Recondition IGBT test approach

[ow19m]

Hello to all ,
I need 4 single IGBT's modules for testing purposes which could possibly blow during tests and trials , so without taking risks , Im getting my self some recondition IGBT modules that look absolutely fine and are a bit cheap , I was wondering if someone could advice me ways to test the performance and life expectancy of these IGBT's (for knowledge purposes) or stress analysis is my only option ? by the way its a FZ800R12KE3 Infinion module.

Thanks , 

[Martin72]

Hi,

On the first thoughts I would test some of the points from the datasheet.
Like on/off time, leakage current and "breakdown" voltage, close as possible.
We´re manufacturing power inverter/converter which running thousands of working hours and we´re servicing them also.
My experiences with used IGBTs are more or less "digital"  - Either they work or don´t.
Most defectives are short circuit between C-E, followed by dead gates (rare).
When I´m testing IGBTs I use a circuit I´ve created for building a static switch for (resistive) loadsteps, see pic below - much better than simply using a multimeter.
Of course you could use simply a generator directly connected (via gate resistor) to the IGBT.
But I won´t trust the output of the gen because of the gate-capacitance of the IGBT.
Plus you won´t have a galvanic isolation when supplying the IGBT with higher voltage.
Breakdown voltage I would test with an isolation megger, when no dedicated high voltage supply is avaible.

Martin