IGBT

IGBT ist short for for Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor. Transistors of this kind are exclusively larger power transistors, used as switches. IGBT transistors are typically capable of high voltages and large currents. IGBT transistors are often used in power supplies, motor controls units in locomotives and electric cars, air conditioners and white goods such as induction cookers, as well as in inverters in UPSs and for solar cells. They are very durable transistors, and can switch very quickly and efficiently. For high currents, they are the most efficient kind of transistor.

Internally, IGBTs use a hybrid technology which corresponds to an N-ch MOSFET and a bipolar PNP transistor connected together. The pins of an IGBT are also referred to as a hybrid of bipolar transistors and FET: Emitter, Collector and Gate.

Using IGBTs isn't difficult; in principle they can replace MOSFET transistors. The gate input can be considered that of a power MOSFET, and the load is connected to the Emitter and Collector as usual. As mentioned, IGBTs can handle high switching frequencies, although not as high as MOSFET transistors.