IXYS Announces High Power Two-Phase Digital Power Factor Correction Reference Design Based on Zilog’s Z8F6481 MCU and IXYS Power Semiconductors

LEIDEN, Netherlands and MILPITAS, Calif., Oct. 06, 2016 -- IXYS Corporation (NASDAQ:IXYS), a manufacturer of power semiconductors and ICs for energy efficiency, power management, medical, transportation and consumer applications, today announced the IXRD1004 - High Power Two-Phase Digital Power Factor Correction (PFC) reference design. It is based on Zilog’s 8-bit Z8F6481 microcontroller, a member of the Z8 Encore! XP F6482 series of microcontrollers, and IXYS power transistors and rectifiers.

The PFC uses a two-phase, interleaved boost-type conversion architecture, and a high power factor is achieved by adjusting the peak current value with respect to the rectified input voltage. The inrush current at the start-up is digitally controlled and the bulk capacitor is pre-charged using a switching MOSFET. It incorporates the digital inrush current concepts demonstrated in another IXYS reference design, the IXRD1002 High Power Digital Inrush Current Controller.

The input voltage of the PFC ranges from 105VAC to 140VAC while the output voltage is at 400V.  The maximum output power is 1.06kW with the load current at 2.65A. The 3 switches needed in this design are realized using IXYS’ latest 650 Ultra Junction Power MOSFETs, the IXTH34N65X2 and IXTH80N65X2.

This reference design consists of a microcontroller module and main power board. Designed as an add-on device, the MCU module includes two 8-bit MCUs that generate the gate control signals to maintain current balance between the two interleaved conversion phases. It also enables a high efficiency in a wide range of loads, keeps the output voltage stable, and provides overload and overvoltage protection functions.

“This reference design demonstrates the incorporation of low cost MCUs into the power control loop, which significantly improves the efficiency and reliability of power systems through the whole power range. This also demonstrates the depth of IXYS products that enable our customer to get the total solution from us for power systems designs,” commented Steve Darrough, VP of Marketing.

Well suited for high power (1kW and above) AC-DC converters with active PFCs, the IXRD1004 provides a platform for developing a number of power management solutions such as electric vehicle chargers, air conditioning systems, high-power LED lighting, and wielding equipment.

The High Power Digital Two-Phase PFC reference design is available for purchase directly from IXYS’ online store, http://www.shop.ixolarcells.com. 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

IXYS Corporation makes and markets technology-driven products to improve power conversion efficiency, generate solar and wind power, and provide efficient motor control for industrial applications. IXYS offers a diversified product base that addresses worldwide needs for power control, electrical efficiency, renewable energy, telecommunications, medical devices, electronic displays, and RF power.

Safe Harbor Statement

Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including the performance, rating, benefits, efficiency, reliability, availability 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 Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2016.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements.

Nyan Tin
IXYS Corporation
1590 Buckeye Drive
Milpitas, CA 95035
Tel: (408) 457-9000
Email: [email protected]