Content last revised on November 22, 2025
FZ3600R17KE3_S1: High-Power 1700V Single IGBT Module
Introduction and Feature Summary
Engineered for Megawatt-Scale Power Conversion
The Infineon FZ3600R17KE3_S1 is an exceptionally high-power IGBT module designed to enable new levels of power density and reliability in the most demanding industrial applications. It delivers an immense current handling capability within a single, robust package, leveraging Infineon's proven TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT3 technology. Its core specifications are: 1700V | 3600A | VCE(sat) (typ.) 2.20V. This module offers the critical benefits of simplified system design and enhanced thermal efficiency. By providing a single-switch topology with such a high current rating, it addresses the engineering challenge of reducing the complexity and failure points associated with paralleling multiple lower-power modules in megawatt-scale inverters. Best fit for large-scale renewable energy inverters and high-power industrial drives where operational reliability and power-handling capacity are non-negotiable.
Application Scenarios & Value
System-Level Advantages in Megawatt-Class Wind and Industrial Drives
The FZ3600R17KE3_S1 is engineered to serve as the power-switching core in applications where energy throughput and long-term reliability are paramount. Its massive 3600A continuous collector current capability is a decisive factor in simplifying the architecture of multi-megawatt systems. Consider a large Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) for mining or marine propulsion; using a single FZ3600R17KE3_S1 per phase can replace multiple paralleled IGBTs. This design choice directly reduces component count, minimizes the complexity of gate drive circuitry, and eliminates the current-sharing imbalances that can lead to premature failure in paralleled systems. The result is a more robust, more reliable, and often more compact inverter design. For systems requiring a different current threshold but similar voltage blocking capabilities, the related FZ2400R17KE3_S1 offers a 2400A alternative in a comparable package.
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding Key Specifications for High-Current Operation
The performance of the FZ3600R17KE3_S1 is defined by a set of specifications optimized for high-power, medium-frequency switching. The following parameters are critical for system design and thermal management evaluation.
| Parameter | Symbol | Condition | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Rated Values | |||
| Collector-Emitter Voltage | VCES | Tvj = 25°C | 1700 V |
| Continuous Collector Current | IC | TC = 100°C, Tvjmax = 150°C | 3600 A |
| Repetitive Peak Collector Current | ICRM | tp = 1 ms | 7200 A |
| Gate-Emitter Peak Voltage | VGES | ±20 V | |
| Characteristic Values | |||
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage | VCEsat | IC = 3600 A, VGE = 15 V, Tvj = 25°C | 2.20 V (typ.) |
| Gate Threshold Voltage | VGE(th) | IC = 140 mA, VCE = VGE, Tvj = 25°C | 5.8 V (typ.) |
| Internal Gate Resistor | RGint | Tvj = 25°C | 0.5 Ω |
| Input Capacitance | Cies | VCE = 25 V, VGE = 0 V, f = 1 MHz | 2300 nF (typ.) |
| Thermal Characteristics | |||
| Thermal Resistance, Junction to Case | RthJC | per IGBT | 5.0 K/kW (max.) |
| Operating Junction Temperature | Tvj op | -40 to +150°C | |
Industry Insights & Strategic Advantage
Meeting the Demands of the Renewable Energy Transition
The global shift towards renewable energy sources and increased industrial electrification creates a persistent demand for power electronics capable of handling immense power levels with high efficiency. The FZ3600R17KE3_S1 directly supports this trend. In applications like multi-megawatt wind turbine inverters and large-scale solar farms, maximizing power conversion efficiency is crucial for economic viability. The module's low VCEsat, a hallmark of the Infineon TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT3 technology, translates directly into lower conduction losses. Over the 20+ year lifespan of a wind turbine, even a fractional improvement in efficiency results in a significant increase in energy production and revenue. This module provides the foundational technology for building next-generation Grid-Tie Inverters that are not only powerful but also highly efficient and reliable over the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Engineering Inquiries on Thermal Design and High-Power Operation
What is the primary advantage of a 3600A single switch module?
Its main benefit is the simplification of high-power inverter design. Using a single, powerful switch reduces mechanical complexity, simplifies the gate driver board, and, most importantly, eliminates the need for complex active or passive current-sharing schemes required when paralleling multiple smaller modules. This leads to a system with higher inherent reliability.
How does the VCE(sat) of 2.20V impact system design at 3600A?
The collector-emitter saturation voltage is the key determinant of conduction losses. At 3600A, every millivolt matters. A low VCEsat directly reduces the power dissipated as heat during the on-state (P = VCEsat * IC). This reduction in waste heat lessens the burden on the cooling system, potentially allowing for a smaller, lighter, or lower-cost heatsink and improving the overall power density of the entire power conversion unit.
What design considerations are critical for the IHM-B package?
The IHM-B (IHM: Insulated High-Power Module) housing is designed for very high currents and requires careful mechanical and thermal design. Key considerations include ensuring a flat and smooth heatsink surface, applying the correct type and thickness of thermal interface material (TIM), and using the specified torque for the mounting bolts to achieve the low thermal resistance needed for effective cooling. Proper busbar design to handle the immense currents without excessive voltage drop or stray inductance is also crucial for optimal performance.
For detailed application notes and to evaluate the FZ3600R17KE3_S1 for your high-power system, refer to the official datasheet and supporting documentation.
