Microchip introduces 3.3 kV XIFM Plug and Play mSiC gate drivers

     The electrification of everything is driving the widespread adoption of silicon carbide (SiC) technology in medium and high voltage applications such as transportation, power grids and heavy-duty vehicles. To help developers deploy SiC solutions and quickly advance the development process, Microchip Technology introduced a 3.3 kV XIFM plug-and-play mSiC gate driver powered by Augmented Switching's patented technology. The driver is set up with a pre-configured module that works out of the box, significantly reducing design and evaluation time.

     In order to accelerate the product to market, this plug-and-play solution has completed complex development work such as gate driver circuit design, testing and validation. The XIFM digital gate driver is a compact solution with digital control, integrated power supply and a robust fiber optic interface for improved noise resistance. The gate driver features a pre-configured "on/off" gate drive curve that can be tailored to optimize module performance.

     It features 10.2 kV primary to secondary enhanced isolation with built-in monitoring and protection features including temperature and DC link monitoring, undervoltage lock (UVLO), overvoltage lock (OVLO), short circuit/overcurrent protection (DESAT) and negative temperature coefficient (NTC). The gate driver also complies with EN 50155, an important specification for railway applications.

     Clayton Pillion, vice president of Microchip's Silicon Carbide business unit, said: "As the silicon carbide market continues to evolve and push the limits of higher voltages, Microchip has introduced turnkey solutions such as 3.3 kV plug and play mSiC gate drivers, making it easier for power system developers to adopt wide-band gap technology. This solution reduces the design cycle by 50% compared to traditional analog solutions by pre-configuring the gate drive circuit."

     With more than 20 years of experience in developing, designing, manufacturing, and supporting SiC devices and power solutions, Microchip helps customers adopt SiC easily, quickly, and with confidence. Microchip's mSiC products offer the lowest system cost, fastest time to market, and lowest risk. Microchip's mSiC™ products include SiC MOSFETs, diodes, and gate drivers with standard, modified, and custom options.