Content last revised on October 27, 2025.
FS150R06KE3: 600V 150A EconoPACK™ 3 IGBT Module
An Engineering Review of the FS150R06KE3 Sixpack Module
The FS150R06KE3 is a 600V, 150A sixpack IGBT module from Infineon, engineered to deliver high efficiency and reliability in a compact EconoPACK™ 3 footprint. This module integrates TrenchSTOP™ IGBT3 and Emitter Controlled 3 diode technologies to provide a finely tuned balance of conduction and switching performance. Its key specifications are: 600V Collector-Emitter Voltage | 150A DC Collector Current | 1.50V typical VCE(sat). The primary benefits include reduced overall system losses and simplified thermal management. For engineers designing high-frequency Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), this module offers a clear path to achieving higher efficiency without compromising on reliability. For mid-power VFDs up to 40kW targeting high efficiency, the FS150R06KE3's low VCE(sat) of 1.5V makes it a superior choice.
Application Scenarios & Value
Delivering System-Level Gains in Motor Drives and Power Conversion
The FS150R06KE3 is optimized for power conversion systems where efficiency is a primary design criterion. Its primary application is within industrial Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and servo drive systems. In a typical 400V AC drive, engineers constantly face the challenge of minimizing power losses to meet energy efficiency standards and reduce heatsink size. The module's low typical saturation voltage (VCE(sat)) of 1.50V at its nominal current directly reduces conduction losses, which are dominant during the on-state of the PWM cycle. What is the primary benefit of TrenchSTOP™ IGBT3 technology? It provides an optimal balance of low switching and conduction losses. This translates to less waste heat, enabling a more compact and cost-effective thermal design. The module is also well-suited for high-performance Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) and solar inverters where maximizing energy throughput is critical for return on investment. While the FS150R06KE3 is ideal for 600V systems, for applications requiring a higher blocking voltage, the related FS300R12KE3 offers a 1200V rating in a different package.
Key Parameter Overview
Highlighting Critical Specs for Performance-Oriented Design
The technical specifications of the FS150R06KE3 are foundational to its performance. The following table highlights the parameters most critical for power electronics design engineers.
| Parameter | Value | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Collector-Emitter Voltage (Vces) | 600 V | Tj = 25°C |
| DC Collector Current (Ic nom) | 150 A | Tc = 100°C |
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (VCEsat) | 1.50 V (typ.) / 1.85 V (max.) | Ic = 150 A, Vge = 15 V, Tj = 25°C |
| Total Switching Energy (Ets) | 15.00 mJ (typ.) | Ic = 150 A, Vce = 300V, Vge = ±15 V, Rg = 3.6 Ω, Tj = 125°C |
| Thermal Resistance, Junction-to-Case (Rth(j-c)) | 0.36 K/W (per IGBT) | |
| NTC Thermistor | Yes, Integrated | R25 = 5 kΩ |
Download the FS150R06KE3 datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the VCE(sat) of 1.50V impact the thermal design of a motor drive?
A lower VCE(sat) directly reduces conduction power loss (Ploss = VCE(sat) * Ic). For instance, at 150A, a 0.2V reduction in VCE(sat) compared to an older technology IGBT saves 30W of heat per switch. In a three-phase inverter, this significantly lowers the total heat load, allowing engineers to specify a smaller, lighter, and lower-cost heatsink, which is a key consideration for overall system power density and cost.
What is the practical benefit of the integrated NTC thermistor?
The integrated NTC thermistor provides a real-time, analog temperature reading directly from the module's substrate. This allows the drive's control system to implement precise over-temperature protection, preventing the IGBTs from exceeding their maximum junction temperature. How does the integrated NTC help system design? It allows for direct temperature monitoring, enabling robust over-temperature protection. This is far more accurate than an external sensor on the heatsink and is crucial for building a reliable system that can operate safely under varying load conditions.
What is the role of the Emitter Controlled 3 diode in this module?
The Emitter Controlled 3 freewheeling diode is specifically designed to have soft recovery characteristics. This means it turns off smoothly with low peak reverse recovery currents. This 'softness' is critical because it reduces the voltage overshoot and electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated during switching. More importantly, it lowers the turn-on losses (Eon) in the opposing IGBT in the half-bridge, contributing significantly to the module's overall efficiency, especially in designs with higher PWM frequencies.
Technical Deep Dive
Anatomy of Efficiency: TrenchSTOP™ IGBT3 and Emitter Controlled 3 Diode Synergy
The performance of the FS150R06KE3 is not just about individual specifications; it is about the synergy between its core silicon technologies. The module employs Infineon's TrenchSTOP™ IGBT3, a technology that represents a significant step in balancing the trade-off between conduction losses and switching losses. Think of it like tuning a high-performance engine: you can optimize for low-end torque (low VCEsat) or high-end horsepower (fast switching), but achieving both is the real challenge. The IGBT3 trench gate and field-stop layer structure achieves just that, creating a low and stable VCE(sat) across a wide temperature range while maintaining fast turn-off characteristics to minimize Eoff losses. This is complemented by the Emitter Controlled 3 diode, which is optimized to work in concert with the IGBT. Its soft recovery behavior is like a perfectly matched clutch, engaging smoothly to prevent the jolts (voltage spikes and oscillations) that cause energy loss and electrical noise, directly improving the turn-on behavior of the IGBT.
Application Vignette
Enhancing a 30kW Commercial VFD for HVAC Systems
Consider an engineering team designing a 30kW VFD for a commercial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) application. Their key objectives are to meet stringent energy efficiency targets, ensure long-term reliability in a cost-sensitive market, and fit the drive into a compact NEMA enclosure. Using the FS150R06KE3, the team directly addresses these challenges. The low total switching energy (Ets) of 15.00 mJ allows them to operate the PWM frequency above the audible range (e.g., 8-10 kHz) without incurring excessive switching losses, eliminating acoustic noise—a critical factor for HVAC systems in commercial buildings. The low thermal resistance (Rth(j-c)) of 0.36 K/W means the heat generated is efficiently transferred from the silicon to the module's baseplate. This allows the use of a moderately sized, fan-cooled heatsink, enabling the compact enclosure design. The NTC thermistor provides the necessary data for the control logic to throttle back the drive during abnormal thermal events, like a blocked air filter, preventing a catastrophic failure and instead triggering a maintenance alert, a key feature for a reliable commercial product.
Strategic Implications for System Design
Incorporating the FS150R06KE3 into a power conversion platform is a strategic decision that extends beyond immediate performance metrics. By leveraging its balanced efficiency profile, engineering teams can reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) for the end user through lower energy consumption. Furthermore, the inherent reliability of the EconoPACK™ 3 housing, combined with the module's thermal efficiency and integrated protection features, enables the design of more robust systems with longer operational lifespans. This aligns with the broader industry trend of developing sustainable and durable power electronics for industrial automation and renewable energy applications.
