STMicroelectronics Supports Drive for Inverters in Smaller Boxes
New automotive SiC diodes suitable for Google's Little Box Challenge
STMicroelectronics is now offering automotive-qualified SiC diodes for advanced on-board battery chargers in electric vehicles such as Plug-in Hybrids that demand high power-handing capability within a confined space.
These diodes allow designers to build smaller power modules, which also makes them a strong choice for tackling the Little Box Challenge presented by Google and IEEE. (ST is a device-manufacturer partner of this new $1 million competition to design kW-scale inverters that are more than ten-times smaller than today's inverters for various applications, particularly solar micro-generators).
The diodes employ technology to prevent high-current spikes from damaging the device. Until now, designers have typically over-specified the diodes for safety, whereas ST's approach provides 2.5 times greater over-current capability versus rated current. This enables the use of lower-current diodes, which are smaller and more economical, without compromising reliability or losing efficiency.
ST's SiC diodes feature increased reverse-breakdown voltage of 650V, satisfying the voltage derating factors applied by designers and car manufacturers to ensure suitable safety margin between normal and short-term peak voltages across the semiconductors used in on-board battery chargers.
