RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Top Comparison between IGBT vs. MOSFET

The progress in the field of technology has made it possible for us to use a

vast range of transistors. Different consumer electronics that we use

today comprise such transistors. From basic to highly advanced

transistors, consumer electronics come with these exceptional

components. Now each type of translator differs from the other. There are

different factors that distinguish these types for our own ease.

So that choosing the right transistor for you will become a lot easier. But

keep in mind, with perks come downsides of these transistors as well. In

this post today, we are going to compare IGBT vs. MOSFET transistors. So

that you can learn to use these special types as per your needs. Here we

go!

Well, both these types are common in consumer switching devices and

electronics. The reason is that there are certain features and specifications

that set these transistors apart from the others. From solar inverters to

motor driver systems, these transistors are simply exceptional in

performance and provide you with desired results as well.

Now it’s time to learn about these transistors individually so that you can

develop a better understanding of IGBT vs. MOSFET transistors through

further sections.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

Table of Contents

What is MOSFET?

First, we have MOSFET, which is a low-voltage transistor and is a lot

different from other types like BJT. BJTs are mostly currently controlled,

and therefore, their specifications are also different. The features of

MOSFET include low current and high voltage, and due to this reason, you

can easily use it to your own needs and advantage. There are three

important points present in MOSFET.

One is the drain, the other is the source, and the last one is the gate. You

can use a MOSFET through its different modes called depletion and

enhancement. The two main categories of MOSFETs include one with

N-channel and the other with P-channel. The voltage present on the gate

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

actually creates a fine line of difference between different types of

MOSFETs.

When you are using the depletion mode, keep in mind that the

conductance will be at its highest. While in the other case, there will be

zero voltage at the gate. When you are using the enhancement mode, it is

obvious that the conduction will only take place when the voltage is higher.

There is another important thing to note that when you increase the

positive voltage as compared to the default voltage, then the electrons

present in the source and the gate will develop a conduction layer.

It means this is the condition for the conduction layer to be developed. In

most cases, this layer takes place between the P-channel and the oxide

layer. As the voltage increases, it will cause more flow of current towards

the drain. So this is how you will turn on the conduction mode of a

MOSFET by using voltage.

What is IGBT?

IGBT is nothing but a combination of a MOSFET and a BJT. The nature of

an IGBT is monolithic. Therefore this is how you will get double the

features and advantages of transistors in a single IGBT. IGBT is important

to consider here because these take the exceptional current controlling

ability of BJTs and easy usage of MOSFETs. Due to this reason, different

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

users rely on IGBTs for the incorporation of different consumer

electronics.

You can easily use an IGBT if you are aiming for a medium-power

application. For a high-power application, you must consider some

guidelines to derive desired results. Just like a MOSFET, you will have three

important terminals in an IGBT too. These are a gate, a collector, and an

emitter. The purpose of the gate is to control the transistor, while the

conductor and emitter are for seamless conduction. The overall channel

structure of an IGBT is P-N-P-N which sets it apart from the rest of the

transistors. In the case of bias, the P-base will develop an N-channel.

When this happens, the resistance of the N-layer reduces dramatically,

and the positive elements go toward the N-layer and leave the player. Due

to this reason, it can easily tackle high levels of current. One another

impressive factor about IGBTs is that their conduction faces

fewer power losses.

Differences: IGBT vs. MOSFET

1. Basics: IGBT vs. MOSFET

One major difference between IGBT and MOSFET is their basics. There is

no doubt that both these transistors are controlled by voltage and have

similar applications in terms of switch mode power supply. However, we

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

need to know that IGBTs are important when we are talking about higher

current applications.

Whereas MOSFETs are for providing more feasibility in terms of control.

IGBTs can render benefits of a BJT, and a MOSFET but MOSFETs alone

cannot render benefits like IGBTs. You can use a MOSFET for voltage

determination, but an IGBT will not be able to do this for you at all.

2. Working Principle: IGBT Vs. MOSFET

One another thing that separates IGBT and MOSFET is their working

phenomenon. When it comes to IGBT, you can easily make changes and

control the bipolar side of the transistor.

However, a MOSFET works best for FET, and the element of silicone

oxidation is also there to distinguish its working from an IGBT. MOSFETs

are more likely to perform naturally because their gate’s voltage keeps

changing, and a fine layer of silicone protects this change during the

process. Moreover, a MOSFET has two modes of functions while IGBTs

don’t.

3. Input Impedance: IGBT vs. MOSFET

Sometimes you can also understand IGBT vs. MOSFET through input

impedance. When we talk about IGBTs, you can expect more input

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

impedance as compared to MOSFETs. IGBTs, therefore, are a better option

to opt for when it comes to using them for high-current applications. The

problem with MOSFETs is that they struggle with the voltage at the gate,

and due to this reason, they are not reliable for current-oriented

applications.

However, MOSFETs come in handy when you are considering protection in

terms of current leakage and voltage blocks because the silicone layer will

prevent this from happening on all counts.

4. Damage Resistance: IGBT vs. MOSFET

Both the transistors are also different in terms of damage resistance.

