IEC 60146-1-1:2009

Semiconductor converters - General requirements and line commutated converters - Part 1-1: Specification of basic requirements

IEC 60146-1-1:2009 specifies the requirements for the performance of all semiconductor power converters and semiconductor power switches using controllable and/or non-controllable electronic valve devices. It is primarily intended to specify the basic requirements for converters in general and the requirements applicable to line commutated converters for conversion of a.c. power to d.c. power or vice versa. Parts of this standard are also applicable to other types of electronic power converter provided that they do not have their own product standards. This fourth edition constitutes a technical revision and introduces five main changes:
- re-edition of the whole standard according to the current directives;
- correction of definitions and addition of new terms, especially terms concerning EMC, harmonic distortion and insulation co-ordination;
- the service condition tolerances have been revised according to the IEC 61000 series;
- the insulation tests have been revised considering the insulation co-ordination;
- addition of three annexes.

Convertisseurs à semiconducteurs - Exigences générales et convertisseurs commutés par le réseau - Partie 1-1: Spécification des exigences de base

La CEI 60146-1-1:2009 spécifie les exigences relatives aux caractéristiques de fonctionnement de tous les convertisseurs électroniques de puissance à semiconducteurs, ainsi que des commutateurs électroniques de puissance à semiconducteurs utilisant des valves électroniques, commandables et/ou non commandables. Elle est prévue en premier lieu pour spécifier les exigences de base applicables aux convertisseurs en général, ainsi que les exigences applicables aux convertisseurs à commutation par le réseau, pour la conversion puissance alternative-continue ou vice versa. Certaines parties de la présente norme sont également applicables à d'autres types de convertisseur électronique de puissance sous réserve qu'il n'existe pas de normes de produits qui leur soient propres. Cette quatrième édition constitue une révision technique et introduit cinq modifications principales:
- réédition de l'ensemble de la norme conformément au directives en vigueur;
- corrections de définitions et ajouts de nouveaux termes, en particulier des termes concernant la CEM, la distorsion harmonique et la coordination de l'isolement;
- les tolérances relatives aux conditions de service ont été revues conformément à la série CEI 61000;
- les essais d'isolement ont été revus, en tenant compte de la coordination de l'isolement;
- ajout de trois annexes.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 28-Jun-2009
• ICS: 01 - GENERALITIES. TERMINOLOGY. STANDARDIZATION. DOCUMENTATION
• ICS: 29.045 - Semiconducting materials
• ICS: 29.200 - Rectifiers. Convertors. Stabilized power supply
• Technical Committee: TC 22 - Power electronic systems and equipment
• Drafting Committee: MT 3 - TC 22/MT 3
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 19-Mar-2024
• Completion Date: 31-Jan-2022

Relations

• Revises: IEC 60146-1-1:1991 - Semiconductor convertors - General requirements and line commutated convertors - Part 1-1: Specifications of basic requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revised: IEC 60146-1-1:2024 - Semiconductor converters - General requirements and line commutated converters - Part 1-1: Specification of basic requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 60146-1-1:2009 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the basic requirements for semiconductor power converters and switches. This standard primarily addresses line commutated converters used for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and vice versa. It applies broadly to semiconductor converters using controllable or non-controllable electronic valve devices and also covers other types of electronic power converters lacking specific product standards.

The 2009 edition (Edition 4.0) introduces key technical revisions including updates on definitions concerning electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), harmonic distortion, insulation coordination, and revised service condition tolerances aligned with the IEC 61000 series. The standard also updates insulation testing protocols and adds three informative annexes to assist users.

Key Topics

• Semiconductor Converter Classification
  The standard defines types of semiconductor devices, converter arms, and connections, facilitating standardized terminology and interoperability.

• Commutation and Operation
  IEC 60146-1-1 describes the fundamental operation principles of line commutated converters, including commutation methods, calculation factors, and characteristic parameters essential for design and performance analysis.

