The product consists of a kit of 3 IGBT driver boards (code 3F50-99-100) used in ABB / Power-One Aurora Central photovoltaic inverters, specifically within power modules identified as 3I19.
These boards form the gate drive system for power transistors (IGBTs) and are essential for the correct operation of the DC/AC conversion stage in large-scale, centralized inverters.
Each board controls a section of the power bridge, ensuring:
- Precise switching
- Galvanic isolation between control and power sections
- Safe and reliable system operation
⚙️ Main Functions
- Driving of IGBT gates in the inverter power stage
- Generation and management of PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals
- Signal isolation between control board and power section
- Monitoring of switching status and feedback signals
- Active protection against overcurrent and abnormal conditions
🔌 Technical Features
- Model: 3F50-99-100
- System: ABB Aurora Central – 3I19 power module
- Configuration: Kit of 3 boards (complete three-phase control)
- Type: IGBT driver (gate) boards
- Application: Industrial / utility-scale photovoltaic inverters
Main Components:
- Isolated gate drivers
- Filtering inductors
- Electrolytic and SMD capacitors
- Protection and feedback circuits
- Installation: Integrated within inverter power stage
🧩 Role within the Inverter System
In ABB central inverters:
- Each driver board controls a portion of the three-phase power bridge
- The 3-board kit enables full management of all three phases
- Ensures synchronization and quality of energy conversion
👉 Without these boards, the IGBTs cannot switch → inverter cannot operate.
⚠️ Typical Faults and Issues
Common hardware failures:
- Damaged or burned IGBT drivers
- Degraded SMD components (resistors, optocouplers)
- Worn electrolytic capacitors
- Signs of overheating or carbonization
- Short circuits caused by failed IGBTs
Main causes:
- DC-side or grid overvoltage
- Cascade failures from power stage IGBTs
- High thermal stress (industrial environments)
- Dust, humidity, oxidation
- Continuous high-load operation
🚨 Typical Inverter Errors
Faulty driver boards may generate:
-
E031 / E032 → Power stage fault
-
E034 → Internal inverter error (power stage)
-
E035 / E036 → IGBT driver malfunction
-
E018 / E019 → Output current anomalies
-
E007 → General system fault
Typical symptoms:
- Inverter not starting
- Immediate shutdown after startup
- Unstable or no power production
- Repeated protection trips
🛠️ Applications
- Repair of ABB Aurora Central inverters
- Maintenance of large-scale photovoltaic systems (>100 kW)
- Replacement of faulty driver modules
- Use in service centers and electronic repair laboratories
💡 Advantages
✔ Fast restoration of inverter functionality
✔ Lower cost compared to full module replacement
✔ Direct compatibility with existing ABB systems
✔ Robust design for industrial applications
📌 Conclusion
The ABB Aurora Central IGBT Driver Board Kit (3 pcs, module 3I19) is a critical component for the operation of the inverter power stage. Responsible for controlling IGBT switching, it is often involved in common system faults and represents a key element in advanced maintenance and repair of large photovoltaic installations.
