Power Integrations Unveils 1700 V SiC Switcher ICs for 800 V EVs

Power Integrations has addressed these needs with its new family of reference designs based on the 1700 V-rated InnoSwitch3-AQ flyback ICs. Featuring integrated silicon carbide (SiC) switches and the wide-creepage InSOP-28G package, these designs enable compact, high-efficiency power conversion with reinforced safety and simplified manufacturing for the next generation of EVs.

The reference design kits and design example reports can deliver between 16 W and 120 W of output power. Image used courtesy of Power Integrations

Broad Application Range With Tailored Power Profiles

Power Integrations’ five reference designs—three reference design kits (RDK) and two reference designs example reports (DER)—cover a versatile range of power levels and packaging profiles while utilizing the 1700 V InnoSwitch 3 AQ flyback switcher, and each targeting key subsystems in 800 V battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

RDK-994Q/RDR-994Q – 35 W Ultra-Low Profile Power Supply

Designed for traction inverter gate drives or emergency power backup, this compact 18 mm-high converter accepts a wide 200-1000 VDC input and delivers a stable 24 V, 1.46 A output. Utilizing 59 surface-mount components, it achieves over 85% efficiency across its input range and supports space-constrained environments typical of automotive inverters.

RDK-1039Q/RDR-1039Q: 18 W Planar Transformer Power Supply

Ideal for high-reliability gate drive or emergency systems, this reference design uses a low-profile planar transformer (12.5 mm in height) and supports reinforced isolation up to 1000 V. It handles 10-1000 VDC input and provides 12 V at 1.5 A continuous output (3 A peak), delivering up to 36 W of peak power. With only 51 components, this design strikes a balance between performance and manufacturability while meeting stringent IEC isolation standards.

RDK-1054Q/RDR-1054Q: 120 W Auxiliary Battery Replacement Supply

This design tackles the challenge of replacing traditional 12 V lead-acid batteries in BEVs. With a wide input range from below 200 V to 900 VDC and a robust 12 V/10 A output, it delivers reliable 120 W performance using just 53 components. It incorporates a 20.6 mm-high planar transformer, providing reinforced isolation and high thermal performance. By integrating a single 1700 V SiC power switch in the InnoSwitch3-AQ IC, the design achieves both efficiency and a highly compact footprint.

The InnoSwitch3-AQ IC for 800 V vehicles. Image used courtesy of Power Integrations

DER-1030Q: 20 W Four-Output Emergency Power Supply

Designed to meet the power demands of critical inverter operations during fault conditions, this compact 20.4 mm-high converter features four outputs: one 24.75 V rail for EPS and three 25.5 V rails for gate drivers. It accepts a 40-950 VDC input and operates with >80% efficiency at full load, using accurate secondary-side regulation without optocouplers—a key factor in reducing component count and complexity.

DER-1045Q:16 W Gate Drive Power Supply with Split Rails

Tailored for 800 V inverter gate drive circuits, this 16 W converter offers a unique four-output configuration: one regulated 14 V output and three unregulated outputs providing ±18 V and -5 V rails. With a low 18.6 mm profile, this design runs from 200–1000 VDC input and is ideal for systems requiring multiple voltage rails with minimal footprint. It uses only automotive-grade AEC-Q SMD components for enhanced thermal and vibration performance.

InSOP Package Creeping In

The InSOP 28G package provides over 5 mm creepage distance between pins, complying with IEC safety standards and eliminating the need for conformal coating. This results in cost savings, faster production cycles, and easier qualification processes. The InnoSwitch3-AQ IC integrates several safety features, including input undervoltage, output overvoltage, and over-current protection. Devices operate efficiently with no-load power consumption below 15 mW and feature advanced flyback control modes (DCM/CCM with valley switching) to maintain high efficiency across varying load conditions.

InnoSwitch3-AQ IC schematic. Image used courtesy of Power Integrations

With these high-voltage reference designs, Power Integrations delivers engineers a versatile set of tools to tackle the unique challenges of 800 V EV systems. Whether replacing bulky 12 V batteries or powering precision gate drivers, these solutions can provide a balance of safety, efficiency, and space savings, in which engineers can move forward with the next generation of electric vehicles' demands.