The progress in the field of technology has made it possible for us to use a vast range of transistors. Different consumer electronics that we use today comprise such transistors. From basic to highly advanced transistors, consumer electronics come with these exceptional components. Now each type of translator differs from the other. There are different factors that distinguish these types for our own ease.

So that choosing the right transistor for you will become a lot easier. But keep in mind, with perks come downsides of these transistors as well. In this post today, we are going to compare IGBT vs. MOSFET transistors. So that you can learn to use these special types as per your needs. Here we go!

Well, both these types are common in consumer switching devices and electronics. The reason is that there are certain features and specifications that set these transistors apart from the others. From solar inverters to motor driver systems, these transistors are simply exceptional in performance and provide you with desired results as well.

Now it’s time to learn about these transistors individually so that you can develop a better understanding of IGBT vs. MOSFET transistors through further sections. 

What is MOSFET?

First, we have MOSFET, which is a low-voltage transistor and is a lot different from other types like BJT. BJTs are mostly currently controlled, and therefore, their specifications are also different. The features of MOSFET include low current and high voltage, and due to this reason, you can easily use it to your own needs and advantage. There are three important points present in MOSFET.

One is the drain, the other is the source, and the last one is the gate. You can use a MOSFET through its different modes called depletion and enhancement. The two main categories of MOSFETs include one with N-channel and the other with P-channel. The voltage present on the gate actually creates a fine line of difference between different types of MOSFETs.

When you are using the depletion mode, keep in mind that the conductance will be at its highest. While in the other case, there will be zero voltage at the gate. When you are using the enhancement mode, it is obvious that the conduction will only take place when the voltage is higher. There is another important thing to note that when you increase the positive voltage as compared to the default voltage, then the electrons present in the source and the gate will develop a conduction layer.

It means this is the condition for the conduction layer to be developed. In most cases, this layer takes place between the P-channel and the oxide layer. As the voltage increases, it will cause more flow of current towards the drain. So this is how you will turn on the conduction mode of a MOSFET by using voltage.

What is IGBT?

IGBT is nothing but a combination of a MOSFET and a BJT. The nature of an IGBT is monolithic. Therefore this is how you will get double the features and advantages of transistors in a single IGBT. IGBT is important to consider here because these take the exceptional current controlling ability of BJTs and easy usage of MOSFETs. Due to this reason, different users rely on IGBTs for the incorporation of different consumer electronics.

You can easily use an IGBT if you are aiming for a medium-power application. For a high-power application, you must consider some guidelines to derive desired results. Just like a MOSFET, you will have three important terminals in an IGBT too. These are a gate, a collector, and an emitter. The purpose of the gate is to control the transistor, while the conductor and emitter are for seamless conduction. The overall channel structure of an IGBT is P-N-P-N which sets it apart from the rest of the transistors. In the case of bias, the P-base will develop an N-channel.

When this happens, the resistance of the N-layer reduces dramatically, and the positive elements go toward the N-layer and leave the player. Due to this reason, it can easily tackle high levels of current. One another impressive factor about IGBTs is that their conduction faces fewer power losses. 

Differences: IGBT vs. MOSFET

1.    Basics: IGBT vs. MOSFET

One major difference between IGBT and MOSFET is their basics. There is no doubt that both these transistors are controlled by voltage and have similar applications in terms of switch mode power supply. However, we need to know that IGBTs are important when we are talking about higher current applications.

Whereas MOSFETs are for providing more feasibility in terms of control. IGBTs can render benefits of a BJT, and a MOSFET but MOSFETs alone cannot render benefits like IGBTs. You can use a MOSFET for voltage determination, but an IGBT will not be able to do this for you at all. 

2.    Working Principle: IGBT Vs. MOSFET

One another thing that separates IGBT and MOSFET is their working phenomenon. When it comes to IGBT, you can easily make changes and control the bipolar side of the transistor.

However, a MOSFET works best for FET, and the element of silicone oxidation is also there to distinguish its working from an IGBT. MOSFETs are more likely to perform naturally because their gate’s voltage keeps changing, and a fine layer of silicone protects this change during the process. Moreover, a MOSFET has two modes of functions while IGBTs don’t. 

3.    Input Impedance: IGBT vs. MOSFET

Sometimes you can also understand IGBT vs. MOSFET through input impedance. When we talk about IGBTs, you can expect more input impedance as compared to MOSFETs. IGBTs, therefore, are a better option to opt for when it comes to using them for high-current applications. The problem with MOSFETs is that they struggle with the voltage at the gate, and due to this reason, they are not reliable for current-oriented applications.

However, MOSFETs come in handy when you are considering protection in terms of current leakage and voltage blocks because the silicone layer will prevent this from happening on all counts. 

