Pre-Switch, Inc., the world's premier supplier of soft switching technology May 31 introduced Pre-Flex Technology, an embedded AI (Artificial Intelligence) controller IC (Integrated Circuit) which effectively eliminates transistor switching losses in hard-switched architectures for virtually any power converter topology. Pre-Flex dramatically reduces cost, size and weight, while increasing efficiency and reliability of power converters in the server, solar, wind, EV, traction and motor drive markets.
Pre-Flex technology learns and adapts 'in-system,' on a cycle-by-cycle basis, to reliably force resonant soft-switch across changing loads, input voltages, temperatures and manufacturing tolerances. The technology has proven efficiencies greater than those of five-level topologies at a fraction of the cost and complexity. Pre-Flex also significantly lowers EMI (Electromagnetic interference) and dramatically decreases dV/dt for any switch type. Pre-Flex enables Silicon carbide-like performance for low-cost IGBTs, and allows SiC- and GaN-based topologies to switch up to 20x faster than they do today. Built into the architecture are innovative cycle-by-cycle safety features and communications that were never possible before. Pre-Flex has switched 900V Wolfspeed SiC MOSFETs up to 1MHz, and 650V Infineon IGBTs at over 100 kHz with unprecedented efficiencies. The technology presently scales from 1 KW to above gigawatts.
'We have removed the biggest barrier to advancing the power conversion industry,' said Bruce Renouard, chief executive officer of Pre-Switch, Inc. 'Our technology enables simple, reliable and cost-effective forced resonant soft-switching on any topology.'
Pre-Switch is working with development partners interested in leading their respective industries by designing their next-generation power converters with Pre-Flex technology.
'By significantly reducing IGBT switching losses without increasing dV/dt, Pre-Switch is creating a possibility to redefine our VFD motor drives to be smaller and more efficient without being harmful to motor insulation and bearings,' said Adalberto Jose Rossa, Drives R&D manager of WEG Drives & Controls. 'We are investigating this technology, and initial test results at double-pulse and at short-circuit conditions have inspired us to test a complete drive with Pre-Switch technology. We look forward to analyzing reliability data of the system under real motor load conditions.'