Modelling dynamic characteristics of the IGBT with thermal phenomena taken into account

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to propose the electrothermal dynamic model of the insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT) for SPICE. Design/methodology/approach The electrothermal model of this device (IGBT), which takes into account both electrical and thermal phenomena, is described. Particularly, the sub-threshold operation of this device is considered and electrical, and thermal inertia of this device is taken into account. Attention was focused on the influence of electrical and thermal inertia on waveforms of terminal voltages of the considered transistor operating in the switching circuit and on waveforms of the internal temperature of this device. Findings The correctness of the presented model is verified experimentally and a good agreement of the calculated and measured electrical and thermal characteristics of the considered device is obtained. Research limitations/implications The presented model can be used for different types of IGBT, but it is dedicated for SPICE software only. Originality/value The form of the worked out model is presented and the results of experimental verification of this model are shown.