicles, UPSs and battery powered systems.

These relays are commonly used as safety disconnect switches in PV solar panel installations under DC load for disconnecting solar arrays from the inverter input. There are other applications in power electronic systems, where a bidirectional solid state high current and high voltage switch is desired to turn the load current on or off as needed in the application.

“The MIO50-22B is the module of choice in solar systems, or other power systems, for bypassing bidirectional currents through a relay contact by absorbing the energy stored in the stray inductance of a system when the relay contact is opened. We have already deployed such solutions in the field as custom products. With this unique standard product, IXYS continues to serve the renewable energy industry with smart solutions to address overall systems costs and safety related aspects,” stated Dr. Elmar Wisotzki, General Manager of IXYS GmbH.

In a typical application the MIO50 will be connected in parallel to an electromechanical relay contact. The BIMOS component is intended to take over the current once the relay is opened in order to stop current flow into the relay, thus eliminating arcing and wear of the mechanical relay contacts.