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ESBT®
Emitter-Switched Bipolar Transistor

ESBT - Emitter-Switched Bipolar TransistorRecently available in the market, ESBTs (Emitter-Switched Bipolar Transistors) represent a valuable and cost effective alternative for applications where high voltage and high switching frequencies are a must. These devices have a Power Bipolar structure to withstand high breakdown voltage (up to 2,200V) and a Power MOSFET structure for faster switching speed (up to 150 KHz) in Cascode configuration.

How does the ESBT work?
In this “Well Known” configuration a High Voltage Power Bipolar is switched on and off by a Low Voltage Power Mosfet in Cascode connection.
ESBT - Emitter-Switched Bipolar Transistor
ESBT Electrical Symbol

Advantages:
Low on-losses due to the intrinsic lower VCEsat of a bipolar transistors vs. VDSon (RDSon*Id) of a High Voltage Mosfets
Minimized switching losses thanks to the faster Switching of Power Mosfet vs. slow Off Time (Ts+Tf) of a Power Bipolar.
ESBT - Emitter-Switched Bipolar Transistor
Internal schematic

What’s happening inside…
ESBT switching configurations
ESBT switching configurations
ESBT switching configurations


The “Signal Switch” is not in the Base.
No more drawback as for the old Bipolar Solution (No high current needed from the driver).

A simple DC Voltage is enough to bias the bipolar.
No more problems for the Ibon/Iboff fine tuning.


Turn-off is achieved just Opening the Emitter.
IBoff = ICend and Very Fast Switching Off is reachable.

Ic is extracted through the base.
No current focus under the emitter finger(Higher ruggedness).

Square RBSOA is guaranteed.

ESBT Key Features
High voltage and high current capability;
Easy to drive gate structure;
Lower turn off and conduction losses compared to IGBT at switching frequencies in the range of 30-150KHz;
Square RBSOA specification.

ESBT Advantages
Low conduction losses at higher switching frequencies.
Low turn off losses because of no tail current present in the power structure;
Application support for design in activity and lower total cost of solution.

ESBT Applications
UPS;
SMPS;
Lighting;
Power Metering;
 Welding;
Telecom;
Motor Control.

Related Topics
Product Selector and Datasheets
ESBT
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Application Notes
ESBT Evaluation Boards