Content last revised on November 19, 2025
FZ1600R17KF6C_B2: High-Reliability 1700V/1600A IGBT for Demanding Power Systems
Introduction: Reliability Defined by Design
Engineered for exceptional long-term reliability in multi-megawatt systems, the Infineon FZ1600R17KF6C_B2 leverages a pressure-contact design to maximize operational lifetime and thermal efficiency. This single-switch IGBT module delivers robust performance with specifications of 1700V | 1600A | VCE(sat) 2.10V (typ. at 125°C), ensuring both high power capacity and optimized energy conversion. Its core benefits include an extended operational lifetime by eliminating solder fatigue and superior thermal management. For engineers designing systems for environments with high thermal cycling or vibration, the FZ1600R17KF6C_B2's solder-free contact system provides a structurally superior solution for consistent, long-term performance.
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding the Specs for Enhanced Thermal Reliability
The technical specifications of the FZ1600R17KF6C_B2 are tailored for high-power applications where both electrical performance and mechanical robustness are critical. The parameters are grouped to provide a clear overview for system evaluation and design.
| Parameter | Symbol | Condition | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Rated Values | ||||
| Collector-Emitter Voltage | VCES | Tvj = 25°C | 1700 | V |
| Continuous DC Collector Current | IC,nom | - | 1600 | A |
| Repetitive Peak Collector Current | ICRM | tp = 1 ms | 3200 | A |
| Gate-Emitter Voltage | VGES | - | ±20 | V |
| Operating Junction Temperature | Tvj op | - | -40 to +150 | °C |
| Static Characteristics (IGBT) at Tvj = 125°C unless otherwise specified | ||||
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage | VCE(sat) | IC = 1600A, VGE = 15V | 2.10 (typ.) | V |
| Gate-Emitter Threshold Voltage | VGE(th) | IC = 64.0 mA, VCE = VGE | 5.8 (typ.) | V |
| Collector-Emitter Cut-Off Current | ICES | VCE = 1700V, VGE = 0V | 50.0 | mA |
| Thermal and Mechanical Characteristics | ||||
| Thermal Resistance, Junction to Case | Rth(j-c) | per IGBT | 0.013 | K/W |
| Mounting Force | FM | - | 30 - 60 | kN |
| Weight | G | - | 1050 (typ.) | g |
This table represents key values. For a complete overview of characteristics, dynamic parameters, and performance curves, please refer to the official documentation.
Download the FZ1600R17KF6C_B2 datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Application Scenarios & Value
System-Level Benefits in Multi-Megawatt Power Conversion
For multi-megawatt VFDs and renewable inverters where operational lifetime is paramount, the FZ1600R17KF6C_B2's pressure-contact design offers a decisive reliability advantage. Its primary value is realized in applications that are difficult to service or where downtime results in significant financial loss. What is the primary benefit of its pressure-contact design? Enhanced long-term reliability by eliminating solder fatigue.
A high-fidelity engineering scenario is in large-scale wind turbine converter systems. These systems are often located offshore or in remote areas, making maintenance extremely costly. They experience frequent thermal cycles due to fluctuating wind speeds and grid demand. The FZ1600R17KF6C_B2's pressure-contact interface directly mitigates the primary failure mode of conventional soldered modules—solder layer fatigue and crack propagation. This robust mechanical design ensures a consistent, low-resistance thermal path over hundreds of thousands of cycles, directly translating to increased turbine uptime and a lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The low VCE(sat) also contributes to higher overall conversion efficiency, maximizing the energy delivered to the grid. While this module is ideal for high-power single-inverter designs, for systems with slightly lower current demands, the related FZ1200R17KF6C_B2 offers similar voltage characteristics in a 1200A rating.
FAQ
Engineering Questions on the FZ1600R17KF6C_B2
What is the primary advantage of the FZ1600R17KF6C_B2's pressure-contact design compared to standard soldered modules?
The primary advantage is a significant increase in operational lifetime and reliability, especially in applications with high thermal cycling. Pressure-contact technology eliminates the solder layers between the substrate and the baseplate, which are a common point of failure due to the mechanical stress from mismatched thermal expansion coefficients. This results in superior power cycling capability and resistance to mechanical shock and vibration.
How does the VCE(sat) of 2.10V (typ.) impact system design for a high-power inverter?
A low collector-emitter saturation voltage (VCE(sat)) directly reduces conduction losses (Pcond = VCE(sat) * IC). For a 1600A module, this translates into a substantial reduction in waste heat. The engineering impact is twofold: first, it increases the overall energy efficiency of the inverter. Second, it reduces the thermal load on the cooling system, potentially allowing for a smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective heatsink design, which improves the overall power density of the system.
Technical Deep Dive
A Closer Look at the Pressure-Contact Design for Long-Term Reliability
The IHM-B housing of the FZ1600R17KF6C_B2 employs a technology that is fundamentally different from standard modules. To understand its value, consider the analogy of a paved path. A soldered module is like a path paved with rigid tiles glued firmly to the ground. Every time the temperature changes, the tiles and the ground expand and contract at different rates, putting stress on the glue until it eventually cracks. This is analogous to solder fatigue.
The FZ1600R17KF6C_B2's pressure-contact design is like a path made of perfectly interlocking, but not glued, paving stones. A precisely calibrated mounting force presses the internal components together, ensuring excellent electrical and thermal contact. The components can expand and contract independently during temperature swings without creating cumulative stress, ensuring the 'path' remains intact for vastly longer. This approach not only enhances reliability but also allows for field serviceability, where an individual module in a press-pack stack can be replaced without desoldering, a critical advantage in high-availability systems like a Traction Inverter or large industrial drives.
Industry Insights & Strategic Advantage
Meeting the Demands of Grid Modernization and Industrial Electrification
The deployment of high-power modules like the FZ1600R17KF6C_B2 is a direct response to major industry trends. In the renewable energy sector, particularly for large wind and solar farms, maximizing uptime is crucial for financial viability. The enhanced reliability offered by this module's design helps asset owners minimize unscheduled maintenance, directly improving the return on investment. Furthermore, as industrial processes undergo electrification to reduce carbon footprints, the need for powerful and efficient Medium Voltage Drives (MVD) for pumps, fans, and compressors is growing. This IGBT provides the foundational switching capability for these multi-megawatt drives, enabling precise motor control and significant energy savings in compliance with standards like IEC 61800. By providing a component with a design focus on longevity, the FZ1600R17KF6C_B2 supports the strategic shift towards more durable and sustainable high-power infrastructure.
For design teams working on next-generation power conversion platforms, the FZ1600R17KF6C_B2 represents a proven and robust building block. For applications requiring even higher current handling, system designers may also evaluate the FZ2400R17HP4_B2, which offers a higher power rating within a similar technology class.
Sourcing and Technical Inquiries
To evaluate the FZ1600R17KF6C_B2 for your application, please submit a request for quotation (RFQ) or contact our technical support team for further assistance with your design requirements. Our team can provide further details to aid in your component selection and procurement process.