• Service Conditions and Tolerances
  It specifies environmental and electrical conditions under which converters must reliably perform, detailing ambient temperatures, cooling methods, load characteristics, and transient tolerance levels.

• Performance Requirements
  Rated values for voltage, current, power factor, efficiency, and duty classes are provided to ensure consistent performance metrics across different equipment.

• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
  The standard addresses harmonic distortion limits and EMC requirements to minimize interference and maintain power quality in electrical networks.

• Testing and Verification
  Extensive testing protocols include insulation tests, functional tests, loss and temperature rise measurements, and EMC compliance checks to verify equipment reliability and safety.

• Safety and Insulation Coordination
  New terms and requirements concerning insulation coordination aim to protect against electrical shock and energy hazards, ensuring equipment safety.

Applications

IEC 60146-1-1:2009 serves as a foundational guide for manufacturers, designers, and testing laboratories involved in:

• Developing semiconductor power converters used in industrial drives, renewable energy systems, power supplies, and traction systems.
• Ensuring compliance and interoperability in projects involving line commutated converters such as controlled rectifiers and AC/DC converters.
• Enhancing electrical service reliability by standardizing service condition tolerances and testing regimens.
• Improving EMC performance in power electronics to reduce harmonic distortion in power systems.
• Guiding product development in sectors that require robust insulation coordination and safety measures in high power electronic equipment.

Related Standards

• IEC 61000 Series
  Focuses on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements and helps align service condition tolerances established in IEC 60146-1-1.

• IEC 60068 Series
  Covers environmental testing which complements service condition specifications.

• IEC 60747
  Addresses semiconductor device standards important for the components used in power converters.

• Other IEC Standards on Semiconductor Converters
  Complementary parts of IEC 60146 provide detailed product-specific requirements when available.

---

By adhering to IEC 60146-1-1:2009, stakeholders can ensure semiconductor converters meet internationally recognized requirements, optimizing performance, safety, and electromagnetic compatibility across power conversion applications. This standard is essential for advancing reliable and efficient power electronic systems worldwide.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60146-1-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2009-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Semiconductor converters – General requirements and line commutated
converters –
Part 1-1: Specification of basic requirements

Convertisseurs à semiconducteurs – Exigences générales et convertisseurs
commutés par le réseau –
Partie 1-1: Spécification des exigences de base

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either IEC or
IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,
please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite
ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie
et les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de la CEI ou du Comité national de la CEI du pays du demandeur.
Si vous avez des questions sur le copyright de la CEI ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette
publication, utilisez les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de la CEI de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Central Office
3, rue de Varembé
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.
ƒ Catalogue of IEC publications: www.iec.ch/searchpub
The IEC on-line Catalogue enables you to search by a variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical committee,…).
It also gives information on projects, withdrawn and replaced publications.
ƒ IEC Just Published: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published details twice a month all new publications released. Available
on-line and also by email.
ƒ Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and electrical terms containing more than 20 000 terms and definitions
in English and French, with equivalent terms in additional languages. Also known as the International Electrotechnical
Vocabulary online.
ƒ Customer Service Centre: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or need further assistance, please visit the Customer Service
Centre FAQ or contact us:
Email: [e-mail]
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
A propos de la CEI
La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (CEI) est la première organisation mondiale qui élabore et publie des
normes internationales pour tout ce qui a trait à l'électricité, à l'électronique et aux technologies apparentées.

