Excitation (Hi-RepII Source and MBS201 Stand) Chapter 3

3.1.4.3 IGBT Currents and Commutator Voltage

IC-E represents the anode current and VC-E the IGBT's commutator-transmitter voltage.

In order to observe these signals, 100x probes capable of holding a voltage of at least 800 V must be used. It
is preferable to take this measurement in differential mode, so as to avoid exposing the entire oscilloscope to
a dangerous potential. The current can be observed by using a current probe, or by measuring (in differential)
at the terminals of one of the 33 Ω resistors which are located before the anode.

IC-E
4A

2A

0A

600 V

VC-E

0V

Figure 3.14

A period of 2.5 ms, which corresponds to a spark, can be divided into 6 stages (see figure 3.15):

1. The IGBT receives the order to drive. The voltage at its terminals passes from 600-800 V to about 5 V in
approximately 2 µs.

2. The analysis capacitor charges; the voltage at terminals C and E of the IGBT is the product of the current
which crosses the IGBT by its conduction resistor. This voltage is of approximately 5 V when the current
is of 4 A.

3. The voltage of the capacitor has reached the programmed value and the IGBT blocks. The time for the
voltage rise is of approximately 5 µs.

4. The IGBT is blocked before the breakdown in the spark. It supports the difference in voltage between the
ballast and the analysis capacitors.

5. Breakdown occurs. The commutator-transmitter voltage increases because the IGBT must hold all the
ballast capacitor's voltage.

6. This voltage is maximum 550 V × 2 = 778 V with a network frequency of 230 VAC.

AA83346 Technical Description - ARL 3460 3-21