Mission IGBT: Understanding And Specifying IGBT Modules

by Paul L. Schimel, International Rectifier, El Segundo, Calif, How2Power Today, Dec 15 2014

Focus:
Choosing an IGBT module for your traction inverter, motion control, renewable energy inverter or related high-power designs does not have to be a “mission impossible,” if you understand which criteria are most important in module selection. After a brief look at the internal structure of an IGBT module (and its advantages vs. discrete designs), the author explains what to consider when selecting IGBT modules. Selection criteria discussed here include input source, maximum current rating, system temperature influence on current rating, and short-circuit withstand rating. The article also discusses the need to avoid avalanche-mode operation and the pros and cons of using desaturation sensing to detect overcurrent conditions. The author uses application examples to illustrate how the selection criteria are impacted by the type of application.

What you’ll learn:

• How to select an IGBT module for a motor drive or inverter application
• How to understand the pros and cons of desaturation sensing to protect IGBTs against overcurrent conditions

Notes:
Also see “Steering Through The Confusion: A Guide To IGBT Technologies, Terminology, and Operation.”

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