For what applications should MOSFETs and IGBTs be used?

IGBTs are bipolar switching devices that use conductivity modulation and have a slower switching speed than unipolar MOSFETs. Particularly under high temperature conditions, the turn-off time becomes longer and switching losses become larger. However, IGBTs can easily achieve high voltage resistance and low on-resistance through conductivity modulation. Another feature is that the on-voltage does not increase significantly even under high current and high temperature conditions. Due to the above characteristics, IGBTs and MOSFETs each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and they are used in different application ranges from the perspective of output power and operating frequency.

  • IGBT: Supports relatively low switching frequencies and is used in high output power applications.
  • MOSFET: Supports high switching frequencies and is used in relatively low output power applications.
IGBTs are suitable for high voltage and high current applications because the on-resistance can be reduced by the conductivity modulation effect even when the voltage is high. For this reason, IGBTs are mainstream in trains, HEVs/EVs, induction cooking appliances, and other devices that handle large amounts of power.

In contrast, MOSFETs have a fast-switching speed and do not have a tail current that delays the switching time when turned off. For this reason, MOSFETs are commonly used in switching power supplies that require high switching frequencies.
In this way, IGBTs and MOSFETs are used in a wide range of applications such as home appliances and small industrial equipment, and they are used differently depending on the operating frequency and the benefits of power loss due to on-voltage. (See Table 1: Examples of major applications for IGBTs and MOSFETs.)
For information on the conductivity modulation effect and tail current, please refer to the following FAQ：

For information on the uses of IGBTs, please refer to the following FAQ:

In recent years, wide band gap semiconductors (SiC and GaN) have been introduced for these applications. Compared to conventional Si MOSFETs, they achieve high-speed switching and low on-resistance characteristics and are superior in operation in high-temperature environments. Please refer to the following page.

Table 1: Examples of major applications for IGBTs and MOSFETs.
Switching Frequency ~20kHz 20~80kHz 80kHz~
IGBT Trains, HEV/EV
Large capacity motor control
(General-purpose inverter)
Industrial equipment
Industrial robots

Large UPS

 
IGBT
Or MOSFET		 Inverter circuits for air conditioners and refrigerators
Medium capacity, small motor control
Home appliances (electric fans, vacuum cleaners)
Small industrial equipment
Fan motors		 Induction cooker (IH)  
MOSFET   Small UPS
Power tools
PFC circuit		 Switching power supplies in general
(DC-DC converters)
Chargers

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