A propos des publications CEI
Le contenu technique des publications de la CEI est constamment revu. Veuillez vous assurer que vous possédez
l’édition la plus récente, un corrigendum ou amendement peut avoir été publié.
ƒ Catalogue des publications de la CEI: www.iec.ch/searchpub/cur_fut-f.htm
Le Catalogue en-ligne de la CEI vous permet d’effectuer des recherches en utilisant différents critères (numéro de référence,
texte, comité d’études,…). Il donne aussi des informations sur les projets et les publications retirées ou remplacées.
ƒ Just Published CEI: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications de la CEI. Just Published détaille deux fois par mois les nouvelles
publications parues. Disponible en-ligne et aussi par email.
ƒ Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
Le premier dictionnaire en ligne au monde de termes électroniques et électriques. Il contient plus de 20 000 termes et
définitions en anglais et en français, ainsi que les termes équivalents dans les langues additionnelles. Egalement appelé
Vocabulaire Electrotechnique International en ligne.
ƒ Service Clients: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv/custserv_entry-f.htm
Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur cette publication ou si vous avez des questions, visitez le FAQ du
Service clients ou contactez-nous:
Email: [e-mail]
Tél.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
IEC 60146-1-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2009-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Semiconductor converters – General requirements and line commutated
converters –
Part 1-1: Specification of basic requirements

Convertisseurs à semiconducteurs – Exigences générales et convertisseurs
commutés par le réseau –
Partie 1-1: Spécification des exigences de base

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
XD
CODE PRIX
ICS 29.200; 29.045 ISBN 978-2-88910-061-3
– 2 – 60146-1-1 © IEC:2009
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.5
1 Scope and object.7
2 Normative references .7
3 Terms and definitions .9
3.1 Semiconductor devices and combinations .10
3.2 Arms and connections .13
3.3 Controllability of converter arms and quadrants of operation (on d.c. side) .15
3.4 Commutation, quenching and commutation circuitry .16
3.5 Commutation characteristics .18
3.6 Rated values .20
3.7 Specific voltages, currents and factors .22
3.8 Cooling.25
3.9 Service conditions tolerances and electromagnetic compatibility .26
3.10 Harmonic distortion .27
3.11 Definitions related to insulation co-ordination .31
4 Operation of semiconductor power equipment and valve devices.34
4.1 Classification.34
4.1.1 Semiconductor converter .34
4.1.2 Semiconductor valve devices.35
4.2 Principal letter symbols and subscripts.36
4.3 Basic operation of semiconductor converters.38
4.3.1 Commutation .38
4.3.2 Basic calculation factors for line commutated converters .40
4.3.3 Disturbances and fault conditions .42
5 Service conditions .43
5.1 Code of identification for cooling method.43
5.2 Environmental conditions .44
5.2.1 Ambient air circulation .44
5.2.2 Normal service conditions – Temperatures .44
5.2.3 Other normal service conditions .45
5.2.4 Unusual service conditions .45
5.3 Characteristics of the load.46
5.4 Service condition tolerances.46
5.4.1 Steady state and short time conditions .46
5.4.2 Repetitive and non-repetitive transients.49
6 Power conversion equipment and assemblies.49
6.1 Electrical connections.49
6.2 Calculation factors.50
6.2.1 Essential variables .50
6.2.2 Losses and efficiency .53
6.2.3 Power factor .54
6.2.4 Voltage regulation .54
6.3 Electromagnetic compatibility .56
6.3.1 Harmonics .56
6.3.2 Other EMC aspects .57
6.4 Rated values .57

60146-1-1 © IEC:2009 – 3 –
6.4.1 General .57
6.4.2 Rated output voltage .58
6.4.3 Rated current values .58
6.5 Duty classes.59
6.5.1 Principles .59
6.5.2 Selection of duty class and rated current value.60
6.5.3 Particular remarks for double converters .61
6.6 Markings .62
6.6.1 General .62
6.6.2 Rating plate.62
7 Tests for valve device assemblies and power conversion equipment .63
7.1 General .63
7.1.1 Methods of testing .63
7.1.2 Kinds of tests .63
7.1.3 Performance of tests .63
7.2 Insulation tests .64
7.2.1 General .64
7.2.2 Insulation routine tests of power conversion equipment .65
7.2.3 Additional tests.68
7.3 Functional test.68
7.3.1 Light load test and functional test .68
7.3.2 Rated current test.69
7.3.3 Over-current capability test.69
7.3.4 Measurement of the inherent voltage regulation .69
7.3.5 Measurement of ripple voltage and current .69
7.3.6 Measurement of harmonic currents.69
7.4 Losses, temperature and power factor.70
7.4.1 Power loss determination for assemblies and equipment .70
7.4.2 Temperature rise test .71
7.4.3 Power factor measurements .72
7.5 Auxiliaries and control .72
7.5.1 Checking of auxiliary devices .72
7.5.2 Checking the properties of the control equipment .72
7.5.3 Checking the protective devices .72
7.6 EMC tests .73
7.7 Measurement of audible noise and additional tests.73
7.8 Tolerances .73
Annex A (normative) Harmonics and interhamonics .75
Annex B (informative) Electrical environment – Short-circuit ratio .79
Annex C (normative) Protection against electric shock and energy hazards .83
Bibliography.86
Index of definitions .89

