Diotec’s devices support reliable, modern energy supplies.
by Andrew Dixon, Sales & Marketing Manager at Diotec Semiconductor America Corporation
Discrete power semiconductors play an important role in modern energy supplies. Electrical energy is transported and distributed over wide distances using alternating current (AC). Wind turbines, water turbines, and traditional power stations generate such AC current. In contrast, photovoltaic (PV) plants and battery storage systems employ direct current (DC). The growing fleet of electric cars can be used as a huge “virtual” energy store: During sunny or windy days, when excess energy is available, EVs connected to public charging piles can collect that energy in their batteries. At home and connected to the private wall box, this electricity can be used by the owner or fed back into the mains.
But how does this work? On common electricity mains, bridge rectifiers are used to convert AC into DC. Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs create high frequency PWM signals from such DC rails, which are then transferred via transformers to the required battery level. SiC Schottkys again rectify that high frequency signal into a DC power output. As such, excessive energy can be stored in on-board batteries. When it comes to feeding the electricity back to the mains, a similar concept is used to transfer the DC energy from the battery into the AC line.
Diotec Semiconductor is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductor components with over 50 years of experience and headquartered in Germany. Extensive know-how and in-house production from front-end to back-end enables Diotec to offer a wide range of products with short delivery times and competitive prices. With own facilities in Europe, two in Asia and a clear commitment to further growth in the USA, Diotec is committed to satisfying customers with excellent products and a high level of service.
Our products include state-of-the-art power semiconductors like Bridge, High Voltage, and Superfast Efficient Rectifiers, Zener, Schottky, TVS, and ESD Diodes, Small Signal Devices, Voltage and Shunt Regulators, MOSFETs, and IGBTs. Among the latest developments are automotive qualified Power MOSFETs in small sized QFN packages for battery management systems, SiC MOSFETs in TO-247-4L packages with Kelvin Sources for efficient power inverters, and low forward voltage drop bridge rectifiers for energy saving power conversion.