Investigation of short circuit in a IGBT power module with Three-Level neutral point clamped type 2 (NPC2, T-NPC, mixed voltage) topology

Abstract

During standard robustness evaluations of a NPC type 2 IGBT power module a non-described effect in a Three Level NPC 2 topology was observed. A full description of that effect can help to protect IGBT power modules in this topology against blow ups and can help in a post mortem analysis to understand the reason for this. With a full understanding of that effect the lifetime of the inverter can be increased and the time and costs for qualification reduced.