ROHM SiC DeviceApplication Examples
The following application examples demonstrate the greater efficiency and energy savings that can be achieved utilizing SiC power devices. For inquiries or additional information about the products on this page, please visit the website of the individual customer/company in question.
General Purpose Power Supplies
Kinki Roentgen Industrial Co., Ltd.General Purpose Power Supplies
National Research and Development Corp.
Japan Science and Technology Agency: Research Results of Deployment Program (Super Cluster Program) Support Project
SiC dramatically reduces size - 5x smaller! 500W Output
Power Supply for X-Ray Generator
Overview
This general-purpose power supply system for X-ray generators adopts SiC Schottky barrier diodes to significantly increase efficiency and reduce system size through low-heat generation.
Results
Utilizing SiC decreases power loss by more than 2%. What’s more, ROHM SiC SBDs contribute to the miniaturization of external components and cooling mechanisms, making it possible to reduce the power supply volume per watt by 5x compared with conventional systems. This translates to significantly lower power consumption and requires less space vs conventional (non-SiC) systems.
Induction Heating
Nissin Giken Co., Ltd.Induction Heating
National Research and Development Corp.
Japan Science and Technology Agency: Research Results of Deployment Program (Super Cluster Program) Support Project
Achieves complete cooling • Conversion efficiency improved 10% 5kW/10kW/15kW
Output High-Frequency Power Supply
NET-5S/NET-10S/NET-15S
Overview
Leveraging the characteristics of SiC allows these high frequency power modules to improve efficiency, facilitating the switch to air cooling to eliminate problems associated with water, such as deterioration due to aging, significantly extending product life.
Results
・ Conversion efficiency increased by an average of 10% (vs Si IGBT)
・ Achieves complete air cooling (waterless)
・ Reduces processing time with a metal dissolver
Pulse Power Supply
Kurita Seisakusho Co., Ltd.Pulse Power Supply
Japanese Science and Technology Agency's Super Cluster Program
Pulsed plasma frequency of 200kHz achieved by leveraging the high-frequency characteristics of SiC 1kW Output
Submerged Pulse Plasma Generator1kW Output Desktop MPP-HV04SiC Desktop MPP-HV84SiC
Overview
Adopting an SiC power device module enables designers to create a generator that can produce a pulsed plasma frequency of 200 kilohertz.
Results
Controlling the chemical reaction of plasma requires manipulation of pulses in the sub-μ to several μs range. Taking advantage of the capabilities of ROHM’s SiC modules makes it possible to achieve consistent ultra-short plasma pulses in the sub-μ region that was difficult to achieve with Si IGBTs.
ROHM Products Used
Kurita Seisakusho Co., Ltd.Pulse Power Supply
Japanese Science and Technology Agency's Super Cluster Program
High-power plasma generator provides customized support from 30kHz to 300kHz 3kW Output Model
Submerged Pulse Plasma GeneratorStandard MPP-HV*Series SiC
Overview
Provides a high-power plasma reaction field from the conventional 30kHz region to 200kHz, made possible only through SiC. Enables customized support matched to user requirements, i.e., high power, 300kHz.
Results
Leveraging the high-temperature characteristics of SiC power devices successfully improves overload tolerance, even in short-circuit mode that often occurs on the plasma-load side. This tolerance for high-temperature operation improves overall system efficiency.
ROHM Products Used
Energy
Shizuki Electric Co., Inc.Energy
SiC power modules achieve higher efficiency and greater miniaturization of the converter unit Power Management Device <Integrated SiC Type>PM40B75C5A
Overview
This bidirectional DC/DC converter equipped with capacitors converts DC through capacitor charge/discharge. For example, charging of regenerative power and power assist are possible when connected to an inverter. In addition to greater energy savings through higher efficiency, using SiC results in a compact size that enables wall-mounted installation inside panels.
Results
Compared to conventional silicon products
- Efficiency is increased from 95% to 97%
- High-frequency operation supports smaller peripheral devices, reducing converter size by 3x vs conventional.
Nipron Corp.Energy
SiC devices reduce power loss by up to 50% DC/DC Converters for Solar Power Generation100TBFL Series
Overview
String converter for solar power generation. Using SiC enables higher efficiency and fanless operation for longer system life and higher reliability.
