IXYS UK Westcode Introduces a New High Power Fast 3.2kV Thyristor with Record Power Density and Efficiency for High Power Switching and Control Applications

LEIDEN, Netherlands and CHIPPENHAM, United Kingdom, Feb. 16, 2017 -- IXYS Corporation (NASDAQ:IXYS) an international power and IC semiconductor company, today announced that its wholly owned UK subsidiary, IXYS UK Westcode Ltd., launched a new higher voltage class fast distributed gate thyristor. This new fast thyristor with turn-off time of as little as 65 microseconds and current rating of 1055 amperes, with forward and reverse blocking voltage rating of 3.2kV has unmatched performance for both voltage and current fed applications providing megawatts of power control capabilities.

The device offers a higher voltage rating, while retaining a fast turn-off time, when compared to other parts in this package size. It expands the performance envelope in high power control systems. This new improved design has an average current rating of 1055 amperes at a heat sink temperature of 55 degrees Celsius. The improvement in performance is achieved by optimising the vertical structure in the device, to give increased voltage without compromising the reverse recovery characteristics of the device. The die size has been maximised with improved distributed gate geometry, optimised for the design turn-off speed and operating frequency. The 53 mm silicon die is bonded to a metal disc to give optimum thermal performance and encapsulated in fully hermetic 47 mm electrode contact diameter ceramic packages, with an industry standard overall diameter of 74 mm.  Provided the correct thermal conditions are observed, with a repetitive di/dt rating of 300 amperes per microsecond, the device can be used in applications with repetitive frequency up to 5 kilohertz.

“With a higher voltage grade than other parts offered with this switching speed, the new device presents the option to replace two lower voltage devices operated in series to achieve a desired switching speed and operating voltage; thus simplifying mechanical design and reducing the number of system parts,” commented Frank Wakeman, IXYS UK’s Marketing and Technical Support Manager.

The full symmetrical blocking device is available in two different switching classes at two standard voltage grades, part number designations are as follows: 3600 volt parts are R1045NC36L with turn-off time 65 microseconds and R1045NC36M with turn-off time 70 microseconds; 3200 volts parts are R1045NC32L with turn-off time 65 microseconds and R1045NC32M with turn-off time 70 microseconds.

Typical applications for this device include induction power supplies for melting, billet heating and surface treatments; as well as resonant power supplies and pulse switches for applications including high power magnets and lasers.

For data sheet please go to the IXYS UK website at www.ixysuk.com or please contact us at (email: [email protected]) or telephone: +44 (0)1249 444524 for quotation.

About IXYS UK

Located in Chippenham, England, IXYS UK Westcode Ltd is the IXYS leading manufacturing site for very high power thyristors, SCRs and rectifiers ranging up to 7200 Volts and 15,000 Amps.  IXYS UK continues to supply high technology components for a wide range of applications such as wind and solar energy, welding, AC and DC motor drives for oil, marine and water treatment facilities, uninterruptible power supplies, motor soft starters, transportation, induction heating, mining equipment and many other industrial applications.

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 subsidiary companies, offer a diversified product base that addresses worldwide needs for power control in the growing cleantech industries, renewable energy markets, telecommunications, medical devices, transportation 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.

Contacts:  

Frank Wakeman, IXYS UK Westcode Limited, Chippenham, SN15 1GE, United Kingdom. +44 (0)1249 444524
Ray Segall, IXYS Long Beach 562-296-6584 (US sales enquiries only)