New Semiconductor Products are Game Changers

Green Hornet, Sun Feb 10 2019, 05:24AM

Havn’t been here for a while, so I noticed the latest new semiconductor technology isn’t being adopted.

Example 1;
Ditch the 10 year old IRF260s ! They is 10 year old technology!! . I know Steve Ward used ithem and then switched to IGBTs because at 20 amp pulses they were better than IRF260s but check out the newest MOSFETS such as the IRFP4227, These are designed specifically for pulsed high amp applications. 50% of the IRF260’s Rdson and optimized pulse applications. Think 50% less power wasted, and now these MOSFETS change the crossover decision versus IGBTs. Unless you are at over 500 Volts and 40amps, MOSFETS are better than IGBTs, with less drive issues. Guys, let's keep up to date. I have bought 10 pieces for $10, free ship from AliExpress.

Example 2
New gate driver ICs can replace GD toroidal transformers in everyone's half bridge/full bridge driver circuits with much better performance. Think matched propagation delays of 5nsec, and selectable dead times, with 6 Amp, dual channel drives. Oh, and 5KV isolation thrown in. This is exactly what many of us need for IGBT and MOSFET gate drivers which matches the need for control of high efficiency dc motors(cars), welders and industrial applications. You think there will be bulbous hand wound triaxial toroids in your electric car powering the 600V IGBTs when an IC can replace them? Ever heard of a company called Texas Instruments? Check out the UCC21222 from TI. Low volume price is $4.00 from Mouser. This is what the “big boys” are using to control MOSFETs and IGBTs with no transformers.(TESLA?), Only issue I can see is that they are only offered in SOIC package which means a PC layout and not a hand job.

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PS I was an Electrical design engineer in a past life and now I am an artist using high voltage Jacobs Ladders