– 4 – 60146-1-1 © IEC:2009
Figure 1 – Types of commutation .39
Figure 2 – Illustration of angles.40
Figure 3 – Voltage regulation .41
Figure 4 – A.C. voltage waveform .49
Figure B.1 – PCC, IPC, installation current ratio and R .81
SI
Figure B.2 – PCC, IPC, installation current ratio and R .82
SC
Table 1 – List of major subscripts .36
Table 2 – Symbols .36
Table 3 – Performance criteria.42
Table 4 – Cooling medium or heat transfer agent.44
Table 5 – Method of circulation .44
Table 6 – Limit of temperature of the cooling medium for indoor equipment .45
Table 7 – Immunity levels to frequency and voltage amplitude for stiff a.c. voltage
connections .47
Table 8 – Immunity levels to voltage unbalance for stiff a.c. voltage connections.48
Table 9 – Immunity levels to voltage waveform for stiff a.c. voltage connections .48
Table 10 – Connections and calculation factors .52
Table 11 – Standard duty classes .60
Table 12 – Examples of load cycles as guidance for selection of duty class.61
Table 13 – Summary of tests .64
Table 14 – AC or d.c. test voltages for equipment directly connected to low voltage
mains.67
Table 15 – AC or d.c. test voltages for equipment directly connected to high voltage
mains.67
Table 16 – Tolerances .74

60146-1-1 © IEC:2009 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
SEMICONDUCTOR CONVERTERS –
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND LINE COMMUTATED CONVERTERS –

Part 1-1: Specification of basic requirements

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60146-1-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 22:
Power electronic systems and equipment.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 1991, Corrigendum 1
(1993) and Amendment 1 (1996). This fourth edition constitutes a technical revision.
This fourth edition introduces five main changes:
a) re-edition of the whole standard according to the current directives;
b) correction of definitions and addition of new terms, especially terms concerning EMC,
harmonic distortion and insulation co-ordination;
c) the service condition tolerances have been revised according to the IEC 61000 series;
d) the insulation tests have been revised considering the insulation co-ordination;
e) addition of three annexes.
– 6 – 60146-1-1 © IEC:2009
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
22/146/FDIS 22/149/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main purposes of the IEC 60146-1 series are as follows.
Part 1-1, IEC 60146-1-1, Specification of basic requirements:
– to establish basic terms and definitions;
– to specify service conditions which influence the basis of rating;
– to specify test requirements for electronic power converters and assemblies, standard
design, (for special design, see IEC/TR 60146-1-2);
– to specify basic performance requirements;
– to give application oriented requirements for semiconductor power converters.
Part 1-2, IEC/TR 60146-1-2, Application guide:
– to give additional information on test conditions and components (for example:
semiconductor valve devices), when required for their use in semiconductor power
converters, in addition to or as a modification on existing standards;
– to provide useful reference, calculation factors, formulae and diagrams pertaining to
power converter practice.
Part 1-3, IEC 60146-1-3, Transformers and reactors:
– to give additional information on characteristics wherein converter transformers differ
from ordinary power transformers. In all other respects, the rules specified in
IEC 60076 shall apply to converter transformers, insofar as they are not in
contradiction with this International Standard.
A list of all parts of the IEC 60146 series, under the general title: Semiconductor converters, can
be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in
the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
60146-1-1 © IEC:2009 – 7 –
SEMICONDUCTOR CONVERTERS –
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND LINE COMMUTATED CONVERTERS –

