ECOMAL, Schottky barrier rectifiers, Vishay Technology

Efficient, low-loss synchronous rectification

News Release from: ECOMAL Europe GmbH
05/07/2007

The European distributor ECOMAL has introduced the first Schottky barrier rectifiers from Vishay Technology which use trench MOS technology. These devices appear in the equivalent circuit diagram as an MOS element and Schottky metal in parallel. New environmental guidelines including EUP (Energy – Using – Products 2005/32/EC), which are intended to save as much energy as possible and minimize the tolerable losses in the overall system, require highly efficient circuit designs.

The principle advantage of Schottky barrier rectifiers is a very low forward voltage, for example 0.372V on a 100V, 50A version (2 x 25A common cathode) in a TO-247AD package. Power losses are reduced, and this results in lower heat dissipation and a more efficient power supply. Significantly improved transient characteristics compared to conventional Schottky planar rectifiers is another argument
if favor of the new technology.

Synchronous rectification on the secondary side using MOSFETs can significantly reduce power losses in telecommunications systems, industrial power supplies and distributed power systems. However, these devices are expensive and require appropriate control electronics. This complicates the design and drives up production costs.