Westcode Introduces 4.8kV High Power Rectifier

IXYS Corp. announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Westcode Semiconductors Ltd., has added a 4.8kV rectifier that has an average current rating of 2899A and is encapsulated in a 50mm pole face hermetic pressure contact package. This rectifier enables power control up to 10 megawatts, and is part of IXYS' expansion of high power products for improved energy efficiency.

Frank Wakeman, Marketing & Evaluation Manager at Westcode semiconductors, commented, "This new introduction continues IXYS' strategic program of maximizing the power density for our customers, namely watts per pound or watts per cubic inch of volume for the Westcode branded pressure contact rectifier products. Our efforts to provide more power in a smaller package reduces the weight and material cost of power systems, while also reducing energy costs. Improved system density with lower component and operating costs are of great value to our customers, given the current dramatic market increases in energy and copper costs."

The 2899A average current rating represents a 50% increase over contemporary products of the same voltage and overall package size. Improved performance is achieved by maximizing the active silicon area and an improved vertical structure. In addition to the increased average current rating, the device also offers enhanced surge rating of 28kA and can be supplied to special order in an explosion rated housing. The new device is available within the voltage range of 3.2kV to 4.8kV.

Increasing the power to weight ratio of these rectifiers enables the design of smaller, lighter power systems in mobile applications, such as the front-end rectifiers in traction main drives, as well as marine and off-shore power drive applications. Additionally the devices are suitable for all front-end and general rectification applications, such as track-side substations for electric trains and power conversion, offering a highly competitive cost per ampere ratio.