SCALE-iFlex LT Dual Gate Driver
Compared to competing products that require six parallel modules
Reduces cost and complexity by requiring only 5 modules Power Integrations today announced a new plug-and-play SCALE-iFlex™ LT dual gate driver. The new driver increases the performance of multiple parallel EconoDUAL modules by 20 percent, enabling users to eliminate one of six modules from a power inverter and converter stack. This reduces driver and module costs, as well as the control complexity and costs associated with modules, wiring, hardware, and heatsinking.
▲ SCALE-iFlex™ LT Dual Gate Driver
[Image = Power Integrations]
The SCALE-iFlex LT driver targets a number of applications including renewable energy generation and storage, and is particularly applicable to offshore wind turbines in the 3–5 MW range.
Dynamic and static current sharing is a critical factor in the operation of modules arranged in parallel. For the same power output, a system using SCALE-iFlex LT requires only five parallel modules, compared to competitive products that require six. It ensures that the variation of turn-on/off commands between modules is less than 20ns and the variation between modules is less than 20A when operating at a rated 600A, which reduces cost and complexity, and allows the modules to operate stably without current derating.
Up to six EconoDUAL 3 or equivalent power modules can be paralleled in a smaller Isolated Master Control (IMC) device than on the market. The Module Adapted Gate Drivers (MAGs) that fit the footprint of the EconoDUAL modules feature two SCALE-2 ASICs per channel to optimize symmetrical paralleling, efficiency, and protection.
The SCALE-iFlex LT gate driver module reduces switching losses by 3-5% through the fast turn-on and turn-off of the SCALE-2 ASIC featuring an integrated booster stage.
Advanced Active Clamping (AAC) protection allows higher DC link voltages and provides full protection against short circuits and other issues. It features reinforced insulation up to 1,700 V and can be ordered uncoated or conformally coated. In addition to renewable energy, it can also be used in power quality, commercial air conditioning units and high-voltage drives.
