## Infineon FS400R12A2T4 | Robust 1200V/400A IGBT Module for High-Performance Inverters
The Infineon FS400R12A2T4 is a cornerstone IGBT module for power electronics engineers designing high-reliability, high-efficiency power conversion systems. Housed in the industry-standard EconoDUAL™ 3 package, this module integrates Infineon's proven TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT3 technology to deliver a finely tuned balance of performance, robustness, and thermal stability. It's not just a component; it's a solution engineered for the demanding cycles of modern industrial applications.
### Product Highlights: Engineering Value at a Glance
- Optimized Performance: Leverages 1200V TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT3 technology, providing an exceptional trade-off between low conduction losses (VCE(sat)) and reduced switching losses.
- High Power Density: Delivers a nominal current of 400A in the compact and mechanically robust EconoDUAL™ 3 package, enabling powerful and space-efficient inverter designs.
- Integrated Thermal Sensing: Features a built-in NTC thermistor for precise, real-time temperature monitoring, a critical element for implementing effective thermal protection and predictive maintenance strategies.
- Enhanced Diode Performance: Incorporates an Emitter Controlled 3 fast-recovery diode, optimized for soft switching behavior, which minimizes turn-on losses and reduces system-level EMI.
### Technical Deep Dive: The Core of Performance
The standout performance of the **Infineon FS400R12A2T4** is not accidental; it's the result of deliberate silicon-level engineering. Two key technologies define its character:
1. TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT3 Technology: This isn't just another IGBT. The "Trench" architecture creates a vertical gate structure, significantly lowering the on-state voltage drop (VCE(sat)) compared to older planar designs. The integrated "Field-Stop" layer allows for a thinner silicon wafer, which drastically reduces the tail current during turn-off, thereby minimizing switching losses (Eoff). The direct engineering benefit is superior efficiency. In applications like motor drives, this translates to less waste heat and smaller, more cost-effective heatsinks. For a deeper understanding of this silicon technology, Infineon's TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT3 application notes provide extensive detail.
2. Emitter Controlled 3 Freewheeling Diode: In a half-bridge topology, the performance of the freewheeling diode is as critical as the IGBT itself. The co-packed diode in the FS400R12A2T4 is engineered for soft recovery. This means it avoids abrupt current changes and high voltage overshoots during its reverse recovery phase. This "softness" is crucial for reducing the turn-on losses in the complementary IGBT and significantly mitigating electromagnetic interference (EMI). For system designers, this simplifies snubber circuit design and can reduce the cost and size of input filters.
### Key Parameter Overview for System Designers
For engineers requiring a quick technical reference, the following parameters highlight the capabilities of the FS400R12A2T4.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CES) | 1200 V |
| Nominal Collector Current (I_C nom) | 400 A |
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (V_CEsat, typ. @ I_C nom, T_vj=25°C) | 1.70 V |
| Thermal Resistance, Junction-to-Case (R_thJC per IGBT) | 0.065 K/W |
| Short-Circuit Withstand Time (t_SC) | 10 µs |
For a comprehensive list of all electrical and thermal characteristics, you can download the full datasheet here.
### Application Scenarios & Value Proposition
The balanced characteristics of the Infineon FS400R12A2T4 make it an ideal choice for a range of power conversion tasks.
- Industrial Motor Drives: In high-power Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) systems, the module's low conduction losses ensure high efficiency even under heavy, continuous loads. Its thermal robustness and proven package design guarantee the reliability needed on the factory floor.
- Solar & Wind Inverters: Maximizing energy yield is paramount. The module's excellent efficiency profile across a range of switching frequencies ensures minimal power is wasted during DC-to-AC conversion, directly increasing the ROI of renewable energy systems. Its performance is a key part of what makes modern IGBT modules the backbone of high-efficiency power systems.
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): For data centers and critical infrastructure, reliability is non-negotiable. The FS400R12A2T4's low failure rate, integrated NTC, and high short-circuit withstand time provide the operational security required for mission-critical UPS applications.
### Engineer's FAQ
Our technical team frequently addresses the following practical questions regarding the FS400R12A2T4.
1. Can the FS400R12A2T4 be paralleled for higher current applications?
Yes, this module is well-suited for paralleling. The TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT3 technology features a positive temperature coefficient for V_CE(sat), which promotes natural current sharing between modules. However, achieving reliable performance requires meticulous attention to symmetrical PCB layout and a robust gate drive design capable of providing clean, sharp signals to all modules simultaneously. For more on this, review these 5 practical tips for robust IGBT gate drive design.
2. What is the primary benefit of the EconoDUAL™ 3 package?
The primary benefit is its combination of standardization, ease of use, and thermal efficiency. The package offers low-inductance internal connections, a flat baseplate for excellent thermal contact with a heatsink, and screw terminals that simplify busbar connections. This makes it mechanically simple to integrate into inverter designs, reducing assembly time and improving manufacturing consistency.