Part 1-1: Specification of basic requirements

1 Scope and object
This International Standard specifies the requirements for the performance of all
semiconductor power converters and semiconductor power switches using controllable and/or
non-controllable electronic valve devices.
The electronic valve devices mainly comprise semiconductor devices, either not controllable
(i.e. rectifier diodes) or controllable (i.e. thyristors, triacs, turn-off thyristors and power
transistors). The controllable devices may be reverse blocking or reverse conducting and
controlled by means of current, voltage or light. Non-bistable devices are assumed to be
operated in the switched mode.
This standard is primarily intended to specify the basic requirements for converters in general
and the requirements applicable to line commutated converters for conversion of a.c. power to
d.c. power or vice versa. Parts of this standard are also applicable to other types of electronic
power converter provided that they do not have their own product standards.
These specific equipment requirements are applicable to semiconductor power converters
that either implement power conversion or use commutation (for example semiconductor self-
commutated converters) or involve particular applications (for example semiconductor
converters for d.c. motor drives) or include a combination of said characteristics (for example
direct d.c. converters for electric rolling stock).
This standard is applicable to all power converters not covered by a dedicated product
standard, or if special features are not covered by the dedicated product standard. Dedicated
product standards for power converters should refer to this International Standard.
NOTE 1 This standard is not intended to define EMC requirements. It covers all phenomena and therefore
introduces references to dedicated standards which are applicable according to their scope.
NOTE 2 A large part of this standard, particularly for power transformers, is covered in IEC 61378-1.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60050-101:1998, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 101: Mathematics
IEC 60050-551:1998, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 551: Power electronics
IEC 60050-551-20:2001, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 551-20: Power
electronics – Harmonic analysis
IEC 60364-1, Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 1: Fundamental principles,
assessment of general characteristics, definitions
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)

– 8 – 60146-1-1 © IEC:2009
IEC 60664-1:2007, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems –
Part 1: Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60700-1, Thyristor valves for high voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission –
Part 1: Electrical testing
IEC 61000 (all parts), Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
IEC 61000-2-2:2002, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 2-2: Environment –
Compatibility levels for low-frequency conducted disturbances and signalling in public low-
voltage power supply systems
IEC 61000-2-4:2002, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 2-4: Environment –
Compatibility levels in industrial plants for low-frequency conducted disturbances
IEC 61000-3-2, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic
current emissions (equipment with input current < 16 A per phase)
IEC 61000-3-3, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 3-3: Limits – Limitation of voltage
changes, voltage fluctuations and flicker in public low-voltage supply systems for equipment
with rated current ≤ 16 A per phase and not subject to conditional connection
IEC 61000-3-11, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 3-11: Limits – Limitation of
voltage changes, voltage fluctuations and flicker in public low-voltage supply systems –
Equipment with rated current ≤ 75 A and subject to conditional connection
IEC 61000-3-12:2004, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 3-12: Limits – Limits for
harmonic currents produced by equipment connected to public low-voltage systems with input
current > 16 A and ≤ 75 A per phase
IEC 61000-4-7, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-7: Testing and measurement
techniques – General guide on harmonics and interharmonics measurements and
instrumentation, for power supply systems and equipment connected thereto
IEC 61000-6-1, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-1: Generic standards –
Immunity for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-2, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-2: Generic standards –
Immunity for industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-3, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-3: Generic standards –
Emission standard for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-4, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-4: Generic standards –
Emission standard for industrial environments
IEC 61140, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and
equipment
IEC 61180-1:1992, High-voltage test techniques for low voltage equipment – Part 1:
Definitions, test and procedure requirements
IEC 61204-3, Low-voltage power supplies, d.c. output – Part 3: Electromagnetic compatibility
(EMC)
IEC 61204-7, Low voltage power supplies, d.c. output – Part 7: Safety requirements

