Survey of electrical parameters for power electronic components

PowerElectronicParametersSurvey.md

Purpose

This document quickly surveys major manufacturers of power electronics components. Several manufacturers use different quantities in their datasheets to designate particular quantities or parameters in the usage and performance of electronic components. This survey will influence a style guide for parameter names in an EDA parts library.

List of Companies

The following companies are major sponsors of APEC, the Applied Power Electronics Conference in North America, and can be considered leaders in the Power Electronics marketplace.

1. Diodes Inc (DIOD)
2. Fairchild Semiconductor (FCS)
3. Infineon Technologies (INF)
4. International Rectifier (IRF)
5. STMicroelectronics (STM)
6. Vishay (VSH)

These companies' datasheets will be used for common parts (eg, 1N4007) to suggest language for the component

Parameters

There are a wide variety of electronic components-- transistors (MOSFET, BJT), resistors (standard, NTC, PTC, fusible), capacitors (ceramic/MLCC, electrolytic, polymer, hybrid), inductors (coupled, power, filtering), protection devices (fuses, MOVs, spark-gaps). Each has parameters that are particular to the electrical function of the device. However, some concepts span nearly all device types-- rated voltage is one that readily comes to mind.

Broad Concepts

A Note About Units

The preferred format on units in academic and trade journals is: quantity _[space] unit _[space] (modifier)*. Eg, 10 V ac, where ac and dc are not capitalized. In the strict sense, V ac is not a unit-- the Volt is the unit, the ac is just some context-- but it does mean that the prior unit should be scaled (typically by √ 2) for an instantaneous voltage peak or maximum, in much the way we scale between foot and inch. For the purposes of style in component attributes, I suggest collapsing all the space (easier regular-expression matching), and specifying pk, ac, dc, rms where it makes sense.

Rated Voltage (voltage_rating)

Nearly ever electrical device has a voltage at which it is rated to operate normally. Most components have voltage ratings that are related to the geometry of their leads or the internal spacing of conductive parts. This may not be the absolute maximum voltage for a part (eg, a BJT can operate up to avalanche voltages)-- but it is the voltage at which the part is assumed to be able to operate in perpetuity with no damage.

• Diodes (eg, 1N4007). Summary: V_RRM is the unanimously used variable name.

  • FCS: V_RRM, Peak repetitive reverse voltage
  • VSH: V_RRM, Maximum repetitive peak reverse voltage; also specifies Max RMS voltage.
  • DIOD: V_RRM, Peak repetitive reverse voltage, also named V_RWM, Working peak reverse voltage

• MOSFETs (eg, BSS138). In short, BV_DSS is the most common variable name.

  • FCS: V_DSS, Absolute Maximum Rating table: Drain-Source Voltage; also BV_DSS, Drain-source breakdown voltage (std. operating table).
  • ON: V_DSS, Absolute Maximum Rating table: Drain-Source Voltage; also V_(BR)DSS, Drain-to-source breakdown voltage.
  • DIOD: V_DS, Absolute Maximum Rating table: Drain-source Voltage; also BV_DSS, Drain-source breakdown voltage.

• Other Components

  • Some components (eg, common mode chokes) may not have a set absolute maximum rating, but instead have a nameplate rating-- a voltage at which the device is certified to be safe. Safety rated film capacitors fall into this category as well: they are tested with very large voltage spikes (in the kV range), but are rated for 120Vac, 250Vac, 300Vac, etc.