International Rectifier has unveiled a new line of platinum-based diodes that it claims enables optimised performance and efficiency in a variety of industrial machines.

The 60APU06 and 60EPU06 platinum diffused Ultrafast recovery epitaxial diodes are intended for use in applications such as high frequency and AC TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding machines.

According to the firm, the platinum diffusion process accurately controls charge carrier lifetime, ensuring the maximum usage is obtained from the diodes, with a number of other bonuses.

Indeed, Massimo Carbone, product manager at the firm, said that the high blocking voltage characteristics expand the applications beyond welding.

These applications include power factor correction circuits, uninterruptible power supplies, induction heaters, anti-parallel diodes in motor control and general purpose diodes in any high frequency switching circuit.

The new platinum devices also allow high current operation at switching frequency above 50kHz. Low forward voltage drop reduces conduction losses and low reverse recovery energy reduces switching losses.

The combination of these features is said to combine to reduce power dissipation, operating temperature, size and weight, while increasing power supply efficiency and reliability.