IXYS Announces New 5.2kV High Power Thyristor For Better Energy Efficiency
BIEL, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IXYS Corporation (NASDAQ:IXYS) announced that its wholly owned UK subsidiary, Westcode Semiconductors Limited, has expanded its "Mega Watts" family of Medium Voltage thyristors, with the new 5.2kV device with RMS current rating of 1100A and is encapsulated in a 34mm (1.39") pole face hermetic pressure contact package. These devices are manufactured using advanced alloy-free processing techniques to give device characteristics ideal for medium voltage and high power applications, where high reliability is critical.
The new devices incorporate Westcode's proven advanced processing technology of its Medium Voltage thyristor family, such as distributed gate architecture for improved turn-on characteristics and enhanced di/dt capability, improved dynamic characteristics with reduced "tq" and recovery time. These unique properties make these devices ideally suited for medium voltage applications, in particular, where series operation of the devices is required. Typical applications include DC drives, Soft-starts, Utility applications such as HVDC, static VAR compensators, excitation and power transfer switches.
"In the high power semiconductor area, when our customers switch and control Mega-Watts of power, each percentage improvement in efficiency equates to 10KW of power saved. Thus we are continually looking at ways to address the very varied demands of our customers. In this case, the introduction of the new voltage class allows for better optimisation of the number of devices required to operate in series, where 4.2kV & 6.5kV products do not meet ideal unit voltage. Thyristors are the preferred devices when it comes to best performance over cost in these high power ranges. By optimising the voltage and current rating of the device against system needs, reduced system losses are achieved and as a result operational costs are saved. maximizing overall system efficiency," explained Frank Wakeman, Marketing and Technical Support Manager at Westcode.
The devices are available in three voltage classes and two package options: K0566LC450, K0566LC480 & K0566LC520, which are rated at 4.5kV, 4.8kV & 5.2kV, respectively, and housed in a 26mm (1") thick package, and K0566LG450, K0566LG480 & K0566LG520, which are rated at 4.5kV, 4.8kV & 5.2kV, respectively, and housed in a 35mm (1.38") thick package.
For data sheets please go to the Westcode Semiconductors website at www.westcode.com or please contact Westcode via email: WSL.sales@westcode.com or telephone: +44 (0)1249 444524 for quotation.
About Westcode
Located in Chippenham, England, Westcode Semiconductors Ltd is a leading manufacturer of very high power thyristors, SCRs and rectifiers ranging up to 6500 Volts and 15,000 Amps. Westcode continues to supply high technology components for a wide range of applications such as welding, AC and DC drives, rectifier supplies, uninterruptible power supplies, motor soft starts, transportation, induction heating, power conditioning, high energy physics and many other industrial uses.
About IXYS Corporation
Since its inception in 1983, IXYS Corporation has been developing technology-driven products to improve power conversion efficiency, generate solar and wind power and provide efficient motor control for industrial applications. IXYS, and its subsidiary companies, offer a diversified product base that addresses worldwide needs for power control, electrical efficiency, renewable energy, telecommunications, medical devices, flexible displays and RF power.
Safe Harbor Statement
Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including the performance, rating, availability, reliability and suitability of products for various applications, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the results of IXYS to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including its Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements.
Copyright 2008 Business Wire All Rights Reserved.