IXYS UK Introduces New 2.2kV Symmetrical Blocking

LEIDEN, Netherlands and CHIPPENHAM, United Kingdom, Oct. 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IXYS Corporation (NASDAQ: IXYS ) an international power and IC semiconductor company, announced a new distributed gate thyristor with increased power density. This new fast thyristor with a turn-off time of 25 microseconds and a current rating of 1605 amperes is symmetrical blocking with forward and reverse voltage up to 2.2kV and therefore suitable for both voltage and current fed applications.

This new fast thyristor has been introduced to complement the asymmetric blocking R1700MC device and is based on the same die size, gate geometry and silicon design; however with the option of a fully symmetrical blocking voltage up to the maximum available voltage of 2200 volts. The new device has a current rating of 1605 amperes which is 25% more than prior designs. This device has an innovative internal design that improved the gate trigger characteristics and transfer of current from the gate to the whole device with high current rise capability. The 56mm diameter silicon die is bonded to a metal disc to ensure the best steady state and thermal transient performance. The die is encapsulated in a fully hermetic 50mm electrode contact diameter ceramic package, with an industry standard overall diameter of 74mm. 

“Provided the correct thermal conditions are observed, with a repetitive rate of rise of current of 1000 amperes per microsecond, the device can be used in applications with repetitive frequency up to 10 kilohertz,” commented Frank Wakeman, IXYS UK’s Marketing and Technical Support Manager.

The full symmetrical blocking device is available in five different switching classes at two standard voltage grades. Part number designations are as follows: 2000 volt parts are R1605MC20E with a turn-off time of 25 microseconds, R1605MC20F with a turn-off time of 30 microseconds, R1605MC20G with a turn-off of time 35 microseconds, R1605MC20H with a turn-off time of 40 microseconds and R1605MC20J with a turn-off time of 50 microseconds; 2200 volt parts are R1605MC22E with a turn-off time of 25 microseconds, R1605MC22F with a turn-off time of 30 microseconds, R1605MC22G with a turn-off time of 35 microseconds, R1605MC22H with a turn-off time of 40 microseconds and R1605MC22J with a turn-off time of 50 microseconds.

Typical applications for this device include induction power supplies for melting, billet heating and surface treatments, as well as resonant power supplies and pulse switches for applications including high power magnets and lasers. The device also replaces some obsolete parts from manufacturers other than IXYS that are used in older designs of traction equipment, thus giving the operator the possibility to extend the equipment’s serviceable life.

For data sheets, please go to the IXYS UK website at www.ixysuk.com or please contact us at (email: sales@ixysuk.com ) or telephone: +44 (0)1249 444524 for quotation.

About IXYS UK

Located in Chippenham, England, IXYS UK Westcode Ltd is the IXYS leading manufacturing site for very high power thyristors, SCRs and rectifiers ranging up to 7200 Volts and 15,000 Amps.  IXYS UK continues to supply high technology components for a wide range of applications such as wind and solar energy, welding, AC and DC motor drives for oil, marine and water treatment facilities, uninterruptible power supplies, motor soft starters, transportation, induction heating, mining equipment and many other industrial applications.

About IXYS Corporation

Since its founding, IXYS Corporation has been developing power semiconductors and mixed signal ICs 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 in the growing cleantech industries, renewable energy markets, telecommunications, medical devices, transportation applications, 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, features 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-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2017. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements.

Contacts:  Frank Wakeman, IXYS UK Westcode Limited, Chippenham, SN15 1GE, United Kingdom. +44 (0)1249 444524 Ray Segall, IXYS Long Beach 562-296-6584 (US sales enquiries only)