IGBTs designed for automotive ignition systems

Abstract

In recent years the IGBT has become the device of choice for driving ignition coils. The IGBT is a high-voltage, high-current device that is well suited to ignition applications which require 400 volts and 10 amps. Polysilicon diodes are integrated with the IGBT to form a high-voltage, gate-collector clamp for switching an inductive load. Second generation ignition IGBTs have been designed that meet ignition system requirements while using 40% less silicon than the previous generation.