How to Choose the Right IGBT for Your Project

Your Guide to buying the best IGBTs

Overview

IGBTs (insulated-gate bipolar transistors) are versatile, powerful, and energy-efficient electronic components used in a variety of applications. Their high current and voltage ratings, fast switching capabilities, and low power dissipation make them an ideal choice for many power electronics systems. This buying guide is designed to help you understand the essential features of IGBTs, so you can select the right component for your application. We will cover the different types of IGBTs, their key specifications, and a few tips on how to purchase IGBTs.

Key features

  1. Package type - IGBTs are available in a variety of packages including through-hole, SMD, and more, so consider what type of package you need for your project.
  2. Voltage rating - IGBTs have a rated voltage, so make sure you choose a device with a voltage rating appropriate for your application.
  3. Current rating - IGBTs are rated to handle different amounts of current, so make sure you choose a device with a current rating sufficient for your application.
  4. On-state and switching losses - Consider the on-state and switching losses of the IGBT you are considering; make sure the losses fall within the acceptable range for your application.
  5. Gate drive requirements - Make sure the IGBT you choose has the appropriate gate drive requirements for your application.
  6. Voltage blocking capability - Make sure the IGBT you choose has the required voltage blocking capability for your application.
  7. Temperature rating - Check the temperature rating of the IGBT you are considering; make sure it is rated to operate within the temperature range of your application.

See the most popular IGBTs on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Cost – IGBTs are often more cost-effective than other types of power transistors, due to their low input and output capacitance.
  • Speed – IGBTs are capable of very high switching speeds, making them useful in applications like motor and lighting control.
  • Efficiency – IGBTs have a low on-state resistance, which helps to improve the efficiency of power circuits.
  • Size – IGBTs are constructed from discrete components, but their size is small compared to other types of transistors.
  • Current Handling – IGBTs are capable of handling very high currents, making them suitable for applications such as welding.

Cons

  • Cost: IGBTs are more expensive than standard MOSFETs.
  • Power Loss: IGBTs are better than MOSFETs but still suffer from power losses due to their design.
  • Thermal Issues: IGBTs can overheat due to their higher current ratings, which can lead to higher operating temperatures.
  • Turn-off Delay: IGBTs have a slower response time due to the long turn-off delay.
  • Size: IGBTs are larger than MOSFETs and can take up more space on a board or in a system.

Best alternatives

  1. MOSFETs - Metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors that use a voltage to control current flow.
  2. IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) - Bipolar transistors that use a gate voltage to control current flow.
  3. BJTs (Bipolar Junction Transistors) - Transistors that use current to control current flow.
  4. JFETs (Junction Field Effect Transistors) - Transistors that use a voltage to control current flow.
  5. MCTs (Mixed-signal Circuit Transistors) - Transistors that combine analog and digital circuits to control current flow.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    IGBT Module - A device that contains all the components to allow an IGBT to operate correctly, including a baseplate, IGBT chip, diodes, resistors, and capacitors. Heat Sink - A metal device used to dissipate heat from the IGBT chip. Transistor Insulator - A material used to insulate the IGBT chip to prevent electrical shorts. Power Source - A supply of electricity such as a battery, generator, or outlet. Fuse - A device designed to protect the IGBT chip from electrical overloads. Power Control Module - A device used to monitor and regulate the voltage and current supplied to the IGBT. Cables and Wiring - Wiring and cables used to connect the IGBT to the power source, heat sink, and power control module.

Common questions

  1. What features should I consider when buying IGBTs?
    • The amount of power and current that the IGBTs can handle
    • The switching frequency of the IGBTs
    • The voltage rating of the IGBTs
    • The on-state and switching losses of the IGBTs
    • The gate drive current requirements of the IGBTs
    • The thermal characteristics of the IGBTs
  2. What types of IGBTs are available?
    • Standard IGBTs
    • Ultrafast IGBTs
    • High voltage IGBTs
    • Medium voltage IGBTs
    • High power IGBTs
  3. What are the typical applications for IGBTs?
    • Switching power supplies
    • Motor drives
    • Uninterruptible power supplies
    • Induction and hot plate cooking appliances
    • Photovoltaic inverters
  4. What is the difference between IGBTs and MOSFETs?
    • IGBTs have a higher voltage rating than MOSFETs and can handle higher current levels
    • MOSFETs have lower voltage drops and faster switching speeds than IGBTs
    • IGBTs have higher gate drive current requirements than MOSFETs

Trivia

An interesting fact about IGBTs is that they have the ability to switch up to 10,000 times faster than the blink of an eye. This is due to their semiconductor structure, which enables them to be rapidly switched on and off. This allows IGBTs to be used in a wide range of applications such as motor drives, motor control, inverters, and power supplies. They also offer improved performance, greater efficiency, and longer lifetime compared to other devices. This makes them an ideal choice for various industrial and commercial uses. Source: EDN.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.