Eupec FS450R17KE3/AGDR-81C IGBT Module

FS450R17KE3/AGDR-81C: Engineering a New Standard for 1500V Powertrains

Content last revised on October 8, 2025.

The FS450R17KE3/AGDR-81C is an integrated power solution combining Infineon's high-reliability 1700V, 450A IGBT six-pack module with a precisely matched AGDR-81C gate driver. This pre-qualified pairing is engineered to deliver exceptional thermal performance and long-term reliability in high-voltage power conversion systems. With core specifications of 1700V | 450A | Tvj op = 150°C, this solution provides robust power cycling capability and optimized switching losses. For engineers developing high-power industrial drives and renewable energy systems, the 1700V blocking voltage offers the critical safety margin required for architectures based on a 1500V DC-link, directly addressing a primary design challenge in utility-scale solar applications. For high-power industrial drives requiring robust thermal cycling and operational longevity, this pre-validated IGBT and driver combination is the optimal choice.

Application Scenarios & Value

System-Level Benefits in Renewable Energy and Industrial Drives

This integrated IGBT and driver solution is engineered for demanding high-power applications where reliability and efficiency are paramount. Its primary value is realized in systems operating with high DC bus voltages, a key strategy for reducing system-wide resistive losses and cabling costs. The FS450R17KE3/AGDR-81C is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of large-scale Solar Inverters. In a utility-scale photovoltaic array, the ability to operate reliably at a 1500V DC-link is crucial. The 1700V rating of this module provides the necessary voltage headroom to safely manage fluctuations and transients on the DC bus, a common challenge in grid-tied systems. The pre-matched gate driver ensures that the IGBTs are switched under optimal conditions, minimizing switching losses (Eon and Eoff) which directly translates to higher inverter efficiency and increased energy harvest over the system's lifetime. What is the primary benefit of its integrated driver design? It significantly reduces engineering time and mitigates risks associated with gate drive circuit incompatibility.

Beyond renewables, the FS450R17KE3/AGDR-81C is a robust solution for high-power Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and industrial motor controls. Consider the challenge of controlling a multi-megawatt motor in a mining or manufacturing facility. The module's 450A current rating and excellent short-circuit withstand time provide the durability needed to handle high torque demands and potential fault conditions. The AGDR-81C driver's protective features, such as under-voltage lockout (UVLO) and fault reporting, add a critical layer of system safety, preventing catastrophic failures and minimizing downtime. While this module is ideal for high-power systems, for applications with lower current requirements, the related FS300R12KE3 offers a similar architecture in a 1200V/300A rating.

Key Parameter Overview

Decoding the Specs for Enhanced Thermal Reliability

The technical specifications of the FS450R17KE3/AGDR-81C are optimized for reliability and performance in high-stress environments. The parameters below highlight the module's capability to manage thermal loads and electrical stresses effectively. The AGDR-81C driver is factory-configured to complement these characteristics, ensuring reliable switching performance across the specified operating range.

Download the FS450R17KE3 datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.

Technical Deep Dive

Inside the EconoDUAL™ 3: A Focus on Reliability

The FS450R17KE3 is housed in the industry-proven EconoDUAL™ 3 package, a design choice that directly contributes to its operational robustness. This package architecture is engineered for low internal inductance, a critical factor in high-frequency power switching. Lower inductance minimizes voltage overshoots (V_CE_overshoot) during the IGBT turn-off phase, reducing stress on the semiconductor and improving the system's electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance. The AGDR-81C driver is precisely calibrated to manage the gate charge (Q_G) characteristics of the IGBTs within this package, ensuring clean and controlled switching transitions. This synergy between the module's physical design and the driver's electrical characteristics is key to achieving both high efficiency and long-term reliability. The module also integrates an NTC thermistor, providing a direct method for monitoring operating temperature, which is essential for implementing effective thermal management and preventative maintenance strategies in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the primary advantage of purchasing the FS450R17KE3 with the AGDR-81C driver as a combined unit?

The key benefit is risk mitigation and accelerated development. This solution provides a pre-validated, factory-matched IGBT and driver pair. This eliminates the complex and time-consuming process of selecting, testing, and qualifying a separate gate driver, ensuring that the driver's output characteristics and protection features are perfectly aligned with the IGBT's requirements for safe and efficient operation.

How does the 1700V V_CES rating benefit system design in a 1500V solar application?

It provides a critical safety margin. In large solar arrays, DC-link voltage can experience significant transients due to grid events or rapid changes in irradiance. A 1700V IGBT offers the necessary headroom to absorb these voltage spikes without risking avalanche breakdown, thereby enhancing the long-term reliability and robustness of the solar inverter. This is a fundamental aspect of designing for durability in harsh electrical environments.

What does the Tvj max of 175°C imply for thermal management design?

A higher maximum junction temperature provides greater design flexibility for the thermal system. Engineers can either design for higher power output within an existing cooling solution or develop a more compact, cost-effective heatsink for a given power level. This is analogous to having a larger safety buffer; it allows the system to handle unexpected thermal loads or operate in higher ambient temperatures without compromising the component's lifetime.

Is the AGDR-81C driver equipped with protective features?

Yes, the AGDR-81C is an intelligent gate driver that includes essential protection functions. These typically include under-voltage lockout (UVLO) to prevent operation with insufficient gate voltage, short-circuit protection (desaturation detection), and an isolated fault feedback signal to the system controller, enabling immediate action in case of an anomaly.

Strategic Perspective

The FS450R17KE3/AGDR-81C represents a strategic engineering choice for designers of next-generation power systems. By providing a fully integrated and validated power stage, it enables development teams to focus on higher-level system optimization rather than component-level matching and validation. This solution directly supports the industry's push toward higher DC bus voltages in applications like Solar Inverters and high-power VFDs, a trend driven by the need for greater system efficiency and lower total cost of ownership. Adopting this pre-qualified solution allows for a more predictable design cycle and a more robust final product, providing a distinct competitive advantage in markets where reliability and time-to-market are critical success factors. This approach aligns with the design philosophy of major power system manufacturers like ABB, who rely on such integrated solutions for their industrial drive platforms.