Westcode to Equip Korean High-Speed Trains

22 July 2010 (Last Updated July 22nd, 2010 18:30)

Westcode Semiconductors has outfitted Korea's new high-speed train with its insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) and high-power fast recovery diode technology. The company developed the technology in collaboration with Hyundai Heavy Industry for Korea's national train operator, Kor

Westcode Semiconductors has outfitted Korea's new high-speed train with its insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) and high-power fast recovery diode technology.

The company developed the technology in collaboration with Hyundai Heavy Industry for Korea's national train operator, Korail.

The high-speed power converter enables the train to reach a top speed of 330km/h and a 0–300Km/h acceleration time of 316 seconds.

The IGBT also features an improved safe operating area and reduced on-state losses of approximately 25%, compared to the previous KTX I train.

Korail plans to introduce the 13 Korean-manufactured KTX-Sancheon train sets by the end of the year, with five more added during early 2011, according to IXYS Corporation.

IXYS international sales vice-president Bradley Green said the KTX Sancheon high-speed train is estimated to transport over 38 million passengers in 2010 at an estimated distance of 22 million kilometres.

Westcode Semiconductors is a subsidiary of IXYS Corporation.