Wolfspeed introduces SiC technology to outdoor systems in transportation and renewable energy. Wolfspeed has stretched its SiC power devices with the launch at PCIM 2017 of the industry’s inaugural power module that overcomes the tough environment qualification test for concurrent high-humidity, high-temperature and high-voltage situations. This reliableness benchmark allows system designers to utilize this device in outdoor applications such as transportation, wind, solar and other renewables where ultimate environmental conditions have traditionally challenged secure device operation. The latest all-SiC module, rated for 300 A and 1.2 kV blocking, was strained in an 85% relative humidity, 85 degrees celsius ambient while biased at 80% of rated voltage (960V). 

Accomplishment in tough situation testing under bias provides further confidence in the overall robustness of SiC device technology for all applications. “SiC components enable the design of compact, lightweight, low–loss converters required for railway transport applications,” said Michel Piton, semiconductor master expert at Alstom, a leading global supplier of systems, equipments and services for the railway market. “Achieving March 2017 the benchmark for temperature and humidity under high bias voltage is a key milestone for SiC devices in its adoption into our demanding market.” Powered by new Wolfspeed MOSFETs (CPM2-1200-0025A) and Gen5 Schottky diodes that also pass the tough environment test at the die level, the latest module retains the low 4.2 mΩ on-resistance and more than five times lower switching losses than similarly rated, latest generation IGBT modules. 

Module construction uses high thermal conductivity aluminum nitride substrates and optimised assembly methods to meet industry thermal and power cycling requirements. “This device is yet another industry-first driven by Wolfspeed,” said John Palmour, Wolfspeed’s chief technology officer. “The latest 1200V module demonstrates our commitment to enabling markets and applications by meeting the anticipated system requirements for 2020 and beyond.” Available under part number WAS300M12BM2, the latest module can be driven using existing Wolfspeed gate drivers for 62mm modules.