Fuji Electric 6MBI180VB-120-50: A Six-Pack IGBT Module Engineered for High-Power Density Inverters
Content last revised on October 6, 2025.
Introduction and Key Highlights
Optimizing Power Conversion with an Integrated, High-Current Design
The Fuji Electric 6MBI180VB-120-50 is a V-series six-pack IGBT module designed for robust performance in high-power, three-phase inverter applications. It delivers a streamlined power stage solution by integrating six IGBTs into a single compact, PC board-mountable package. With key specifications of 1200V | 180A | Rth(j-c) 0.18 °C/W, this module provides substantial current handling and effective thermal dissipation. Its primary engineering benefits include simplified thermal management and enhanced power density for the overall system. This integrated approach directly addresses the challenge of designing compact and reliable motor drives and power converters. For systems demanding high efficiency and robust thermal performance in a consolidated footprint, the 6MBI180VB-120-50 offers a compelling engineering solution.
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding the Specs for Enhanced Thermal Reliability
The electrical and thermal characteristics of the 6MBI180VB-120-50 are tailored for demanding inverter applications where efficiency and reliability are paramount. The parameters detailed below are critical for accurate system modeling, thermal design, and ensuring the module operates within its safe operating area.
| Parameter | Symbol | Conditions | Value | Unit | Engineering Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collector-Emitter Voltage | Vces | - | 1200 | V | Provides a high voltage rating suitable for 400V and 575V AC line applications with sufficient safety margin. |
| Continuous Collector Current | Ic | Tc = 80°C | 180 | A | Enables high power throughput, making it suitable for motor drives up to approximately 90 kW. |
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage | VCE(sat) | Ic = 180A, Tj = 125°C | 3.20 (Typ.) | V | A lower VCE(sat) indicates reduced conduction losses, which directly translates to higher inverter efficiency and less heat generation. |
| Thermal Resistance (Junction-to-Case) | Rth(j-c) | IGBT part, per device | 0.18 | °C/W | This value signifies the module's efficiency in transferring heat from the silicon chip to the case, a critical factor for effective heatsink design and long-term reliability. |
| Total Power Dissipation | Pc | Tc = 25°C, per device | 830 | W | Defines the maximum amount of heat the module can dissipate under ideal heatsink conditions, setting the upper limit for operational power. |
| Short Circuit Withstand Time | tsc | Vcc=600V, Vge≤15V, Tj=125°C | ≥10 | µs | This parameter is a critical measure of the device's ruggedness, ensuring it can survive fault conditions like a phase-to-phase short circuit long enough for protection circuits to react. |
Download the 6MBI180VB-120-50 datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Application Scenarios & Value
Achieving System-Level Benefits in Motor Control and Power Conversion
The Fuji Electric 6MBI180VB-120-50 is engineered to be the core power conversion block in a variety of demanding industrial systems. Its "six-in-one" configuration simplifies the design of three-phase inverters by reducing component count, minimizing assembly complexity, and optimizing the layout of gate drive circuits. What is the primary benefit of its integrated design? Simplified thermal management by consolidating heat sources onto a single, flat baseplate for uniform cooling.
A key engineering challenge in designing Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for industrial motors is managing the thermal load in a compact enclosure. The 6MBI180VB-120-50's low thermal resistance of 0.18 °C/W (Rth(j-c)) per IGBT is crucial here. This efficiency in heat transfer from the junction to the heatsink allows engineers to design smaller, more cost-effective cooling systems without compromising on performance or reliability. For instance, in a 75kW motor drive operating under heavy load, this thermal characteristic ensures the IGBT junctions remain below the maximum operating temperature, preventing premature failure and extending the drive's service life. The integrated thermistor further aids this by providing real-time temperature feedback for precise thermal monitoring and control loops.
This module's capabilities are well-suited for:
- Inverters for Motor Drives: The 180A current rating makes it ideal for controlling AC induction and permanent magnet motors in applications like industrial conveyors, pumps, and HVAC systems.
- AC and DC Servo Drive Amplifiers: Provides the fast, precise switching required for high-performance robotics and CNC machinery.
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): Offers a robust power stage for commercial and industrial UPS systems, ensuring reliable backup power.
- Welding Machines: The module's high current handling and ruggedness are beneficial for the power sources in industrial welding equipment.
For applications requiring higher current handling in a similar package, the 2MBI200VB-120 provides a 200A capability, offering a direct path for scaling power output.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the integrated "six-in-one" configuration of the 6MBI180VB-120-50 benefit my inverter design?
The six-pack topology significantly simplifies the mechanical and electrical layout of a three-phase inverter. By housing all six necessary IGBTs and FWDs in a single module, it reduces the number of components to be mounted, minimizes bus bar complexity, and inherently matches the thermal characteristics of all switches. This leads to a more compact, reliable, and easier-to-assemble power stage compared to using discrete components.
What is the significance of the 10μs short-circuit withstand time for system reliability?
The 10-microsecond short-circuit rating is a critical robustness feature. It guarantees that the IGBT can survive a direct short-circuit event—such as a motor winding failure or wiring error—for at least that duration without catastrophic failure. This provides a crucial time window for the system's protection circuitry (gate driver and control board) to detect the fault and safely shut down the device, preventing extensive damage to the inverter and enhancing overall equipment safety.
Engineering Perspective
From an engineering standpoint, the 6MBI180VB-120-50 offers a practical balance between performance, integration, and reliability. The V-series technology from Fuji Electric focuses on reducing conduction losses (VCE(sat)) while maintaining robust switching characteristics. For the design engineer, this translates into a more straightforward path to achieving high system efficiency and meeting thermal constraints. The module's compact, PC-board mountable design streamlines the manufacturing process and allows for higher power density, a key requirement in modern industrial electronics. When evaluating power modules, moving beyond simple voltage and current ratings to consider factors like thermal resistance and short-circuit ruggedness is essential for creating a durable and efficient end product.
