IXYS Introduces New 2.8kV Large Area Fast Thyristor

IXYS Corp. announced that its wholly owned UK subsidiary, Westcode Semiconductors Ltd., has launched a new 8000A, 2800V, large area fast thyristor. This extends Westcode’s range of fast switching power thyristors used in applications ranging from induction heating, pulsed power and resonant magnetic power supplies. The new device is claimed to represent the highest current rating fast switching thyristor in this voltage class and to "break new ground" for the maximum power that can be controlled in a single converter.

The thyristor has an average current rating of 4001A for a sink temperature of 55°C and is encapsulated in two options of fully hermetic press pack outlines with pole face electrodes of 100mm (4 inch) in diameter. Options are industry standard 36mm (1 3/4 inch) and 26mm (1 inch) thick packages. The part designations are R3968FC28x for the 2.8kV, 36mm (1 3/4 inch) thick package and R3968FD28x for the 2.8kV, 26mm (1 inch) device (2 and 2.4kV versions are also available as standard). The advanced vertical structure of the silicon and highly distributed gate design offer unrivalled switching characteristics without compromising the forward conduction losses. All device types can be supplied to one of four turn-off time limits: 60, 65, 70 and 100µs – identified by the letters K, L, M & N replacing the x in the part number. Where required, devices can be selected for their reverse recovery characteristics or supplied in explosion-rated packages.

Frank Wakeman, Marketing & Technical Support Manager at Westcode, stated, "The very high current rating of the R3968Fxxxx devices offers the opportunity to build much higher resonant power supplies for applications such as induction melting and billet heating. It offers a potential equipment power rating up to and above 10MW without the need for so many parallel device paths. By optimizing turn-off time, the device presents options for switching frequencies up to 8kHz, or even higher by multiplexing of power bridges."