Question

Why is IGBT used?

Answer 1

IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) is widely used in electrical and electronic systems because it combines the best features of two types of transistors: the **MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor)** and the **BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor)**. Here’s why it’s preferred:

### 1. **High Efficiency**
   - IGBTs can handle **high-voltage** and **high-current** applications efficiently, which is important for power conversion systems like **inverters**, **motor drives**, and **electric vehicles**. It combines the **high-speed switching** of MOSFETs with the **high-current carrying capability** of BJTs.

### 2. **Fast Switching**
   - IGBTs switch on and off very quickly, making them ideal for **switching power supplies** and **high-frequency circuits**. This helps in reducing power losses and improving overall efficiency in power electronics.

### 3. **Low Conduction Loss**
   - IGBTs have **low conduction losses** at high voltage, which means less energy is wasted as heat. This is very useful in **power conversion** systems where heat dissipation is a concern.

### 4. **High Voltage Handling**
   - They can handle voltages ranging from **300V** to **3,300V** or even higher, which makes them suitable for high-voltage applications like **motor drives**, **power inverters**, **HVDC systems**, etc.

### 5. **Easy to Control**
   - IGBTs are controlled by a **gate voltage**, like a MOSFET, which makes them easier to drive with simple circuits. Unlike BJTs, they don’t require continuous current to their base, making them more energy-efficient in terms of control.

### 6. **Robustness**
   - IGBTs are durable and can tolerate harsh conditions like **temperature variations** and **voltage spikes**, which makes them ideal for industrial applications.

### Where They're Used:
   - **Power Inverters**: For converting DC to AC (used in solar systems, UPS).
   - **Motor Drives**: For controlling the speed of motors in various industries.
   - **Switching Power Supplies**: In devices like air conditioners, industrial machines, and power supplies for electronics.
   - **Electric Vehicles (EVs)**: For controlling the power conversion between the battery and motor.

In short, IGBTs are used where you need to efficiently switch high voltages and currents, especially in power conversion and motor control applications.