PI's new SCALE-iFlex LT improves EconoDUAL IGBT module performance by 20%

Power Integrations’ New SCALE-iFlex LT Plug-and-Play Gate Driver Improves EconoDUAL IGBT Module Performance by 20 Percent

New gate driver saves one-sixth of modules; greatly reduces system complexity

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 9, 2021 – Power Integrations (Nasdaq: POWI), the leader in gate-driver technology for medium- and high-voltage inverter applications, today introduced its new plug-and-play SCALE-iFlex™ LT dual-channel gate driver. The new driver improves the performance of multiple paralleled EconoDUAL modules by 20%, allowing users to save one out of every six modules in power inverter and converter stacks. In addition to saving on driver and module costs, this also reduces control complexity and costs associated with modules, wiring, hardware and cooling. Developed for a variety of applications in renewable energy generation and storage, SCALE-iFlex LT is particularly well suited for offshore wind turbines in the 3 to 5 MW range.

Comments Thorsten Schmidt, product marketing manager at Power Integrations: “Dynamic and static current sharing are critical for stable operation of paralleled modules. For the same power output, a system using SCALE-iFlex LT requires only five paralleled modules, whereas alternative solutions require six. The significant reduction in cost and complexity is achieved by ensuring that the delays for turn-on and turn-off commands differ by less than 20ns between modules, and that the current difference between modules is less than 20A when conducting the rated 600A. This enables reliable operation of the modules without current derating, which is necessary with less advanced driver solutions.”

Up to six EconoDUAL 3 or equivalent power modules can be paralleled from the same Insulated Master Control (IMC) unit, making the form factor more compact than conventional products. The form factor of the Module Adapted Gate Driver (MAG) matches the EconoDUAL module, each with two SCALE-2 ASICs (one per channel) to optimize parallel symmetry, increase efficiency and enhance protection.

The new SCALE-iFlex LT reduces switching losses by 3% to 5% thanks to the SCALE-2 ASIC’s integrated driver stage for fast turn-on and turn-off. Power Integrations’ Advanced Active Clamping (AAC) protection enables higher DC bus voltages. A full suite of other protection features, including short-circuit protection, is also available. The driver offers 1700V reinforced insulation, and customers can choose whether to apply conformal coating.

The SCALE-iFlex LT drive has a wide range of applications. In addition to renewable energy, other applications include power quality monitoring, commercial air conditioning units and medium voltage drives. The new product is available now.

About Power Integrations

Power Integrations, Inc. is an innovator in semiconductor-based high-voltage power conversion technologies. The company’s products are key building blocks in the clean-power ecosystem, enabling the generation of renewable energy as well as the efficient transmission and use of power in applications ranging from milliwatts to megawatts.