60146-1-1 © IEC:2009 – 9 –
IEC 61800-3, Adjustable speed electrical power drive systems – Part 3: EMC requirements
and specific test methods
IEC 61800-5-1, Adjustable speed electrical power drive systems – Part 5-1: Safety
requirements – Electrical, thermal and energy
IEC 61954, Power electronics for electrical transmission and distribution systems – Testing of
thyristor valves for static VAR compensators
IEC/PAS 61975, Guide to the specification and design evaluation of a.c. filters for HVDC
systems
IEC 62040-1, Uninterruptible power systems (UPS) – Part 1: General and safety requirements
for UPS
IEC 62040-2, Uninterruptible power systems (UPS) – Part 2: Electromagnetic compatibility
(EMC) requirements
IEC 62103, Electronic equipment for use in power installations
IEC 62310-1, Static transfer systems (STS) – Part 1: General and safety requirements
IEC 62310-2, Static transfer systems (STS) – Part 2: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
requirements
NOTE Some other IEC publications are quoted for information in the Bibliography.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
In this standard, IEV definitions are used wherever possible, particularly those in IEC 60050
(551).
All the terms listed in this clause are not necessarily used in this International Standard,
however they are necessary to establish a common understanding in the application of
semiconductor converters.
The policy adopted is as follows:
a) when an existing IEV definition needs amplification or additional information, the title, the
reference and the additional text are given;
b) explanations and figures are given in 4. 3;
c) terms used in connection with converter faults are defined in IEC/TR 60146-1-2.
An alphabetical index is given in the Index of definitions.
NOTE For easier use of this index, a cross reference numbering is set up, noted [df n], in which n is the natural
integer following the alphabetical order of the definitions.

– 10 – 60146-1-1 © IEC:2009
3.1 Semiconductor devices and combinations
3.1.1
semiconductor device
device, the essential electric characteristics of which are due to the flow of charge carriers
within one or more semiconductor materials
[IEV 151-13-63] [df 164]
3.1.2
electronic (power) switch
an operative unit for electronic power switching comprising at least one controllable valve
device
[IEV 551-13-01] [df 60] [df 123] [df 173]
3.1.3
semiconductor switch
an electronic power switch with semiconductor valve devices
[IEV 551-13-05] [df 165] [df 174]
NOTE Similar terms are used for electronic switches or power controllers with specific electronic valve devices,
for example thyristor controller, transistor switch.
3.1.4
non-controllable valve device
rectifier diode
a reverse blocking valve device the current path of which conducts in its conducting direction
without any control signal being applied
[IEV 551-14-04] [df 45] [df 105] [df 149]
3.1.5
thyristor
bi-stable semiconductor device comprising three or more junctions which can be switched
from the off-state to the on-state or vice versa
[IEV 521-04-61] [df 178]
NOTE 1 Devices having only three layers but having switching characteristics similar to those of four layers
thyristors may also be called thyristors.
NOTE 2 The term "thyristor" is used as a generic term to cover the whole range of PNPN type devices. It may be
used by itself for any member of the thyristor family when such use does not result in ambiguity or
misunderstanding. In particular, the term "thyristor" is widely used for reverse blocking triode thyristor, formerly
called "silicon controlled rectifier”.
3.1.6
reverse blocking triode thyristor
three-terminal thyristor which for negative anode voltage does not switch, but exhibits a
reverse blocking state
[IEV 521-04-63] [df 158] [df 179] [df 193]
3.1.7
reverse conducting triode thyristor
three-terminal thyristor which for negative anode voltage does not switch and conducts large
currents at voltages comparable in magnitude to the forward on-state voltage
[IEV 521-04-65] [df 159]
60146-1-1 © IEC:2009 – 11 –
3.1.8
bidirectional triode thyristor
triac
three-terminal thyristor having substantially the same switching behaviour in the first and third
quadrants of the current-voltage characteristic
[IEV 521-04-67, modified] [df 11] [df 188]
3.1.9
turn-off thyristor
GTO
thyristor which can be switched from the on-state to the off-state and vice versa by applying
control signals of appropriate polarity to the gate terminal
[IEV 521-04-68] [df 79] [df 81] [df 195]
NOTE Also known as gate turn-off thyristor.
3.1.10
power transistor
transistor designed for switching from the on-state to the off-state and vice versa by applying
control signals of appropriate polarity to the base or gate terminal [df 124] [df 186]
NOTE 1 The structure of the device intrinsically provides the capability of amplification (see IEV 521-04-46)
NOTE 2 Different technologies of power transistors are used such as bipolar transistors, insulated gate bipolar
transistors (IGBT), metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors, (MOSFET) etc.
3.1.11
valve device stack
a single structure of one or more electronic valve devices with its (their) associated
mounting(s) and auxiliaries if any
[IEV 551-14-12] [df 171] [df 203]
3.1.12
valve device assembly
an electrically and mechanically combined assembly of electronic valve devices or stacks,
complete with all its connections and auxiliaries in its own mechanical structure
NOTE Similar terms are applied to stacks or assemblies comprising specific electronic valve devices, for example
diode stack (rectifier diodes only), thyristor assembly (thyristors only or in combination with rectifier diodes).
[IEV 551-14-13] [df 6] [df 201]
3.1.13
electronic valve device
an indivisible electronic device for electronic power conversion or electronic power switching,
comprising a non-controllable or bistably controlled unidirectionally conducting current path
[IEV 551-14-02 ] [df 61] [df 199]
3.1.14
semiconductor valve device
an electronic valve device which is a semiconductor device
[IEV 551-14-09] [df 166] [df 200]
NOTE 1 Typical semiconductor valve devices are thyristors, rectifier diodes, bipolar transistors, metal-oxide-
semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET) and insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBT).

