A 42V Inverter/Rectifier for ISA using Discrete Semiconductor Components

A demonstration inverter has been built to illustrate the feasibility of implementing an ISA inverter in a 42V automotive powernet using discrete semiconductor switches. The high current carrying capability of the package (300A) enables the component count to be reduced to a minimum of two per switch. For a 10kW inverter, the current carrying requirements of each switch is about 400A peak. With careful layout and design, this solution could be a viable alternative to a module solution, which typically would have the same FET component count.