Special purpose PC-computer program as a design tool for optimizing snubber circuits for an IGBT-inverter

A special purpose computer program running on a PC is proposed as a design tool which enables the user, quickly and easily, to make an optimum design of the values of the snubber components for an inverter with an asymmetrical circuit configuration. Design decisions for problem solving are discussed. A graphic presentation of the boundaries for the maximum ratings, defining the solution space is made in which the user can choose values to ensure safe operation. An evaluation criteria for making the optimum choice of the values the PC-based program further presents the turn-on switching energy loss in the IGBT, the turn-off switching energy loss in the IGBT, the energy loss in the snubber resistor for a single one turn-on and turn-off, and the total turn-on and turn-off switching time of the snubber circuit so that these criteria can be taken into account in the actual application.