Date: 20/01/2010

Reverse conducting thyristor for use in regulators of motorbikes

Renesas has released the CRD5CM reverse conducting thyristor for use in voltage regulators for two-wheeler automotives and engines for general-purpose batteries. The CRD5CM integrates a thyristor and a rectifier diode in a single element.

Two-wheeled vehicles and engines for general-purpose batteries employ a regulator between the generator and battery to prevent current flow at a voltage higher than the battery's storage voltage value. They regulate the voltage by switching the current flow from the generator on and off. For a three-phase regulator this block has typically consisted of three sets of thyristors and diodes, each in its own package.

The main features of the CRD5CM are,

Mounting area can be reduced by about 50%
Thyristor with rated current of 5 A and rated voltage of 400 V
Diode with rated current of 5 A and soft turn-off characteristics
The diode of the CRD5CM has soft turn-off characteristics, with a reverse recovery time 4 of 4.0 µs (typ.) that limits voltage surges during commutation.

The thermal resistance of the CRD5CM with TO-220 package is 2.8 Deg C/W. Operation is guaranteed up to 150 Deg C.

This device is targeted at markets such as India, China and Indonesia where two wheeler automotive markets are big. High volume low priced motorbike makers may find this device cost effective.

Availability: Sample shipments will begin in February 2010 in Japan.

For more details visit www.renesas.com