
( Brand: Philtek ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: CP136 ), ( Part Type: Supply Driver Board )
The **Philtek CP136 Power Supply/Driver Board** is a high-performance, modular power solution designed for demanding industrial, automotive, and motion control applications requiring precise and efficient IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) and SiC (Silicon Carbide) switching. This robust board integrates a **5-channel IGBT driver section** featuring the **CP136AR3**, a high-speed, half-bridge driver optimized for driving N-channel IGBTs or MOSFETs with gate voltages up to ** 30V**, while delivering **15A peak current** and **5A continuous current** per channel. Each channel is equipped with **undervoltage lockout (UVLO), dead-time control, and fault protection**, ensuring reliable operation even under harsh conditions. The driver section is complemented by **isolated gate drive circuitry**, providing **500V isolation** to enhance safety and reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), making it ideal for high-voltage applications such as inverters, motor drives, and power converters.
In addition to the IGBT driver array, the **CP136 Power Supply/Driver Board** includes a **single-channel SiC (Silicon Carbide) driver** utilizing the **CP136B**, a specialized driver tailored for high-efficiency, high-temperature SiC MOSFETs and JFETs. The CP136B supports **gate voltages up to 20V** and delivers **10A peak current**, enabling fast switching and minimal conduction losses critical for applications demanding superior thermal performance, such as EV chargers, renewable energy systems, and high-frequency power conversion. The SiC driver shares the same robust isolation and protection features as the IGBT section, ensuring seamless integration with modern semiconductor technologies.
The board s **power supply section** is engineered for stability and efficiency, featuring a **regulated, isolated DC-DC converter** capable of delivering the necessary gate drive voltages while maintaining tight voltage regulation and minimal ripple. This ensures consistent performance across varying load conditions and environmental temperatures, with an operating range typically spanning **-40 C to 125 C**, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor industrial applications. The design incorporates **overcurrent, overtemperature, and short-circuit protection**, along with **diagnostic outputs** for fault monitoring, allowing for system-level integration with minimal additional hardware.
From a mechanical standpoint, the **Philtek CP136** is built with **industrial-grade materials**, including reinforced PCB layers and conformal coating for enhanced durability against vibration, moisture, and thermal cycling. The board s compact yet scalable form factor allows for easy integration into existing control systems, whether in a rack-mounted enclosure, a motor drive chassis, or a custom power module assembly. Whether used in **three-phase inverter designs, hybrid vehicle powertrains, or high-power industrial motor controls**, this driver board delivers the precision, reliability, and efficiency required to meet the most stringent performance demands. Its modular architecture also facilitates customization, allowing engineers to extend functionality with additional sensors, communication interfaces, or auxiliary power rails as needed.
### **Pros and Cons of buying a Philtek CP136 Power Supply/Driver Board (5x IGBT CP136AR3 1x SBS CP136B)**
#### **Pros:**1. **High Power and Efficiency** The CP136 is a robust power supply/driver board designed for high-current applications, making it suitable for advanced builds such as plasma cutters, welders, or high-power LED drivers. Its ability to handle multiple IGBTs (CP136AR3) ensures stable and efficient power delivery.
2. **Modular and Scalable Design** The inclusion of five CP136AR3 IGBTs and one CP136B SBS (sense board) allows for customization and expansion. Users can adjust configurations based on their specific power requirements, whether for a single-phase or multi-phase setup.
3. **Reliability and Durability** Philtek components are known for their quality and longevity, especially in industrial and high-performance applications. The IGBTs and driver board are built to withstand high currents and thermal stress, reducing the risk of premature failure.
4. **Compatibility with Advanced Systems** The CP136 series is often used in professional-grade equipment like plasma cutters, inverters, and motor drives. If you're working on a high-end project, this board provides the necessary performance and control.
5. **Precise Current and Voltage Control** The integrated driver board (CP136B) allows for accurate regulation of power output, which is crucial for applications requiring stable performance, such as welding or precise motor control.
6. **Cost-Effective for High-Power Needs** While the initial cost may be higher than basic power supplies, the efficiency and longevity of Philtek components can make it a cost-effective solution in the long run, especially for commercial or industrial use.
