AN-949 Datasheet, PDF (1/9 Pages) International Rectifier – Application Note

Application Note AN-949
Current Ratings of Power Semiconductors
and Thermal Design
Table of Contents
Page
1. What is a current rating?....................................................................................................... 2
2. Current ratings of power semiconductors ............................................................................. 2
3. Continuous current ratings.................................................................................................... 3
4. Current ratings in switchmode operation .............................................................................. 5
5. Junction temperature in pulsed conditions ........................................................................... 6
Appendix: Determining the RMS value of common current waveforms ................................... 8
This application note described the methods commonly used to calculate peak junction temperature in a power cir-
cuit. It also explains the assumptions behind the current ratings of power semiconductors.
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AN-949
July 2012
1