MOSFETs can easily tolerate changes in the charges and more input

impedance. Due to this reason, you cannot use MOSFETs for damage

resistance between extremely low capacitance makes them a bit difficult

to prevent damage.

Other than this IGBTs can prove to be more beneficial because of the

double benefits of a MOSFET and BJT. So no matter how much intense was

the voltage change, an IGBT can impressively tackle it for you.

5. Applications: IGBT vs. MOSFET

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Another huge difference between IGBTs and MOSFETs is their applications.

Now this is obvious that you cannot use an IGBT for a MOSFET application.

MOSFETs are more reliable for the changing of signals and amplification of

different electronics.

These mostly come in handy for the high noise devices. You can make use

of a MOSFET in different types of analog and digital circuits since this

cause no harm to their functioning at all.

IGBTs have different applications than MOSFETs because they are more

likely to control the current. Therefore applications including induction,

heating mechanisms, and motor control are all possible with IGBTs.

6. Switching power: IGBT vs. MOSFET

The switching power of both is also different. This term means how much

power a transistor is to switch between on and off situations. Sometimes

you can even call switching power dissipation as well.

MOSFETs are incredible in terms of switching power as compared to IGBTs.

Therefore if you want to use a transistor for higher switching power, then

using a MOSFET will save you from disappointment.

7. Voltage & Current: IGBT vs. MOSFET

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

In terms of voltage and current, both these transistors are different.

However, IGBT is more reliable for the current and voltage capacity, and

you can use it easily for similar applications. MOSFETs are not reliable for

this purpose because they cannot deal with transient voltage as IGBTs do.

8. Structure & design: IGBT Vs. MOSFET

To quickly differentiate between these two transistors then, take a look at

their design and structure. But one problem that stands here is that they

have the same design. It is difficult to identify them at a glance.

However, if you are an expert, it won’t be difficult for you whatsoever.

There are more P layers in IGBTs present under the n substrate. MOSFETs

don’t have a structure like this, and due to this reason, MOSFETs can easily

handle quick switching when you are using them for higher frequencies.

IGBTs do have a PN junction, but it remains concealed in their structure.

For MOSFETS, they don’t have a PN junctional at all. Now from this

difference, you can easily learn how you can distinguish IGBT vs. MOSFETs

so that using them according to your needs and future projects will

become easier for you.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

Key Benefits of IGBT

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

IGBT

1. You can use IGBTs for medium to high-power applications. It is

because these transistors can easily conduct high currents and

voltages for specific applications.

2. IGBTs can easily perform under stressful and unfavorable

conditions like high voltage spikes and unprecedented voltage

changes.

3. The gate insulation of IGBT is much higher as compared to other

transistors, and due to this reason, it becomes much easier for the

users to rely on them for different projects.

4. The forward voltage drop produced by an IGBT is much less as

compared to other transistors, and because of this, their

performance remains unmatched by other transistors available.

Drawbacks of IGBT

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

1. The IGBT is not a good option when it comes

to high-frequency devices because their natural performance can

be altered due to their incorporation.

2. The switching speed of the IGBT is extremely slow, which can

complicate the functioning of the devices; therefore, in this case,

you can still look for different alternatives.

Benefits of MOSFET

1. Unlike IGBTs, a MOSFET can easily tackle complications and sustain

its performance for high-frequency applications.

2. The switching speed of a MOSFET is also incredibly higher than

other types available.

3. It is good for controlling and reducing noise signals, and due to this

reason, using it for such applications renders desired and positive

results.

4. It is compact in size, and therefore using it for complex applications

is a lot easier.

5. MOSFETs are overall less expensive, and therefore, almost all

producers can rely on them for their projects easily.

Drawbacks of MOSFET

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

1. It can collapse in case you are giving it more voltage, power, and

current.

2. Unlike high voltage raise, its performance can be dramatically

changed.

3. The forward voltage drop of a MOSFET is much higher as compared

to IGBT, and therefore, this makes it not a good choice to use in

different applications.

Can I use IGBT instead of MOSFET?

Yes, you can do this. However, there are some considerations that will

help you in this regard. IGBTs are more reliable for high-power devices

because the overall power loss given through IGBTs are much less.

Therefore experts consider these more efficient instead of other types.

MOSFETs are more reliable for low-power devices because their switching

speed is higher than IGBTs.

Wrap Up on IGBT vs. MOSFET

Both IGBTs and MOSFETs have their own advantages. These are also

different from each other in some areas, and due to this reason, it is

important that you choose the right transistor for your projects.

We have described IGBT vs. MOSFET in detail in this post so that you can

easily understand what factors make them different from each other. Plus,

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

how you can make full use of them by implementing them according to

their nature and features.

Related Posts:

1. Top 9 SMD Mosfet Manufacturers in China

2. Solid State Relay Vs MOSFET – What are their Similarities and

Differences?

3. Comparison Between Countersink Vs. Counterbore For PCB

4. Comparison between Desoldering Wick vs. Pump

https://www.raypcb.com/igbt-vs-mosfet/

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/