Multi-Functional Device Technology

In order to respond to globalization, we believe that in addition to pursuing conventional ways of improving the performance of individual devices, multi-functional device technology, in which additional functions are added to a device, is inevitable. Here we introduce a voltage clamp type IGBT module as an example of multi-functional device technology.

Features

In a conventional IGBT at switching time, a big surge voltage may be generated. Since this will lead to component destruction if the surge exceeds limit values, a device designer needs to attach a protection circuit (Snubber etc.) externally (Fig. 1). However since this device provides self-absorption of surge voltage, a designer can omit the protection circuit and realize cost reduction and miniaturization by reducing the number of parts and materials.