Power Integrations' new SCALE-iFlex LT plug-and-play gate driver increases performance of EconoDUAL IGBT modules by 20%

     Power Integrations, a well-known company in the field of gate driver technology for medium and high voltage inverter applications, has launched a new plug-and-play SCALE-iFlex LT dual-channel gate driver. The new drives increase the performance of multiple EconoDUAL modules in parallel by 20%, allowing users to save one out of every six modules from a stack of power inverters and converters. In addition to saving driver and module cost, this reduces control complexity and costs associated with modules, wiring, hardware and cooling. The SCALE-iFlex LT has been developed for a variety of applications in the field of renewable energy generation and storage, especially for offshore wind turbines in the 3 to 5MW range.

     Thorsten Schmidt, Product Marketing Manager at Power Integrations, said: “Dynamic and static current sharing is critical for stable operation of paralleled modules. For the same power output, a system using SCALE-iFlex LT requires only five paralleled modules, while other manufacturers’ The solution requires six. The technical reason for the significant reduction in cost and complexity is to ensure that the delay difference between the turn-on and turn-off commands between the modules is less than 20ns, and the current difference between the modules is less than 20A when the rated current of 600A is turned on. This allows the modules to operate reliably without the need for current derating, which is necessary in less advanced drive solutions.”

     Up to 6 EconoDUAL 3 or equivalent power modules can be paralleled from the same Insulated Master Control (IMC) unit in a more compact form factor than conventional products. The module-adapted gate driver (MAG) form factor matches the EconoDUAL module, each EconoDUAL module features two SCALE-2 ASICs (one per channel) to optimize parallel symmetry, improve efficiency and enhance protection.

     The new SCALE-iFlex LT reduces switching losses by 3% to 5% due to the SCALE-2 ASIC's integrated pusher stage for fast turn-on and turn-off. Power Integrations' Advanced Active Clamp (AAC) protection enables higher DC bus voltages. In addition, a complete set of other protection functions including short-circuit protection is available. The driver can provide 1700V reinforced insulation, and customers can choose whether to apply conformal paint.