Power Integrations, a company deeply involved in gate driver technology for high - and medium-voltage inverters, introduces SCALE-iFlex™ LT NTC series IGBT/SiC module gate drivers. The new gate drivers are compatible with popular 100mmx140mm IGBT half-bridge modules such as Mitsubishi LV100 and Infineon XHP 2, as well as silicon carbide (SiC) derived modules with voltages up to 2300V.
The SCALE-iFlex LT NTC driver provides negative temperature coefficient (NTC) data, i.e. isolated temperature detection of the power module, for accurate temperature rise management of the converter system. This is especially important for systems with multiple power modules in parallel, ensuring accurate current sharing and significantly improving overall system reliability. 
Thorsten Schmidt, Product Marketing Manager for Power Integrations, said, "Designers have benefited from system performance improvements after using SCALE-iFlex drives in renewable energy and mass transit systems; The SCALE-iFlex solution is capable of handling modules in parallel in a very professional manner, allowing one of the five modules to be eliminated without loss of performance or current derating. Adding isolated NTC outputs reduces hardware complexity, especially with cables and connectors, and helps improve system observability and overall performance."
Based on Power Integrations' proven and reliable SCALE™-2 technology, the Scale-Iflex LT gate driver improves current-sharing accuracy, resulting in a 20% increase in current-carrying capacity for multiple parallel modules, enabling users to significantly improve semiconductor utilization of their converter stacks. This is possible because local control of each 2SMLT0220D MAG (module adaptor gate driver) unit ensures precise control and switching for excellent flow sharing. In addition, advanced active clamp (AAC) is used to provide precise overvoltage protection.
To further save space, a single 2SILT1200T insulated Main Control board (IMC) unit can be connected in parallel to up to four MaG-driven power modules, and due to its compact shape, the unit can also be mounted on the power module. Gate drivers are in full compliance with IEC 61000-4-x (EMI), IEC-60068-2-x (Environmental) and IEC-60068-2-x (Mechanical) standards, and can be fully tested for low pressure, high pressure and thermal cycling, thus reducing the development time of designers by 12 to 18 months. The driver is integrated with complete protection features and can optionally add three anti-paint process.
