Content last revised on November 21, 2025
FS100R12KE3 IGBT Module: Engineering Product Analysis
Product Overview: FS100R12KE3 IGBT Module
Optimizing Efficiency and Reliability in Industrial Power Conversion
The Infineon FS100R12KE3 is an IGBT module engineered for high-efficiency power conversion, delivering a balanced performance profile for demanding industrial applications. It integrates six IGBTs in a three-phase bridge configuration, leveraging proven TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT3 technology to achieve a crucial equilibrium between conduction and switching losses. Key specifications include: 1200V Collector-Emitter Voltage | 100A Nominal Collector Current | 1.70V VCE(sat) at 25°C. The design's core benefits are reduced overall power dissipation and enhanced system reliability through an integrated NTC thermistor. This module directly addresses the engineering need for a robust and efficient power stage in applications like industrial motor drives. With its 1.70V VCE(sat) and robust thermal design, this module is an excellent fit for motor drives up to 45 kW.
Key Parameter Overview
Analyzing the Electrical Characteristics for Optimal Drive Performance
The technical specifications of the FS100R12KE3 are foundational to its performance in power conversion systems. The following table highlights critical parameters and interprets their direct engineering value, providing a basis for design and system-level evaluation.
| Parameter | Value (at Tj = 25°C unless noted) | Engineering Value & Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Collector-Emitter Voltage (Vces) | 1200 V | Provides a substantial safety margin for applications operating on 400V to 575V AC lines, ensuring resilience against voltage transients. |
| Continuous Collector Current (Ic) | 100 A (at Tc = 80°C) | Defines the module's capacity to handle significant load currents, making it suitable for mid-power range industrial drives and inverters. |
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (VCE(sat)) | 1.70 V (Typ., Ic = 100 A, Tvj = 25°C) | This low on-state voltage is crucial for minimizing conduction losses. Think of it like low friction in a mechanical system; less voltage drop means less energy wasted as heat when the switch is on. |
| Total Switching Energy (Ets) | 16.5 mJ (Typ., Ic = 100 A, Tvj = 125°C) | A direct indicator of efficiency during switching operations. Lower switching energy is essential for systems using high-frequency Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), as it reduces thermal load and improves overall inverter efficiency. |
| Thermal Resistance, Junction-to-Case (Rth(j-c)) | 0.19 K/W (per IGBT) | Measures how effectively heat can be transferred from the silicon die to the module's baseplate. A lower value signifies superior thermal performance, simplifying heatsink design and enabling higher power density. |
| Short Circuit Withstand Time (tsc) | 10 µs | A critical reliability metric indicating the module's ability to survive a direct short-circuit event, providing sufficient time for protection circuits to react and prevent catastrophic failure. |
| Integrated Feature | NTC Thermistor | Enables direct and accurate temperature monitoring of the module's baseplate, a key requirement for implementing effective over-temperature protection and for optimizing system performance under varying loads. |
Download the FS100R12KE3 datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Application Scenarios & Value
System-Level Advantages in Motor Drives and Power Conversion
The FS100R12KE3 is strategically positioned for a range of power conversion systems where efficiency and reliability are paramount. Its design provides tangible benefits in industrial environments.
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFD): In a typical VFD for an AC induction motor, precise control and efficiency are key. The FS100R12KE3's low VCE(sat) directly reduces the heat generated during operation, which can lead to smaller, more cost-effective heatsinks and enclosures. This is particularly vital in space-constrained control cabinets.
- Servo Drives: High-performance servo systems demand rapid and precise switching to control motor position and torque. The module's TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT3 technology provides the fast, clean switching characteristics needed, contributing to improved control loop accuracy and system responsiveness in robotics and CNC machinery.
- Solar and UPS Systems: In grid-tied solar inverters and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), every percentage point of efficiency translates to significant energy savings or longer battery runtime. The balanced switching and conduction losses of the FS100R12KE3 help maximize the power output and operational uptime of these critical systems.
For systems requiring a lower current rating within a similar package, the FS75R12KE3 offers a 75A alternative. Conversely, for applications demanding higher power output, the FS150R12KE3 provides a 150A solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the FS100R12KE3
Engineering and Implementation Inquiries
What is the primary benefit of the TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT3 technology used in the FS100R12KE3?
The core advantage is its optimized trade-off between conduction losses (low VCE(sat)) and switching losses (low Eon/Eoff). This balance is critical for achieving high overall efficiency in systems that operate across a wide range of loads and switching frequencies, such as industrial Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) systems.
How does the integrated NTC thermistor enhance system reliability?
The NTC thermistor provides a direct, real-time temperature reading of the module's baseplate. A system's controller or gate driver board can use this data to trigger alarms, reduce power (derating), or initiate a shutdown if temperatures exceed safe limits. This proactive thermal management prevents catastrophic failures caused by overheating, significantly improving long-term operational reliability.
What is the significance of the 10 µs short-circuit withstand time?
This specification defines the module's robustness against fault conditions. It guarantees that the IGBT can survive a direct short circuit for 10 microseconds, which is a sufficient window for the gate driver's protection circuitry (desaturation detection) to safely turn off the device. This is a crucial feature for building a resilient power stage that complies with industrial safety standards like IEC 61800-5.
Is the EconoPACK™ 3 housing beneficial for manufacturing and assembly?
Yes, the EconoPACK™ 3 is an industry-standard housing that offers several practical advantages. Its screw terminals for both control and power connections simplify the assembly process compared to press-fit or solder-pin designs. The standardized footprint and mounting holes ensure mechanical compatibility and often allow for drop-in replacement or platform-based designs, streamlining manufacturing and maintenance.
How does the module's thermal resistance (Rth(j-c)) impact heatsink selection?
The Rth(j-c) value of 0.19 K/W is a direct measure of the thermal path's efficiency from the silicon to the module case. A lower Rth means the heat is extracted more effectively. This allows engineers to either use a smaller, less expensive heatsink for a given power dissipation or to operate the module at a higher power level with the same heatsink, ultimately impacting the system's overall power density and cost. For more on this, see this guide on unlocking IGBT thermal performance.
An Engineer's Closing Perspective
From a design standpoint, the FS100R12KE3 represents a pragmatic and well-balanced solution. It forgoes bleeding-edge performance for a proven, reliable, and cost-effective architecture. The use of TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT3 technology provides a known and predictable performance curve, which simplifies modeling and reduces design cycle uncertainty. The inclusion of an NTC and the adoption of the EconoPACK™ 3 housing are not revolutionary features, but they are critically important for creating a manufacturable and field-serviceable product. This module is a workhorse component intended for mainstream industrial systems where long-term reliability and a sensible bill of materials are more valuable than achieving the absolute lowest switching losses.
