New 1200V dual-channel gate-driver core eliminates optocouplers

Power Integrations has launched the 2SC0115T2A0-12 dual-channel gate-driver core for 90kW to 500kW inverters and converters. Exploiting SCALET-2+ integrated circuit and isolated transformer technology for DC-DC power and switching signal transmission, the new driver core improves system reliability and performance by eliminating the need for an opto-coupler. The driver core's reinforced electrical isolation targets systems with a working voltage of 900 V, which is typical for 1200 V IGBT modules and complies with the PD2 and OV II requirements of IEC 60664-1 and IEC 61800-5-1. The 2SC0115TA0-12 gate-driver core supports modules up to 2400A and switching frequencies of up to 50kHz. With a footprint of 53.2mm x 31mm and a profile of just 13mm the 2SC0115TA0-12 gate-driver core is the most compact industrial unit of its type available. The highly integrated SCALE-2+ chipset uses about 85% fewer components than competing products and includes short-circuit protection by Vce-sat monitoring and independent supply-voltage monitoring from both the primary and secondary side. The new gate-driver core includes Soft Shut Down (SSD) protection for applications with low stray-inductance. For more demanding environments the 2SC0115TA0-12 supports full advanced active clamping (AAC) to control the IGBT voltage overshoot during turn-off. Each of the two output channels is electrically isolated from the primary side and the other secondary channel. An output current of ±15A and 1.2W drive power is available per channel with a gate voltage swing of +15V to -6V. The turn-on voltage is regulated to maintain a stable 15V regardless of the output power level, says the company. Commenting, Michael Hornkamp, senior director of marketing for high-power products, Power Integrations, said: "The 2SC0115TA0-12 gate-driver core is an ideal platform for 600V and 1200V IGBT modules in medium power applications such as general purpose drives, UPS, photovoltaic inverters and medical applications, especially those with challenging, fast-switching requirements."