Wolfspeed’s New Power Modules Bridge the Gap Between High-Capacity Modules and Discrete Components

With the WolfPACK Power Modules, designers can avoid using a high power module that is essentially overkill for the task at hand, wasting cost and space. 

 

A member of Wolfspeed’s WolfPACK power module family. Image courtesy of Wolfspeed.

 

Significantly, with the introduction of WolfPACK modules, Wolfspeed’s power portfolio now covers the whole power spectrum, from single-kilowatt to megawatt systems. Previously, the only alternatives open to OEMs was either to employ overpowered modules in their products or to design their own power systems. 

The first choice wastes money and space. The second alternative called for a time-consuming, specialized effort that required deploying multiple discrete components in series and parallel arrangements. The result is a costly, less reliable solution, a larger BOM and, of course, a longer time to market.

 

Press-Fit Pins Ease the Engineer’s Tasks

Wolfspeed’s WolfPACK Modules employ press-fit pins to facilitate prototyping as well as manufacturing. 

 

The baseplate-less modules are installed directly above the heatsink. Image courtesy of Wolfspeed

 

A great advantage of press-fit pins is that they exhibit overall better reliability than either hand soldering or automatic soldering

 

Similarities and Differences

Major features of the Four WolfPACK power modules.

 

	Configuration	Continuous drain current	Pulsed drain current	RDS(ON) @ 25℃
CAB011M12FM3	Half-Bridge	105 amps	218 amps	11 mΩ
CAB016M12FM3	Half-Bridge	78 amps	164 amps	16 mΩ
CCB021M12FM3	Three-Phase/Six-Pack	51 amps	106 amps	21 mΩ
CCB032M12FM3	Three-Phase/Six-Pack	40 amps	84 amps	32 mΩ

 

All units feature a drain-source voltage of 12 volts. They feature zero turn-off MOSFET tail current. 

For all devices, it is recommended that the gate-source voltage be kept in the range of -4 to +15 volts. For fail-safe device operation, the units are all configured to be normally off.

 

The Half-Bridge Modules

These are the CAB011M12FM3 and the CAB016M12FM3 

 

Schematic for the WolfPACK half-bridge power modules. Image courtesy of datasheet

 

For Both Devices

• Zero gate voltage drain current (I_DSS) is 2 µA (typ)
• Gate source leakage current (I_GSS) is 0.02 µA (typ)

 

	Turn-On Switching Energy	Turn-Off Switching Energy	Internal gate Resistance	Input Capacitance	Output Capacitance
CAB011M12FM3	1.28 mJ	0.71 mJ	3.2 Ω	10.4 nF	0.39 nF
CAB016M12FM3	1.00 mJ	0.54 mJ	2.4 Ω	6.6 nF	0.29 nF

 

The Six-Pack (Three Phase) Modules

These are the CCB021M12FM3 and the CCB032M12FM3

 

Schematic for the WolfPACK three phase power modules. Image courtesy of datasheet

 

For Both Devices

• Zero gate voltage drain current (I_DSS) is 1 µA (typ)
• Gate source leakage current (I_GSS) is 10 nA (typ)

 

	Turn-On Switching Energy	Turn-Off Switching Energy	Internal gate Resistance	Input Capacitance	Output Capacitance
CAB021M12FM3	0.50 mJ	0.020 mJ	3.3 Ω	4.9 nF	209 pF
CAB032M12FM3	0.41 mJ	0.005 mJ	1.7 Ω	3.4 nF	144 pF

 

Applications

Wolfspeed WolfPACK modules will find applications in:

• Grid infrastructure 
• Industrial power solutions 
• Standard and uninterruptible power supplies 
• Induction heating and welding
• Industrial motor drives 
• Solar and renewable energy 
• Electric vehicle fast charging

 

Physical Specifications

The units all operate with junction temperatures ranging from -40 to +150℃. They can operate intermittently at junction temperature up to +175℃, but with reduced lifetimes.

All the WolfPACK power modules measure 62.8 by 33.5 mm.

 

Getting to Market Faster

Wolfspeed offers two evaluation tools to aid in characterization and evaluation of the WolfPACK power modules.

 

Evaluation tool for the KIT-CRD-CIL12N-FMC. Image courtesy of datasheet

 

The KIT-CRD-CIL12N-FMA is a dynamic characterization and evaluation tool optimized for the two half-bridge modules, while the KIT-CRD-CIL12N-FMC is aimed at the six-pack modules