Augmented Switching Accelerated Development Kits

Philadelphia, PA — AgileSwitch, LLC introduces the ASDAK (Augmented Switching Accelerated Development Kit) for power electronics engineers working with new SiC MOSFET modules.  Applications for the kit including heavy-duty traction vehicles, auxiliary power units in trains, buses and trolleys, EV charging and other high-power industrial systems.  

AgileSwitch’s ASDAKs include the hardware and software elements required to rapidly optimize the performance of SiC modules and systems. This new tool enables designers to adjust system performance through software upgrades using the AgileSwitch Intelligent Configuration Tool (ICT) and a Device Programmer.  No soldering required.

The ICT offers configuration of different drive parameters including On/Off Gate Voltages, DC Link and Temperature Fault Levels, and Augmented Switching^T profiles. “Small changes to the Augmented Switching profiles can yield dramatic improvements in switching efficiency, overshoot, ringing, and short-circuit protection,”said Rob Weber, AgileSwitch CEO.

Each kit includes: (3) 2ASC Series Gate Driver Cores, (1) Module Adapter Board, (1) Device Programmer Kit and a link to AgileSwitch’s new Intelligent Configuration software tool. The kits are designed to support SiC MOSFET modules from Wolfspeed, Infineon, Semikron, Mitsubishi Electric, Microsemi, Sanrex, StarPower, Rohm, ABB, Fuji and others.

The 2ASC driver cores in the kits feature configurable gate voltage and incorporates AgileSwitch’s patented, software configurable Augmented Switching technology. Augmented Switching addresses significant impediments to the successful implementation of Silicon Carbide modules in high-power applications. By reducing turn-off spikes and ringing, both under normal operation as well as short-circuit (DSAT) conditions, SiC MOSFET modules can be safely operated in the higher frequencies that enable dramatic increases in power conversion density. This allows SiC MOSFET modules to be operated closer to their rated specifications, resulting in size, cost and performance improvements. 2ASC gate driver cores are designed for harsh, high-noise environments, with optional conformal coating. They are equipped with powerful diagnostic and troubleshooting tools and it continuously monitors critical parameters, such as temperature and DC link voltage.