STMicroelectronics (ST; NYSE: STM), the world’s leading semiconductor supplier spanning multiple Electronic applications, has released silicon carbide product innovations to help system manufacturers develop high-tech devices that can convert solar energy into grid electricity. Energy efficient electronics.
STMicroelectronics has recently exhibited 1200V SiC diodes at Solar Power International 2012 in Florida, USA. This product can replace ordinary diodes used in DC-DC boost converters and DC-AC inverters, and convert the low-voltage output power of solar photovoltaic Panel modules into high-quality grid voltage AC power.
As the basic material of solar power diodes, the various technical indicators of silicon carbide diodes are superior to ordinary bipolar diode (silicon bipolar) technology. SiC diodes transition very quickly between on and off states, and do not have the reverse recovery current of normal bipolar diode technology switching. After eliminating the effect of reverse recovery current, the SiC diode consumes 70% less energy, maintains high energy efficiency over a wide temperature range, and increases the flexibility for designers to optimize system operating frequency.
ST’s 1200V silicon carbide diode test demonstrated that even with high loads and switching frequencies, the inverter’s overall energy efficiency improved by 2%. A 2% improvement in energy efficiency can save several megawatt-hours of valuable energy in home solar power systems and high-power power stations over the inverter’s rated life cycle.
STMicroelectronics also released an update on the silicon carbide MOSFET project. ST’s SiC MOSFETs will be the world’s first commercial SiC MOSFETs. It is expected to replace high-voltage silicon insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) in solar inverters because of its many advantages. In addition to 50% lower energy consumption than IGBTs, SiC MOSFETs require no special drive circuitry and operate at higher frequencies, allowing designers to minimize the number of power components, reduce power cost and size, and improve energy efficiency.
Other applications for SiC MOSFETs and diodes include large power supplies for computer rooms and data centers and motor drive electronics for electric vehicles.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics (STMicroelectronics; ST) is a leading global supplier of semiconductor solutions, providing innovative solutions for sensing and power technology and multimedia convergence applications. From energy management and energy-saving technologies, to digital trust and data security, from medical fitness equipment, to smart consumer electronics, from home appliances, automobiles, to office equipment, from work to entertainment, STMicroelectronics microelectronics devices are everywhere, enriching people play an active and innovative role in life. STMicroelectronics represents the concept of technology leading intelligent life (life.augmented).
STMicroelectronics’ 2011 net income was $9.73 billion. For details, please visit the company’s website www.st.com.
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