IXYS Announces Digitally Controlled Surge Voltage, Inrush, and Short-Circuit Protection Design for Battery Powered Devices

LEIDEN, Netherlands and MILPITAS, Calif., March 28, 2017 -- IXYS Corporation (NASDAQ:IXYS), a global manufacturer of power semiconductors and ICs for energy efficiency, power management, transportation, medical, and motor control applications, today announced a digital power design that demonstrates surge voltage protection as well as inrush current and short-circuit protection for battery powered devices based on the Zilog MCU.

This reference design demonstrates the cost effective use of proven Zilog MCU for digital power control, integrating IXYS power and digital control software in one ready to use design.

Compared to hardware only solutions, digital control ones help simplify the system and provide power designers with a greater flexibility at the same time. This design makes use of the Z8F3281 microcontroller (MCU) from Zilog, Inc. for digital control. It protects the load from transient voltage spikes emanating from the battery and also safeguards the battery from inrush current and short-circuit conditions at the load.

The load current can range from 0 to 20A, and the output voltage is programmable from 12V to 48V, using the MCU or an external resistor divider. The inrush current limit is set at 30A, and the surge voltage protection is up to 150V. At a load current of 20A, the efficiency is at 99 percent in the idle state. When the output voltage is at 24V, it becomes 99.5 and 98 percent at 48V and 12V, respectively.

The design consists of a power component board (3.6 x 2.6 x 1.6 inches) and microcontroller module (1.3 x 1 x 0.5 inches). The schematics and bills of material are also available.

Additional product information can be obtained by visiting the IXYS website at http://www.ixys.com or by contacting the company directly.

About IXYS Corporation

Since its founding, IXYS Corporation has been developing power semiconductors and mixed signal ICs to improve power conversion efficiency, generate solar and wind power and provide efficient motor control for industrial applications. IXYS, and its IC divisions, offer a diversified product base that addresses worldwide needs for power control in the growing cleantech industries, renewable energy markets, IoT, security, telecommunications, medical devices, automotive applications, flexible displays and RF power.

Safe Harbor Statement

Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including the performance, features and suitability of products for various applications, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the results of IXYS to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2016. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements.

Contact: 
Nyan Tin
IXYS Corporation
1590 Buckeye Drive
Milpitas, CA 95035
Tel: (408) 457-9039
Email: [email protected]