New Industry Products

IR Introduces New IGBTs/FRED Technology, IRGPS60B120KD/IRGPS40B120UD Devices

July 29, 2001 by Jeff Shepard

International Rectifier Corp. (IR, El Segundo, CA) announced a new process technology for IGBTs and FREDs that is claimed to deliver 70 percent faster turn-off times than previous-generation devices and more than 20 percent lower power losses. The new technology is optimized for IGBTs and FREDs used in bridge-type inverters found in motor drives, welders and UPSs.

The new process technology enhances device turn-off performance. The new devices are capable of 0.3us turn-off time, compared to 1.6us for previous-generation devices. Power loss is reduced, so smaller heatsinking and lower system costs are possible. IR reports that higher power levels can be delivered in smaller package outlines with the new technology. In addition, lower switching energy and delay time combines with hyperfast, ultra-soft recovery diode characteristics to reduce conductive noise by 3dB to 5dB in the 1MHz to 30MHz range. Gate characteristics have three times greater noise immunity, and dv/dt-induced turn-on current is reduced by a factor of 20. The new-technology IGBT co-pack devices do not require negative bias to turn off.

Two IGBT/FRED devices using the new technology are now available for sampling. Rated at 1,200V, the devices have been optimized for applications such as 400Vac to 480Vac input bridge-type inverters for power levels up to 7.5HP. The IRGPS60B120KD is optimized for frequencies up to 25kHz and is used for motor drives. The IRGPS40B120UD co-pack IGBT is optimized for frequencies up to 50kHz and is designed for welding, UPS, induction heating and switched-mode power supplies.

Pricing for the IRGPS60B120KD and IRGPS40B120UD is $8.32 each in 10,000-unit quantities. Samples will be available July 2001, with volume production in August 2001.