– 12 – 60146-1-1 © IEC:2009
NOTE 2 Two or more semiconductor valve devices may be integrated on a common semiconductor chip
(examples: a thyristor and a rectifier diode in a reverse conducting thyristor, a power switching field effect
transistor with its reverse diode) or packaged in a common case (semiconductor power module). These
combinations are considered as separate semiconductor valve devices.
3.1.15
(electronic) (power) conversion
change of one or more of the characteristics of an electric power system essentially without
appreciable loss of power by means of electronic valve devices
[IEV 551-11-02] [df 32] [df 58] [df 116]
NOTE Characteristics include, for example, voltage amplitude, number of phases and frequency, including zero
frequency.
3.1.16
(electronic) (power) converter
an operative unit for electronic power conversion, comprising one or more electronic valve
devices, and auxiliaries if any
[IEV 551-12-01, modified] [df 36] [df 59] [df 119]
NOTE Converter transformers and filters related to network interfacing in terms of electrical characteristics are
excluded from the converter itself. Such devices are part of the system aspect. Any device necessary to the correct
operation of the converter itself are included in the converter, for example filters for limitation of the du/dt applied
to the valve devices, surge arrestors, etc. Any auxiliary necessary to the correct operation of the converter itself
are included in the converter, for example fans or cooling system.
3.1.17
trigger equipment
gating equipment
equipment which provides suitable trigger pulses from a control signal for controllable valve
devices in a converter or power switch including timing or phase shifting circuits, pulse
generating circuits and usually power supply circuits [df 80] [df 191]
3.1.18
system control equipment
equipment associated with a power conversion equipment or system which performs
automatic adjustment of the converter output characteristics as a function of a controlled
quantity (for example motor speed, traction force, etc.) [df 26] [df 176]
3.1.19
semiconductor converter
an electronic power converter with semiconductor valve devices
[IEV 551-12-42] [df 37] [df 163]
NOTE Similar terms for converters in general or for specific kinds of converters or for converters with other or
specific valve devices, for example thyristor converter, transistor inverter.
3.1.20
power conversion equipment
PCE
equipment including the electronic power converter and auxiliaries necessary for operation of
the converter itself, or even other parts dedicated to the application and where these parts
cannot be physically separated without preventing the operation of the converter [df 33] [df 66]
[df 117]
3.1.21
power conversion system
system consisting of a power conversion equipment and associated components for the
application for example switchgear, reactors or transformers, dedicated filters, etc. [df 35] [df
118] [df 175]
60146-1-1 © IEC:2009 – 13 –
3.2 Arms and connections
3.2.1
(valve) arm
a part of the circuit of an electronic power converter or switch bounded by any two a.c. or d.c.
terminals and including one or more simultaneously conducting electronic valve devices
connected together and other components if any
[IEV 551-15-01] [df 5] [df 198]
3.2.2
principal arm
a valve arm involved in the major transfer of power from one side of the converter or
electronic switch to the other
[IEV 551-15-02] [df 4] [df 125]
3.2.3
auxiliary arm
any valve arm other than a principal arm
NOTE Sometimes an auxiliary arm temporarily fulfils more than one of the following functions: by-pass arm, free-
wheeling arm, turn-off arm or regenerative arm.
[IEV 551-15-05] [df 3] [df 7]
3.2.4
by-pass arm
an auxiliary arm providing a conductive path which allows the current to circulate without an
interchange of power between source and load
[IEV 551-15-06] [df 14]
3.2.5
free-wheeling arm
a by-pass arm containing only non-controllable valve devices
[IEV 551-15-07] [df 75]
3.2.6
turn-off arm
an auxiliary arm which temporarily takes over the current directly from a conducting valve arm,
consisting of one or more latching valve devices which cannot be turned off by a control
signal
[IEV 551-15-08] [df 194]
3.2.7
regenerative arm
a valve arm which transfers a part of the power from the load side to the source side
[IEV 551-15-09] [df 153]
3.2.8
converter connection
the electrical arrangement of valve arms and other components essential for the function of
the main power circuit of a converter
[IEV 551-15-10] [df 38]
NOTE Common practice also uses the term “topology” of the converter with the same sense.

