Transistors｜Evaluation
The Importance of the Reverse Recovery Characteristics of Switching Elements in Inverter CircuitsThe Importance of the Reverse Recovery Characteristics of Switching Elements in Inverter Circuits －Introduction－
2023.11.22
Points of this article
・An inverter circuit is a type of power conversion circuit that converts a direct current (DC) into an alternating current (AC).
・Inverter circuits are often used in motor driving applications.
・In inverter circuit operation, the reverse recovery characteristics of internal diodes greatly affects losses.
The Importance of the Reverse Recovery Characteristics of Switching Elements in Inverter Circuits －Introduction－
An inverter circuit is one type of electric power conversion device, converting a direct current (DC) into an alternating current (AC). Many inverter circuits are used in motor driving applications. An inverter circuit used for motor driving controls the motor torque and rotation speed by adjusting the operating voltage and frequency. MOSFETs and IGBTs with free-wheeling diodes are used as the switching elements in inverter circuits for motor driving; more recently, there has been increased use of SiC MOSFETs as well. This is because the inverter circuit operation is such that the reverse recovery characteristics of internal diodes strongly affect losses.
In this section on “The Importance of the Reverse Recovery Characteristics of Switching Elements in Inverter Circuits”, we explain the importance to inverter circuit operation of the reverse recovery characteristics of diodes incorporated into switching elements, and compare and evaluate losses and efficiency when using PrestoMOS™ devices, which are Super Junction MOSFETs (hereafter “SJ MOSFETs”) having body diodes with superlative reverse recovery characteristics. Beginning with the next article, the following topics are discussed.
- ■Types of inverter circuits and energization methods
- ■Basic operation of 3-phase modulation inverter circuits
- ■Comparison of losses in a PrestoMOS™ device and an SJ MOSFET using double-pulse tests (actual measurement results)
- ■Comparison of efficiency of a PrestoMOS™ device and an SJ MOSFET in a 3-phase modulation inverter circuit (simulations)
Transistors
Basic
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Basics of Transistors
- Transistor Fundamentals: Structure, Types, and Operating Principles
- Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) Basics: Operation and Applications (NPN & PNP)
- NPN Transistor: Low-Side Switch Fundamentals
- PNP Transistor: High-Side Switch Fundamentals
- What is a Digital Transistor?
- Digital Transistor Selection
- ON Resistance
- Total Gate Charge
- How to select＜Selecting Transistors to Ensure Safe Operation＞
- Junction Temperature ＜Calculating Transistor Chip Temperature＞
- What is a Load Switch?
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Basics of MOSFETs
- What are MOSFETs? – MOSFET Parasitic Capacitance and Its Temperature Characteristic
- What are MOSFETs? – MOSFET Switching Characteristics and Temperature Characteristics
- What are MOSFETs? – MOSFET Threshold Values, ID-VGS Characteristics, and Temperature Characteristics
- What are MOSFETs? – Super-junction MOSFET
- What are MOSFETs? – Types and Features of High Voltage Super-Junction MOSFET
- What are MOSFETs? – Fast trr SJ-MOSFET：PrestoMOS™
- MOSFET Thermal Resistance and Power Dissipation: Packages Capable of Back-Surface Heat Dissipation
- Introduction
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Confirming the Suitability of a Transistor in Actual Operation – Introduction
- Confirmation of the Chip Temperature
- Confirmation of Suitability in Actual Operation and Preparations
- Confirmation that Absolute Maximum Ratings are Satisfied
- Confirmation that Operation is within the SOA (Safe Operating Area)
- Confirmation that Operation is within the SOA Derated at the Actual Operating Temperature
- Confirmation that Average Power Consumption is within the Rated Power
- Summary
- Summary
Evaluation
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The Importance of the Recovery Characteristics of Primary-side Switching Elements in LLC Converters －Introduction－
- Basic Configuration of an LLC Converter
- Features of LLC Converter Operation
- Basic Operation of LLC Converters
- Importance of MOSFET Recovery Characteristics for Off-Resonance of LLC Converters
- The Importance of the Recovery Characteristics of Primary-side Switching Elements in LLC Converters ーSummaryー
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The Importance of the Reverse Recovery Characteristics of Switching Elements in Inverter Circuits －Introduction－
- Types of Inverter Circuits and Energization Methods
- Basic Operation of 3-Phase Modulation Inverter Circuits
- Comparison of Losses in a PrestoMOS™ MOSFET and a Standard SJ MOSFET Using Double-Pulse Tests (Actual Measurement Results)
- Comparison of Efficiency of a PrestoMOS™ MOSFET and a Standard SJ MOSFET in a 3-Phase Modulation Inverter Circuit (Simulations)
- The Importance of the Reverse Recovery Characteristics of Switching Elements in Inverter Circuits －Summary－
- Mechanisms of MOSFET Destruction
- About Double-Pulse Tests
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Improving the Power Conversion Efficiency of Phase Shift Full Bridge Circuits – Introduction
- Basic Configuration of a PSFB Circuit
- Basic Operation of PSFB Circuits
- Guidelines Relating to Operation of Switching Elements Under Light Loading
- Guidelines Relating to Operation of Switching Elements Under Heavy Loading
- Evaluation of Efficiency
- Improving the Power Conversion Efficiency of Phase Shift Full Bridge Circuit – Summary –