IXYS Introduces New Reverse Blocking GTO Thyristor
IXYS Corp. (NASDAQ:SYXI) announced that its U.K. based wholly owned subsidiary, Westcode Semiconductors Ltd., has announced a new addition to its range of GTO (gate turn-off) thyristors. The new symmetrical 3.6kV blocking device has a nominal current rating of 1000A and is encapsulated in a 47mm pole face hermetic pressure contact package. These products have been developed using Westcode's unique cathode chip design, which offers robust switching performance for megawatt controlled power systems. These GTO thyristors expand the line of high power devices offered by IXYS, improving the breadth of bipolar power devices available to the market for mass transit, electrical power generation and distribution.
These new additions to IXYS' extensive range of Westcode branded GTO thyristors have controllable turn-off current of 1000A when used with a snubber capacitor. With a 3.6kV rating, these new devices are also suitable for a 1.5kV DC link voltage and offer a maximum reverse blocking voltage capability equivalent to 80% of rated forward blocking voltage. Versions are offered with four blocking voltage ratings: S1000NC300 (rated at 3000V forward and reverse blocking voltage), S1000NC30Y (rated at 3000V forward and 100V reverse blocking), S1000NC36D (rated at 3600V forward blocking voltage and 3000V reverse blocking) and S1000NC36Y (rated at 3600V forward blocking and 100V reverse blocking).
According to Frank Wakeman, Marketing & Evaluation Manager at Westcode, "The introduction of this product continues to strengthen IXYS support of this technology in core traction markets by addressing key customer demands. The robust operating properties of the GTO thyristor make the 3000V reverse blocking voltage versions, the S1200NC300 and S1200NC36D, particularly suitable for chopper drives as typically applied in mass transport systems."
The device is also suitable for other applications in traction systems such as auxiliary power supplies or braking choppers. Additional potential applications outside traction include power conversion systems up to 500KW with DC link voltages to 1.5kV. These products have characteristics compatible with the older, obsolete Westcode type WG10026Rxx to WG10036Rxx offering a solution for spares and series build continuation.
