All-SiC 300A / 1.2kV Half-Bridge Module Doubles Power Density

Silicon-carbide (SiC) technology from Cree, Inc. continues to enable smaller, lighter, more-efficient and lower-cost power systems with a new all-SiC 300A, 1.2kV half-bridge module. Packaged in industry-standard 62mm housing, the new module reduces energy loss due to switching by more than five times compared to the equivalent silicon solution. This level of efficiency improvement enables all-SiC high-power converters rated up to the MW level. The latest Cree® SiC power module is available with multiple gate driver options and is pin compatible to standard 62mm half-bridge modules, including IGBT modules rated at 450A or more. This allows designers to quickly and easily evaluate the module's capabilities.

"The drop-in feature of Cree’s new all-SiC power module allows us to achieve 99 percent efficiency while reducing the power module count by a factor of 2.5 in our existing HF induction heating systems,” said John K. Langelid, R&D manager, EFD Induction. “These benefits are greatly valued as a reduced cost of ownership by our end customers."

The new all-SiC 62mm half-bridge module’s switching efficiency and performance allow designers to reduce the amount of magnetic and cooling elements, delivering double the power density and a lower system cost while also reducing end user cost of ownership. Offering a simplified two-level topology that is feasible at higher frequencies, the new module can also eliminate the need to invest in multi-level silicon-based solutions.

"The new 62mm half-bridge power module is yet another example of Cree’s commitment to the commercialization of SiC-based power electronics," said Cengiz Balkas, general manager and vice president, Cree Power and RF. "Utilizing our success in large-area SiC power devices, we have extended the benefits of SiC power modules to the 100kW to 1MW power range for applications such as induction heating, central solar inverters and active front-end motor drives. These new power modules are introduced at a breakthrough price-performance point that unlocks immediate cost savings in these applications."

The new all-SiC 300A, 1.2kV half-bridge module will be available as part number CAS300M12BM2 at preferred distributors like Mouser, Digi-Key and Arrow’s RF & Power Business, and will be priced at $451 each for 1,000-unit quantities. Companion gate drivers are also available from Cree and Prodrive.