Modular Evaluation Platform for Discrete CoolSiC MOSFETs Allows Testing of Different Driving Options

Double pulse testing is a standard procedure for designers to learn about the switching behavior of power devices. To facilitate the testing of drive options for the 1200 V CoolSiC™ MOSFET in TO247 3-pin and 4-pin packages, Infineon Technologies AG introduced a modular evaluation platform. Its center comprises a motherboard with interchangeable drive cards. The drive options include a Miller clamp and a bipolar supply card; additional variants will be launched in the near future. In shortening time-to-market for a variety of applications, this portfolio will help to pave the way for silicon carbide to become mainstream.

 

Image courtesy of Infineon. 

 

The motherboard of the evaluation platform is split into two sections, the primary supply side and the secondary side. On the primary side, the 12 V supply and the pulse-width modulation (PWM) will be connected. On the secondary side is the secondary supply of the driver, the half-bridge with connections for the shunt for current measurement and the external inductance. The positive operating voltage of the drivers can be adjusted between +7.5 and +20 V, while the negative voltage can be regulated between 0 V and -4,5 V. The motherboard was designed for a maximum voltage of 800 V and a maximum pulse current of 130 A. For measuring at higher temperatures of up to 175°C, the heatsink can be used together with a heating element.

Serving as a reference design for two drive options, the cards feature driver ICs from the EiceDRIVER™ family suitable for high frequency switching of SiC power devices. The first modular card contains the 1EDC Compact 1EDC20I12MH with an integrated active Miller clamp, which is typically activated below 2 V. The second drive card includes the 1EDC Compact 1EDC60H12AH allowing a bipolar supply, where VCC2 is +15 V and GND2 is negative. With these two driver cards, the portfolio already covers a large part of the options preferred by designers for driving SiC MOSFETs.

 

Availability

All three components of the modular evaluation platform – motherboard, Miller clamp and bipolar drive cards – can be ordered now. An additional drive card for short circuit detection will be added to the portfolio during summer 2020, a card for SMD package testing will follow during the second half of this year. More information is available at www.infineon.com/tools.

 

About Infineon

Infineon Technologies AG is a world leader in semiconductor solutions that make life easier, safer and greener. Microelectronics from Infineon is the key to a better future. In the 2019 fiscal year (ending 30 September), the Company reported sales of €8.0 billion with about 41,400 employees worldwide. Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and in the USA on the over-the-counter market OTCQX International Premier.