Power semiconductors are the most important and enabling components in power converters, similar to the “muscle”in a living body. However, they are controlled by the central control unit, which is similar to the “brain”in a living body. Power semiconductors in power electronic systems process and control power flow. Largely different from their electronic counterpart used in signal processing, power semiconductor devices handle much higher voltages and currents for power flow control. In order to improve the system efficiency, power semiconductor devices are operated in a switching mode (On/Off).

Chapter Contents:

• 11.1 Introduction to gate drivers
• 11.1.1 Power electronic systems, IGBTs and gate driver units
• 11.1.2 Sensing and control systems
• 11.2 Innovative gate driver and system architecture
• 11.2.1 System integration
• 11.2.2 High temperature operation
• 11.3 Integrated data acquisition methods
• 11.3.1 Voltage measurement
• 11.3.2 Current measurement
• 11.3.3 Temperature measurement
• 11.4 Intelligent control
• 11.4.1 Condition monitoring
• 11.4.2 Control of switching characteristics
• 11.4.3 Series connection
• 11.4.4 Parallel connection
• 11.5 Summary
• Acknowledgements
• References

Inspec keywords: insulated gate bipolar transistors; load flow control; power semiconductor devices; power convertors

Other keywords: power flow control; power electronic systems process; power converters; intelligent gate drivers; IGBT power modules; power semiconductor devices; central control unit

Subjects: Power convertors and power supplies to apparatus; Control of electric power systems; Power electronics, supply and supervisory circuits; Power system control; Power semiconductor devices; Insulated gate field effect transistors