What is IGBT power module?

IGBT power modules are needed to convert electricity from one form to another so that the electricity can be more conveniently and safely used by all the digital devices that make up our modern lives. 

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Power modules become hot due to the heat loss in the conversion process and in some cases the losses are as great as 5%. For instance, in an electric vehicle the losses may be as high as 10-15% which in turn impacts the range and performance of the vehicle. 

Learn more of what an IGBT power module is, what it does and how it works.

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Power inverters are electronic devices that convert DC (direct current) power into AC (alternating current) power. They play a crucial role in providing electricity to devices and appliances that require AC power when there is no access to the electrical grid or when a portable power source is needed. In this blog, we will explain the working principle of power inverters, with a particular focus on IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) technology.

Working Principle of Power Inverters:
The basic working principle of a power inverter involves two stages: the DC-to-DC conversion stage and the DC-to-AC conversion stage.

DC-to-DC Conversion:
The first stage of the inverter involves converting the input DC power to a higher voltage level. This is typically achieved using a high-frequency switching circuit, such as a boost converter or a buck-boost converter. The purpose of this stage is to raise or adjust the DC voltage level to the desired level required for the subsequent AC conversion stage.

DC-to-AC Conversion:
The second stage of the inverter is responsible for converting the adjusted DC voltage into AC power. This stage utilizes switching devices, such as IGBTs or MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors), to generate a high-frequency AC waveform. The high-frequency AC waveform is then filtered and shaped to produce a sinusoidal AC output waveform, similar to the grid power.

IGBTs in Power Inverters:
IGBTs are commonly used as the main switching devices in modern power inverters. They combine the advantages of both MOSFETs and bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), making them suitable for high-power applications. IGBTs have a voltage-controlled gate, allowing for easy control of the switching operation.

The IGBT operates as a voltage-controlled bipolar device. It consists of a three-layer semiconductor structure, namely the N- layer (emitter), P-layer (base), and N+ layer (collector). The N+ layer acts as the drain terminal for the current flow.

During operation, when a positive voltage is applied to the gate terminal, it creates a conductive channel between the collector and emitter. This allows current to flow through the IGBT, similar to a BJT. When the gate voltage is reduced or removed, the IGBT turns off, interrupting the current flow.

In power inverters, IGBTs are used to rapidly switch the DC input voltage on and off at a high frequency, typically in the range of several kilohertz to several tens of kilohertz. This switching action creates a series of high-frequency pulses, which are then filtered and shaped to produce a sinusoidal AC waveform.

IGBTs offer several advantages for power inverters, including high voltage and current handling capabilities, fast switching speeds, and low conduction losses. These characteristics make IGBTs well-suited for high-power applications, where efficient and reliable power conversion is essential.

In conclusion, power inverters work by converting DC power into AC power through two stages: DC-to-DC conversion and DC-to-AC conversion. IGBTs are commonly used as the main switching devices in power inverters due to their high voltage and current handling capabilities, fast switching speeds, and low conduction losses. Understanding the working principle of power inverters and the role of IGBTs can help in selecting and using the right inverter for various applications.

For more information, please visit How does IGBT convert DC to AC.