Abstract：Aiming at the collector-emitter voltage-balancing issue for IGBTs in series connection, a new hybrid voltage-balancing method by combining the gate-balancing core (GBC) circuit with a optimized passive snubber circuit is presented. The operation principle of GBC is analyzed and GBC parameter design method is proposed with the help of IGBT gate driving equivalent circuit. A transient voltage suppressor is connected across the IGBT gate and emitter, so as to effectively mitigate the gate signal oscillation caused by GBC leakage inductance and IGBT input capacitance, as well as to protect the gate from over-voltage. A simulation and experimental system for the hybrid voltage-balancing scheme is implemented, and the results show that this hybrid scheme achieves excellent voltage-balancing effect for the causes of characteristics imbalance and gate signal timing imbalance of series IGBTs
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2012, Vol. 27 
