IGBT gate voltage and short-circuit-mode

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User17767
Level 1
Level 1
5 questions asked First question asked
Hi guys, quick question, why would it be advantageous to lower IGBT gate voltage in short circuit mode?
Thanks!
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IGBT_JC
Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
10 sign-ins First question asked 5 solutions authored
Hello,

The IGBT destruction due to short circuit conditions is mainly due to high power dissipation that generates high temperatures damaging the IGBT. Hence, the IGBT performance under short circuit conditions can be improved reducing the power dissipation, e.g. reducing the IGBT current.

Also, the maximum IC collector current during short circuit conditions (i.e. IGBT saturation current) depends on the transconductance (Gfs) of the IGBT.

In the typical transfer characteristic chart, commonly shown in every IGBT datasheet where the slope of this curve is the transconductance of the IGBT, it is clear that maximum IC collector current decreases as a function of gate voltage decrease.

Therefore, reducing IGBT gate voltage improves the performance under short circuit conditions.


Thank you

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IGBT_JC
Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
10 sign-ins First question asked 5 solutions authored
Hello,

The IGBT destruction due to short circuit conditions is mainly due to high power dissipation that generates high temperatures damaging the IGBT. Hence, the IGBT performance under short circuit conditions can be improved reducing the power dissipation, e.g. reducing the IGBT current.

Also, the maximum IC collector current during short circuit conditions (i.e. IGBT saturation current) depends on the transconductance (Gfs) of the IGBT.

In the typical transfer characteristic chart, commonly shown in every IGBT datasheet where the slope of this curve is the transconductance of the IGBT, it is clear that maximum IC collector current decreases as a function of gate voltage decrease.

Therefore, reducing IGBT gate voltage improves the performance under short circuit conditions.


Thank you
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