4.    Damage Resistance: IGBT vs. MOSFET

Both the transistors are also different in terms of damage resistance. MOSFETs can easily tolerate changes in the charges and more input impedance. Due to this reason, you cannot use MOSFETs for damage resistance between extremely low capacitance makes them a bit difficult to prevent damage.

Other than this IGBTs can prove to be more beneficial because of the double benefits of a MOSFET and BJT. So no matter how much intense was the voltage change, an IGBT can impressively tackle it for you. 

5.    Applications: IGBT vs. MOSFET

Another huge difference between IGBTs and MOSFETs is their applications. Now this is obvious that you cannot use an IGBT for a MOSFET application. MOSFETs are more reliable for the changing of signals and amplification of different electronics.

These mostly come in handy for the high noise devices. You can make use of a MOSFET in different types of analog and digital circuits since this cause no harm to their functioning at all.

IGBTs have different applications than MOSFETs because they are more likely to control the current. Therefore applications including induction, heating mechanisms, and motor control are all possible with IGBTs. 

6.    Switching power: IGBT vs. MOSFET

The switching power of both is also different. This term means how much power a transistor is to switch between on and off situations. Sometimes you can even call switching power dissipation as well.

MOSFETs are incredible in terms of switching power as compared to IGBTs. Therefore if you want to use a transistor for higher switching power, then using a MOSFET will save you from disappointment. 

7.    Voltage & Current: IGBT vs. MOSFET

In terms of voltage and current, both these transistors are different. However, IGBT is more reliable for the current and voltage capacity, and you can use it easily for similar applications. MOSFETs are not reliable for this purpose because they cannot deal with transient voltage as IGBTs do. 

8.    Structure & design: IGBT Vs. MOSFET

To quickly differentiate between these two transistors then, take a look at their design and structure. But one problem that stands here is that they have the same design. It is difficult to identify them at a glance.

However, if you are an expert, it won’t be difficult for you whatsoever. There are more P layers in IGBTs present under the n substrate. MOSFETs don’t have a structure like this, and due to this reason, MOSFETs can easily handle quick switching when you are using them for higher frequencies.

IGBTs do have a PN junction, but it remains concealed in their structure. For MOSFETS, they don’t have a PN junctional at all. Now from this difference, you can easily learn how you can distinguish IGBT vs. MOSFETs so that using them according to your needs and future projects will become easier for you. 

Key Benefits of IGBT

1. You can use IGBTs for medium to high-power applications. It is because these transistors can easily conduct high currents and voltages for specific applications. 
2. IGBTs can easily perform under stressful and unfavorable conditions like high voltage spikes and unprecedented voltage changes. 
3. The gate insulation of IGBT is much higher as compared to other transistors, and due to this reason, it becomes much easier for the users to rely on them for different projects. 
4. The forward voltage drop produced by an IGBT is much less as compared to other transistors, and because of this, their performance remains unmatched by other transistors available. 

Drawbacks of IGBT

1. The IGBT is not a good option when it comes to high-frequency devices because their natural performance can be altered due to their incorporation. 
2. The switching speed of the IGBT is extremely slow, which can complicate the functioning of the devices; therefore, in this case, you can still look for different alternatives. 

Benefits of MOSFET

1. Unlike IGBTs, a MOSFET can easily tackle complications and sustain its performance for high-frequency applications. 
2. The switching speed of a MOSFET is also incredibly higher than other types available. 
3. It is good for controlling and reducing noise signals, and due to this reason, using it for such applications renders desired and positive results. 
4. It is compact in size, and therefore using it for complex applications is a lot easier.
5. MOSFETs are overall less expensive, and therefore, almost all producers can rely on them for their projects easily. 

Drawbacks of MOSFET

1. It can collapse in case you are giving it more voltage, power, and current. 
2. Unlike high voltage raise, its performance can be dramatically changed. 
3. The forward voltage drop of a MOSFET is much higher as compared to IGBT, and therefore, this makes it not a good choice to use in different applications. 

Can I use IGBT instead of MOSFET?

Yes, you can do this. However, there are some considerations that will help you in this regard. IGBTs are more reliable for high-power devices because the overall power loss given through IGBTs are much less. Therefore experts consider these more efficient instead of other types. MOSFETs are more reliable for low-power devices because their switching speed is higher than IGBTs. 

Wrap Up on IGBT vs. MOSFET

Both IGBTs and MOSFETs have their own advantages. These are also different from each other in some areas, and due to this reason, it is important that you choose the right transistor for your projects.

We have described IGBT vs. MOSFET in detail in this post so that you can easily understand what factors make them different from each other. Plus, how you can make full use of them by implementing them according to their nature and features.