News - Component Test

Kelvin Contactor for High Power Applications proves Performance

06 May 2013 - Multitest announces that its ecoAmp high power Kelvin contactor successfully passed a challenging evaluation for an automotive application at a European based IDM. The patent pending ecoAmp is a solution for high-power applications of 1000+ amperes. The ecoAmp specifically responds to the challenging requirements of high voltage/high current test.

All typical packages and modules for power applications are covered by the ecoAmp, including MOSFETs, drivers, IGBTs, power modules, and power packages such as TO, SO and DIP.

In order to achieve equal current symmetry over I/Os within the contactor, the contacting resistance is held low and stable. Resistance stability is influenced by the contact spring itself AND the condition of the device pin. The ecoAmp is designed for an electrical performance of 500+ amperes with an inductance of 1.0 nH and below for 0.5 mm pitch.

The high power contactor allows for testing at the full temperature range from -60°up to 175°C, which is a standard requirement for automotive applications. The ecoAmp is able to stand the high thermal stress and support temperature stability during test. Thermal energy dissipation requires thermal management within the contactor.

Gerhard Gschwendtberger, Business Unit Manager (Contactors) comments: “We received very positive feedback from this customer about the results of the evaluation in the HVM environment. The ecoAmp leverages our long-term experience in the automotive market for the new requirements of high power applications for automotive as well as energy efficiency, energy harvesting and green energy applications.”

www.multitest.com/ecoAmp/