German semiconductor giant, Infineon Technologies AG, has announced the launch of a groundbreaking product family of Solid-State Isolators at the Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC) held in Munich, Germany, and Long Beach, California on February 28, 2024.
Game-changing Technology
The new product range, which utilizes coreless transformer technology, promises to revolutionize circuit switching. The solid-state isolators are designed to support an energy transfer rate twenty times greater than existing solutions. This increased efficiency, coupled with current and temperature protection features make these devices a highly reliable and cost-effective solution for power management.
Infineon Technologies has also embedded the superior features of its MOS-controlled power transistors, OptiMOS ™ and CoolMOS™, into the solid-state isolators. This integration allows for a reduction in power dissipation of up to 70 percent compared to current solid-state relays that utilize silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) and Triac switches.
Advanced Applications
The solid-state isolators are capable of controlling loads exceeding 1000 V and 100 A, making them a robust solution for a range of applications. Industries such as advanced battery management, energy storage, renewable energy systems, and industrial and building automation system applications stand to benefit immensely from the introduction of these devices.
With Infineon’s solid-state isolator drivers, engineers have an opportunity to further enhance the efficiency of electronic and electromechanical systems. These drivers enable switching designs with a much lower resistance compared to optically driven solid-state solutions, resulting in longer lifespans and lower cost of ownership in system designs.
Expert Opinion
Davide Giacomini, Marketing Director for the Green Industrial Power Division at Infineon Technologies, has commented on the launch. He emphasizes that the use of coreless transformers in solid-state isolators and relays is a significant development for power engineers. The unique design offers 50 times lower RDS (on) than current optically controlled solutions, enabling their use in higher-voltage and higher power applications.
Compatibility and Performance
Infineon’s solid-state isolators are designed to be compatible with the company’s broad switching portfolio, including Infineon’s CoolMOS S7, OptiMOS TM, and linear FET portfolios. They also offer superior performance compared to electromagnetic relays, including 40 percent lower turn-on power and increased reliability due to the elimination of moving parts.
Further Information
For more details about the new product, visit Infineon Solid State Relays and Isolators. An online media briefing is scheduled for February 29 at 4 pm CET / 7 am PT where Infineon experts will provide more insights about this new technology.
