Power semiconductor module from Vincotech combines MNPC topology with SiC switches

GERMANY: Efficiency is becoming increasingly important in power electronics. Many applications are driven by the initiatives for reduced energy consumption. The technology leaders are inverter applications in the solar market, but also uninterruptible power supplies have new targets for improved efficiency.

Vincotech’s latest article compares and contrasts two types of modules, one with silicon switches and the other with SiC (silicon carbide) switches. This comparison indicates that modules with SiC JFETs achieve higher maximum efficiency, whereby the gains increase at higher switching frequencies. This means the user is able to increase both efficiency and switching frequency. Raising the switching frequency allows smaller passive filter components such as inductors and capacitors to be used, which reduces overall system costs.

SiC switches constitute a new class of 1200V switches. They enable engineers to significantly increase efficiency and switching frequency for demanding applications such as solar inverters. With such switches on board, these power semiconductor modules readily adapt to suit the given application and may be deployed to optimum effect. The power modules were designed to satisfy such applications’ demanding requirements for symmetric control, heat dissipation and a low-inductive layout.