Higher Operating Voltage

Increasing operating voltage is a known technique to reduce current and the associated conduction losses. New power modules and solutions equipped with advanced chipsets and topologies allow efficient switching at high DC voltage.

Higher Voltage Made Simple

The solar industry has pushed DC link voltages from 1000V to 1500V and this is now becoming common in other markets. Solar-adjacent energy storage systems have batteries capable of operating continuously at high voltage. Electric vehicles and their chargers have increased voltage to decrease charge times. Wind turbines, traditionally 690VAC, are pushing line voltages beyond 1000VAC.

These applications have all taken advantage of multi-level topologies — previously academic research topics — which are now mainstream. In particular, the neutral point clamped (NPC) topology popular for solar inverters has given way to the active neutral point clamped (ANPC) topology. This topology can operate efficiently at both positive and negative power factor — a requirement for efficient battery energy storage systems. This topology can easily be constructed from high-power half-bridges such as the SEMiX 3 Press-Fit. The terminal layout of these modules also facilitates paralleling for high-power converters.

With the new availability of 2kV-class silicon carbide, it is possible to move back to 2-level converters in some cases. The latest generation SiC MOSFETs allow for switching at the same equivalent frequency as the 3-level converter. The reduction of switches and associated driers reduces overall system complexity. The SEMITRANS 20 can be equipped with 2kV SiC to build MW-class converters at a fraction of the physical size of a 3-level topology. When used in battery energy storage applications, this device also offers higher efficiency than the equivalent ANPC design.

Innovative Power Modules and Solutions that Push the Limits of SiC

It’s Your Choice

SEMITOP E2 for the Highest Performance

By utilizing advanced 2kV SiC technology, the SEMITOP E2 performs exceptionally well in 1500V solar and ESS applications. This cutting-edge design allows for compact installations while maximizing overall performance. Designed with low stray inductance, this module features an innovative baseplate-less design, optimized for efficient liquid cooling.

Key Features

Baseplate-less design, optimized for liquid cooling
Industry standard package design
2kV blocking voltage enables 1500VDC with 2-level topology
Scalable through paralleling
Low stray inductance
Optimized thermal performance

SEMITRANS for Extreme Power Density

Thanks to new 2kV SiC technology, the SEMITRANS power modules boost the power density of power electronics compared to 3-level silicon solutions. A high blocking voltage capability offers safety for 2-level converters operating at 1500V, simplifying converter design. The SEMITRANS 20 offers an optimized construction for scaling to even higher power levels through paralleling. The SEMITRANS 3 enables medium power converter design, bridging the gap from low to high power.

Key Features

Industry standard package design
2kV blocking voltage enables 1500VDC with 2-level topology
Scalable through paralleling
Low thermal resistance package design
Low inductance for fast switching
20% lower losses compared to 3-level silicon design, reducing cooling effort

SKiiP 4 SiC IPM for Reduced Time-to-Profit

The new SKiiP 4 SiC with 2kV SiC devices enable safe operation of 1500V applications thanks to an integrated driver, current sensing, and protection functions. The SKiiP includes an air- or water-cooled heatsink and is 100% tested. The digital driver enables the use of multiple SiC MOSFET suppliers, and the current rating is adjustable based on the quantity of chips in parallel.

Key Features

2kV blocking voltage enables 1500VDC with 2-level topology
Includes driver, current sensor, and liquid- or air-cooled heatsink
Driver includes Semikron Danfoss ASIC and multiple protection features
100% burn-in testing

SEMISTACK RE SiC for Increased Integration

Our power electronic stacks empower customers to thrive in dynamic markets and tackle global challenges with confidence. The latest SEMISTACK RE leverages 2kV SiC technology, enabling a simplified 2-level design for 1500V applications. Its modular, interconnectable architecture integrates SKiiP 4 SiC with DC Link and busbarring, delivering higher integration and accelerating your time-to-profit.

Key Features

2kV blocking voltage enables 1500VDC with 2-level topology
Shortest time to market
Cost savings in R&D, production and qualification
Global Semikron Danfoss stack production footprint
Highly experienced engineering team

SKiiP 4 SiC: IPM for Fast 2kV SiC Integration

The SKiiP has been a trusted solution for over 30 years, helping OEMs manage the risks of new technologies. It simplifies the integration of emerging SiC technology, offering a stable platform that requires no design changes. The SKiiP4 SiC features a proven IPM design with power modules, drivers, current sensors, and a heatsink for optimal SiC performance.

For larger-scale applications, the Semistack RE SiC offers a flexible stack solution, suitable for a wide range of industries, including Power-to-X and Battery Energy Storage Systems. OEMs can choose between the IPM or stack configurations to meet specific needs. When time-to-market is critical, both the SKiiP4 SiC and Semistack RE SiC are fast, reliable solutions. It’s your choice.