IXYS has announced that its wholly owned UK subsidiary, Westcode Semiconductors Limited, has launched a new 6.5kV phase control thyristor for "mega-watts" power applications. The new device is optimised for low forward conduction loss, has a nominal RMS current rating of 1695A and a surge current rating of 10.5kA.
The device is encapsulated in a 47mm (1.85") pole face hermetic pressure contact package using Westcode's advanced alloy free process.
The new phase control device is optimised for very low on-state voltage, when compared to similar devices in the same voltage class, with a forward volt drop of 2.0 Volts at 1000A. This new thyristor is part of IXYS' global strategy of introducing power semiconductors that improve the energy efficiency of electrical power systems.
The low conduction loss makes the device ideal for line frequency applications such as front-end rectification as well as all controlled rectifier applications up to a few hundred hertz.
Other applications for which the device is ideally suited include: DC drives, load commutated inverters and excitation equipment, power and motor control for electrical trains, high power generators, UPS's and renewable energy applications, including solar power generators and wind turbine generators.
The optimisation of the conduction losses achieves lowest system losses and minimises the cooling requirements for applications up to 2.3kV line voltage.
At higher system voltages, where devices are required to operate in series, Westcode recommends the use of its comprehensive range of medium voltage thyristors, such as the K0769. The new phase control device is also ideal for use in crowbars, particularly for traction, in applications up to 1500V DC.
The devices are available in two voltage classes and two package options: N0845NC600 and N0845NC650, which are rated at 6.0kV and 6.5kV, respectively, and housed in a 26mm (1") thick package and N0845NG600 and N0845NG650, which are rated at 6.0kV and 6.5kV, respectively, and housed in a 35mm (1.38") thick package.
