IGBT Inverter (PCB board)

[CM800]

Hi EEV,

I am working on a 330V IGBT Inverter, the DC main average current will be approx 50A max.

Is it even feasible to do this on a PCB or should I just move the power stage onto bus bars at this point?
I was really rather hoping and planning to keep it onto a stack of PCBs (to look neat)
Planning on using components like a current sensor e.g. this one: http://uk.farnell.com/lem/cksr-50-np/current-transducer-50a-5v/dp/2146827
and these FETs: http://uk.farnell.com/infineon/ipw65r041cfd/mosfet-n-ch-700v-68-5a-to-247/dp/2443408

Going to be running it in a full bridge with PWM control at 20kHz.

[T3sl4co1l]

But those aren't IGBTs...

That power level is perfectly reasonable to build on PCB.  Pay attention to parasitics, as trace length will be in the 20-200nH equivalent range, depending on how good your layout is.  (Hint: an optimal amount, rather than a minimal amount, is desirable, especially with a snubber in place.)

How many transistors are you intending on using, and in what configuration?  What is the source?  What is the load?  Do you need isolation, gate drivers, EMI filtering or shielding, ... ?

Tim

[mzzj]

That power level is perfectly reasonable to build on PCB. 

http://www.epectec.com/articles/heavy-copper-pcb-design.html
That 200oz copper should do fine even with bit higher currents

[CM800]

But those aren't IGBTs...

That power level is perfectly reasonable to build on PCB.  Pay attention to parasitics, as trace length will be in the 20-200nH equivalent range, depending on how good your layout is.  (Hint: an optimal amount, rather than a minimal amount, is desirable, especially with a snubber in place.)

How many transistors are you intending on using, and in what configuration?  What is the source?  What is the load?  Do you need isolation, gate drivers, EMI filtering or shielding, ... ?

Tim

Ah, you got me there. Either way it could be FETs or IGBTs. Not sure which is better always.

Having thought further, I think I might use some IGBT bricks and make a hybrid using a PCB to hold it together and have all the standard electronics + gate drivers / isolation. BUS Bars will then go over the top on the main power stage and through mounted Current transformers. I realized it will be much cheaper and more reliable, especially as this is only 1-2off.

The Load is a large 20kHz X-ray/ High Voltage Transformer. Source will be standard rectified mains, am considering making a PFC addon however that would be a lot in extra work considering it will be around 16kW max. All controls will be passed through a 2 way fiber cable with Error checking. EMI Isn't much of an issue as this is a non-commercial project.

[SeanB]

Check with Electrodacus as he is using a similar high power driver but is using a metal core PCB for the power devices. As well PFC is easy if you want to use a simpler method and use a LC tank tuned to 150Hz to improve power factor, and increase conduction angle in the bridge rectifier diodes. At 16kW the L will be large, and C big but within the range of common motor run capacitors. Not going to make power factor 1 but will definitely get it to over 0.8 with little effort.