Difference between MOSFET and IGBT

In this article, we shall discuss the important differences between MOSFET and IGBT (MOSFET vs IGBT).

MOSFET and IGBT are the two types of transistors used in electronic circuits for switching purposes. Before going to discuss the differences, let us first get an overview of MOSFET and IGBT individually.

What is MOSFET?

MOSFET is an acronym for Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor. Therefore, MOSFET is a type of field effect transistor whose operation is based on metal oxide semiconductor technology.

MOSFET consists of three terminals namely, Source (S), Gate (G), and Drain (D). In a MOSFET, the gate terminal is made up of metal which is insulated from the semiconductor channel by an insulating oxide layer.

Based on the modes of operation, there are two types of MOSFETs namely, Depletion-Mode MOSFET and Enhancement-Mode MOSFET.

Due to high power handling capability, low power consumption, and high switching speed, MOSFETs are commonly used in several power electronic applications, such as VFDs, inverters, etc.

What is IGBT?

IGBT is an acronym for Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor. As the name implies, it is a type of transistor that combines the features of BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor) and MOSFET (Metal Oxide Field Effect Transistor).

IGBT has three terminals namely, Emitter (E), Collector (C), and Gate (G). In the case of IGBT, the gate terminal is insulated from the semiconductor channel between the emitter and collector by an insulating oxide layer.

Due to high voltage and high current handling capability, low on-state power losses, and high switching speed, IGBTs are commonly used in various applications in the field of power electronics like VFDs, SMPS, inverters, motor drives, etc.

Difference between IGBT and MOSFET

The important differences between IGBT and MOSFET are listed in the following table:

Basis of Comparison	MOSFET	IGBT
Full form	MOSFET stands for Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor.	IGBT stands for Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor.
Type of conduction	MOSFET is a unipolar conduction device.	IGBT is a bipolar conduction device.
Types	Types of MOSFETs are Depletion-Mode MOSFET and Enhancement-Mode MOSFET.	Types of IGBT are Punch Through IGBT and Non-Punch Through IGBT.
Terminals	MOSFET has three terminals namely, Source (S), Gate (G), and Drain (D).	IGBT has three terminals namely, Emitter (E), Gate (G), and Collector (C).
Voltage rating	MOSFET has a lower voltage rating than IGBT.	IGBT has a higher voltage rating.
Current rating	The current rating of a MOSFET is higher than that of an IGBT.	The current rating of an IGBT is lower than that of a MOSFET.
Thermal stability	MOSFET has a poor thermal stability than IGBT, making it less reliable in high-temperature applications.	IGBT has better thermal stability and hence can be used in high-temperature applications.
Switching speed	The switching speed of MOSFET is faster.	IGBT has a lower switching speed.
On-state voltage drop	The on-state voltage drop in a MOSFET is high.	The on-state voltage drop in an IGBT is low.
Energy efficiency	MOSFET is comparatively less energy efficient.	IGBT is more energy efficient.
Input impedance	MOSFET has comparatively higher input impedance.	IGBT has a lower input impedance.
Short-circuit protection	MOSFET is less effective in providing short-circuit protection.	IGBT is better at providing short-circuit protection.
Noise immunity	MOSFET is more immune to noise.	IGBT is comparatively less immune to noise.
High-frequency applications	MOSFET is better suited for high-frequency applications.	IGBT is less suited for high-frequency applications.
Gate capacitance	In the case of MOSFET, the gate capacitance is low.	IGBT has higher gate capacitance than MOSFET.
Cost	MOSFET is less costly.	IGBT is costlier than MOSFET.
Applications	MOSFETs are extensively used in various applications such as power amplifiers, switching circuits, inverters, motor control circuits, etc.	IGBTs are extensively used in inverters, electric trains, electric vehicles, motor drives, renewable energy systems, etc.

Hence, this is all about the important differences between MOSFET and IGBT.