Infineon FF800R17KE3 IGBT Module

FF800R17KE3: Engineering High-Power Industrial Drives with Efficiency and Robustness

Content last revised on October 17, 2025.

A Foundation for High-Current, High-Voltage Power Conversion

The Infineon FF800R17KE3 is an 800A, 1700V single-switch IGBT module engineered for the demanding requirements of high-power industrial applications. By integrating Infineon's proven IGBT3 technology, this module provides a robust solution for designers seeking to optimize efficiency and ensure reliability in systems operating on 690V AC lines. Its core specifications—1700V | 800A | VCE(sat) 2.10V—are tailored to minimize thermal load and enhance system ruggedness. This design directly addresses the engineering challenge of managing high currents while maintaining a reliable thermal margin. For high-power industrial drives on 690V AC lines, the FF800R17KE3 offers a benchmark in efficiency and ruggedness.

Key Parameter Overview

Decoding the Specs for Enhanced Thermal Reliability

The technical specifications of the FF800R17KE3 are foundational to its performance in high-stress environments. The following parameters are critical for system design, thermal management, and reliability assessment.

This table highlights key performance indicators. For a complete list of characteristics, electrical diagrams, and performance curves, please refer to the official documentation.

Download the FF800R17KE3 datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.

Application Scenarios & Value

Achieving System-Level Benefits in High-Power Motor Drives and Inverters

The FF800R17KE3 is engineered to excel in applications where high current and voltage are standard operational parameters. Its design provides tangible benefits for engineers developing next-generation power conversion systems.

• Industrial Motor Drives: In high-power Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for applications like mining conveyors, large-scale pumps, and industrial compressors, the 800A current rating allows for precise control of multi-megawatt motors. The 1700V blocking voltage provides the necessary safety margin for direct connection to 690V industrial grids, a common standard in heavy industry.
• Renewable Energy Inverters: For large-scale solar and wind power plants, this module serves as a critical building block in central inverters. Its low VCE(sat) directly translates to higher energy conversion efficiency, maximizing the power delivered to the grid and improving the levelized cost of energy (LCOE).
• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): In data centers and critical industrial facilities, the module's high reliability and robust Safe Operating Area (SOA) ensure dependable power delivery during grid instability, safeguarding critical operations.

A central challenge in high-power VFD design is managing conduction losses, which generate significant heat and dictate the size and cost of the thermal management system. The FF800R17KE3's typical VCE(sat) of 2.10V at 800A and 125°C is a decisive parameter. Think of VCE(sat) as the "friction" the current encounters while flowing through the switch. A lower value means less energy is wasted as heat, directly enabling a more compact heatsink design, higher power density, and ultimately a lower total cost of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does the 1700V rating of the FF800R17KE3 benefit designs for 690V AC industrial systems?

The 1700V VCES provides a crucial safety margin against voltage transients and overshoots that are common on industrial power lines. For a 690V AC line, the peak DC bus voltage is approximately 975V. The 1700V rating ensures the device operates well within its safe limits, enhancing long-term reliability and preventing failures caused by line voltage fluctuations.

What is the direct impact of a low VCE(sat) like 2.10V on system design?

A lower VCE(sat) directly reduces conduction power loss (Pcond = VCE(sat) x IC). This reduction means less waste heat is generated for the same amount of current delivered. The engineering benefit is twofold: it improves overall system efficiency and simplifies thermal design, potentially allowing for smaller, lighter, and less expensive heatsinks.

What does the 10 µs short-circuit withstand time (tSC) signify for system protection?

This parameter defines the duration the IGBT can survive a direct short-circuit condition before catastrophic failure. A 10 µs rating provides a critical time window for the system's protection circuitry (typically managed by the gate driver) to detect the fault and safely turn off the device. This inherent ruggedness is essential for building resilient power systems that can withstand unexpected fault events.

How does the thermal resistance (RthJC) of 0.024 K/W influence the module's operational performance?

Thermal resistance is analogous to the insulation on a pipe; a lower value means heat can escape more easily. The low RthJC of the FF800R17KE3 ensures efficient heat transfer from the semiconductor junction to the module's baseplate. This allows the device to run cooler under heavy loads, enabling higher power output and improving the module's lifespan by reducing thermally induced stress.

Industry Insights & Strategic Advantage

Meeting the Demands for Higher Efficiency and Power Density

The FF800R17KE3 is not just a high-power switch; it is an enabling component for systems aligned with major industrial trends. Global initiatives for energy efficiency, such as regulations mandating the use of high-efficiency motors (IE3/IE4), place greater demands on the VFDs that control them. An efficient VFD is crucial to realizing the full energy-saving potential of the motor. By minimizing conduction losses, the FF800R17KE3 helps system designers meet and exceed these stringent efficiency standards, contributing to reduced operational expenditures for the end-user. This focus on efficiency is a core tenet of modern power electronics design, as detailed by manufacturers like Infineon.

Application Vignette

Optimizing a Mining Conveyor Drive for Reliability and Performance

Consider the engineering challenge of designing a VFD for a multi-kilometer mining conveyor system. Such systems face immense mechanical inertia, requiring massive starting torque and experiencing fluctuating loads as material is added or removed. A primary concern is ensuring the power electronics can handle both the initial inrush current and the continuous operational stress without overheating or failing prematurely. The FF800R17KE3 provides a direct solution. Its 1600A repetitive peak current rating (ICRM) gives the drive the headroom to manage high-torque motor starts without stressing the component. More importantly, during continuous operation, the combination of its 800A nominal current capacity and low thermal resistance (RthJC) ensures stable junction temperatures even under heavy load. This thermal stability is critical for preventing accelerated aging and ensuring the drive operates reliably for its intended lifespan, minimizing costly downtime in a 24/7 mining operation.

Strategic Considerations for System Design

Selecting the FF800R17KE3 is a strategic decision that impacts not only immediate performance but also long-term system viability. Its high-current and high-voltage capabilities provide a scalable platform for a range of high-power applications, offering a degree of future-proofing for next-generation equipment designs. By building upon a foundation of low losses and proven robustness, engineers can focus on system-level innovation, confident in the reliability of the core power switching stage. This approach allows for the development of more compact, efficient, and cost-effective power conversion solutions that meet the evolving demands of the industrial and renewable energy sectors.