An analytical model for the steady-state and transient characteristics of the power insulated-gate bipolar transistor

An analytical model for the power Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) is developed. The model consistently describes the IGBT steady-state current-voltage characteristics and switching transient current and voltage waveforms for all loading conditions. The model is based on the equivalent circuit of a MOSFET which supplies the base current to a low-gain, high-level injection, bipolar transistor with its base virtual contact at the collector end of the base. The basic element of the model is a detailed analysis of the bipolar transistor which uses ambipolar transport theory and does not assume the quasi-static condition for the transient analysis. This analysis differs from the previous bipolar transistor theory in that (1) the relatively large base current which flows from the collector end of the base is properly accounted for, and (2) the component of current due to the changing carrier distribution under the condition of a moving collector-base depletion edge during anode voltage transitions is accounted for. Experimental verification of the model using devices with different base lifetimes is presented for the on-state current-voltage characteristics, the steady-state saturation current, and the current and voltage waveforms for the constant voltage transient, the inductive load transient, and the series resistor-inductor load transient.