Content last revised on January 4, 2026
DIM2400ESM17-PT500 | 1700V 2400A Phase Leg IGBT Module | Technical Data & Applications
An Engineering Overview of the DIM2400ESM17-PT500 Module
The DIM2400ESM17-PT500 is a high-reliability 1700V phase-leg IGBT module engineered to maximize system uptime in megawatt-scale power conversion. With core specifications of 1700V, 2400A, and a typical VCE(sat) of 1.85V, this device offers exceptional thermal performance and minimized conduction losses. The module's design, featuring low thermal resistance and high thermal cycling capability, ensures efficient heat removal under extreme electrical loads, directly addressing the core challenge of thermal management in high-current applications. For designers of multi-megawatt systems requiring maximum reliability, this 2400A module provides the thermal headroom necessary for long-term operation.
Application Scenarios & Value
System-Level Benefits in High-Power Renewable and Industrial Systems
The DIM2400ESM17-PT500 is engineered for the most demanding high-power applications where reliability and efficiency are non-negotiable. Its primary value is demonstrated in systems like multi-megawatt wind turbine inverters and heavy-duty industrial motor drives. In these environments, the module must handle not only continuous high currents but also significant transient loads, such as the inrush current during a large motor start-up or the power surges from wind gusts in a wind turbine. The module's peak pulsed current rating of 4800A provides the necessary robustness to absorb these events without degradation.
A critical engineering challenge in these applications is managing the heat generated during fluctuating load cycles. The DIM2400ESM17-PT500's low thermal resistance of 0.009 °C/W ensures that this thermal energy is evacuated from the semiconductor junction rapidly, preventing excessive temperature spikes. This superior thermal management is fundamental to its high thermal cycling capability, extending the operational life of the entire converter system. This level of reliability is also essential in grid infrastructure applications such as large-scale Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and static VAR compensators. For systems requiring even greater current capacity within a similar voltage class, the related DIM3600ESM17-PT500 offers an increased current handling capability of 3600A.
Key Parameter Overview
A Specification Breakdown for Thermal and Electrical Design
The technical specifications of the DIM2400ESM17-PT500 are optimized for high-power, high-reliability systems. The following parameters are crucial for system-level design and simulation. The thermal resistance (Rth(j-c)) of 0.009 °C/W acts like the width of a heat pipe; a lower number signifies a wider, more efficient path for heat to escape the chip. This characteristic is essential for maintaining stability under the immense electrical load of 2400A.
| Key Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Maximum Ratings | |
| Collector-Emitter Voltage (Vces) | 1700V |
| Gate-Emitter Voltage (Vges) | ±20V |
| DC Collector Current (Ic) @ Tc=80°C | 2400A |
| Peak Collector Current (Icm) | 4800A |
| Electrical & Thermal Characteristics (Tj=125°C unless specified) | |
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (VCE(sat)) @ Ic=2400A | 1.85V (Typ), 2.30V (Max) |
| Total Switching Energy (Ets) @ Ic=2400A | 1100mJ (Typ) |
| Thermal Resistance, Junction to Case (Rth(j-c)) per switch | 0.009 °C/W |
| Operating Junction Temperature (Tj op) | -40 to +150°C |
Download the DIM2400ESM17-PT500 datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Engineering Questions on Implementation and Reliability
How does the typical VCE(sat) of 1.85V at 2400A impact the thermal design of a megawatt-scale inverter?
A low VCE(sat) directly reduces conduction losses (Power Loss = VCE(sat) × Ic). At 2400A, this low voltage significantly cuts down the waste heat generated during operation. This translates to a smaller, lower-cost, and more reliable cooling system, as the heatsink and fans have less thermal energy to dissipate, allowing for higher power density in the final system design.
What are the key considerations for the gate drive circuit for a module with such a high current rating?
For a high-current module like this, the gate driver must provide sufficient peak gate current to charge and discharge the large input capacitance quickly, ensuring fast and efficient switching. Additionally, a robust layout with low stray inductance, potentially using a Kelvin emitter connection, is critical to minimize voltage overshoots and ensure clean switching characteristics, preventing unwanted oscillations or device damage.
What makes the DIM2400ESM17-PT500 suitable for applications with high thermal cycling, like wind power converters?
Its suitability stems from an internal construction designed to withstand the mechanical stress induced by repeated temperature fluctuations. What defines the module's high-power capability? Its 2400A continuous current rating. The materials and bonding techniques used are selected to minimize fatigue and delamination over many thousands of thermal cycles, ensuring a long and reliable service life in environments with inconsistent power generation or variable loads.
Technical Deep Dive
Analyzing the Link Between Low Conduction Loss and Long-Term Operational Stability
In megawatt-class systems, every watt of energy saved has a cascading effect on system cost, size, and reliability. The DIM2400ESM17-PT500's low collector-emitter saturation voltage (VCE(sat)) is a cornerstone of its performance. At a nominal current of 2400A, a seemingly minor reduction of 100mV (0.1V) in VCE(sat) compared to a competing device results in 240 watts less heat generated per switch. In a standard three-phase grid-tie inverter, this reduction accumulates rapidly, potentially lowering the total thermal load by over a kilowatt.
This reduction in dissipated power has profound implications for long-term reliability. Think of a power module's lifetime as a finite budget that is "spent" with every significant temperature swing. The lower power dissipation from a low VCE(sat) leads to smaller temperature fluctuations (ΔTj) during load cycles. This is analogous to making smaller withdrawals from the module's "lifetime budget," which dramatically extends its operational lifespan by reducing stress on internal wire bonds and solder layers. What is the primary benefit of its low thermal resistance? Enhanced long-term reliability by minimizing thermal stress. This characteristic is particularly vital for capital-intensive equipment like large-scale Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) where system availability is paramount.
For engineers designing power conversion systems in the megawatt class, the DIM2400ESM17-PT500 provides a robust foundation. To fully leverage its capabilities, a thorough review of the official datasheet is recommended to align its performance curves with your specific application requirements. This allows for accurate thermal modeling and ensures the final design meets both performance and long-term reliability targets.
