IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 9, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of high performance analog mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors, has introduced a new line of linear MOSFET power modules for applications ranging from factory automation to electric vehicles and industrial power supplies.
The line includes 10 modules available in 100V, 200V, 500V, 600V and 1000V voltages, with a choice of single or dual switch configurations in SP1 or SP3 low profile high performance packages. The SP1 package includes a single MOSFET switch with a series shunt resistor to accurately control the current in the switch, as well as a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor to monitor the module's base plate temperature, for adjusting its power dissipation.
The SP3 package incorporates two identical cells compared to the SP1 design for additional integration. Dual switch integration allows designers to minimize the number of modules required when many cells are required in parallel for high power applications. Both the SP1 and SP3 modules use ALN substrates to achieve the highest possible power density.
Modules may be connected in series for voltage operation higher than 1000V. A matrix comprised of multiple linear cells connected in series and in parallel can be used to drive high voltage and high power loads.
"The introduction of these linear power modules provides a wide range of solutions anywhere conventional switch-mode operation is not allowed, or possible, and where power devices must operate with high voltage and high current simultaneously in near DC conditions," said Philippe Dupin, Director of Power Module Products in Microsemi's Power Products Group, Bordeaux, France. "Moreover, our new line of linear MOSFET power modules are specifically designed to meet a wider guaranteed Forward Safe Operating Area, ensuring better system reliability while requiring a minimum number of devices to achieve given power levels," he added.
Microsemi's new linear MOSFET modules offer outstanding operation compared to switch-mode MOSFETs. With their positive temperature coefficient thermistor included, the new linear MOSFETs are more stable and much less prone to thermal runaway. Their series shunt resistors allow current to be precisely controlled. Many cells can be used safely in parallel without risking current imbalance between the switches. The result is that the total power dissipated by the combination of devices is equal to the dissipation of each individual device multiplied by the number of devices used. There is no need for additional safety margin judgment which is usually required when switch-mode devices are used in parallel.
Typical applications include multi-function power controllers in DC solid state relays, DC circuit breakers, electronic load, inrush current limiters and Amp-hour and Watt-hour counters as used in factory automation, motor drives, power distribution, industrial power supplies, uninterruptible power supplies, electric vehicles and battery isolation.
Microsemi MOSFET Linear Power Modules with PTC
ID VDSS RDSON SHUNT
PART NUMBER (A) (V) (mR) @ resistor
TJ=25C (mR)
SP1 Single Switch
APTML10UM09R004T1AG 154 100 9 4.4
APTML20UM18R010T1AG 109 200 18 10
APTML50UM90R020T1AG 52 500 90 20
APTML60U12R020T1AG 45 600 125 20
APTML100U60R020T1AG 20 1000 600 20
SP3 Dual Switch
APTML102UM09R004T3AG 154 100 9 4.4
APTML202UM18R010T3AG 109 200 18 10
APTML502UM90R020T3AG 52 500 90 20
APTML602U12R020T3AG 45 600 125 20
APTML1002U60R020T3AG 20 1000 600 20
Technical data sheets are available on the Microsemi website: www.microsemi.com. Samples are available immediately. Prices range from $20.22 to $71.64 in quantities of 1K to 5K.
About Microsemi
Microsemi Corporation, with corporate headquarters in Irvine, California, is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of high performance analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors. The company's semiconductors manage and control or regulate power, protect against transient voltage spikes and transmit, receive and amplify signals.
Microsemi's products include individual components as well as integrated circuit solutions that enhance customer designs by improving performance and reliability, battery optimization, reducing size or protecting circuits. The principal markets the company serves include implanted medical, defense/aerospace and satellite, notebook computers, monitors and LCD TVs, automotive and mobile connectivity applications. More information may be obtained by contacting the company directly or by visiting its website at http://www.microsemi.com.
The Microsemi Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1233
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Any statements set forth in this news release that are not entirely historical and factual in nature, including without limitation statements concerning the introduction of a new line of linear MOSFET power modules for applications ranging from factory automation to electric vehicles and industrial power supplies, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as rapidly changing technology and product obsolescence, potential cost increases, variations in customer order preferences, weakness or competitive pricing environment of the marketplace, uncertain demand for and acceptance of the company's products, adverse circumstances in any of our end markets, results of in-process or planned development or marketing and promotional campaigns, difficulties foreseeing future demand, potential non-realization of expected orders or non-realization of backlog, product returns, product liability, and other potential unexpected business and economic conditions or adverse changes in current or expected industry conditions, difficulties and costs of protecting patents and other proprietary rights, inventory obsolescence and difficulties regarding customer qualification of products. In addition to these factors and any other factors mentioned elsewhere in this news release, the reader should refer as well to the factors, uncertainties or risks identified in the company's most recent Form 10-K and all subsequent Form 10-Q reports filed by Microsemi with the SEC. Additional risk factors may be identified from time to time in Microsemi's future filings. The forward-looking statements included in this release speak only as of the date hereof, and Microsemi does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.