Avago Technologies gate drive optocouplers are used extensively to drive IGBTs in applications such as motor drives and solar inverters. Optocouplers are a proven technology to provide reinforced galvanic insulation for high voltage protection between IGBTs and control circuits. But in order not to compromise the optocoupler insulation barrier, power safety limits must not be exceeded in the event of component failure by protective circuits in application. This can be extremely difficult if catastrophic failures like IGBTs short circuit induce higher energy power into the optocoupler. This paper will discuss the impact of unprotected IGBT destructive tests on the insulation barrier of an Avago gate drive optocoupler.
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