US-based Ideal Power has received a purchase order for its Bidirectional, Bipolar Junction Transistor (B-TRAN) semiconductor power switch from an unnamed power semiconductor and power electronics firm.

The customer purchased B-TRAN devices and a circuit breaker evaluation board, and is collaborating with Ideal Power on developing a solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) design for its launch of a multi-year DC power distribution system program.

B-TRAN is designed for EVs, EV charging, renewable energy, energy storage, data centers, solid-state circuit breakers and other industrial and military applications.

The technology provides lower conduction losses, lower costs, and bidirectionality compared to electromechanical breakers and IGBT and silicon carbide MOSFET-based SSCBs, according to Ideal. B-TRAN’s symmetric bidirectional operation reduces the number of components required for an application by 75% compared to a conventional bidirectional switch utilizing IGBTs and diodes. Its higher efficiency reduces heat generation, requiring a smaller surface area to dissipate heat and allowing OEMs to make smaller products.

“This symmetric operation provides a strong competitive advantage in bidirectional applications, which are growing rapidly as transportation electrifies and power generation shifts to renewable energy coupled with energy storage,” the company said.

Source: Ideal Power