Isolated Fiber-Optic Transmission of IGBT UCE Signals for Precise HV Switching Analysis
Abstract
This work presents the design and implementation of an isolated fiber-optic transmission system for real-time monitoring of collector-emitter voltage (UCE) in IGBT-based high-voltage (HV) stacks, with a focus on applications in industrial and accelerator environments. The system, named LaserLink, addresses the need for galvanic isolation, operator safety, and high-fidelity signal acquisition under challenging conditions such as ionizing radiation, strong electromagnetic interference, high temperatures, and restricted operator access.
The architecture employs analog signal transmission using modulated laser diodes and fiber-optic links, with each IGBT monitored by a dedicated optical transmitter (HiBox) and a ground-referenced receiver (LowBox). The solution enables broadband observation of dynamic UCE(t) waveforms with a bandwidth from DC to at least 50 MHz, supporting precise analysis of switching events, detection of anomalies, and implementation of advanced timing correction algorithms. The paper discusses the rationale for avoiding local A/D conversion at the measurement point, highlighting environmental, diagnostic, and scalability constraints that favor analog transmission. The LL system demonstrates that robust analog optical transmission for HV measurement can be achieved using cost-optimized components when paired with targeted compensation strategies and careful architectural design.
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