Overview
IEC 60747-15:2003 - Discrete semiconductor devices, Part 15: Isolated power semiconductor devices is the IEC product-specific standard that defines requirements and test methods for isolated power semiconductor devices. It supplements the general device rules given in other parts of the IEC 60747 series (and related IEC 60748 / IEC 60749 documents) by addressing isolation, thermal, electrical and mechanical characteristics particular to devices with an integral electrical insulator between the base plate (cooling surface) and isolated circuit elements.
Key topics
This standard covers technical requirements, measurements and verification procedures for isolated power devices, including:
- Essential ratings and characteristics - limiting values and electrical/thermal/mechanical characteristics that manufacturers must specify.
- Verification tests - isolation voltage (high-pot), peak case non-rupture current, maximum terminal and surge (non‑repetitive) current tests.
- Measurement methods - partial discharge inception/extinction, parasitic stray inductance and capacitance, thermal resistance and transient thermal impedance, and mechanical measurement techniques.
- Thermal modelling - definitions of junction, case and sink reference points, thermal resistances and transient thermal impedance curves.
- Parasitics and circuit effects - measurement and implications of stray inductance/capacitance between functional elements and case.
- Acceptance & reliability - environmental & endurance tests, type and routine test lists, power cycling and climatic classifications.
- Normative references - links to IEC environmental, high-voltage and device test standards (e.g., IEC 60068 series, IEC 60270, IEC 60664‑1, IEC 60747 family).
Applications and practical value
IEC 60747-15 is essential for:
- Device manufacturers - to design, characterize and document isolated power semiconductor products (IGBTs, MOSFET-based modules, solid-state relays with isolated cooling surfaces).
- Test laboratories - to perform standardized isolation, surge, parasitic and thermal tests and generate reproducible compliance data.
- Power electronics designers and system integrators - to select components with verified isolation, thermal and transient behavior for converters, inverters, traction, and industrial drives.
- Quality, regulatory and procurement teams - to define acceptance criteria, reliability programs and procurement specifications that reference recognized international test methods.
Practical benefits include ensuring electrical safety (clear isolation verification), predictable thermal management, reduced field failures from parasitics and harmonized documentation for international market access.
Related standards
Keywords: IEC 60747-15, isolated power semiconductor devices, isolation tests, parasitic inductance, thermal impedance, power semiconductor standards.
