Very interesting curves. Disheartening, but interesting.
It seems that (for DIP,SIP, and large power modules) doing slow thermal cycling, where the case gets as hot as the junction before the cooling starts, it the worst-case scenario. Of course, that's the scenario my load will be experiencing quite often.
It's amazing how much a small change in the delta-T for the junction can increase the thermal fatique life of a component. I knew that, but I didn't really KNOW that until I saw those curves. I'll definitely be hunting around for a TO-247 equivalent. It'll probably have even worse news. :-)
I think you're probably right. This prototype is breadboarded and has
3" leads to the FETs. This will definitely not be the way I build the thing...it'll be all snug on a small pcb.I'm pretty sure this is why the nearby lamp (sharing the same power strip as the power supplies) caused the trouble.
Sounds interesting, I'll give it a try. Never used SPICE before, just used manufacturer's online filter and power supply design tools.
Is there a free or low cost version you could recommend? Thanks again Terry!
John
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