Low-inductive inverter concept by 200 A / 1200 V half bridge in an EasyPACK 2B – following strip-line design

Abstract:
A low-inductive inverter concept for a half-bridge power module, based on a strip-line design, is implemented in an EasyPACK 2B. Due to the strip-line design, the module-internal commutation path is reduced significantly and, by building up the power module with minimized parasitic inductances, an improved controllability of the switches is achieved. The optimized design enables the usage of several fast-switching IGBTs and low-loss diodes in parallel. To operate the half-bridge power module in a low-inductive setup, the commutating current is measured by a wire-loop current sensor which does not add inductance to the setup. A comparison of the switching characteristics to standard assemblies in modules and power circuits shows that the new concept outperforms state-of-the-art power modules and makes the advantages of this low-inductive inverter concept clear.