IXYS UK Westcode have today introduced the highest true current rating press pack IGBT available. This new device sets a benchmark in individual power handling capability. The latest symmetric blocking press pack IGBT features a continuous DC voltage rating of 2.8Kv. It also delivers an unprecedented DC current rating of 6000A. This makes it the most powerful press pack IGBT currently available in the power electronics market.
This achievement is the result of IXYS UK Westcode’s extensive expertise in the design and manufacture of very large press pack IGBTs. The company has long specialized in devices using multiple parallel die technology. The newly developed 4.5Kv press pack devices incorporate proven SPT plus die technology. These devices are built using 52 parallel connected IGBT dies. This is ten more dies than the previously largest established device rated at 2400A at the same 4.5Kv blocking voltage.
Each individual IGBT die measures 14.3mm square. Every die has an active area of nearly one square centimetre. This significantly increases current handling capability and overall power density. The new device is encapsulated in a fully hermetically sealed press pack package measuring 26mm thick. It features a 132mm electrode diameter. Although larger than the traditional 2400A device it maintains the same 170mm overall diameter as the earlier 42 die design. This results in an effective 25 percent increase in current rating within the same package footprint.
The internal structure utilizes a completely bond free design. Each die is directly pressure contacted through metallic pressure plates to external copper electrodes. This construction ensures maximum reliability. It also delivers exceptional thermal cycling performance. These characteristics far exceed those of conventional plastic packaged IGBT modules.
The predictable short circuit failure mode makes these press pack IGBTs particularly suitable for applications requiring series operation. This includes utilities HVDC transmission systems and very large medium voltage drives. The extremely high current rating further reduces the number of parallel current paths required in multi megawatt power applications. This simplifies system design while improving efficiency and reliability.
These devices are especially well suited for harsh environments. They perform reliably in applications where maintenance access is limited. Typical examples include offshore marine wind energy mining and oil and gas installations. The hermetic structure and high rupture resistance are critical advantages in environments where explosive failure or plasma leakage is unacceptable.
The package design is based on IXYS UK Westcode’s proven press pack technology. It offers enhanced rupture capability. The device can withstand more than ten times the short circuit energy of a conventional plastic packaged module. An additional advantage is that the device is virtually guaranteed to fail into a stable short circuit. This makes it ideal for applications where predictable failure high reliability and maximum power density are essential.
To support the application of this new high current press pack IGBT IXYS UK Westcode has also introduced a new complementary diode. This diode belongs to the HP Sonic fast recovery diode range. It is constructed using advanced die bonding technology. This approach maximizes reliability and performance in high power applications.
The HP Sonic fast recovery diode is packaged in an 85mm electrode press pack design. It has a thickness of 26mm. The diode is pressure compatible with the press pack IGBT. This allows both devices to be mounted within the same series string. Such compatibility enables compact three level inverter configurations.
The press pack IGBT is designated by part number T2960BB45E. The compatible HP Sonic fast recovery diode carries part number E3000TC45E. Typical applications include utilities and HVDC systems such as flexible AC transmission systems HVDC transmission STATCOMs and VSC SVC. Other applications include medium voltage AC drives for ultra high power and harsh environments such as mining marine and offshore oil and gas installations. The devices are also well suited for renewable energy systems including wind hydro wave and solar power. They are ideal for any application requiring high power density high reliability and predictable failure behavior.