Active snubber for high power igbt modules

This paper presents an integrated active snubber (IACS) to be used with IGBT modules in power converters, applied in utility devices. The IACS is a compound component, consisting of all active and passive components necessary to change a hard-switched converter into a soft-switched converter, i.e. the auxiliary resonant commutated pole (ARCP) converter. The IACS mounts directly onto standard IGBT modules. Although the IACS does not provide perfect soft switching, the switching losses are reduced such that IGBT's can be used at their maximum current and voltage ratings and frequencies of up to 20 kHz.