Fairchild Introduces Power Modules for PDPs

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Fairchild Semiconductor (http://www.fairchildsemi.com) in late April introduced its PDP-SPMTM power modules specifically optimized for driving plasma-display panels (PDP). Fairchild claims its integrated modules are far superior to discrete solutions when it comes to simplifying designs, easing manufacturing time and costs and improving system performance.

Fairchild’s PDP-SPM offering consists of two Smart Power Modules: the FVP12030 energy-recovery circuit module and the FVP18030 sustain circuit module. Each PDP-SPM integrates multiple pre-tested HVICs, buffer ICs, IGBTs and diodes into a single thermally enhanced 44mm x 26.8mm Mini-DIP package. As a result, PDP-SPMs replace as many as 20 discrete devices with two compact modules, allowing designers to use significantly less board space required by discrete approaches while significantly increasing system reliability and enhancing noise immunity, according to a company statement.

“Fairchild’s PDP-SPM integrated power modules offer the easiest, most cost-effective and high-performance solution on the market today for driving plasma display panels,” Taehoon Kim, vice president of Fairchild’s Functional Power Solutions, said in a press release. “As the leader in power semiconductors with a portfolio of unsurpassed breadth and depth, Fairchild was able to choose, and integrate, the optimum combination of components into each module. By reducing component count - and therefore chances for component failure - our PDP-SPM solution enhances reliability and results in better overall system performance. In addition to offering design flexibility and faster assembly, PDP-SPMs are backed by Fairchild’s expertise and design support.”

The FVP12030 module integrates twelve components: two HVICs, two buffer ICs, two IGBTs and six diodes. The FVP18030 integrates eight components: two HVICs, two buffer ICs, two IGBTs and two diodes. By integrating many diverse components into one module, PDP-SPM products improve design productivity and manufacturability, according to the company. Fairchild said these advanced built-in power devices also optimize driving characteristics. For example, the integrated HVICs provide an opto-coupler-less, single-grounded power supply as well as undervoltage lock-out (UVLO) protection to increase reliability, while the buffer ICs offer sufficient current-driving capability for PDP applications. In addition, the modules utilize advanced transfer-molded packaging technology to further increase system performance by providing excellent thermal resistance, an isolation voltage of 1500Vrms (for 1 minute) and low-leakage current.

Fairchild called its PDP-SPM products are an "example of the company’s success in capitalizing on its existing product portfolio to create new solutions that solve design challenges," expanding Fairchild’s comprehensive Motion-SPMTM product offerings that target inverter motor drive applications into the quickly growing PDP market.