Content last revised on November 15, 2025
FS450R17KE3 IGBT: Datasheet & Engineering Analysis
High-Reliability 1700V IGBT Module for Demanding Power Systems
The Infineon FS450R17KE3 is a 1700V, 450A half-bridge IGBT module engineered for superior thermal performance and long-term operational reliability. Key Specifications: 1700V | 450A | Tvj op = 150°C. This module delivers robust power cycling capability and low switching losses. For engineers designing high-voltage inverters, its 1700V blocking voltage provides the essential safety margin required for systems with a 1500V DC-link, directly addressing a primary design challenge in utility-scale solar applications.
Success Stories / Deployment Snippets
Field-Proven Architecture for Demanding Cycles
The EconoDUAL™ 3 housing is a recognized standard in high-power conversion, and the FS450R17KE3 leverages this architecture to ensure mechanical stability and straightforward system integration. Its design facilitates low-inductance layouts, which is critical for minimizing voltage overshoots during high-speed switching events. The module's internal layout and use of an Al2O3 substrate with an integrated NTC temperature sensor are testaments to a design philosophy centered on predictable performance and system-level monitoring, enabling preventative maintenance and enhancing overall equipment lifetime.
Industry Insights & Strategic Advantage
Strategic Advantages in Renewable Energy Systems
In the push towards higher efficiency and greater power density in renewable energy, particularly Solar Inverters, operating at higher DC-link voltages like 1500V is a key strategy to reduce system-wide I²R losses and cabling costs. The FS450R17KE3 directly supports this industry trend by providing the necessary voltage headroom. Its robust thermal design, capable of a maximum operating junction temperature of 175°C, allows for smaller heatsink designs or higher power throughput in existing thermal envelopes. This capability aligns with the strategic goals of reducing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) by improving inverter reliability and power density.
FAQ
Technical Inquiries and Engineering Clarifications
- What is the primary advantage of the 1700V rating for a 1500V DC-link application? The 1700V collector-emitter voltage (Vces) provides a crucial safety margin. In real-world applications, voltage overshoots caused by stray inductances during switching are unavoidable. A 1700V rating ensures the device operates well within its Safe Operating Area (SOA), preventing catastrophic failure and enhancing long-term system reliability.
- How does the thermal resistance of the FS450R17KE3 influence system design? The module specifies a low thermal resistance from junction to case (RthJC) per IGBT of 0.05 K/W. This value acts like a metric for a highway's capacity for heat traffic; a lower number means a wider, more efficient highway. This excellent thermal conductivity simplifies heatsink selection and allows designers to manage heat more effectively, ensuring the junction temperature remains within safe limits even under heavy loads. For a deeper understanding, explore our guide on why Rth is critical for thermal performance.
- What does the integrated NTC thermistor offer? The built-in NTC thermistor provides a direct, real-time method for monitoring the module's internal temperature. This data is vital for the control system to implement thermal protection strategies, such as derating power output or triggering cooling systems. It is a fundamental feature for building intelligent, self-protecting power converters and preventing failures from overtemperature conditions.
Intra-Series Comparison & Positioning
Positioning Within the 1700V EconoDUAL™ 3 Portfolio
The FS450R17KE3 is a central component within Infineon's 1700V EconoDUAL™ 3 family. It offers a balanced solution for applications requiring significant power handling without moving to larger, more complex module footprints. When compared with lower current models in the series, the FS450R17KE3 provides a substantial increase in power capability, making it suitable for central solar inverters and industrial drives in the megawatt class. For systems that may require even greater current, the related FZ600R17KE3 offers a higher current rating of 600A within the same EconoDUAL™ 3 package, providing a potential upgrade path without significant mechanical redesign.
Technical Deep Dive
Anatomy of a High-Reliability Power Stage
The FS450R17KE3 integrates Infineon's TrenchSTOP™ IGBT3 technology, which is optimized for a favorable trade-off between conduction losses (VCE(sat)) and switching losses. This is particularly important in applications with moderate switching frequencies, such as motor drives and solar inverters, where both loss mechanisms contribute significantly to overall inefficiency. What defines the FS450R17KE3's reliability? Its high operating temperature and low thermal resistance ensure robust performance under load. Furthermore, the inclusion of a highly reliable emitter-controlled diode within the same package ensures soft switching behavior and low reverse recovery losses, protecting the IGBT during freewheeling operation and contributing to higher system efficiency.
Application Scenarios & Value
Applications Demanding Unwavering Thermal Stability
The robust thermal design and high voltage rating of the FS450R17KE3 make it exceptionally well-suited for high-power conversion systems where reliability and uptime are paramount. Its performance characteristics provide tangible engineering value across several key sectors:
- Utility-Scale Solar Inverters: The 1700V rating provides the necessary design margin for 1500V DC bus architectures, enabling higher system efficiency and reduced installation costs.
- Industrial Motor Drives: In high-power AC drives, the module's ability to handle significant current and its thermal resilience ensure dependable operation of heavy machinery and manufacturing equipment.
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): For commercial and industrial UPS systems, the module's reliability ensures that critical infrastructure remains powered during grid instabilities.
- Wind Turbine Converters: The module's proven power cycling capability is essential for handling the variable power output inherent in wind energy generation.
For 1500V solar inverters requiring high power density, the FS450R17KE3's 175°C maximum operating temperature provides a critical thermal safety margin.
Key Parameter Overview
Core Specifications for Thermal and Electrical Integrity
The technical specifications of the FS450R17KE3 are foundational to its performance in high-stress environments. The following parameters are particularly relevant for system design and reliability analysis. For a complete list of specifications, please download the official datasheet.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Collector-Emitter Voltage (Vces) | 1700 V |
| Continuous Collector Current (Ic) @ Tc = 80°C | 450 A |
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (VCEsat) @ Ic = 450A, Tvj = 25°C | 1.90 V (Typ.) |
| Maximum Operating Junction Temperature (Tvj op max) | 175 °C |
| Thermal Resistance, Junction to Case (RthJC) per IGBT | 0.05 K/W |
| Short Circuit Withstand Time (tsc) @ VGE ≤ 15V, VCC ≤ 1000V | ≥ 10 µs |
Engineering Perspective for Future Designs
As power conversion systems continue to evolve towards higher voltages and greater power densities to meet global efficiency standards, components like the FS450R17KE3 will become increasingly strategic. Its design provides a stable, reliable foundation upon which engineers can build next-generation inverters and motor drives. The module's inherent thermal robustness allows for more aggressive system designs, pushing the boundaries of power density while maintaining the long-term reliability essential for critical infrastructure and renewable energy assets. Investing in such high-margin components is a forward-looking decision that anticipates future demands for performance and durability.
