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Simple IGBT failure

Fowlet

Aug 20, 2011
2
Joined
Aug 20, 2011
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Hello All,

Am currently in Fort Portal, Uganda, attempting to build an induction generator controller with very limited resources. As part of the design, I intend to to PWM the ~240V RMS produced by the generator. Right now, I am attempting to simply switch mains on/off at low frequency to test some IGBTs. I have a 12V transformer, that after RMS peak and a regulation of around 1.4 gives around 20V pk-pk AC out. I rectify this, then divide it using two 1kOhm resistors to give 0V, ~10V and ~20V connections.

The IGBTs have integrated antiparallel diodes, so I place them in antiseries, with common emitters. I connect the emitters to the ~10V connection. I then run a wire from the two IGBT gates, and manually touch it to the 0V and 20V connections, in an attempt to give gate-emitter voltages of -10V and 10V. The IGBTs do not respond, seemingly blocking in one direction regardless of connection. I have attached a diagram of the circuit I intend to use this method in; ignore everything in grey, and ignore the transistor; as I said, I am manually connecting the wire to avoid any complications.

I would greatly appreciate any insight into the IGBT's lack of response.

HighLowDriveIGBT.jpg
 
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