Results
Replacing IGBTs and FRDs with SiC reduces loss by up to 50%
ROHM Products Used
IKS Co., Ltd.Energy
National Research and Development Corp. Japan Science and Technology Agency: Research Results of Deployment Program (Super Cluster Program) Support Project
SiC power module reduces power loss by more than 40%10kW Hybrid Power Storage Systems I_DENCON 10kW
Overview
This micro smart-grid system connects to the DC bus of power supplies such as storage batteries, generators, and PV*/EV* chargers and dischargers, enabling optimized input/output control that reduces power loss by up to 70% compared to current commercial products.
*PV: Photovoltaic (solar) power generation system
*EV: Electric vehicle
Results
In this application example, adopting SiC power modules reduces power loss by over 40% compared to conventional Si devices, even when used in just the converter block.
IKS Co., Ltd.Energy
SiC power module reduces power loss by more than 40% 50kW Hybrid Power Storage SystemI_DENCON 50kW
Overview
This micro smart-grid system connects to the DC bus of power supplies such as storage batteries, generators, and PV*/EV* chargers and dischargers, enabling optimized input/output control that reduces power loss by up to 70% compared to current commercial products.
*PV: Photovoltaic (solar) power generation system
*EV: Electric vehicle
Results
In this application example, adopting SiC power modules reduces power loss by over 40% compared to conventional Si devices, even when used in just the converter block.
SiC Drive Tools
Headspring Inc.SiC 3-Phase Inverter
Compact full SiC inverter suitable for integration in test equipment and products SiC 3-Phase Inverter
Embedded circuit block 3-phase inverter (HGCB-6A-401300)
Overview
10kVA 3-phase inverter equipped with SiC devices. The control and main circuit blocks are isolated, while the sensor circuit and various protections necessary for control are also provided. Suitable for integrating in 200VAC test equipment and products, primarily motor drives and grid-connected systems. Circuit diagrams and other design materials are included, making it possible to use as a reference design.
Results
SiC devices enable switching up to 200kHz. A capacity of 10kVA is achieved despite its compact size (about the size of a box of tissues) by reducing the size of external components and cooling mechanism.
Headspring Inc.SiC Drive Tools
Compact experimental tool makes it easy to evaluate and drive SiC devices Experimental Tool for SiC Drive and Evaluation
Circuit Block for Power Electronics (HGCB-2A-401350)
Overview
Experimental equipment for driving and evaluating SiC devices. This tool verifies the responsiveness and loss of SiC devices in the upstream processes of product development, such as R&D or the function prototyping phase.
Results
The compact form factor with integrated SiC MOSFET can fit in the palm of your hand. It packs a whopping 7.0kW of power, enabling high-speed switching of SiC devices up to 200kHz. In addition, the versatile design can be combined with the company's controllers.
Tamura Manufacturing Co., Ltd.SiC Drive Tools
Low common mode・High-speed responseGate Driver Unit2EG-B series
Overview
This is a dedicated gate drive unit for SiC-MOSFET. It has a built-in DC-DC converter and two dedicated drive circuits, making it possible to mount directly above the SiC power module.
Results
You can easily drive SiC power modules without designing. Various protection circuits such as DESAT function, soft turn-off function, Miller clamp function are built in. Since the gate resistor is not assembled, please be assembled it before operation.
Research Equipment
Myway Plus Corp.Research Equipment
Achieves high-speed switching (up to 200kHz) together with large capacity 10-50kW Inverter Unit for R&D
MWINV-1044-SIC / MWINV-2044-SIC / MWINV-5044-SIC
Overview
Inverter for R&D capable of immediately driving SiC. Equipped with a gate driver that enables 200kHz switching inverter drive by simply inputting a gate signal. Supports high voltage input up to 800VDC. Combining with Myway Plus’ controller (PE-Expert4) allows gate signals to be optically isolated and safely driven. What's more, the open source interface makes it possible to drive the inverter by connecting to controllers from different companies.
Results
Achieves high-speed switching (up to 200kW) along with large capacity from 10kW to 50kW. This 3-phase inverter can also be used as a DC/DC converter stack.