3/29/24, 3:46 PM (1) Selecting IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) devices for high-power applications.

| LinkedIn
1 R
Home My Network Jobs Messaging Notifications Me For Business Prem

Selecting IGBT
(Insulated Gate Bipolar
Transistor) devices for
high-power
applications.
Dileep Chacko
8 articles Follow
Director, Principal Power Electronics Engineer

November 27, 2023

Open Immersive Reader

Selecting IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) devices

for high-power applications is a critical decision that
involves considering several key factors to ensure optimal
performance and reliability. Here are important factors to
consider:

Voltage and Current Ratings:

Ensure that the selected IGBT devices can handle the

voltage and current levels required for your specific
application. Choose devices with sufficient headroom to
accommodate variations and transient conditions.

Switching Speed:

Consider the switching speed of the IGBTs. The choice

between high-speed and standard-speed IGBTs depends on
the specific requirements of your application. High-speed
devices can reduce switching losses but may also lead to
higher conduction losses.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/selecting-igbt-insulated-gate-bipolar-transistor-devices-chacko-5y3te/?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_more-articles… 1/5
3/29/24, 3:46 PM (1) Selecting IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) devices for high-power applications. | LinkedIn

Temperature Ratings:

Evaluate the operating temperature range of the IGBT

devices. Ensure that the selected devices can withstand the
temperature extremes expected in your application.
Effective thermal management is crucial for preventing
overheating and ensuring long-term reliability.

Module Configurations:

Consider the available module configurations. IGBTs are

often integrated into modules that may include other
components such as diodes and capacitors. Evaluate the
module configuration that best fits your system design and
requirements.

Gate Drive Requirements:

Understand the gate drive requirements of the chosen

IGBTs. This includes parameters such as gate voltage and
gate current. Proper gate drive design is essential for
achieving efficient switching and minimizing switching
losses.

Reliability and Robustness:

Consider the reliability and robustness of the IGBT devices,

especially in demanding operating conditions. Evaluate
their performance under stress factors such as voltage
spikes, current surges, and temperature variations.

Protection Features:

Check if the IGBT devices offer built-in protection features,

such as short-circuit protection, overtemperature
protection, and desaturation protection. These features can
enhance the overall reliability and safety of the high-power
application.

Application-Specific Considerations:

Take into account any application-specific requirements or

constraints. For example, in motor drive applications, the
IGBTs should be capable of handling the unique
characteristics of motor loads.

Gate Resistance:

Consider the gate resistance of the IGBTs. The gate

resistance affects the switching speed and can impact

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/selecting-igbt-insulated-gate-bipolar-transistor-devices-chacko-5y3te/?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_more-articles… 2/5
3/29/24, 3:46 PM (1) Selecting IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) devices for high-power applications. | LinkedIn

overall efficiency. It's important to choose the right gate

resistance for optimal performance.

Cost Considerations:

Evaluate the overall cost of the IGBT devices, considering

not only the initial purchase cost but also factors such as
reliability, maintenance, and potential energy savings over
the device's lifespan.

Here are some examples of IGBT devices from various

manufacturers.

Infineon IGBTs:

Product Series: EconoDUAL, PrimePACK, EasyPACK

Example: FF450R12KT4

Mitsubishi Electric IGBTs:

Product Series: PM200DSA, CM300DY, PM600HSA

Example: CM450DX-24S2

Fuji Electric IGBTs:

Product Series: 7MBI, 2MBI, 6MBI

Example: 7MBI50N-120

Semikron IGBTs:

Product Series: SKM, SEMITRANS, SKiiP

Example: SKM300GB128D

ABB IGBT Modules:

Product Series: IGBT Power Modules

Example: 5SNA1200G450300

ON Semiconductor IGBT Modules:

Product Series: NGTBxxN120IHRWG, NGTBxxN135IHRWG

Example: NGTB30N135IHRWG

STMicroelectronics IGBT Modules:

Product Series: SLLIMM, IHM

Example: STGB10NB37LZ

IXYS IGBT Modules:

Product Series: MCC, VUB, IXFN

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/selecting-igbt-insulated-gate-bipolar-transistor-devices-chacko-5y3te/?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_more-articles… 3/5
3/29/24, 3:46 PM (1) Selecting IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) devices for high-power applications. | LinkedIn

Example: MCC56-16IO1B

Renesas IGBTs:

Product Series: RJP, RJH, PS218

Example: RJH3047

Vishay IGBTs:

Product Series: IHLP, VS-ET, VS-GT

Example: IHLP5050EZERR68M01

These examples cover a range of IGBTs, including discrete

devices and modules. Remember to check the specific
specifications, ratings, and features of each device to
ensure it aligns with the requirements of your high-power
application

Report this

Published by

Dileep Chacko
Director, Principal Power Electronics Engineer 8 articles Follow
Published • 4mo

Selecting IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) devices for high-power applications.

Like Comment Share 5 4 comments

Reactions

4 Comments
Most relevant

Add a comment…

michael wang • 3rd+ 4mo

Electrical and Electronic engineer

How to define high-power applications？ Does it mean that BUS voltage is

above 1000V? Or 1500V? thanks

Like · 1 Reply · 3 Replies

Load previous replies

Dileep Chacko • 2nd 3mo

Director, Principal Power Electronics Engineer

michael wang , I instruct engineering professionals on fundamental

aspects of power electronics, analog and mixed-signal circuit design,
PCB design using Altium Designer, and the basics of PSpice and
LTspice simulations. If you need training in these areas, feel free to
reach out. Thank you.

Like Reply

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/selecting-igbt-insulated-gate-bipolar-transistor-devices-chacko-5y3te/?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_more-articles… 4/5
3/29/24, 3:46 PM (1) Selecting IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) devices for high-power applications. | LinkedIn

Dileep Chacko
Director, Principal Power Electronics Engineer

Follow

More from Dileep Chacko

Importance of gate driver Importance of DC-Link

design for traction inverter capacitors in traction
applications and some… inverters.
Dileep Chacko on LinkedIn Dileep Chacko on LinkedIn

Various control algorithms to

drive PMSM motor for
traction applications
Dileep Chacko on LinkedIn

See all 8 articles

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/selecting-igbt-insulated-gate-bipolar-transistor-devices-chacko-5y3te/?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_more-articles… 5/5