Power device analyser tests faster

Power modules are used in various applications such as electric vehicles (EV), solar power inverters, trains, home appliances and aircraft due to ease of design, high energy density and reliability.

New, wide-bandgap (WBG) device-based power modules are now used by designers to take advantage of the device's fast-switching operation, reducing the size of the power electronic module, and ensuring efficiency.

However, WBG power modules also introduce test challenges that require new solutions to properly characterise these devices while eliminating failed prototypes and reducing design cycles. 

Introduced in 2019, Keysights PD1500A analyser and tester was the first complete solution for discrete WBG power device characterisation and is now used by power converter designers and power semiconductor manufacturers around the world.

The PD1550A expands beyond the PD1500A's capabilities to offer the first complete integrated solution that tests entire power modules (up to 1360 V, up to 1000 A).

As a result, automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Tier 1 suppliers and power converter designers can test faster and gain more insights into power module characteristics, enhancing the safety and reliability of power circuits for automotive applications.

"Leveraging Keysight's measurement expertise enables us to provide customers focused on power semiconductor components and power modules with a high-performance and double-pulse test solution," said Thomas Goetzl, vice president and general manager for Keysight's automotive & energy solutions business unit. "The new PD1550A expands our offering into whole power module testing, which is used in high-power converter designs, while maintaining ease-of-use and compliance to worldwide safety regulations." 

Keysight's PD1550A delivers an off-the-shelf, turn-key system that easily tests discrete devices and power modules with minimal setup requirements.

It is fully certified to worldwide safety regulations and is calibrated and tested as a system, offering customers key benefits including:

• Delivers repeatable, reliable measurements while simplifying and automating the testing processes.
• Eliminates the need for customers to build, test, certify and maintain an in-house system.
• Provides accurate gate voltage characteristics on high-side device using True Pulse Isolated Probe Technology.
• Ensures accurate high current measurement with high-bandwidth RF compensation.
• Includes interface board with solderless contact and exchangeable gate resistor technologies.
• Minimises costs and accelerates time to market by reducing design time and number of prototypes needed.
• Working with customers, Keysight can customise the system to their specific needs, especially the pin and pad layouts.