New Rectifiers Boost PFC Efficiency

Santa Clara, California - September 10, 2007 - Qspeed Semiconductor, designer and manufacturer of innovative, energy-saving power semiconductor devices, today introduced its Q-Series rectifier family.

This new family of devices is designed specifically for use in Power Factor Correction circuits delivering up to 1000W of power. By replacing an ultrafast diode with a Q-Series device, efficiency improvements of typically 0.5 to 1.5% are realised in the boost converter stage, similar to those obtained using high-value, exotic Silicon Carbide diodes.

Developed using Qspeed's proprietary technology, the Q-Series family of devices has the lowest reverse-recovery-charge (QRR) and the best softness factor of any high-speed silicon rectifiers currently available. It includes three devices rated to deliver continuous forward current values of 3A, 5A or 8A designated, respectively, LQA03, LQA05 and LQA08. Typically, the 3A device would be used in boost converter stages delivering from 200 to 400W continuous; the 5A version, in converters delivering from 400 to 700W; and the 8A device, in those delivering between 700 and 1000W.

The significance in the introduction of the Qspeed familyis that the efficiency of AC/DC power supplies may now be effected without resort to high-cost silicon carbide alternatives. They embody the lowest reverse recovery charge and the best turnoff softness factor of any commercially available silicon rectifier.