If you have ever built a flyback driver or a solid state Tesla coil (SSTC) , you have probably wrestled with MOSFETs.
Disclaimer: High voltage electronics can cause severe injury, fire, or death. The author assumes no liability for your use of this information. If you are not comfortable working with lethal voltages, do not build this circuit.
While the classic "ZVS" circuit (the famous Mazilli driver) typically uses MOSFETs, swapping them for transforms this oscillator into a nearly indestructible powerhouse for high-voltage projects. igbt zvs driver
Build it ugly. Build it strong. And always discharge your capacitors before touching anything.
IGBTs have larger gate capacitance and a lower maximum gate voltage (usually ±20V). The standard ZVS driver uses a 12V or 15V zener diode across the gate. For IGBTs, you need a 15V or 18V zener, and you need it. If you have ever built a flyback driver
Without zeners, the resonant tank can swing the gate voltage to 30V+. That will puncture the gate oxide instantly. Use 15V bidirectional (back-to-back) zeners. The Schematic (The Classic IGBT ZVS) Here is the proven recipe for a 200W+ IGBT ZVS driver:
They get hot. They explode under slight over-voltage. And if your gate drive is weak, they simply refuse to switch fast. If you are not comfortable working with lethal
If you are tired of replacing MOSFETs every time you sneeze near your flyback, the IGBT ZVS driver is your solution. It is slower than MOSFETs (so don't use it for MHz range), but for 20kHz-100kHz high-voltage work, it is bulletproof.