Comparison of high power IGBTs and hard driven GTOs for high power inverters

Abstract

The paper compares hard driven GTOs (IGCTs) and high power IGBT modules in a two level PWM inverter. The structure, fundamental operation, and specific characteristics of the considered devices are shown. Simulations enable a loss comparison of IGCTs and IGBTs in a 1.14 MVA inverter at switching frequencies of f/sub s/=250 Hz/500 Hz. The evaluation of device characteristics is the basis for a derivation of potential applications.