Semiconductors

The semiconductor industry is one of the most dynamic industries of the 21st century. Within this sector, power semiconductor devices are particularly relevant to power electronics. Power devices are broadly classified into power discrete components (Power Discrete) and power integrated circuits (Power IC).

Power discrete components include Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs), Diodes, and Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs), all of which are closely linked to the development of power electronics and the emerging energy industry.

Optoelectronics

The optoelectronics industry has been a consistently growing sector, encompassing industries such as lighting, displays, solar energy, and sensors. Optoelectronic components form the foundation of the entire optoelectronics industry, including Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), Laser Diodes (LDs), Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs), and photovoltaics.

Beyond testing the optoelectronic components themselves, further verification of their electrical properties and safety is required when these components are assembled into modules or assemblies.

Solutions

Insulation Aging Test

Many power components must operate for extended periods, making it difficult to ensure insulation integrity remains consistent under varying ambient temperatures or after prolonged switching. High-voltage DC power supplies are essential for long-term testing in these scenarios.

Testing multiple components in series and parallel is often required. A single test may involve hundreds or even thousands of devices. Therefore, high-voltage DC power supplies capable of delivering higher currents are used to power all devices under test (DUTs). It is crucial to incorporate current limiting on individual channels to prevent a single DUT failure from interrupting the entire test.

A high-stability high-voltage DC power supply is a necessity for this type of testing. Heinzinger high-voltage DC power supplies offer long-term stability up to 0.05% (see specifications for details), along with high accuracy and repeatability.

 

Withstand Voltage and Insulation Testing – High-Precision Current Measurement

Besides durability testing, withstand voltage and insulation testing of semiconductor components is another critical requirement mandated by industry standards. Due to the demands of high-power electrical equipment, test voltages range from 30V to 6500V, covering components from diodes to IGBTs. During testing, it's essential to monitor and record extremely small currents, necessitating high-precision current measurement. These applications are found in industries like electric vehicles and aviation.

Furthermore, when components are assembled into modules, withstand voltage testing that can provide high current is sometimes required to immediately respond to changing current demands (e.g., solar modules).

The Vitrek 95xi series offers an excellent measurement solution. It features a high-voltage output capability of 20V to 11,000V and provides a DC output of up to 50mA (model dependent). High-speed FPGA technology enables faster feedback response and enhances current measurement resolution to the pA level, making it suitable for a wide range of insulation measurement needs.