Switcher IC Targets 800-V Automotive Apps with Advanced Wide-Creepage Package
Power Integrations added a wide-creepage package option to its InnoSwitch3-AQ flyback switcher IC for automotive applications: A wide drain-to-source-pin creepage distance of 5.1 mm eliminates the need for conformal coating, making the IC compliant to the IEC60664-1 standard in 800-V vehicles while delivering improved reliability.
With support for asynchronous rectification and multimode valley switching, the controller can deliver over 90% efficiency in many automotive applications, including battery-management systems, µDC-DC converters, and emergency power supplies in main traction inverters.
The new package option offers increased primary-to-primary creepage and clearance distance between the drain and source pins required to support the higher bus voltages that will likely be adopted by most EV makers. Power Integrations’ proprietary InSOP-28G package enables the device to be used with primary-side voltages as high as 1,000 V DC, while leaving it’s other pins safely isolated—even in harsh pollution degree 2 environments.
Rated for 1,700-V CV/CC, InnoSwitch3-AQ switching power-supply ICs incorporate a silicon-carbide (SiC) primary switch capable of delivering up to 80 W of output power. The highly integrated ICs reduce the number of components required to implement a power supply by as much as 50%, saving space, enhancing system reliability, and mitigating component sourcing challenges.
In addition to the isolation, the enhanced packages’ increased drain-pin width provides even higher resistance to the higher high levels of shock and vibration found in automotive applications, especially in eAxle systems. The new ICs also have improved functionality for remote on/off.
Pricing is $6 per unit for 10,000-unit quantities. Sample ICs are available now with full production in the first quarter of 2025.
