An IGCT chip set for 7.2 kV (RMS) VSI application

In this paper we present a novel Integrated Gate- Commutated Thyristor (IGCT) for application in medium voltage drives at voltage levels of 7.2kV RMS or more. Measurements of over 11kV blocking-, on-state- and expanded SOA switching behavior are the basis for a detailed description of the performance. The new design features a planar junction termination, in combination with a corrugated p-base. These design concepts provide acceptable turn-on properties and improve turn-off Safe Operating Area (SOA) simultaneously. Improved diode soft reverse recovery at low currents is demonstrated using a combination of deep buffers and the Field Charge Extraction (FCE) concept.