What are the differences between a 2-level inverter and a 3-level inverter?

A 3-Level inverter realizes system miniaturization and higher efficiency compared to a 2-level inverter. A 2-Level inverter controls the voltage waveform of the converter output with 2 electric potentials while a 3-level inverter controls it with 3 electric potentials. As the 3-level converter creates an output waveform closer to a sinusoidal curve, a reduction of […]

There is a description "package no. M***, P*** in Fuji Electric semiconductor catalog. What does it mean?

“M***: IGBT module product P***: IPM product”

What is the CTI (Comparative Tracking Index)?

CTI is the abbreviation for “Comparative Tracking Index”. Those with the comparative tracking index, that indicates tracking resistance as a molding resin, in the material group I in the table are required. The resin molding of power modules used in harsh environment, such as for solar panel generation and wind power generation, improvement in tracking […]

What is the function of the brake IGBT, which is part of PIM and IPM?

When a motor stops, the brake IGBT is used to convert kinetic energy of the motor into electric energy and to consume the energy as heat of a resistor (damping resistor). Deceleration time of the motor can be reduced when using a damping resistor. Make sure that the DC voltage does not increase too much […]

What is the dead time?

“To prevent a short-circuit in the upper and lower arms, it is necessary to set an on-off timing delay between the different arms. During the so called ‘dead time’ period both devices are switched off. For details, refer to Chapter 7.3 of IGBT Module Application Manual.”

What is a RC-IGBT?

RC-IGBT is an acronym of "Reverse Conducting Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor". The RC chip combines both, IGBT and FWD, in one single chip. It has excellent heat dissipation due to alternating operation of IGBT and FWD as well as reduced number of chips promise miniaturization and high reliability of the IGBT module.

What is the difference between an I-type 3-level module and a T-type 3-level module?

Major circuit configurations of 3-level inverters can be categorized in 2 groups, I-type and T-type as shown in the figure below. Fuji Electric has commercialized a T-type which applies two Reverse Blocking IGBTs (RB-IGBT) as a bi-directional switch. The loss can be made smaller compared with the conventional T-type where diode is connected in series […]

How can we reduce radiation noise?

Radiation noise can be reduced through methods such as reducing the loop current area where noise is generated, or adjusting the gate resistance. For details, refer to IGBT’s Application Manual Chapter 10.

How can we reduce conductive noise?

“Conductive noise can be reduced through methods such as adding an LC filter on the AC power side, adding a ferrite core, or adjusting the gate resistance to suppress dv/dt at the time of switching. For details, refer to IGBT’s Application Manual Chapter 10.”

What types of noise are generated at an inverter unit that has a power semiconductor device built in?

There are two types of noise: conductive noise (noise terminal voltage) and radiation noise. Conductive noise propagates over a conductor or earth wire in a main circuit. It is divided into two groups: normal mode and common mode. Radiation noise is generated within a device and emitted into the air because the device wiring or […]