Characteristics of high voltage IGBT modules

IGBTs with blocking voltage values of 600 V, 1200 V and 1600 V are available for several applications. In traction applications, 600 V and 750 V DC mains are widely distributed. The 1500 V DC mains becomes more and more of interest in Asia, South America and in Europe. Industrial applications have AC mains of 360 V, 500 V, 660 V, etc. While 1600 V IGBT-modules meet the requirements in 750 V DC mains application, there is no alternative to GTOs for higher voltages. This paper describes a 3300 V IGBT-module for application in diesel-electric trains, high speed trains and underground/downtown trains, the latter operating directly on the 1500 V DC mains with motor power ratings up to 1.5 MW. Three-level inverters with IGBTs allow operation at 3000 V DC mains or at 2200 V AC line voltages in industrial power converters which is widely distributed in North America. (5 pages)