An intelligent IGBT module for quasi-resonant converter applications

This paper presents an intelligent IGBT module for a quasi-resonant converter, widely used topology in induction heating (IH) applications. The proposed module is composed of an IGBT and the integrated gate drive circuit which provides dedicated protective and control functions to IH applications: soft start during load detection, long turn-on prevention, hard turn-on disabling, retention of minimum turn-off duration, and overvoltage protection for the IGBT. Conventional functions of under and over supply voltage protection, over temperature protection, temperature monitoring, and fault indication are implemented as well. Hence, the proposed module enables easy and compact design of the converter improving robustness and reliability. The design consideration and performance of the proposed functions are described in detail. The module is evaluated in the practical IH cooker to show its effectiveness.