Infineon FS400R12A2T41 | Workhorse IGBT for High-Reliability Power Conversion
The Infineon FS400R12A2T41 is an industry-standard 1200V, 400A half-bridge IGBT module engineered for demanding power conversion applications. It represents a masterful balance of performance, thermal efficiency, and long-term reliability, making it a cornerstone component for designers of high-power inverters and drives. This module isn't just a collection of silicon; it's a comprehensive solution designed to solve critical engineering challenges in power electronics.
Core Features and Engineering Value
- Optimized Performance: Leverages Infineon’s proven TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT4 and Emitter Controlled Diode technology, providing a best-in-class trade-off between conduction loss (low VCE(sat)) and switching loss.
- High Thermal Reliability: Housed in the robust EconoDUAL™ 3 package with an Al2O3 substrate, it ensures excellent thermal transfer and high power cycling capability, critical for applications with fluctuating loads.
- Integrated Sensing: Features an integrated NTC thermistor for precise, real-time temperature monitoring, enabling sophisticated thermal management and protective system shutdowns.
- Simplified Integration: The industry-standard EconoDUAL™ 3 footprint and available PressFIT contact technology simplify assembly, reduce manufacturing time, and enhance mechanical robustness.
Application Scenarios & Value Proposition
The specific design characteristics of the FS400R12A2T41 deliver tangible benefits across several high-power sectors. It excels where efficiency and unwavering reliability are not just desirable, but essential for system success.
- Industrial Motor Drives: In high-power Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and servo applications, the module's low conduction losses directly reduce heat dissipation under heavy load conditions. Its robust thermal cycling capability withstands the demanding torque cycles of industrial machinery, ensuring longer operational life and reducing system downtime.
- Solar & Wind Inverters: For renewable energy systems, every percentage point of efficiency counts. The FS400R12A2T41's optimized loss profile maximizes energy harvest by minimizing power conversion losses. Its high reliability is crucial for inverters often installed in remote or harsh environments.
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): In commercial and industrial UPS systems, reliability is paramount. The module's low VCE(sat) reduces static power consumption in online, double-conversion systems, improving overall operational efficiency and lowering cooling costs for data centers and critical facilities.
Technical Deep Dive: The TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT4 Advantage
The core of the FS400R12A2T41 is Infineon's TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT4 technology. This isn't merely an incremental update; it represents a fundamental design choice that balances two opposing-but-critical parameters. The trench gate structure, combined with a field-stop layer, allows for a dramatic reduction in the collector-emitter saturation voltage (VCE(sat)). For a power electronics engineer, this translates directly to lower heat generation when the device is fully on, simplifying thermal management and enabling higher power density. Simultaneously, the technology maintains excellent control over switching energies (Eon and Eoff), making it highly suitable for applications operating in the 8-20 kHz frequency range, a common sweet spot for motor drives and solar inverters.
Key Parameter Overview
The following table provides a snapshot of the critical performance metrics for the FS400R12A2T41. For a comprehensive analysis, please consult the official product datasheet.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CES) | 1200 V |
| Continuous Collector Current (I_C nom) | 400 A (@ Tc = 80°C) |
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (V_CEsat, typ.) | 1.85 V (@ I_C = 400 A, Tvj = 125°C) |
| Maximum Junction Temperature (Tvj max) | 175°C |
| Package | EconoDUAL™ 3 |
| Internal Configuration | Half-Bridge |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the FS400R12A2T41 perform in parallel configurations?
The TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT4 technology features a positive temperature coefficient for VCE(sat). This is a highly desirable characteristic for paralleling, as it creates a natural self-balancing effect; if one module starts to carry more current and heat up, its on-state resistance increases, naturally shunting current to the cooler modules. However, achieving reliable parallel operation still requires careful attention to symmetrical PCB layout and a robust gate drive design to ensure simultaneous switching.
What is the primary benefit of the integrated NTC thermistor?
The integrated NTC thermistor provides a direct, real-time measurement of the module's baseplate temperature. This data is invaluable for the system controller. It allows for the implementation of precise thermal protection logic, such as derating the output power or initiating a safe shutdown if a cooling system fault occurs. This proactive monitoring is a key defense against catastrophic failure due to overtemperature, significantly enhancing overall system reliability and longevity. For help integrating this or any other feature, please contact our technical team.
