Beneficial characteristics of the new diodes include: zero reverse recovery current, high frequency operation with low EMI, temperature-independent switching behavior, reduced heat sink requirements, and significantly higher surge and avalanche capabilities. They also exhibit higher efficiency than comparable silicon diodes, with essentially no switching losses, and a positive temperature coefficient on VF enables parallel devices without thermal runaway.
Designed to satisfy power systems engineers’ need for higher current in a more compact, surface mount package, the new 650V 6A C3D06065E, 8A C3D08065E, and 10A C3D10065E Cree Z-Rec diodes are supplied in TO-252-2 (DPAK) packages with a smaller footprint than many of the comparable diodes currently on the market. Exhibiting both zero recovery voltage and extremely fast switching, these new 650V devices enable right sizing of the diode, optimizing both cost and performance in switch mode power supplies, power factor correction, and motor drives, among other applications. They may also negate the need for thru-hole SiC Schottky diode assembly, as well as enable smaller final assembly dimensions for new 650V designs.
Additionally, these three diodes are automotive qualified to AEC-Q101, and are ideal for use in the power factor correction and onboard power electronic conversion systems (e.g., chargers, dc/dc converters, inverters, etc.) of hybrid and electric vehicles. Unlike competitors, whose automotive qualified diodes are typically separate part numbers sold at higher costs, approximately 90% of Cree’s C3D Schottky diode portfolio is, and always has been, automotive qualified at no extra cost. A complete list of Cree’s automotive qualified diodes — available in five plastic package types, two voltage ratings (600V and 650V), and with current ratings spanning 2 to 20A — can be found on the Cree Power website.
The fourth new 650V diode, Cree’s 6A, 650V C3D06065I internally isolated Z-Rec Schottky diode is an alternative to full-pack diodes and a complement to the existing and extremely successful 8A C3D08065I and 10A C3D10065I. Featuring a TO-220 package with internal ceramic insulation – unique to Cree with regard to SiC Schottky diodes – that provides 2.5kV isolation, Cree’s new 6A, 650V internally isolated diode also provides greater operating ranges and capabilities than comparable full-pack devices, including significantly higher maximum temperatures and greater power dissipation. Additionally, by eliminating the need to insert an external isolating sheet between the diode and heat sink, this new diode eases design, reduces cost, and supports the efficient manufacturing of HVAC, PFC, and switch mode power supplies.
For more information about Cree’s new 650V Z-Rec SiC Schottky diodes, visit www.cree.com/power.
