A clamping circuit parameter design method for IGCT used in high power applications

IGCT converters seem to be much suited for high power applications than traditional IGBT converters for the reason of higher rated voltage and current. However, in IGCT converters, the snubber and clamping circuit need to be designed because of the particularity of the devices which makes the main circuit design special complex. In this paper, the particular circuit analysis in IGCT switching process is discussed and the differential equation of the clamping capacitor voltage is deduced. Basing on the theoretical analysis, a novel parameter design method of IGCT clamping circuit is proposed. The novel parameter design formula doesn´t contain empirical coefficient, therefore, it is more accurate and cost effective. Simulation and experiment results validate the correctness of the improved method.