Renesas Technology Europe is to release the CRD5CM reverse conducting thyristor for use in voltage regulators for two-wheeled vehicles and engines for general-purpose batteries.
The CRD5CM, which integrates a thyristor and a rectifier diode in a single element, is suitable for use in two-wheeled vehicles, such as e-bikes, where demand for compact size and low price is particularly strong.
In addition to being the industry's first reverse conducting thyristor for use in regulators for two-wheeled vehicles, the TO-220 package of the CRD5CM is the same as that used for previous thyristor (single-element) products.
The mounting area can be reduced by about 50 percent, making it possible to design regulators that are more compact and less costly thanks to the reduced component mounting cost.
Though integrated into a single, compact package, both thyristor and diode employ Renesas Technology's high-quality planar structure to achieve a rated current of 5 A, and a surge-on current of 80 A (50 Hz). This enables them to handle surge current during switching. The thyristor achieves a rated voltage of 400 V.
Regulators of two-wheeled vehicles require rectifier diodes with soft reverse recovery characteristics. The diode of the CRD5CM has soft turn-off characteristics, with a reverse recovery time of 4.0 μs (typ.) that limits voltage surges during commutation.
The thermal resistance of the CRD5CM with TO-220 package is 2.8 degrees C/W. Operation is guaranteed up to 150 degrees C, allowing a smaller cooling fan in the system.
As batteries have become more compact and less costly in recent years, demand has grown for associated devices that are compact and contribute to lower overall system cost.
Renesas Technology already mass produces thyristors for use in two-wheeled vehicles and other applications, and they have gained wide adoption. Now, in response to the market requirements outlined above, the company has utilized its accumulated design process technology and element layout expertise to integrate the thyristor and diode into a single element. The new CRD5CM reverse conducting thyristor uses the same package as a standard thyristor which makes it possible to design regulators that are more compact and less costly.
Sample shipments of the CRD5CM will begin in February 2010.
Related link:
www.renesas.com
