GateDrive Scheme Reduces Inverter Complexity in Drives Systems using Discrete IGBTs in Parallel

Abstract:
The current capability of discrete IGBTs having a co-packed freewheeling diode is limited. Therefore, IGBTs are used in parallel, which often reduces the switching performance due to slower switching speeds for achieving an even current distribution of the IGBT. This paper proposes a gate-drive solution which enables a reduction of the number of paralleled IGBTs by applying a slew-rate-control technique. Double pulse measurements compare the performance of a single IGBT and two IGBTs in parallel. System loss simulations applying the slew-rate-control technique show the differences in the two approaches.