Microchip Technology
0920 Mw Microchip Agile Switch Si C Eval Kits Promo 5f6b938f4800d

Jumpstart Inverter Designs with SiC Power Modules and Gate-Driver Kit

Sept. 23, 2020
Microchip’s AgileSwitch digitally programmable gate driver and SP6LI SiC power-module kit enables developers to proceed quickly from benchtop to production.

Now that we’re deep into the push to electrify transportation, be it automobiles/EV chargers, buses, trains, or trolleys, there’s more of an imperative than ever to hasten development of highly efficient power-inverter systems. To that end, Microchip Technology’s AgileSwitch digital programmable gate driver and SP6LI SiC power module kit represents a unified means to quick and effective adoption of silicon-carbide (SiC) power devices.

The gate-driver/power-module kit is intended to reduce development time from evaluation through production and eliminates the need to separately procure power modules and gate drivers, including those gate drivers that meet the needs of end-product production. The focus is on power-conversion applications of 50 kW and higher, extending even into the megawatt range. Switch voltage ranges are from 700 V to 1.7 kV

Microchip’s flexible portfolio of 700-, 1200-, and 1700-V SiC Schottky barrier diode-based power modules incorporates its newest generation of SiC die. In addition, its dsPIC digital signal controllers deliver performance, low power consumption and flexible peripherals. Microchip’s AgileSwitch family of digital programmable gate drivers further accelerates the process of moving from the design stage to production.

Often overlooked in the discussion of SiC is the negative secondary effects its users can risk. While SiC devices provide fast switching, the result of that can be noise resulting from ringing, overshoot, and undershoot. SiC is also susceptible to short-circuit failures, overvoltage, and overheating.

In its AgileSwitch gate drivers, Microchip sidesteps these issues using what it terms Augmented Switching technology. Basically, the devices are turned on and off in a programmable series of steps that precisely control voltage levels and the periods for which they are held. Using a Windows-based computer interface, this switching programmability is applicable throughout the design process, from expediting early evaluation to simplifying final optimization using a computer mouse instead of a soldering iron.

The result is elimination of false faults, mitigation of ringing and electromagnetic interference (EMI), and less overshoot and undershoot than one sees in standard analog gate drivers. AgileSwitch gate drivers are also more robust and better protected against short circuits than their analog counterparts. And, because the programmability does away with gate resistors and other components used in analog control schemes, board design is simpler and BOMs are shorter.

Microchip’s AgileSwitch digitally programmable gate driver and SP6LI SiC power-module kit provides design engineers with a central point of contact for support, and ensures that the die, power package, and gate driver are designed specifically for each other, which can eliminate potential development delays.

The kit includes the AgileSwitch Intelligent Configuration Tool that optimizes gate turn-on and turn-off, short-circuit response, and module efficiency while reducing voltage overshoot, ringing, and EMI.

Microchip’s AgileSwitch digital programmable gate driver and SP6LI SiC power module kit solution is available for volume production and limited sampling. Pricing on Microchip’s ASDAK-MSCSM70AM025CT6LIAG-01 AgileSwitch digital programmable gate driver and 1200-V, 495-A, single-phase-leg SP6LI SiC power module kits starts at $999.95.

Microchip Technology, www.microchip.com

About the Author

David Maliniak | Executive Editor, Microwaves & RF

I am Executive Editor of Microwaves & RF, an all-digital publication that broadly covers all aspects of wireless communications. More particularly, we're keeping a close eye on technologies in the consumer-oriented 5G, 6G, IoT, M2M, and V2X markets, in which much of the wireless market's growth will occur in this decade and beyond. I work with a great team of editors to provide engineers, developers, and technical managers with interesting and useful articles and videos on a regular basis. Check out our free newsletters to see the latest content.

You can send press releases for new products for possible coverage on the website. I am also interested in receiving contributed articles for publishing on our website. Use our contributor's packet, in which you'll find an article template and lots more useful information on how to properly prepare content for us, and send to me along with a signed release form. 

About me:

In his long career in the B2B electronics-industry media, David Maliniak has held editorial roles as both generalist and specialist. As Components Editor and, later, as Editor in Chief of EE Product News, David gained breadth of experience in covering the industry at large. In serving as EDA/Test and Measurement Technology Editor at Electronic Design, he developed deep insight into those complex areas of technology. Most recently, David worked in technical marketing communications at Teledyne LeCroy, leaving to rejoin the EOEM B2B publishing world in January 2020. David earned a B.A. in journalism at New York University.

Sponsored Recommendations

MMIC Medium-Power Amplifier Covers 6 to 12 GHz

Nov. 11, 2024
Mini-Circuits is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of RF, IF, and microwave components from DC to 86GHz.

RF Amplifier and Filter Testing with Mini-Circuits Power Sensors

Nov. 11, 2024
RF power sensors are essential for accurately measuring RF components like filters and amplifiers, focusing on parameters such as insertion loss and gain. Employing instruments...

High-Frequency Modules to 110 GHz

Nov. 11, 2024
Mini-Circuits’ wide selection of high-frequency modules are designed, assembled and tested in-house by the best talent in the industry at our Deer Park Technology Center. The ...

Defense Technology: From Sea to Space

Oct. 31, 2024
Learn about these advancements in defense technology, including smart sensors, hypersonic weapons, and high-power microwave systems.