Top 5 power products in September

Nexperia has announced that one of its surface-mount device packages, the clip-bond FlatPower package CFP15B, has passed boardlevel reliability (BLR) testing for automotive applications by a Tier 1 supplier. Initially, it will be used in an engine control unit. The rigorous testing

procedure is especially relevant in automotive applications, where safety and reliability are critical. Accreditation is particularly important as the industry shifts towards more electric and connected vehicles, increasing the complexity of onboard electronic systems. 

“BLR verification is an important milestone,” said Guido Söhrn, Nexperia’s Product Manager for Power Bipolar Discretes. 

“The CFP15B represents the latest generation of thermally-enhanced, ultra-thin surface-mount devices. Its versatility and reliability make it the perfect choice for automotive components such as engine control units, transmission control units and many other safety applications such as braking.”

BLR verification confirmed that CFP15B exceeded twice the level of reliability performance that would be expected in accordance with AEC-Q101. Power temperature cycles, combining temperature cycling and intermittent operating life tests, saw the device achieve a qualification of 2,600 cycles.

“The automotive sector presents some tough applications for surface-mount devices, and CFP15B proved itself under the harshest conditions,” added Guido Söhrn.

Power Integrations has announced SCALE-iFlex single gate-drivers for the 'New Dual' 100 x 140mm IGBT modules. The compact new drivers support modules up to 3.3kV and are available for design-in. The SCALE-iFlex Single gate-drivers are useful for light-rail, renewable energy generation and other high-reliability applications that demand compact, rugged driver solutions.

Thorsten Schmidt, Product Marketing Manager at Power Integrations commented: “SCALE-iFlex Single gate-drivers fit the outline of the latest standard IGBT power modules including the Mitsubishi LV100/HV100, Infineon xHP2 and xHP3, ABB LinPak, Hitachi nHPD² and other similar products."

SCALE-iFlex Single gate-drivers use Power Integrations’ SCALE-2 ASIC technology which dramatically reduces component count compared to conventional products. The ASIC also provides advanced active clamping over-voltage protection during normal operation, a substantial improvement over simple soft shut down, which adds extra protection in case of short-circuit during turn-on.

Devices are conformally coated and feature reinforced isolation. Isolated housings ensure isolation between modules when they are mounted side-by-side. Devices are pre-qualified according to railway standards IEC 61373 – Class 1B (shock & vibration) and IEC 61000-4-x (EMC tests) and IEC 60068-2-x (serial environmental tests). 

Diodes Incoporated has introduced the PI3EQX12902E/PI3EQX12904E to further strengthen its ReDriver product offering. These ReDrivers meet the modern standby mode requirements as outlined by Microsoft Corporation, and deliver elevated linearity and low jitter characteristics now expected in laptop, notebook, industrial PC, and embedded system designs.

Operating from a 3.3V rail and in standby mode, the 1-lane PI3EQX12902E consumes 1.7mW with the 2-lane PI3EQX12904E consuming 3.3mW, extending battery life. Their built-in coupling capacitors help reduce component count and save board space.

These PCIe 3.0/SATA3 combo ReDriverssupport data rates up to 8Gbps, delivering heightened signal driving capacity and are transparent to link training. They provide programmable equalisation, linear swing, and flat gain capabilities, allowing signal losses to be compensated for extending PCB trace lengths. Their conformance with both PCIe and SATA protocols present OEMs with extremely versatile solutions that can be applied to numerous different products.

XP Power has released the LCW series of regulated output cased AC/DC power supplies, designed for embedded industrial electronics and equipment that is required for household approvals. 

The nine entries in the series (the LCW15, LCW25, LCW35, LCW50, LCW75, LCW100, LCW150, LCW200 and LCW320) offer power levels from 15W to 320W. All models meet EN 55032 Class B conducted and radiated emissions for easy and low-cost integration and feature an integrated connector cover to enhance safety once installed.

The input voltage range of the LCW series is from 85 to 305VAC, therefore satisfying global regulatory requirements; and it suits nominal inputs from 100VAC to 277VAC, with the 150W, 200W and 320W models featuring active power factor correction. Applications include auxiliary power sources, security installations, lighting control, smart home or office systems, and ticketing and vending machines.

KOSTAL has released inverters, compatible with new the new generation of 400W modules. The products include the right converter and control units for both rooftop and ground-based solar systems. The inverters are equipped to handle the larger solar module currents of up to 13 amps.

Solar module manufacturers are responding to the growing demand for energy by adapting photovoltaic cells. New primary materials, changes in the manufacturing process of semiconductors, and the optimisation of production costs provide the solar market with larger wafers, which are needed for the production of photovoltaic cells.

Until recently, photovoltaic cells with an edge length of 166mm were normally connected as a whole or as half cells in solar modules. The new cell sizes of 182mm or even 210mm have a new structure and change the module dimensions.

For example, 108mm of the new 182mm half cells are interconnected in modules (M10 wafers) for the home environment. The larger cells make the module slightly wider (approximately 1.14 metres). However, fewer cells are interconnected internally than in the previous generations with 120 half cells.