Unique control improves efficiency; yields low ±1.5-ns jitter
To increase the efficiency of inverters up to 400 kW, circuit topologies are developed that are optimized for specific applications. However, interleaved, multilevel, and parallel circuits that improve IGBT efficiency also place higher requirements on signal performance. The new drive unit SKYPER 42 LJ by SEMIKRON combines the benefits of digital signal consistency while maintaining full functionality. The SKYPER 42 LJ is a dual-channel IGBT driver unit for 600-, 1,200- and 1,700-V IGBT modules. It reliably controls IGBT modules up to 1,000 A with an output current of 80 mA with a maximum switching frequency of 100 kHz. The highly integrated SEMIKRON ASICs and an optimum power-supply concept guarantee extreme signal precision with a maximum jitter of just ±1.5 ns across the entire temperature range. In combination with the low tolerances of the SEMIKRON ASICs the SKYPER 42 LJ achieves runtime differences below 20 ns. Despite its high performance, the SKYPER 42 LJ offers maximum security. SoftOff and over-voltage recognition securely switch off any current. The separate transfer of switching and error signals allows for rapid error feedback, even in three-level applications. Thanks to the adjustable error management, both the integrated protection circuit and the paramount controller are able to respond quickly to system errors. The isolated information transfer uses square-wave signals, which makes it significantly more robust than traditional inductive transfer. This way, the driver unit safely switches interfering voltages up to 4 kV on the signal wires. The SKYPER 42 LJ can run external circuits for excess temperature or excess voltage without a separate power supply, so the error signal can transmit to the control unit separately. With its MTBF rate (pursuant to SN29500) of six million hours under full load, the driver unit will safely outlive any industrial lifecycle. SEMIKRON
