How to Test Drive IGBT

[actionjack]

How to Test Drive IGBT

Here is the lGBT test method as it appeared in an older Hitachi drive manual... This is a great way to pinpoint the source of drive/motor issues.

The following procedure will check the inverter transistors (IGBTs) and diodes:

1. Disconnect input power to terminals [R, S, and T] and motor terminals [U, V, and W].

2. Disconnect any wires from terminals [P] and [RB] for regenerative braking.

3. Use a Digital Volt Meter (Multi-meter) and set it for 1 ohm resistance range. You can check the status of the charging state of terminals [R, S, T, U, V, W, RB, P, and N] of the inverter and the probe of the voltmeter by measuring the charging state.



If resulting reading is almost infinite ohms = "non-conducting," and readings from 0 to 10 ohms = "conducting."

NOTE 1: The resistance values for the diodes or the transistors will not be exactly the same, but they will be close. If you find a significance difference, a problem may exist.

NOTE 2: Before measuring the voltage between [P] and [N] with the DC current range, confirm that the smoothing capacitor is discharged fully, then execute the tests.





Good luck and Happy IGBT'ing

[brianc75]

Thanks for the IGBT troubleshooting guide, I was able to perform this test with no experience. The IGBT that I thought was bad, actually wasn't so I moved on. Easier than I thought...

[zigmund]

Here's a cookie cutter explanation on testing an IGBT

An IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) is a power semiconductor device used in many electronic devices such as inverters, motor drives, and power supplies. Here are the steps you can follow to test an IGBT:

• Turn off the power: Before testing an IGBT, make sure that the power to the device is turned off and that the device has had enough time to discharge any capacitors.
• Check for Short Circuits: Using a multimeter set to the resistance or continuity mode, check for short circuits between the IGBT's emitter, collector, and gate terminals. Any shorts should be repaired before further testing.
• Check the Gate-Emitter Voltage: Using a multimeter set to the diode mode, measure the voltage between the gate and emitter of the IGBT. The voltage should be near zero when the gate is not conducting, and it should be around 0.6 to 0.7 volts when the gate is conducting.
• Check the Collector-Emitter Voltage: Using a multimeter set to the diode mode, measure the voltage between the collector and emitter of the IGBT. The voltage should be near zero when the IGBT is not conducting, and it should be around the forward voltage drop of the device when it is conducting.
• Check the Current Capacity: Using a suitable test setup, apply a suitable voltage and current to the IGBT and measure its current capacity. The current capacity should match the specifications provided by the manufacturer.
• Check for Faults: While testing the IGBT, monitor for any signs of faults such as overheating, short circuits, or voltage spikes.

It is important to refer to the manufacturer's data sheet and application notes for specific testing procedures and parameters for the IGBT in question. Additionally, some advanced testing may require specialized equipment, such as an oscilloscope, to accurately measure the IGBT's performance. Good luck and happy IGBT'ing