7. **Support for Advanced Cooling Solutions** The IGBTs and driver board can be paired with high-performance cooling systems (e.g., liquid cooling or large heatsinks) to maintain optimal operating temperatures, extending their lifespan.
---
#### **Cons:**1. **Complexity for Beginners** The CP136 board is not a plug-and-play solution. It requires a solid understanding of electronics, power regulation, and IGBT operation. Beginners may struggle with wiring, programming, or troubleshooting issues.
2. **High Skill Requirement for Integration** Properly integrating this board into a project demands knowledge of circuit design, MOSFET/IGBT driving, and possibly microcontroller programming (if using PWM or feedback control). Incorrect implementation can lead to damage or unsafe operation.
3. **Limited Off-the-Shelf Applications** Unlike universal power supplies, the CP136 is specialized. It may not be directly compatible with consumer-grade devices without significant modifications, making it less versatile for casual users.
4. **Thermal Management Challenges** High-power IGBTs generate significant heat. While Philtek components are durable, inadequate cooling can reduce efficiency and lifespan. Users must invest in proper heatsinks, fans, or liquid cooling to prevent overheating.
5. **Potential for Overkill** If your project only requires moderate power (e.g., a small LED driver or low-current motor), the CP136 may be overkill. A simpler, lower-cost solution (e.g., a switching power supply or basic driver IC) could suffice.
6. **Cost** The CP136 board and associated components (IGBTs, heatsinks, cooling) are not cheap. For hobbyists or small-scale projects, the expense may not justify the investment compared to pre-built alternatives.
7. **Learning Curve for Fault Diagnosis** If issues arise (e.g., IGBT failure, driver malfunctions), diagnosing and fixing them can be challenging without experience in high-power electronics. Repair costs may also be higher due to specialized parts.
8. **Safety Risks if Mismanaged** Incorrect wiring, improper grounding, or lack of protective measures (e.g., fuses, snubbers) can lead to dangerous situations, including electrical shocks or fires. This board is not beginner-friendly in terms of safety.
---
### **Ending Conclusion:**The **Philtek CP136 power supply/driver board with 5x CP136AR3 IGBTs and 1x CP136B SBS** is a **high-performance, professional-grade component** ideal for advanced power applications such as plasma cutters, welders, motor drives, or custom high-current LED drivers. It excels in **efficiency, scalability, and reliability** but is **not suited for beginners or simple projects** due to its complexity, cost, and technical demands.
If you have **experience in electronics, power systems, or industrial control**, this board can be an excellent investment for a **custom, high-power build**. However, if you're a **hobbyist, student, or working on a low-to-moderate power project**, a pre-built power supply, simpler driver IC, or a more user-friendly module (e.g., a switching power module with built-in protection) would likely be a better choice.
---
### **Recommendation:** - **Buy if:**- You are building a **high-power, professional-grade system** (e.g., plasma cutter, welder, or advanced motor drive).
- You have **experience with IGBTs, MOSFETs, and power electronics**.
- You need **customizable, scalable power control** and are willing to invest in cooling and additional components.
- You are comfortable with **circuit design, programming (if applicable), and troubleshooting**.
- **Avoid if:**- You are a **beginner** in electronics or power systems.
- Your project requires **low to moderate power** (e.g., small LED strips, low-current motors).
- You prefer **plug-and-play solutions** without deep customization.
- You cannot invest in **proper cooling, heatsinks, and protective components** to ensure safe operation.
For most **hobbyist or small-scale projects**, consider alternatives like:- **Mean Well or TDK-Lambda switching power supplies** (for general power needs).
- **IR2104/IR2110-based MOSFET driver modules** (for simpler high-side/low-side switching).
- **Pre-built plasma cutter or welder power supplies** (if your goal is a specific application).
If you proceed with the CP136, **research thoroughly, test components individually, and ensure proper safety measures** before finalizing your build.
No other accessories. Regardless of the origin equipment, documentation provided or identification appearing upon equipment described and offered here is in no way certified for, recommended for any specific use. 1841 W Carriage House Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70815. Please see the pictures for cosmetic condition and components it comes with.
We acquired the unit in a state surplus sale. Shipping Handling. Comes as pictured. Inventory ID: WH2-Z2-Black Rack Board Box 10, 020226, BAE.