Is it possible to connect multiple IGBTs in parallel? If so, is there anything to note about parallel connection?

We recommend using an IGBT with higher ratings instead of connecting two IGBTs in parallel. In case of unavoidable parallel operation, please pay attention to the following points when designing.

1. In the high-current region, the collector-emitter saturation voltage (V_CE(sat)) of the IGBT has positive temperature dependence. However, many IGBTs exhibit negative temperature dependence in the low-current region as well as in the region in which they are actually used. If these IGBTs are connected in parallel, a greater proportion of current flows to the one with lower V_CE(sat). This proportion increases as temperature rises. To balance current among parallel IGBTs, they should have an equal V_CE(sat).
2. If parallel-connected IGBTs are driven by a single external gate resistor (R_G) connected in series with the gate, the IGBT gate-emitter voltage might oscillate, resulting in the oscillation of the collector voltage and current. To prevent such oscillation, it is necessary to add separate gate resistors (R_G1 and R_G2) to each IGBT and suppress the parasitic inductance of the closed-loop gate drive circuit.
3. The parasitic inductance of the main circuit might cause oscillation, surge voltage, current imbalance, and other abnormal conditions during switching. A primary cause of these problems is parasitic inductances (L_S*) as shown below. The board trace layout must be designed in such a manner as to reduce these parasitic inductances to as close to zero as possible. For parallel operation, the board traces from the main circuit must be designed in such a manner as to reduce L_S1 and L_S2, in particular, to zero.