IGBT have lower conduction losses but higher switching losses compared to the best Super Junction MOSFETs. If we highly simplify the problem, you end-up with two type of losses: Conduction losses and switching losses, respectively happening during conduction mode, or at switching on/off or off/on (you could guess that, right?). This is the main idea and it comes from losses. On the other hand, IGBTs can handle more power, meaning that at a comparable voltage, they outperform MOSFETs in current handling capability. But remember that SJ MOSFET have even better characteristics compared to MOSFET. We will write an article about the history of Super Junction MOSFET. You also have to think about and Include Super Junction MOSFET in the story. Their switching frequency can go up to several 100MHz. The blurry boundaries between MOSFET and IGBT All small/medium power UPS, in data centers, SMEs, industries…. All the industries using the medium and small range of motor drives (conveyors and/or belts). Renewable energy with PV inverter for residential, but also micro-inverters. Consumer applications: like AC/DC adapters for laptops, tablets and electronics. So where does the question applies? For all the stuff between 400V and 1700V. This includes a load of consumer applications, embedded power conversion to power-up all sorts of functions inside all the electronics you have at home or carry everywhere. It’s smaller, faster, better and sometimes stronger. 
Apart from flash light triggering in cameras (300V IGBTs).This make you have to use 1700V devices or more. This bus, loaded with capacitors to stabilize and filter current, may have a design at 1000V+. This bus in motor drive or generator as an example, is the one that conveys rectified DC power to the DC/AC conversion part. This breakdown voltage requirement comes mostly from the DC-bus voltage.Rail traction, Wind turbines, Grid T&D, Central inverters for utility scale PV, high power motor drives….All applications requiring 1700V or higher breakdown voltage for the switches.There are a few cases where the MOSFET or IGBT question is non-applicable: Let’s make things a little bit clearer for everyone. But each time you read a new article on the subject, it becomes blurry. It’s what « they » said… All the people you met and asked the question. MOSFET or IGBT: « It’s trade-off issue », they said!
So, I’m not here to reveal you a hidden truth for generations (of IGBTs). Figure 1: Transphorm’s CEO presented these picture during APEC keynote sessions: The truth about marketing your products.
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