Components & Connectors

Three-phase SiC MOSFET IPM focuses on e-mobility

Fri, Mar 06, 2020

For e-mobility applications, a three-phase SiC MOSFET intelligent power module (IPM) from Cissoid has been designed to improve time to market for electric vehicle (EV) OEMs.

The IPM technology includes a three-phase water-cooled SiC MOSFET module with built-in gate drivers. For OEMs and electric motor manufacturers willing to adopt SiC-based inverters for more efficient and compact motor drives, the IPM is claimed to optimise the electrical, mechanical and thermal design of the power module and its proximity control for automotive and industrial markets.

The first product in this scalable platform, a three-phase 1200V/450A SiC MOSFET IPM, features low conduction losses, with 3.25mOhms on resistance and low switching losses, with 8.3mJ turn-on and 11.2mJ turn-off energies at 600V/300A. It reduces losses by at least a factor three, says Cissoid, compared with the highest performing IGBT power modules. Cissoid’s module is water-cooled through a lightweight AlSiC pin-fin baseplate for a junction-to-fluid thermal resistance of 0.15°C/W. The power module is rated for junction temperature up to +175 degrees C. The IPM withstands isolation voltages up to 3,600V (50Hz,  60 seconds).

 The built-in gate driver includes three on-board isolated power supplies (one per phase) delivering each up to 5W allowing it to easily drive the power module up to 25KHz and at ambient temperatures up to +125 degrees C. Peak gate current up to 10A and immunity to high dV/dt (>50KV/µs) enable fast switching of the power module and low switching losses. Protection functions include under-voltage lockout (UVLO), active Miller clamping (AMC), desaturation detection and soft shutdown (SSD).

Dave Hutton, CEO at Cissoid, believes: “With this new SiC intelligent power modules, which is the outcome of years of experience in the development of power modules and gate drivers for extreme temperature and voltage environments, we are happy to deliver our first IPM samples to early SiC adopters and to support the automotive industry in its transition towards highly efficient e-mobility solutions.”

http://www.cissoid.com

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Flat connectors withstand higher operating temperatures

Thu, Mar 05, 2020

Flat flexible cable/flat printed circuit (FFC/FPC) connectors from Hirose Electric can withstand higher operating temperatures than standard FFC/FPC connectors. The FH67 series withstand temperatures ranging from -55 to +125 degrees C. This heat resistance capability enables the connector to be used in harsh automotive environments.

The FH67 0.5mm pitch connectors are characterised by a single action lock and a vertical connection design. 

The robust FFC/FPC connectors’ one-action lock allows an FFC/FPC to be inserted into the connector without opening the actuator. This can be done with one hand or by automated machinery, says Hirose, saving valuable assembly time and reducing the rates of mating failure. Removing the connector is also easy and can be done by one hand or by robot.

The FH67 series is reliable with an independent two-point spring contact design, which includes a wiping element that reduces contact failure due to dust intrusion.

The ground contacts allow a shielded FFC to be used which prevents EMI. The FH67 series has a height of just 5.2mm, making it suitable for space-constrained design for use in automotive equipment, smart home devices, medical equipment and other portable devices.

Hirose Electric is a Japanese manufacturer of high-quality connectors. It was established in 1937 and uses advanced engineering services, customer service and worldwide manufacturing capabilities to provide technically advanced connector products for many industries including industrial, automotive, consumer, testing, broadcasting, and telecommunications.

Hirose established European offices over 30 years ago to compete internationally in Europe. In 2010, the European offices were merged together to form Hirose Electric Europe. The European headquarters is based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Other European branches are located in Germany, UK, France and Italy.

http://www.hirose.com/eu

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Skyworks to support Wi-Fi 6E

Thu, Feb 13, 2020

Working with the Wi-Fi Alliance, Skyworks Solutions is developing future-proof connectivity and supporting the Alliance’s next-generation wireless technologies.

Skyworks addresses all existing Wi-Fi standards and is working within the Wi-Fi Alliance to develop its Wi-Fi 6E products that operate in the 5.925 to 7.125GHz frequency range.

Demand for high data applications such as streaming media/TV/audio, social media and smart home devices, has led to calls to open up additional frequency bands to complement the existing 2.4 and 5GHz bands. This new spectrum is expected to be made available by regulators around the world and it represents an opportunity to deliver the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 coupled with increased bandwidth available in the new 6GHz band.

“The 6GHz band addresses the growing need for Wi-Fi spectrum capacity to ensure users continue to experience reliable and seamless connectivity,” said Kevin Robinson, senior vice president of Marketing, at the Wi-Fi Alliance. “We are glad to see Wi-Fi Alliance members working closely in Wi-Fi Alliance to ensure that new products meet high standards for interoperability and security.”

Dave Stasey, vice president and general manager of diversified analogue solutions for Skyworks, added: “We look forward to . . .  providing the highest performance solutions for our OEM customers which deliver maximum Wi-Fi range and speeds.”

Skyworks’ powerful modules facilitate Wi-Fi functionality with best-in-class linearity and performance in the smallest footprint available, explains the company. By incorporating the required functionality to deliver maximum performance, products reduce time to market in this sensitive arena. They contain a logarithmic power detector to support wide dynamic ranges, low power consumption and improved thermal management.

Skyworks Solutions specialises in analogue semiconductors for a wireless networking revolution. Its semiconductors connect people, places and things within the aerospace, automotive, broadband, cellular infrastructure, connected home, industrial, medical, military, smartphone, tablet and wearable markets.

Skyworks has engineering, marketing, operations, sales and support facilities located throughout Asia, Europe and North America.

http://www.skyworksinc.com

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0.5mm FFC/FPC connector has single action lock

Tue, Feb 11, 2020

Able to withstand high operating temperatures, the FH67 series flat flexible cable/flat printed circuit (FFC/FPC) connectors have been introduced by Hirose Electric.

It can withstand higher operating temperatures than the standard FFC/FPC connectors, says Hirose, citing temperature ranges of up to 125 degrees C. With this heat resistance capability ensures the connector satisfies the needs of severe automotive requirements, adds the company.

The 0.5mm pitch FH67connector has a one-action lock which allows a FFC/FPC to be inserted into the connector without opening the actuator. This can be done with one hand or by automated machinery to save assembly time and reduce mating failure. Removing the connector can be done by one hand or by robot.

The FH67 series has an independent two-point spring contact design, which includes a wiping element that reduces contact failure due to dust intrusion.

The ground contacts allow a shielded FFC to be used which prevents electromagnetic interference (EMI).

The FH67 connectors are designed with 30 contacts and are low in height (5.2mm), for space constrained applications such as automotive equipment, smart home devices, medical equipment and other portable devices. The maximum rated current is 0.5A and operating voltage is 50V AC/DC. Operating temperature is -55 to +125 degrees C.

Hirose Electric is a Japanese manufacturer of high-quality connectors. Established in 1937, it uses advanced engineering services and worldwide manufacturing capabilities to provide technically advanced connector solutions for many industries including industrial, automotive, consumer, testing, broadcasting, and telecommunications. It prides itself on its customer service.

European offices were established over 30 years ago and in 2010, the various European offices were merged to form Hirose Electric Europe. The European headquarters is based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Other European branches are located in Germany, the UK, France and Italy.

http://www.hirose.com/eu

> Read More

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