Starpower GD200FFX120C6S IGBT Module

GD200FFX120C6S StarPower IGBT Module: Engineering Analysis

An In-Depth Look at the 1200V, 200A Six-Pack Module

Content last revised on October 9, 2025.

Engineered for high-efficiency power conversion, the StarPower GD200FFX120C6S IGBT module combines low conduction losses with robust thermal performance in a highly integrated package. This device integrates a full three-phase bridge, rated for 1200V | 200A | Tvjmax 175°C. Key engineering benefits include enhanced system efficiency and superior thermal reliability. This module directly addresses the challenge of creating compact, high-power inverters by minimizing heat dissipation, which reduces heatsink requirements. For power systems from 40kW to 75kW requiring high efficiency and thermal headroom, the GD200FFX120C6S is the optimal choice.

Key Parameter Overview

Decoding the Specs for Enhanced Thermal Reliability

The technical specifications of the GD200FFX120C6S highlight its suitability for demanding applications where both efficiency and thermal stability are critical design drivers. The low collector-emitter saturation voltage is a key indicator of its performance, directly impacting conduction losses and heat generation.

Note: The parameters listed are based on the GD200FFA120C6S datasheet, a close variant in the same product family. Engineers should consult the specific datasheet for the GD200FFX120C6S for definitive values.

Download the related GD200FFA120C6S datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.

Application Scenarios & Value

Achieving System-Level Benefits in High-Frequency Power Conversion

The GD200FFX120C6S is optimized for three-phase power conversion systems where efficiency and power density are paramount. Its design provides significant value in the following applications:

• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): In a 40kW to 75kW motor drive, every watt of energy lost in the inverter is wasted as heat. The GD200FFX120C6S's typical VCE(sat) of 1.95V at full load is a critical advantage. This is analogous to reducing friction in a mechanical system; lower VCE(sat) means less electrical "friction," resulting in less heat. This allows VFD designers to use smaller, more cost-effective heatsinks or increase the drive's output power without compromising reliability, helping the system meet stringent energy efficiency standards like IEC 61800-9-2.
• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): For data centers and industrial UPS systems, reliability and operating cost are key. The module's high Tvjmax of 175°C provides a crucial thermal safety margin, ensuring the UPS can handle sudden load changes and operate reliably in environments with fluctuating ambient temperatures. The integrated NTC thermistor provides direct feedback for the system's thermal management, preventing overheating and extending the operational life of the entire UPS.
• AC and DC Servo Drive Amplifiers: Servo drives demand precise control and rapid response, which often involves high-frequency switching. The six-in-one package configuration of the GD200FFX120C6S minimizes the stray inductance that can cause voltage overshoots during fast switching events, leading to a more stable and reliable control loop for high-performance robotics and CNC machinery.

For systems that require even higher current handling for larger motor applications, the related GD400HFL120C2S provides a 400A capability within a similar voltage class.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does the 1.95V VCE(sat) impact thermal design?

A lower VCE(sat) directly reduces conduction losses (P_loss = VCE(sat) * Ic). This means less power is converted into heat within the module during operation. For a thermal designer, this translates to a lower required thermal resistance for the heatsink, enabling smaller, lighter, and lower-cost cooling solutions, or alternatively, pushing more current through the module at the same operating temperature.

What is the primary benefit of the 175°C maximum junction temperature?

The 175°C rating provides a significant thermal headroom. While continuous operation at this temperature is not recommended, it gives the system enhanced robustness to survive short-term overload conditions or ambient temperature spikes without immediate failure. This is a critical reliability feature in industrial environments where operating conditions are not always predictable.

How does the integrated NTC thermistor simplify system design?

The built-in NTC thermistor provides a direct, real-time temperature reading of the module's baseplate. This eliminates the need for designers to mount a separate temperature sensor, reducing component count, simplifying the PCB layout, and lowering assembly costs. It also offers a more accurate temperature measurement compared to placing a sensor elsewhere on the heatsink, enabling more precise thermal protection.

Is this 200A module suitable for a 75kW motor drive application?

Yes, it is well-positioned for this power range. A typical 75kW motor operating on a 400VAC line will draw a nominal current around 150A. A 200A-rated module provides sufficient current handling capability with a healthy margin for overload conditions, which are common during motor startup and dynamic load changes. Its thermal performance further supports its use in such demanding applications.

Strategic Advantage

Future-Proofing Designs with Efficiency and Integrated Reliability

Selecting the GD200FFX120C6S is a strategic decision that extends beyond immediate performance metrics. Its inherent efficiency directly contributes to a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by reducing energy consumption and cooling infrastructure costs over the product's lifetime. Furthermore, the high level of integration—combining a full three-phase bridge and a temperature sensor in one industry-standard package—streamlines the supply chain and manufacturing process. As industrial systems become more compact and energy efficiency regulations more stringent, leveraging highly integrated and thermally robust components like the GD200FFX120C6S provides a distinct competitive advantage, enabling the development of more powerful, reliable, and cost-effective power conversion solutions.