– 14 – 60146-1-1 © IEC:2009
3.2.9
basic converter connection
the electrical arrangement of principal arms in a converter
[IEV 551-15-11] [df 8]
3.2.10
single-way connection (of a converter)
a converter connection such that the current through each of the phase terminals of the a.c.
circuit is unidirectional
[IEV 551-15-12] [df 170]
3.2.11
double-way connection (of a converter)
a converter connection such that the current through each of the phase terminals of the a.c.
circuit is bidirectional
[IEV 551-15-13] [df 52]
3.2.12
bridge connection
a double-way connection of pairs of arms such that the centre terminals are the phase
terminals of the a.c. circuit, and that the outer terminals of like polarity are connected together
and are the d.c. terminals
[IEV 551-15-14] [df 13]
3.2.13
uniform connection
a connection with either all principal arms controllable or all principal arms non-controllable
[IEV 551-15-15] [df 197]
3.2.14
non-uniform connection
a connection with both controllable and non-controllable principal arms
[IEV 551-15-18] [df 106]
3.2.15
series connection
connection of two-terminal networks so that they form a single path
[IEV 131-12-75] [df 167]
3.2.16
series connection of converters
a series connection in which two or more converters are connected in such a way that their
voltages add [df 168]
3.2.17
boost and buck connection
a series connection of two or more converter connections the direct voltages of which may be
added or subtracted depending on the control of the individual connections
[IEV 551-15-21] [df 12]
60146-1-1 © IEC:2009 – 15 –
3.3 Controllability of converter arms and quadrants of operation (on d.c. side)
3.3.1
controllable arm
converter arm including controllable valve device(s) [df 27]
3.3.2
non-controllable arm
converter arm including only no-controllable valve device(s) [df 104]
3.3.3
quadrant of operation (on the d.c. side)
quadrant of the voltage current plane defined by the d.c. voltage polarity and the current
direction [df 130]
3.3.4
one-quadrant converter
an a.c./d.c. or d.c. converter with one possible direction of d
...