Power electronics designers frequently rely on IGBT modules to efficiently switch and control high currents and voltages in inverters, motor drives, UPS systems, and renewable energy inverters. But with so many ratings, packages, and manufacturers available, choosing the ideal IGBT can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we'll walk you through the key parameters, trade-offs, and practical tips for selecting and using IGBT modules drawing on the IGBT collection available at Tomson Electronics as a reference.

  1. What Is an IGBT Module A Quick Recap

An IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) is a semiconductor device that behaves like a MOSFET gate-driven switch with the low conduction losses of a bipolar transistor. Because it combines the advantages of both, it's especially popular in medium and high-power circuits. A module typically contains one or more IGBT dies plus freewheeling diodes, all mounted on a thermally efficient substrate, in a robust housing.

Tomson Electronics carries a wide range of modules from single IGBTs (e.g. 21N60, 22N60) to high-current modules (e.g. SGG100T60UC1, SGG145T60UC1) and branded modules by Semikron.

  1. Key Specifications to Check

When comparing IGBT modules, here are the most crucial specs to evaluate:

Specification

Why It Matters

Practical Tip

Voltage Rating (Vce)

The IGBT must sustain the maximum DC bus or line voltage with a safety margin

Always choose a module with >= 1.25× your highest system voltage

Continuous Current (Ic)

Determines the IGBT's ability to carry load current

Look at module's datasheet rating and thermal limits

Switching Speed / Turn-On / Turn-Off Time

Affects switching losses and timing precision

Faster switching helps at high frequencies but may increase EMI

Saturation Voltage (Vce(sat))

Lower saturation means lower conduction losses

Compare Vce(sat) at your load current

Thermal Resistance / Cooling

Determines how effectively heat is removed

Use modules with good heatsink compatibility or water cooling

Package & Module Type

Modules come in discrete, half-bridge, full-bridge, etc.

Choose form factor that suits your layout and thermal path

Voltage Drop Across Diode

Many modules include diodes; their drop affects efficiency

Check forward voltage specs under load current
  1. Matching IGBT Modules to Applications

Let's see how you might pick modules for common use cases:

  • Motor Drives & Inverters:

    Here, switching frequency, thermal handling, and robustness against inductive transients matter. Ideally choose modules rated somewhat above your nominal system specs (voltage and current) to ensure reliability.
  • Renewables & Solar Inverters:

    Use modules with higher voltage ratings (600V, 1200V, or more) since DC bus voltages tend to be significant. Modules like SGG100T60UC1 (600V, 100A) or SGG145T60UC1 (600V, 290A) from Tomson's catalog are strong candidates.
  • UPS & Power Supplies:

    These often demand low switching losses and high efficiency across varying loads. Look for modules optimized for mid-frequency operation with good thermal design.
  1. Practical Tips & Design Considerations
  • Guard Against Voltage Spikes:

    Use snubber circuits or RC damping to protect the IGBT from voltage overshoot during switching.
  • Thermal Management Is Crucial:

    Even a small temperature rise increases losses non-linearly. Use good heatsinks, forced airflow, or liquid cooling where needed.
  • Gate Drive & Isolated Drivers:

    Use suitable gate drivers with proper isolation, dead-time control, and protection against cross-conduction.
  • Paralleling Modules:

    If you need higher current than a single module supports, paralleling is possible — but ensure good current-sharing and matched characteristics.
  • EMI & Filtering:

    Fast switching can generate electromagnetic interference. Use proper layout, decoupling capacitors, and EMI filters to mitigate noise.
  1. Choosing from Tomson Electronics' IGBT Collection

Tomson Electronics' IGBT section offers a diverse set of modules covering a wide range of voltages and currents:

  • Discrete IGBTs such as 21N60, 22N60, 25N120 for lower power circuits
  • High-current modules like SGG100T60UC1 and SGG145T60UC1 for more demanding applications
  • Branded modules from Semikron, like SKM series

When browsing their catalog, filter by:

  1. Voltage & Current rating (use a safe margin)
  2. Module type (single, half-bridge, full-bridge)
  3. Thermal properties & footprint

Contact their support if you have doubts their component expertise can help you match the right module.

  1. Limitations & Trade-offs

No device is perfect. Some drawbacks of IGBT modules you should be aware of:

  • Switching losses at high frequency:

    At very high switching frequencies, IGBTs can suffer significant losses compared to MOSFETs.
  • Thermal challenges:

    Since power switching dissipates heat, cooling becomes critical for longevity.
  • Cost & size:

    High-voltage, high-current modules are comparatively bigger and more expensive.
  • Complex gate drive & layout constraints:

    Poor layout or gate-drive design can lead to oscillations or inefficient performance.

Conclusion

Selecting the right IGBT module is more than matching numbers: it's balancing voltage, current, switching speed, thermal design, and layout constraints. With careful consideration and by leveraging quality catalogs like Tomson Electronics, you can choose a module that delivers reliable performance in your power electronics application.

If you ever feel unsure, start with a module rated higher than your system demands and refer to datasheets and application notes. Over time, as you gain experience, narrowing your choice becomes easier.