Variable Speed Control in Industrial Applications
Electric motors drive a wide range of industrial applications, including ventilators, cable cars, and paper-processing machinery. These applications require motors with variable speed and power output. With IGBT power semiconductors, the power flow and shape of electricity can be controlled with minimal losses, saving up to 30% in energy compared to previous mechanical throttling methods.
Modern industrial automation demands precise power control, reliability, and energy efficiency. SwissSEM addresses these needs with a comprehensive portfolio of IGBT and SiC MOSFET products suitable for various industrial drive applications.
Key Applications in Industrial Automation
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
ED-type and ST-type IGBT modules provide the switching control and thermal performance needed for motor speed regulation in industrial machinery. The tight parameter distribution of SwissSEM chips supports direct parallel operation without matching, simplifying system design.
Inverter-Based Welders
High current density and low conduction losses make these modules suitable for welding equipment that requires pulsed high-current output. The 175°C junction temperature rating ensures durability under demanding duty cycles.
Frequency Converters
The i20 and i23 IGBT generations deliver the switching speed and efficiency required for modern frequency conversion systems. The i23 generation reduces saturation voltage to 1.55V at 900A, minimizing conduction losses.
Auxiliary Traction Power Supplies
Robust 1700V and 2300V IGBT chips ensure reliable operation in demanding traction environments. These voltage classes support railway and heavy-duty industrial traction applications.
Recommended Products for Industrial Drives
| Product Model | Voltage | Current | Package Type | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SISD0750ED120i20 | 1200V | 750A | ED-Type | High-power VFDs and frequency converters |
| SIS0150C120i23 | 1200V | 150A | IGBT Chip (i23) | Next-generation industrial drives |
| SIS0075C175i20 | 1700V | 75A | IGBT Chip (i20) | Auxiliary traction power supplies |
| SCS0013C120m23 | 1200V | 13mΩ | SiC MOSFET Chip | High-efficiency industrial power conversion |
Technology Advantages
i23 Generation IGBT Performance
The i23 generation achieves VCE(sat) of 1.55V at 900A (25°C), with optimized FRD offering 0.25V lower VF. The d23 diode features soft recovery design for safe reverse recovery, and the modules are rated up to 175°C junction temperature for long-term durability.
Advanced Packaging
Industry-standard packaging with low internal impedance enables high current density. Copper wire bonding and large area power terminals provide current handling capability. High-performance insulated substrates deliver thermal performance for demanding industrial environments.
PLECS Thermal Simulation Support
PLECS models are available for established products, enabling engineers to simulate thermal behavior and power losses before implementation. The thermal modeling includes equivalent thermal networks with conduction, turn-on, and turn-off loss descriptions, allowing accurate system-level performance prediction.
Energy Savings with IGBT-Based Power Conversion
Traditional industrial motor control methods relied on mechanical throttling, which introduces significant energy losses. IGBT-based power conversion enables near-lossless control of power flow, achieving up to 30% energy savings compared to legacy methods. This translates to reduced operational costs, lower carbon footprint, improved motor lifetime through precise speed control, and enhanced process quality.
Quality and Reliability
Industrial products are backed by comprehensive quality certifications including ISO 9001:2015 for quality management, ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management, ISO 45001:2018 for occupational health and safety, and IATF 16949 for automotive-grade quality standards that exceed typical industrial requirements.
