SCALE™-2 1SP0350V
SCALE™-2 1SP0350V
Target Description & Application Manual
Driver solution for high-voltage and high-power IGBT modules and Press-Packs
with fiber-optic interface for 2-level, 3-level and multilevel converter topologies
Abstract
1SP0350V are single-channel drivers with fiber-optics. The drivers are based on Power Integrations’ SCALE™-2
chipset, a highly integrated technology for the reliable driving and safe operation of IGBTs and IEGTs.
Perfectly matched driver versions are available for Press-Packs and IGBT modules. The plug-and-play
capability of the driver allows immediate operation after mounting. The user needs invest no effort in
designing or adjusting it to a specific application.
Fig. 1 1SP0350V Plug-and-Play driver
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SCALE™-2 1SP0350V
Target Description & Application Manual
Contents
System Overview ........................................................................................................................... 4
The Five Steps to Success .............................................................................................................. 5
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Choose a suitable driver ................................................................................................... 5
Attach the drivers to the IGBT modules (one driver per IGBT module) ................................. 5
Connect the driver to the control electronics ...................................................................... 5
Check the driver function .................................................................................................. 5
Set up and test the power stack ........................................................................................ 5
Mechanical Dimensions .................................................................................................................. 6
Recommended Cables and PCB Connectors................................................................................... 7
Pin Designation of Connector X1 (Power Supply of 1SP0350V) .................................................... 7
Recommended Interface Circuitry for Connector X1 ..................................................................... 7
Description of Interface X1 ............................................................................................................ 8
General ............................................................................................................................... 8
VDC terminal ....................................................................................................................... 8
SO (Status output power supply) .......................................................................................... 8
Description of the Fiber-Optic Input .............................................................................................. 8
Description of the Fiber-Optic Output ........................................................................................... 8
Recommended Interface Circuitry for Fiber Optics ..................................................................... 10
How Do 1SP0350V SCALE-2 Gate Drivers Work in Detail? .......................................................... 11
Overview .......................................................................................................................... 11
Power supply and electrical isolation ................................................................................... 11
Power-supply monitoring .................................................................................................... 11
3-level or multilevel topologies ............................................................................................ 11
V
CE
monitoring / short-circuit protection ............................................................................... 12
Dynamic behavior of IGBTs ................................................................................................ 12
Turn-on of the IGBT / commutation of diode current ............................................................ 12
Turn-off of the IGBT .......................................................................................................... 13
Dynamic Advanced Active Clamping DA
2
C ............................................................................ 13
Low-inductance layout ....................................................................................................... 15
Higher requirements for traction applications or similar ......................................................... 15
References ................................................................................................................................... 16
The Information Source: SCALE-2 Driver Data Sheets ................................................................ 17
Quite Special: Customized SCALE-2 Drivers ................................................................................ 17
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SCALE™-2 1SP0350V
Target Description & Application Manual
Technical Support ........................................................................................................................ 17
Quality .......................................................................................................................................... 17
Legal Disclaimer ........................................................................................................................... 17
Ordering Information ................................................................................................................... 18
Information about Other Products .............................................................................................. 18
Power Integrations Sales Offices ................................................................................................. 19
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SCALE™-2 1SP0350V
Target Description & Application Manual
System Overview
The 1SP0350V are plug-and-play gate drivers based on the highly integrated SCALE-2 chipset developed by
Power Integrations /1/. This is a set of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that cover the main
range of functions needed to design intelligent gate drivers. The SCALE-2 driver chipset is a further
development of the proven SCALE technology /2/.
1SP0350V drivers are specifically designed for the reliable and safe driving of high-voltage and high-power
Press-Packs and IGBT modules from the 4500V voltage class.
The basic topology of the 1SP0350V drivers is shown in Fig. 2. The values for the gate resistors and other key
components can be found in the driver data sheet /3/.
Fig. 2 Basic schematic of the 1SP0350V gate drivers
The gate driver contains all necessary components for optimal and safe driving of the relevant IGBT module:
smallest recommended gate resistors in order to minimize switching losses, gate clamping, active-clamping
diodes (overvoltage protection at turn-off), Vce monitoring (short-circuit protection) as well as the electrical
and fiber-optic connectors. Moreover, it includes components for setting the turn-off trip level and the
response time. Its plug-and-play capability means that it is ready to operate immediately after mounting. The
user needs invest no effort in designing or adjusting the driver to a specific application.
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SCALE™-2 1SP0350V
Target Description & Application Manual
The Five Steps to Success
The following steps point out the easy way to use 1SP0350V gate drivers in power converters:
1. Choose a suitable driver
When applying 1SP0350V gate drivers, you should note that they are specifically adapted to a particular type
of IGBT module.
These drivers are not valid for IGBT modules other than those specified. Incorrect use may result
in failure.
2. Attach the drivers to the IGBT modules (one driver per IGBT module)
Any handling of IGBT modules or drivers is subject to the general
specifications for protecting electrostatic-sensitive devices according to
international standard IEC 60747-1, Chapter IX or European standard
EN 100015 (i.e. the workplace, tools, etc. must comply with these standards).
If these specifications are ignored, both IGBTs and drivers may be damaged.
The driver can be easily mounted onto an IGBT module by connecting over cables the corresponding
terminals.
3. Connect the driver to the control electronics
Connect the driver plug X1 to your control electronics and supply the driver with a voltage of +15V. Connect
the fiber-optic transmitter and receiver.
4. Check the driver function
Check the gate voltage: For the off-state, the nominal gate voltage is specified in the relevant data sheet /3/.
For the on-state, it is +15V. Also check the input current consumption of the driver according to its data sheet
/3/ without clock signals and at the desired switching frequency.
These tests should be performed before installation, as the gate terminals may otherwise not be accessible.
5. Set up and test the power stack
Before starting up the system, it is recommended that each IGBT module be checked separately under power-
cycling conditions. It is usually sufficient to apply the single or double-pulse technique. Power Integrations
specially recommends users to check that the IGBT modules switch inside the SOA in the worst case condition.
Even if only single IGBTs are tested, all the system’s gate drivers must be supplied with energy.
All the other IGBTs are then kept in the off state by applying negative gate voltages. This is
particularly important when switching the IGBTs under test.
The short-circuit behavior can also be verified at this point.
The system is then ready to start under real-world load conditions. This allows the thermal behavior of the
whole arrangement to be determined.
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