What is a IGBT Snubber Capacitor?

What is a IGBT Snubber Capacitor?

A snubber capacitor is a capacitor that is connected to a large-current switching node for the purpose of reducing the parasitic inductance of electric wiring. Parasitic inductance causes large surges at switch-off (when the current is blocked), and should such surges exceed component ratings, there are concerns of consequent failure in the worst case.

Capacitors can provide vital ride-through (or hold-up) energy or mitigate ripple and noise in power-conversion circuits. Choosing the right type can profoundly affect a system’s overall size, cost, and performance.

The IGBT in a nutshell. The IGBT is also a three terminal (gate, collector, and emitter) full-controlled switch. Its gate/control signal takes place between the gate and emitter, and its switch terminals are the drain and emitter.

The IGBT combines the simple gate-drive characteristics found in the MOSFET with the high-current and low-saturation-voltage capability of a bipolar transistor. It does this by using an isolated gate field effect transistor for the control input, and a bipolar power transistor as a switch.

The IGBT is specially designed to turn on and off rapidly. In fact, its pulse repetition frequency actually gets into the ultrasonic range. This unique capability is why IGBTs are often used with amplifiers to synthesize complex waveforms with pulse width modulation and low-pass filters. They’re also used to generate large power pulses in areas like particle and plasma physics, and have established a role in modern appliances like electric cars, trains, variable-speed refrigerators, air conditioners, and more.

Huayu has a variety of film capacitors – including the C3 series – designed specifically IGBT applications which require long life under extreme operating conditions. Custom designs are also available.

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