What does PIM mean?

It stands for Power Integrated Module. A PIM is a module that is composed of a 3-phase rectifier circuit, 3-phase inverter circuit, and brake circuit. It is also called CIB (Converter Inverter Brake).

What is a module?

A module is a package which contains several power semiconductor devices that form a bridge circuit, etc. A modul provides thermal and electrical contact as well as the electrical insulation maintained between the heat-radiation surface and the electric part. For this reason multiple modules can be placed on the same heat sink. Compared to setups […]

What is a RB-IGBT?

It stands for Reverse Blocking Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor. Reverse-parallel connection of RB-IGBT enables both way switching. It is incorporated in AT-NPC (Advanced T-type Neutral Point Clamped) 3-level inverters, to increase the power conversion efficiency because there are less current passing elements.

Why is FWD required?

Conventional IGBT elements are not capable of blocking a reverse-withstand voltage. When an inverter circuit is used to drive an inductive load like in a motor, the load current will continue flowing in the reverse direction (emitter to collector) at the time of switching. This may damage the IGBT. The IGBT is protected by a […]

What is an IGBT?

It stands for Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor. It is a voltage-controlled device that has an insulated gate with an oxide insulating film. The gate structure is similar to a MOSFET. It combines the positive characteristics of a MOSFET and bipolar transistor. It is an indispensable component in a power conversion circuit for high-voltage and large-current […]