Cree Inc of Durham, NC, USA has expanded its silicon carbide (SiC) 1.2 kV six-pack power module family with a new 20A all-SiC module suited for 5-15 kW three-phase applications. Based on Cree’s C2M SiC MOSFET and Z-Rec SiC Schottky diode technology, the module enables designers to unlock the traditional constraints of power density, efficiency, and cost associated with Si-based inverters used in industrial power conversion systems, says the firm.
Cummins Inc, a global power leader in electrical power generation systems, has tested and confirmed the capabilities of Cree’s all-SiC 1.2kV six-pack power module family in their inverter platform. Furthermore, Cummins is working to integrate and exploit these capabilities with their next generation, high efficiency products.
"Cree’s new 1.2kV all-SiC six-pack module family will allow us to increase the power rating of our class-leading inverter by 40 percent while reducing power losses by 50 percent to increase efficiency by 5 percent," said Brad Palmer, power electronics product line architect, Cummins Inc. "This new power module is a significant technological advancement, capable of outperforming Si IGBT modules with four times the current rating. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to be an early tester of this technology and look forward to incorporating it in our products."
The new all-SiC 1.2 kV, 20A six-pack features the industry’s lowest switching losses due to the zero turn-off tail current in the MOSFET and the zero reverse recovery current in the Schottky diode, says Cree. When compared to similar Si IGBT modules, the new Cree 20A six-pack module operates at a much lower junction temperature allowing designers to aggressively pursue new paradigms in high frequency and power density without compromising on efficiency.
"Cree SiC power products consistently allow our customers to overcome age-old design challenges and achieve superior system level performance that is simply not possible with Si-based systems," said Cengiz Balkas, general manager and vice president, Cree Power and RF. "The results achieved by Cummins with our new all-SiC six-pack modules enable the high performance required to develop efficient and cost-effective next-generation power conversion products."
Cree’s new all-SiC 1.2kV, 20A six-pack power module (part number CCS020M12CM2) and companion gate driver evaluation board (CGD15FB45P) are available now.
