3.2kV 1055-Amp Thyristor Turns Off in 65µsec

IXYS Corporation announced that its wholly owned UK subsidiary, IXYS UK Westcode Ltd., launched a new higher voltage class fast distributed gate thyristor. This new fast thyristor with turn-off time of as little as 65 microseconds and current rating of 1055 amperes, with forward and reverse blocking voltage rating of 3.2kV has unmatched performance for both voltage and current fed applications providing megawatts of power control capabilities.

The device offers a higher voltage rating, while retaining a fast turn-off time, when compared to other parts in this package size. It expands the performance envelope in high power control systems. This new improved design has an average current rating of 1055 amperes at a heat sink temperature of 55 degrees Celsius. The improvement in performance is achieved by optimizing the vertical structure in the device, to give increased voltage without compromising the reverse recovery characteristics of the device.

The die size has been maximized with improved distributed gate geometry, optimized for the design turn-off speed and operating frequency. The 53mm silicon die is bonded to a metal disc to give optimum thermal performance and encapsulated in fully hermetic 47mm electrode contact diameter ceramic packages, with an industry standard overall diameter of 74mm. Provided the correct thermal conditions are observed, with a repetitive di/dt rating of 300 amperes per microsecond, the device can be used in applications with repetitive frequency up to 5kHz.

“With a higher voltage grade than other parts offered with this switching speed, the new device presents the option to replace two lower voltage devices operated in series to achieve a desired switching speed and operating voltage; thus simplifying mechanical design and reducing the number of system parts,” commented Frank Wakeman, IXYS UK’s Marketing and Technical Support Manager.

The full symmetrical blocking device is available in two different switching classes at two standard voltage grades, part number designations are as follows: 3600 volt parts are R1045NC36L with turn-off time 65 microseconds and R1045NC36M with turn-off time 70 microseconds; 3200 volts parts are R1045NC32L with turn-off time 65 microseconds and R1045NC32M with turn-off time 70 microseconds.

Typical applications for this device include induction power supplies for melting, billet heating and surface treatments; as well as resonant power supplies and pulse switches for applications including high power magnets and lasers.