Microsemi launches line of linear MOSFET power modules

IRVINE, USA: Microsemi Corp., a leading manufacturer of high performance analog mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors, has introduced a new line of linear MOSFET power modules for applications ranging from factory automation to electric vehicles and industrial power supplies.

The line includes 10 modules available in 100V, 200V, 500V, 600V and 1000V voltages, with a choice of single or dual switch configurations in SP1 or SP3 low profile high performance packages.

The SP1 package includes a single MOSFET switch with a series shunt resistor to accurately control the current in the switch, as well as a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor to monitor the module's base plate temperature, for adjusting its power dissipation.

The SP3 package incorporates two identical cells compared to the SP1 design for additional integration. Dual switch integration allows designers to minimize the number of modules required when many cells are required in parallel for high power applications. Both the SP1 and SP3 modules use ALN substrates to achieve the highest possible power density.

Modules may be connected in series for voltage operation higher than 1000V. A matrix comprised of multiple linear cells connected in series and in parallel can be used to drive high voltage and high power loads.

"The introduction of these linear power modules provides a wide range of solutions anywhere conventional switch-mode operation is not allowed, or possible, and where power devices must operate with high voltage and high current simultaneously in near DC conditions," said Philippe Dupin, Director of Power Module Products in Microsemi's Power Products Group, Bordeaux, France.

"Moreover, our new line of linear MOSFET power modules are specifically designed to meet a wider guaranteed Forward Safe Operating Area, ensuring better system reliability while requiring a minimum number of devices to achieve given power levels," he added.

Microsemi's new linear MOSFET modules offer outstanding operation compared to switch-mode MOSFETs. With their positive temperature coefficient thermistor included, the new linear MOSFETs are more stable and much less prone to thermal runaway. Their series shunt resistors allow current to be precisely controlled. Many cells can be used safely in parallel without risking current imbalance between the switches.

The result is that the total power dissipated by the combination of devices is equal to the dissipation of each individual device multiplied by the number of devices used. There is no need for additional safety margin judgment which is usually required when switch-mode devices are used in parallel.

Typical applications include multi-function power controllers in DC solid state relays, DC circuit breakers, electronic load, inrush current limiters and Amp-hour and Watt-hour counters as used in factory automation, motor drives, power distribution, industrial power supplies, uninterruptible power supplies, electric vehicles and battery isolation.