Analysis of Power-Cycling Capability of IGBT Modules in a Conventional Matrix Converter

This paper analyzes the power-cycling capability of insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) modules in a conventional matrix converter used as a motor drive. The analysis is made under various conditions for this topology, including low-speed-operation capability, high-speed thermal- and power-cycling capabilities, etc. It was found that the power-cycling mean time to failure of IGBT in a matrix converter is low when the input and output frequencies are close to each other or when the output frequency of the converter is low. As a result, the chip size of the conventional matrix converter may be larger than the other candidates. In the end of this paper, some guidance for designing a matrix converter for long-term reliabilities is also discussed.