Current measurement method for characterization of fast switching power semiconductors with Silicon Steel Current Transformer

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel current measurement method with Silicon Steel Current Transformer (SSCT) for the characterization of fast switching power semiconductors. First, the existing current sensors for characterization of fast switching power semiconductors are experimentally evaluated regarding three essential qualities: high bandwidth, suitable physical size, and galvanic isolation. Then, the proposed current measurement method with SSCT is mathematically analyzed, which proves that the proposed method has the capability of measuring fast switching current. Simultaneously, it compensates the mechanical size limitations of the Pearson current monitor. Finally, experimental studied are carried out with both discrete Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFET and high current (1000A) Silicon (Si) IGBT power modules. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

A Review of Megahertz Current Sensors for Megahertz Power Converters

“…The main concern with a CT is its large size and hence inconvenience for usage in a power converter with high power density. A method to reduce its size has hence been proposed in [128]. The method relies on a two-stage current measurement with a Pearson current monitor.…”

High-Frequency Current Transformers Cascade for Power Electronics Measurements

“…Precise current measurement in power electronic systems is necessary for the operation of the closed control system and for the implementation of calculation algorithms [ 1 , 2 ]. Resistance current sensors with high band up to 2 GHz [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ] are called current shunt resistors (CSR). The disadvantage of such resistors is the introduction of additional elements into the electronic circuit, which changes the topology of the system and introduces additional losses [ 1 , 2 ].…”

“…High-frequency current transformers (HFCT) [ 1 , 2 , 12 , 13 ] are characterized by high bandwidth and the possibility of measuring isolation. The current transformer in the low-frequency range is a high-pass filter [ 12 , 13 ], which eliminates this type of sensor in many power electronics applications [ 2 , 3 , 14 , 15 ]. Both CSR and HFCT allow them to be used to measure currents in power electronic systems, for example to determine the power of switching losses [ 2 , 3 ].…”

“…The current transformer in the low-frequency range is a high-pass filter [ 12 , 13 ], which eliminates this type of sensor in many power electronics applications [ 2 , 3 , 14 , 15 ]. Both CSR and HFCT allow them to be used to measure currents in power electronic systems, for example to determine the power of switching losses [ 2 , 3 ]. In order for the current transformer to be used, for example, to measure the impulse current of the transistor (which allows one to omit the constant and low-frequency components), it is necessary at the design stage to ensure that the lower limit frequency is as low as possible [ 3 , 12 , 16 ].…”

“…Both CSR and HFCT allow them to be used to measure currents in power electronic systems, for example to determine the power of switching losses [ 2 , 3 ]. In order for the current transformer to be used, for example, to measure the impulse current of the transistor (which allows one to omit the constant and low-frequency components), it is necessary at the design stage to ensure that the lower limit frequency is as low as possible [ 3 , 12 , 16 ]. Another aspect is maximization of the upper cut-off frequency.…”