Miniaturized Gate Drive Transformers in Planar Package Save Space Over Traditional Winding Technology

MALVERN, Pa. — Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.  introduced a new series of miniaturized gate drive transformers designed to save space in high-power military and aerospace, industrial, and medical applications. Featuring a compact 20.57 mm by 18.42 mm planar package with a low 11.43 mm profile, Vishay Custom Magnetics' MGDT series devices offer low losses and 8 mm minimum creepage and clearance.

Available with surface-mount or through-hole terminations and multiple turn ratios, the devices released today drive high side MOSFETs and IGBTs on buses up to 1200 V. Compared to traditional bobbin and toroidal winding technology, the transformers' planar package — which meets or exceeds most safety agency requirements — occupies 40 % less board space and offers a 33 % lower profile. In addition, surface-mount MGDT series devices are the industry's smallest to provide 8 mm creepage and clearance.

Operating over a frequency range from 100 kHz to 500 kHz, the transformers are optimized for isolated half-bridge, full-bridge, and dual active forward power converters. The MGDT series provides high dielectric strength to 3750 VAC from drive to gate, leakage inductance of 0.5 μH, and a continuous operating temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C. The devices feature tight unit-to-unit consistency and excellent rise time characteristics.

Samples and production quantities of the new transformers are available now, with lead times of 8 to 10 weeks for large orders. Pricing for U.S. delivery only starts at $5.84 per piece in 1,000-piece quantities.

Vishay can be found on the Internet at www.vishay.com.