IXYS Announces Landmark Qualification of its High Reliability Power Semiconductors into the New Japanese N700A Series of Shinkansen Bullet Trains

The N700 series is a Japanese Shinkansen high-speed train with tilting capability developed in 2007 for operation by Japanese Rail (JR) on the Tokaido line between Tokyo and Hakata.

N700 series trains (also referred to as the NOZOMI Super Express) have a maximum speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) and is the forerunner of tilting technology. The latest generation, the N700A, is planned for commissioning from December 2013 with a plan to produce a total of 53 trains (16 cars each train) over the next couple of years.

The N700A utilizes the improved power efficiency and highest reliability of IXYS UK’s high voltage capsule thyristors and fast recovery diodes. With this design win, IXYS UK has again succeeded in meeting the advanced qualification processes required within the Japanese traction industry.

IXYS UK provides the semiconductor solution for the Static Inverter (SIV) rectifier and inrush current limiter stages requiring operating voltages up to five thousand volts.

“We are extremely proud to announce our successful qualification and first series of orders for such a high profile application which demands the very best performance of our products,” commented Bradley Green, President of International Sales and Business Development at IXYS. “The qualification of more of our products into the Japanese rail system builds on our growing business platform in the Japanese market against strong domestic competition, and continues our penetration of the global traction industry.”