When we apply VGE=15V, is it OK to consider the only range of 15V for SCSOA?

As short-circuit current is determined by the gate voltage, the SCSOA has to be judged by the gate voltage at the time of a short circuit. As the gate voltage may go up in some cases at the time of short circuit, investigation under the worst conditions is recommended.

When using an IGBT gate driver IC, do you have any recommended circuits for overcurrent protection?

Follow the recommended circuit for the driver IC. Detemine the circuit constants so that the protection operation will be finished within the period of the short-circuit time indicated for each series.

After soldering of small IPM products, is it ok to cut their pins off?

There no problem in cutting pins. But please be careful not to apply stress to the PCB.

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 […]

An IGBT module is broken. How can we investigate the cause?

The breakdown mode of an element may include overcurrent, overvoltage, overheat, etc. Causes of each breakdown mode have to be investigated. In the real world, however, it is difficult to identify the cause by the breakdown status of an IGBT module alone. It is important to consolidate information such as the breakdown voltage VCE, current […]

Do all switching losses depend on the gate reverse-bias voltage between the gate and the emitter (-VGE)?

Mainly the turn-off loss Eoff will be affected. As –VGE increases, Eoff decreases.

What is the maximum terminal temperature of the IGBT module?

Its maximum rated terminal temperature is 125oC. However, the allowable maximum terminal temperature of Fuji PrimePACK TM is 150oC.

When configuring a 3-level converter with T-type, what is the difference between using Fuji Electric orginal RB-IGBT in the AC-switch and using regular IGBT and FWD?

The big benefit of using RB IGBT is that the number of elements that the current goes through is smaller compared with the conventional methods. This leads to a reduction of conductance losses.

What does Pmax of FWD mean?

The Safe Operation Area (SOA) of a diode indicates the area where the maximum power determined by a product of the current and voltage applied during reverse recovery can be allowed. This maximum power is called as Pmax.

Why does Fuji recommend to connect a resistor between G-E terminals of IGBT terminal?

If voltage is applied between C-E while the gate is open, the divided voltage by Cres and Cies is applied to the gate, as well. This may lead to a gate breakdown from overvoltage, or a breakdown by heating from elevated device temperature due to a unstable ON state of the gate. As such, for […]