New SCALE-iFlex LT plug and play gate driver

     Power Integrations, a well-known company in the field of gate driver technology for medium and high voltage inverter applications, introduces the new plug-and-play SCALE-iFlex™ LT dual-channel gate driver. The new driver improves the performance of multiple parallel EconoDUAL modules by 20 percent, allowing users to save one out of every six modules from the power inverter and converter stack. In addition to cost savings on drivers and modules, this reduces control complexity and costs related to modules, wiring, hardware, and heat dissipation. The SCALE-iFlex LT has been developed for a variety of applications in the field of renewable energy generation and storage, and is particularly suitable for offshore wind turbines in the 3 to 5MW range.

     Thorsten Schmidt, Product Marketing Manager at Power Integrations, said: "Dynamic and static flow equalization is essential for the stable operation of parallel modules. For the same power output, a system using the SCALE-iFlex LT requires only five parallel modules, compared to six from other vendors. The technical reason for the significant reduction in cost and complexity is to ensure that the delay difference between the on and off instructions between modules is less than 20ns, and the current difference between modules is less than 20A when the rated current of 600A is switched on. This allows the modules to operate reliably without the need for current derating, which is essential in less advanced drive solutions."

     Up to six EconoDUAL 3 or equivalent power modules can be connected in parallel from the same insulated master control (IMC) unit for a more compact form factor than traditional products. The modular Adaptation gate driver (MAG) is form-factor matched to the EconoDUAL module, with each EconoDUAL module featuring two SCALE-2 ASics (one per channel) to optimize parallel symmetry, increase efficiency and enhance protection.

     Because the SCALE-2 ASIC has an integrated push stage that enables fast turn-on and turn-off, the new SCALE-iFlex LT reduces switching losses by 3% to 5%. Power Integrations' advanced Active Clamp (AAC) protection enables higher DC bus voltages. In addition, a full range of other protection features including short-circuit protection are available. The drive is available with 1700V reinforced insulation and the customer can choose whether or not to be coated with tri-resistant paint.