Content last revised on November 26, 2025
FZ1200R17KE3_B2: A Technical Review of a 1700V/1200A IGBT Module Engineered for High-Reliability Power Systems
The FZ1200R17KE3_B2 is a high-power IGBT module designed to deliver exceptional thermal stability and electrical performance in demanding industrial applications. By integrating proven Trench/Fieldstop IGBT3 technology into a robust, industry-standard IHM-B package, it provides a reliable foundation for high-power converters. Key specifications include a 1700V collector-emitter voltage, a 1200A nominal collector current, and an operational junction temperature up to 125°C. These features translate into two primary engineering benefits: optimized performance with low conduction losses and high operational reliability under strenuous thermal loads. For high-stress industrial converters demanding proven reliability, this 1700V/1200A module offers a robust thermal and electrical solution.
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding the Specs for Thermal Stability and Efficiency
The performance of the FZ1200R17KE3_B2 is defined by its electrical and thermal characteristics, which are engineered to provide a balance of efficiency and durability. The datasheet values are critical for system-level design, particularly for calculating losses, determining cooling requirements, and ensuring long-term operational stability.
| Parameter | Symbol | Value | Condition | Engineering Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Characteristics (Inverter IGBT) | ||||
| Collector-Emitter Voltage | VCES | 1700 V | Tvj = 25°C | Provides substantial voltage headroom for applications on 690V AC lines, ensuring safety against voltage transients. |
| Continuous DC Collector Current | IC | 1200 A | TC = 80°C, Tvj max = 150°C | Defines the module's high current handling capability, suitable for large-scale motor drives and inverters. |
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage | VCEsat | typ. 2.1 V | IC = 1200 A, VGE = 15 V, Tvj = 125°C | A low VCEsat indicates minimal conduction losses, which directly improves system efficiency, especially in applications with long on-state periods. |
| Thermal and Mechanical Characteristics | ||||
| Operating Junction Temperature | Tvj op | -40 to +125°C | Under switching conditions | A wide operating temperature range allows for deployment in harsh environments and provides flexibility in thermal design. |
| Thermal Resistance, Junction to Case | RthJC | max. 0.016 °C/W | per IGBT | This critical parameter quantifies how efficiently heat is transferred from the silicon chip to the module case. A low value is like a wide pipe for heat, enabling more effective cooling and higher power density. |
For a complete list of specifications, electrical characteristics, and performance graphs, please Download the FZ1200R17KE3_B2 datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Application Scenarios & Value
System-Level Benefits in High-Power Industrial Converters
The robust design of the FZ1200R17KE3_B2 makes it an excellent component for power conversion systems where reliability and efficiency are paramount. Its specifications are tailored for demanding industrial environments.
A prime application is in large-scale Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) used to control multi-megawatt industrial motors. In such systems, a critical engineering challenge is managing heat dissipation, especially during low-speed, high-torque phases where conduction losses can cause significant thermal stress. The FZ1200R17KE3_B2 directly addresses this with its low collector-emitter saturation voltage (VCEsat) of typical 2.1V at full load and operating temperature. This characteristic minimizes power lost as heat, simplifying the system's overall Thermal Management and allowing for more compact heatsink designs or higher power output without exceeding thermal limits.
- High-Power Converters: Its 1700V blocking voltage and 1200A current rating are ideal for central inverters in utility-scale solar farms and large uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), ensuring stable power delivery.
- Industrial Motor Drives: Provides precise and efficient control for heavy-duty applications such as mining conveyors, pumps, and compressors, where uptime is critical.
- Renewable Energy Systems: Suitable for the DC-DC and DC-AC conversion stages in wind turbine pitch and yaw control systems, contributing to grid stability and efficiency.
The module's balanced performance, derived from its Trench/Fieldstop IGBT3 technology, ensures that both conduction and switching losses are managed effectively, leading to higher system efficiency across a range of operating conditions. For applications demanding even greater current capacity within a similar voltage class, the related FZ1600R17HP4-B2 provides a 1600A rating.
Technical Deep Dive
Inside the IGBT3: Balancing Conduction and Switching Performance
The core of the FZ1200R17KE3_B2 is its utilization of Infineon's third-generation Trench/Fieldstop IGBT (IGBT3) technology. This design represents a deliberate engineering trade-off aimed at creating a versatile component for industrial frequency ranges (typically a few kHz up to 20kHz). What is the primary benefit of its IGBT3 technology? A balanced profile of low conduction losses and optimized switching behavior.
Unlike newer IGBT generations optimized purely for ultra-high switching speeds, the IGBT3 platform was engineered for robustness and efficiency in mainstream industrial converters. It achieves a low on-state voltage (VCEsat), which is crucial for reducing heat generation during the conductive phase of a switching cycle. This is particularly beneficial in motor drives, where the IGBT can be in the 'on' state for extended periods. The Thermal resistance (Rth) is thus a key figure of merit, and minimizing the heat it must handle is the first step to reliable design.
Think of it this way: an IGBT's performance is like a vehicle's transmission. A technology focused only on high switching speed is like a racing gearbox, efficient only at high RPMs. In contrast, the IGBT3 is like the transmission in a heavy-duty truck; it provides strong, efficient performance at the moderate speeds typical of industrial loads, ensuring torque (current) is delivered efficiently without excessive heat (losses). This balance makes the FZ1200R17KE3_B2 a dependable workhorse, enhancing long-term reliability by mitigating one of the primary failure accelerators: heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Engineering Insights for the FZ1200R17KE3_B2
What makes the FZ1200R17KE3_B2 particularly suitable for high-power industrial motor drives?
Its suitability comes from a combination of high voltage and current ratings (1700V, 1200A), a low VCEsat that minimizes conduction losses and thermal stress, and its robust IHM-B housing designed to withstand industrial environments. This ensures reliable operation and simplifies thermal design for large motor control systems.
How does the IGBT3 technology in this module impact the balance between conduction and switching losses?
IGBT3 technology was specifically developed to provide a favorable trade-off between low on-state voltage (VCEsat) and moderate switching energy (Eon/Eoff). This means it achieves high efficiency in applications with moderate switching frequencies, like most industrial drives, without generating excessive heat from either conduction or switching events, thereby optimizing overall system performance.
For engineers and procurement managers evaluating high-power switching components, the FZ1200R17KE3_B2 presents a mature and reliable solution. Its established IGBT3 technology and robust packaging provide a strong foundation for building efficient and durable power conversion systems. To determine its fit for your specific application, a thorough review of the datasheet is recommended to analyze its performance curves and thermal characteristics against your system's operational requirements.
