Impacts of using wide bandgap transistors on electronics and motors

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the high-frequency impacts of fast switching wide-bandgap transistors on electronic and motor designs. The high-frequency power converters, dedicated to driving high-speed motors, require specific models to design predictively electronic and motors. Design/methodology/approach From magnetic and electric models, the high-frequency parasitic elements for both electronics and motor are determined. Then, high-frequency circuit models accounting for of parasitic element extractions are built to study the wide bandgap transistors commutations and their impacts on motor windings. Findings The results of the models, for electronics and motors, are promising. The high-frequency commutation cell study is used to optimize the layouts and to improve the commutation behaviours and performances. The impact of the switching speed is highlighted on the winding voltage susceptibility. Then, the switching frequency and commutation rapidity can be both optimized to increase the performance of motor and electronics. The electronic model is validated by experimentations. Research limitations/implications The method can be only applied to the existing motor and electronic designs. It is not taken into account in an automized global high-frequency optimizer. Originality/value Helped by magnetic and electric FEA calculations where the parasitic element extractions are performed. The switching frequency and commutation rapidity can be both optimized to increase the performance of motor and electronics.