High Performance 1.7kV / 960A Press-Pack IGBT

IXYS Corporation announced that its wholly owned UK subsidiary, IXYS UK Westcode Ltd., launched its first 1.7kV press-pack IGBT. The new device is reverse conducting with a fully-rated diode integrated in the package and represents the first in a planned range of 1.7kV devices. The device has a dc current rating of 960A and repetitive peak collector current of 1920A with a continuous dc voltage of 900V.

The 1.7kV device is based on IXYS’ IGBT technology, and is constructed in a proprietary rugged and thermally efficient package. The device is encapsulated in a fully hermetic industry standard metal and ceramic package. The 26mm-thick package has a 63mm electrode contact diameter with an industry standard overall diameter of 100mm. With a package weight of 0.65 kilograms, the new device claims unrivaled power density due to its double-side cooling capabilities.

The robust internal construction is bond free with the individual die directly pressure contacted through metallic pressure plates to the external copper electrodes. The direct bond free contact ensures high reliability and unrivalled thermal cycling properties, far exceeding those of a conventionally packaged plastic package module.

The package design is based on IXYS UK’s well established and proven technology, with the same advantages of enhanced rupture capability, resisting more than ten times the short circuit energy of a conventional plastic packaged module device and the additional advantage that the device is virtually guaranteed to fail to a stable short circuit.

These unique properties make the new device an ideal solution where high reliability, maximum power density and predictable failure are important. The device is suited for harsh environments and where maintenance access is difficult, such as offshore marine and wind. The hermetic structure and high rupture resistance are properties which are particularly relevant in harsh environments where explosive failure and plasma leak are unacceptable, such as mining, gas and oil installations.

“This device is the first of a planned range of 1.7kV products with prospective current ratings from 600A to 2500A. Parts will be available both reverse conducting and symmetrical blocking without an integral diode. As the product will use the same mechanical packaging as IXYS UK’s established 2.5kV parts, introduction time cycles can be very short and customers requiring other rating options should consult our factory,” commented Frank Wakeman, IXYS UK’s Marketing and Technical Support Manager.

The part number for this reverse-conducting press-pack IGBT is T0960VC17G. Typical applications for this device include: traction such as light rail, trams, trolley bus and other electric vehicles; AC drives for harsh environments such as mining, marine and offshore, gas and oil installations; renewable energy for wind turbines, hydro generation, wave generation and solar; plus any application where high power density and reliability are key considerations.