Comparison of Forward Characteristics of IGBTs and MOSFETs

This page compares the forward characteristics of the MOSFET(D-MOS) and the IGBT at voltage from 500 to 600 V. In the low-current area, the MOSFET has small voltage drop, and has an advantage. On the other hand, the forward voltage characteristic of the IGBT is better than that of the MOSFET in the high-current area, as shown in Fig. 3-17. As the forward characteristic of the MOSFET has strong positive dependence on temperature, the difference in performance of IGBT and MOSFET widens as temperature increases.

Comparison of forward characteristics between MOSFET and IGBT
Fig. 3-17 Comparison of forward characteristics between MOSFET and IGBT

This figure compares medium- and high-voltage products.
Low-voltage MOSFETs, such as trench MOSFETs, have much lower ON resistance than IGBTs in working current area.

In view of these characteristics and switching performances:

  • MOSFETs are adopted for applications such as switching power supply operating at about 100 kHz and at low current density.
  • IGBTs are adopted for applications such as AC drive operating under 20 kHz and at high current density.

Chapter III : Transistors

Types of Transistors
Bipolar Transistors (BJTs)
Bias Resistor Built-in Transistors (BRTs)
Junction Field-Effect Transistors (JFETs)
Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs)
Differences between BJT and MOSFET
Structure and Operation of MOSFET
MOSFET Performance Improvement: Decision Factors of RDS(ON)
MOSFET Performance Improvement: Approach to Low RDS(ON)
MOSFET Performance Improvement: Super-Junction MOSFETs (SJ-MOS)
Summary of MOSFET Features by Structure
Performance of MOSFETs: Drain Current and Power Dissipation
Performance of MOSFETs: Avalanche Capability
Performance of MOSFETs: Characteristic of Capacitance
Performance of MOSFETs: Safe Operating Area(or Area of Safe Operation)
Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs)
Operation of Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs)
Performance Improvement of IGBTs: Evolution of Vertical Design
What are RC-IGBTs and IEGTs?
Application of IGBTs
Comparison of Transistors by Structure
Datasheets of MOSFET: Maximum Ratings
Datasheets of MOSFET: Electrical Characteristics
Datasheets of MOSFET: Capacitance and Switching Characteristics
Datasheets of MOSFET: Body Diode

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