Mitsubishi CM400HA-24H

CM400HA-24H: A Technical Review of Mitsubishi's High-Power Single IGBT Module

Engineered for Robustness and High-Current Throughput in Demanding Applications

The Mitsubishi CM400HA-24H is a high-power single IGBT module engineered for reliability in demanding power switching systems. Delivering a formidable combination of 1200V blocking voltage and a 400A collector current, this module provides the foundational switching performance necessary for high-power inverters and drives. Its design prioritizes thermal efficiency and low saturation voltage, ensuring dependable operation under heavy loads. For systems requiring robust, high-current switching, the CM400HA-24H offers a proven solution designed for longevity and simplified thermal management. What is the key to its thermal performance? A low thermal resistance of 0.05 °C/W (IGBT) and 0.08 °C/W (Diode) ensures efficient heat evacuation from the semiconductor junction to the case.

Key Parameter Overview

Decoding the Specs for Enhanced Thermal Reliability and Switching Efficiency

The CM400HA-24H's specifications are tailored for high-power industrial applications where thermal stability and electrical efficiency are paramount. The low collector-emitter saturation voltage (VCE(sat)) is a critical parameter, directly impacting conduction losses. A lower VCE(sat) means less power is wasted as heat during the on-state, which is akin to reducing friction in a mechanical system—less energy is lost, and the system runs cooler and more efficiently. This focus on minimizing losses is central to achieving higher overall system efficiency and reliability.

Download the CM400HA-24H datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.

Application Scenarios & Value

Achieving System-Level Benefits in High-Current Power Conversion

The CM400HA-24H is best suited for applications where high current handling and robust thermal performance are non-negotiable. Its single IGBT configuration provides design flexibility for various power converter topologies, including choppers, single-phase bridges, and three-phase inverters where individual switch control is desired. The module's low VCE(sat) and efficient thermal design translate directly to tangible system-level benefits: higher power density, reduced heatsink size and cost, and enhanced long-term reliability by minimizing thermal stress on the entire system. What is the primary benefit of its isolated baseplate design? It offers simplified system assembly and thermal management.

• AC Motor & Servo Drives: Provides the high-current switching needed to precisely control large industrial motors, ensuring efficient and responsive performance in manufacturing and automation.
• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): Delivers the reliability and power handling capacity required to support critical infrastructure, ensuring seamless power backup.
• Welding Power Supplies: The module's ability to handle high peak currents (ICM of 800A) makes it an excellent choice for inverter-based welding equipment, enabling precise control over the welding arc.
• High-Power DC-DC Converters: Suitable for use in renewable energy systems and industrial power supplies, facilitating efficient high-current power conversion.

For systems demanding higher integration in a similar power class, the dual-IGBT module CM400DY-24A offers an alternative topology. For applications requiring higher current capabilities, the CM600HA-24H provides a 600A solution within the same product family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the primary applications for the CM400HA-24H?
This module is designed for high-power switching applications such as AC motor controls, servo controls, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), and welding power supplies, where high current and voltage capabilities are essential.

What does the 'single configuration' of this IGBT module mean for my design?
A single configuration means the module contains one IGBT transistor and one parallel freewheeling diode. This provides maximum flexibility for designers to create various power circuit topologies, such as using multiple modules to build custom single-phase or three-phase inverters.

How does the isolated baseplate benefit system assembly?
The electrically isolated baseplate allows the module to be mounted directly to a common heatsink with other isolated components without the need for additional insulating layers. This simplifies mechanical design, improves thermal transfer, and reduces assembly time and cost.

What is the significance of the low VCE(sat) rating?
The low collector-emitter saturation voltage (VCE(sat)) of 3.4V at 400A signifies low on-state power loss. This is critical for system efficiency, as it minimizes the heat generated during operation, which in turn reduces the requirements for the cooling system and improves overall reliability.

What considerations are important for the gate drive circuit?
The module specifies a gate-emitter voltage (VGES) of ±20V. A robust gate drive circuit, as detailed in resources like the Gate Drive guide, should be designed to provide clean, sharp turn-on and turn-off signals within this voltage range to minimize switching losses and prevent unintended operation.

Technical Deep Dive

A Closer Look at Thermal Resistance and its Impact on System Longevity

A critical, yet often underestimated, parameter in high-power module selection is the thermal resistance, Rth(j-c). For the CM400HA-24H, the IGBT's thermal resistance is a very low 0.05°C/W. This figure represents the module's efficiency in transferring heat from the active silicon chip (the junction) to the module's baseplate (the case). To put this into perspective, think of thermal resistance as the narrowness of a pipe. A smaller number means a wider pipe, allowing heat to flow away from the junction with less resistance. With every watt of power dissipated as heat, the junction temperature will only rise 0.05°C above the case temperature. This high efficiency in heat evacuation is fundamental to the module's reliability. It allows the system to either run cooler at a given load, providing a greater margin of safety, or handle higher power levels while staying within the maximum junction temperature limit of 150°C, directly contributing to a longer operational lifespan.

Intra-Series Comparison & Positioning

CM400HA-24H vs. Other Mitsubishi H-Series Modules

The CM400HA-24H is a cornerstone of Mitsubishi's H-Series of IGBT modules, which are characterized by their robust design and suitability for general-purpose high-power applications. Understanding its position within this series helps in making informed design decisions.

• Current Rating: As a 400A device, it sits comfortably in the mid-to-high power range of the series. It offers a significant step up from lower current modules like the CM200 and CM300 variants, making it ideal for applications that have outgrown those solutions but do not require the extreme current handling of the 600A+ modules.
• Configuration: Its single IGBT configuration offers maximum design freedom compared to dual or six-pack modules within the same family. While integrated modules simplify inverter design, the single configuration is optimal for chopper circuits, resonant converters, or situations requiring custom busbar layouts and paralleling strategies.
• Voltage Class: The 1200V rating (designated by "24") is the standard for 480V/575V AC industrial systems, providing the necessary safety margin to withstand voltage transients on the power line. This makes it a direct fit for a vast range of industrial equipment without over-specifying to a higher voltage class.

When evaluating an upgrade or a new design, the CM400HA-24H serves as a powerful and flexible building block. If the design requires a half-bridge topology in a single package for a more compact inverter leg, a dual module like the CM400DY-24H would be the logical next step. Conversely, if power requirements increase, scaling up to the CM600HA-24H provides a direct path with similar electrical characteristics and package footprint.

For your high-power switching needs, request a quote or further technical details on the CM400HA-24H to evaluate its fit for your specific application.