Typical Power Module Applications

Products Using Power Modules

Power modules are power switching/control circuit elements that are integrated into easy-to-use isolated-base packages. They come in a wide range of configurations and ratings for diode, SCr, or SCR/Diode circuits that are frequently used. Semiconductor devices are frequently powered by power modules, which also make it simple to cool them and connect them to the outer circuit. For ease of assembly, long life, and dependable operation, Power Modules are mechanically and thermally optimized. Power modules can be found in a variety of common structures, such as an IGBT or MOSFET.

Power Modules share a number of characteristics with diodes, and they are typically categorized according to the diode they resemble (for instance, Fast recovery, Hybrid SCR-High Voltage, Schottky, Standard, Standard Hybrid SCR, Standard SCR, etc.). In the right diode configurations, the Zener and Avalanche effects are still applicable.

An IGBT (Insulated-gate bipolar transistor) is a three-terminal power semiconductor device. Other brands include Powerex, Fuji Electric, Upec, and IGBTAn. IGBTs are primarily electronic switches with fast switching and high efficiency. LGBTs have the capability of high current and low saturation voltage of bipolar transistors in addition to the straightforward gate-driven characteristics of MOSFETs. IGBTs are typically best suited for applications with medium to high power, such as stereo systems, trains, and electric cars. It is common for large-scale IGBT modules to have a lot of parallel-running devices.

MOSFET

A Power MOSFET is a type of metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor that can handle a lot of power. In comparison to other power semiconductor devices like an IGBT, it has the advantage of a fast commutation speed and good efficiency at low voltages. It has an isolated gate, making it easy to drive, like an IGBT. Power MOSFETs are typically utilized in power supplies, DC-to-DC converters, and low voltage motor controllers in low voltage (less than 200 volt) applications. An IGBT is preferable for applications requiring high voltage, high current, and low switching frequencies. A MOSFET is the best choice for applications requiring high switching frequencies, low current, and a low voltage.

MOSFETs can also conduct in the opposite direction, but if the application is better suited for an IGBT, this can be fixed by using a freewheeling diode with an IGBT.

Typical applications of Power Modules include:

AC motor drive front end, Appliances, Battery charging, Cathodic protection, Converters, Conveyors, DC-choppers, Electroplating, Elevator controls, Half-Bridges, Heater controls, HVAC controls, Inverters, Medical Electronics, Motor controls, AC, Motor controls, DC, Motor starters, Power Factor Correction, Power Supplies, Reverse polarity protection, Switches, Three-phase inverters, Traction, Transportation, UPS systems, Welding