Rohm has developed four automotive-grade AEC-Q101 qualified 1200V IGBT devices that combine low loss characteristics with high short-circuit resistance. This makes the devices suitable for vehicle electric compressors and HV heaters as well as industrial inverters.

The current lineup includes four models – RGA80TRX2HR / RGA80TRX2EHR / RGA80TSX2HR / RGA80TSX2EHR – in two discrete package types (TO-247-4L and TO-247N), along with 11 bare chip variants – SG84xxWN – with plans to further expand the lineup in the future.

The increasing use of higher voltages in automotive systems and industrial equipment has led to a growing demand for power devices capable of handling high voltages in applications such as vehicle electric compressors, HV heaters, and inverters for industrial equipment.

Automotive electrical components must also comply with automotive reliability standards, while power devices for inverter and heater circuits are required to provide current interruption capabilities during short circuits, necessitating high short-circuit tolerance.

Rohm redesigned the device structure and adopted an appropriate packages for its fourth generation IGBT suitable for high voltage by delivering industry-low loss characteristics with superior short-circuit tolerance.

These devices achieve a short-circuit withstand time of 10µs (Tj=25°C) together with low switching and conduction losses while maintaining a high withstand voltage of 1200V and meeting automotive standards by reviewing the device structure, including the peripheral design.

At the same time, the TO-247-4L four lead package can accommodate an effective voltage of 1100V with adequate creepage distance between pins. This enables support for higher voltage applications than conventional products.

Implementing creepage distance measures on the device side alleviates the design burden for manufacturers. On top, the TO-247-4L package achieves high-speed switching by including a Kelvin emitter terminal, resulting in even lower losses. Comparing the efficiency of the new TO-247-4L packages with conventional and standard products in a 3-phase inverter, loss is reduced by about 24% compared to standard products and by 35% over conventional products, says Rohm.