The industry's first AC/DC converter for driving SiC MOSFETs

AC/DC converter design has proved challenging when using discrete configurations due to the large number of components required. In contrast, the BD7682FJ-LB provides a high integrated solution and creates new standards for energy savings and miniaturisation while supporting the adoption of SiC power semiconductors that provide breakthrough levels of efficiency and performance.

Compared to silicon MOSFETs used in conventional AC/DC converters, SiC MOSFETs enable AC/DC converters with improved power efficiency by up to 6%. Furthermore, components used for heat dissipation are not required, leading to greater compactness. The specification of BD7682FJ-LB also includes multiple protection functions that enable support for high voltages up to 690VAC, making it suitable for general industrial equipment while improving reliability.

In recent years there has been an increasing trend to conserve energy in all areas. This includes high voltage industrial equipment applications. To achieve this target, it’s necessary to adopt advanced power semiconductors and power supply ICs. Among these, SiC power semiconductors are expected to gain ground over silicon solutions due to their higher voltage capability, greater energy savings, and more compact form factor.

However, until now there has not been a control IC that can sufficiently draw out the performance of SiC MOSFETs, particularly in AC/DC converter systems. As a result, designers are faced with numerous problems related to power consumption and stability in a variety of high power applications.

To meet these needs, ROHM utilises analogue technology with SiC power semiconductor expertise to develop the industry’s first AC/DC converter controller specialised for driving SiC MOSFETs.