Sixpack Inverter

Structure

A sixpack module is equipped with six IGBTs and six free-wheeling diodes, which usually have 600 V, 1200 V or 1700 V blocking voltage capability. The IGBTs and diodes often share the same current rating. In some modules the DC- connections are not connected together; leaving space for shunt measurement. Nearly all modules are equipped with an NTC or PTC alongside the power semiconductors.

Application

Power modules with a sixpack topology are most frequently used as inverters in frequency converters for motors. There are also applications in which a sixpack serves as an active front end; that is, as a feed-in, feedback or regenerative unit.

How it works

When the sixpack operates as an inverter, the six IGBTs convert the DC voltage into an alternating voltage by means of a PWM (pulse width modulation) signal to adjust electric motors' speed and torque. The load on the IGBTs and diodes is not the same, depending on the output voltage: the higher the output voltage, the greater the load on the IGBTs. The switching frequency often varies from 4 kHz to 12 kHz. It can range up to 16 kHz in some cases, but switching frequencies above 16 kHz are very rare.

In contrast, when the sixpack operates from the DC-link capacitor on the mains side, it is called an active front end; that is when energy is feed back to the grid.

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