IEC 60747-9:2007

Overview

IEC 60747-9:2007 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines product-specific standards for insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), a key type of discrete semiconductor device. As part 9 of the IEC 60747 series focusing on semiconductor devices, this standard covers terminology, letter symbols, essential ratings and characteristics, verification of ratings, and measurement methods specific to IGBTs. It provides a critical framework for manufacturers, designers, and quality engineers to ensure consistent understanding, performance evaluation, and reliability testing of IGBTs globally.

This edition, released in September 2007, supersedes earlier versions with mainly editorial updates while maintaining its comprehensive scope. It is intended to be used in conjunction with IEC 60747-1 to complete the information necessary for discrete semiconductor devices.

Key Topics

IEC 60747-9 addresses several important aspects of IGBT standardization, including:

• Terminology and Definitions: Precise terms relating to IGBTs are standardized to ensure uniform interpretation, covering graphical symbols, characteristics, and operating conditions.
• Letter Symbols: Alphabetical symbols used to denote electrical parameters and device characteristics are standardized for clear communication in datasheets and technical documentation.
• Essential Ratings and Characteristics: Limits for electrical ratings such as voltages and currents, along with critical device characteristics like switching times, saturation voltage, safe operating areas, and temperature dependencies are detailed.
• Verification and Measurement Methods: The standard defines rigorous test circuits and procedures for measuring collector-emitter voltages, gate-emitter voltages, currents, capacitances, gate charge, and thermal resistances. These methods guarantee reliability and performance conformity for qualification and production testing.
• Acceptance and Reliability Tests: Criteria for acceptance-defining characteristics, type testing, and routine tests are provided to assure product quality and operational longevity under various conditions.
• Safe Operating Areas and Overcurrent Protections: Guidelines for forward biased safe operating area (FBSOA), reverse safe operating area (RBSOA), and short-circuit safe operating conditions ensure robust device protection.

Applications

IEC 60747-9 plays a vital role in multiple industries and applications utilizing IGBTs, such as:

• Power Electronics: Ensures standardization in devices controlling high power applications including inverters, converters, and motor drives.
• Automotive Systems: Supports the development of electric vehicle powertrains and onboard electronics using reliable IGBTs.
• Industrial Control: Facilitates uniform criteria for industrial machinery requiring efficient switching and power management.
• Renewable Energy: Standards compliance benefits the design of solar inverters and wind turbine converters where IGBTs are integral.
• Consumer Electronics: Promotes quality assurance in household appliances and electronic devices leveraging IGBT technology.

By adhering to IEC 60747-9, designers and manufacturers can ensure interoperability, device reliability, and enhanced safety, thus reducing development time and costs.

Related Standards

IEC 60747-9:2007 should be used alongside other relevant international standards for a comprehensive semiconductor device specification framework, including but not limited to:

• IEC 60747-1: Generic specification for semiconductor devices-provides foundational requirements that complement product-specific parts like IEC 60747-9.
• IEC 60068 Series: Environmental testing standards for electronic devices-important for assessing IGBT performance under climatic stresses.
• IEC 61000 Series: Electromagnetic compatibility standards-relevant for assessing device emissions and immunity.
• ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2: Governing document for drafting international standards-essential for understanding the structuring of this standard.
• Electropedia: The IEC’s online dictionary providing definitions for electronic and electrical terms used throughout IEC standards.

Keywords: IEC 60747-9, IGBT standard, insulated-gate bipolar transistor, semiconductor devices, power electronics, device ratings, characteristics measurement, reliability testing, safe operating area, IEC semiconductor standards, discrete semiconductor devices.