The Scale-iFlex system is for power modules with blocking voltages from 1.7 to 4.5kV. A central isolated master control (IMC) provides a 4.5kV blocking voltage and there can be up to four module adapted gate drivers (MAGs), available for a variety of power modules, suppliers and semiconductor switch technologies across 1,700, 3,300 and 4,500V voltage classes.

Paralleling is easy, says the company. A MAG is placed adjacent to the modules’ control terminals for switching performance and the IMC communicates between the MAGs and the user’s microcontroller, handling functions such as PWM commands, short-circuit and under-voltage failure reporting, as well as NTC and DC-Link voltage measurement. 

The IMC is available with either an electrical or a fibre-optic interface with reinforced isolation, in accordance with EN 50124-1, IEC 61800-5-1 and UL 61800-5-1 for 1,700 and 3,300V power modules. The fibre-optic IMC also meets basic isolation requirements for 4,500V semiconductors. Other features are double-sided conformal coating and the units undergo full in-circuit tests (ICT) and are 100% Hipot and partial-discharge tested to ensure reliability. Protection features include under-voltage lock-out, short-circuit protection with advanced soft shutdown (ASSD) and NTC temperature sensing with reinforced isolation (up to 3,300V).

Target applications are wind turbine inverters, industrial drives and the main propulsion and auxiliary inverters for railway applications.

The Scale-iFlex IMC and MAG gate driver system is available in August 2019.