IXYS Introduces an Opto-Isolated Fast Gate Driver for Power MOSFETs and IGBTs

IXYS Integrated Circuits Division (ICD), Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of IXYS Corporation (NASDAQ:IXYS), announced the immediate availability of the IX3180 2.5A Gate Drive Optocoupler. The IX3180 combines IXYS ICD’s optocoupler expertise from its OptoMOS product line with its popular 600-Series high current gate drivers. The optocoupler input is a light-emitting diode which is then optically coupled to an integrated circuit containing a photo diode and high speed, high current, push-pull power output.

The IX3180 output is capable of providing 2.5A of peak drive current, has a supply voltage range of 10V to 20V and is specified over a wide -40 degrees C to +100 degrees C temperature range. The IX3180 has a high speed response time (100nS typical propagation delay) and a 20nS typical pulse width distortion. Under-voltage lockout with hysteresis is provided for additional protection.

The IX3180 is well suited for applications that need isolated drivers for fast switching power MOSFETs and IGBTs, such as DC/DC converters, industrial inverters, AC and brushless motor drives, inverters for solar cells and uninterruptible power supplies.

The IX3180 is the latest addition to IXYS ICD’s growing family of high current gate drive optocouplers. The IX3180 high current gate drive optocoupler augments IXYS ICD’s extensive family of high current low side gate drivers (from 1.5A to 30A) and high voltage gate drivers (up to 700V).

“This driver complements our large range of driver IC’s that can be directly controlled by our family of MCU’s to control the power MOSFETs and IGBTs in the whole spectrum of power conversion, motor control and medical application where input to output galvanic isolation is needed. It fits perfectly in our ‘World of IXYS’ total solution initiative for our worldwide customers,” commented Mark Heisig, General Manager of IXYS ICD.

The IX3180 is available in an 8-lead DIP package and an 8-lead SOIC package.

About IXYS ICD and IXYS Corporation

IXYS Integrated Circuits Division, (ICD), a leader in the design and manufacture of solid state relays and high voltage integrated circuits, is a wholly owned subsidiary of IXYS Corporation. IXYS Corporation develops and markets primarily high performance power semiconductor devices that are used in controlling and converting electrical power efficiently in power systems for the telecommunication and internet infrastructure, motor drives, medical systems and transportation. IXYS also serves its markets with a combination of digital and analog integrated circuits, power systems and RF GaAs and GaN based products. Additional information about IXYS Integrated Circuits Division, Zilog and IXYS may be found at www.ixysic.com, www.zilog.com and www.ixys.com.

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Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including the performance, rating, benefits, reliability, availability and suitability of products for various applications, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the results of IXYS to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including its Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2014. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements.