August 2016 – IXYS UK Westcode introduces a new 1.6kV distributed gate thyristor

Published on: 19/08/2016

GD Rectifiers are pleased to announce the launch of IXYS UK Westcode’s new 1.6kV distributed gate thyristor

IXYS UK Westcode introduces a new pressure contact distributed gate thyristor with increased power density. This new fast thyristor with turn-off time of as little as 20μs and current rating 1955A, is symmetrical blocking with Vdrm/Vrrm equal to 1600V and therefore suitable for both voltage and current fed applications.

New Distributed Gate Thyristor

The device offers higher current, while retaining the same turn-off time, when compared to other parts in the same footprint package size. This new improved design has an average current rating of 1955A at a heat sink temperature of 55°C, representing up to a 35% increase when compared to older designs in the IXYS UK product portfolio.

The improvement in performance is achieved by maximising the die size and improved distributed gate geometry. The 56mm silicon die are bonded to a metal disc and encapsulated in fully hermetic 50mm electrode contact diameter ceramic packages, with an industry standard overall diameter of 74mm. Provided the correct thermal conditions are observed, with a repetitive di/dt rating of 1000A/μs the device can be used in applications with repetitive frequency up to 25kHz.

The larger die sizes and higher current rating offer more flexibility in customising the parts to meet the needs of customer specific applications. The increase in current rating can be traded in adapting the turn-off characteristic to give faster turn-off even than the standard offering of 20μs or tailoring the reverse recovery for series operation.

The full symmetrical blocking device is available in three different switching classes at two standard voltage grades, part number designations are as follows: 1600 volt parts are R1955MC16D with tq 20 microseconds, R1955MC16E with tq 25 microseconds and R1955MC16F with tq 30 microseconds; 1400V parts are R1955MC14D with tq 20 microseconds, R1955MC14E with tq 25 microseconds and R1955MC14F with tq 30 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.

GD Rectifiers are the UK’s official IXYS UK Westcode distributor, with over 50 years of experience, they are an ISO 9001:2008 registered company that design and develop bespoke power semiconductor assemblies to control voltage, current and frequency for international industrial markets.

For further information on all IXYS UK Westcode products click here or alternatively call our friendly sales team for a quote today on: 01444 243452.

Find out more about the latest GD Rectifiers product range here.