SanRex PK90FG160 IGBT Module

Sanrex PK90FG160 Thyristor Module Datasheet & Specs

Engineered for Thermal Stability and Long-Term Reliability

The Sanrex PK90FG160 is a dual thyristor module designed for exceptional thermal management and operational longevity in high-stress industrial power control systems. Its architecture provides a robust foundation for building dependable and efficient AC controllers, soft starters, and power supplies. How does its construction enhance system reliability? By integrating glass-passivated semiconductor junctions with a thermally efficient isolated base, it ensures stable electrical characteristics and superior heat dissipation, directly contributing to an extended service life.

• Top Specs: 1600V | 90A | 0.24 °C/W Rth(j-c)
• Key Benefits: Superior thermal performance. High operational stability.

Technical Depth and Design Philosophy

At the core of the PK90FG160's design is a focus on achieving unwavering stability under demanding electrical and thermal loads. The implementation of glass passivated thyristor chips is central to this philosophy. This process creates an inert, hermetic seal over the semiconductor junction, significantly reducing leakage currents and ensuring stable voltage blocking capability throughout the component's operational life, even at elevated temperatures. What is the key benefit of glass passivation? It ensures stable voltage blocking and low leakage current over the module's entire operational life.

This electrical stability is paired with a mechanical design optimized for heat extraction. The module's low junction-to-case thermal resistance (Rth(j-c)) of 0.24 °C/W is a critical parameter for thermal design engineers. To use an analogy, thermal resistance is like the width of a highway for heat; a lower value represents a wider, multi-lane highway, allowing heat to flow away from the active junction with minimal obstruction. This efficiency allows for more compact heatsink designs or provides a greater thermal margin in existing systems, enhancing overall system reliability.

Strategic Advantages in Industrial Systems

Integrating the Sanrex PK90FG160 into industrial power systems provides a distinct strategic advantage rooted in long-term reliability and reduced total cost of ownership. The module's high electrical isolation voltage of 2500V (V_isol) between terminals and the mounting base simplifies system-level safety compliance and insulation design. This built-in isolation minimizes the risk of electrical shock and improves the overall robustness of the end equipment, a crucial factor in environments where maintenance personnel safety is paramount.

Furthermore, the component's substantial surge current capability (I_TSM) of up to 2200A provides a vital defense against abnormal line conditions and load faults. This resilience prevents catastrophic failures during unexpected events, translating directly to increased system uptime and lower maintenance costs. By designing with components that can withstand such stresses, engineers can build more forgiving and durable systems, a key tenet for any equipment deployed in critical industrial processes. For further reading on interpreting these crucial specifications, consider this guide to decoding power module datasheets.

Core Performance Specifications at a Glance

The following table highlights the key performance metrics of the PK90FG160, extracted from the official manufacturer's datasheet. These parameters are essential for system design, simulation, and thermal analysis.

Download the Datasheet for complete specifications and performance curves.

Application Focus: Where Reliability is Paramount

The PK90FG160 is engineered for AC power control applications where consistent performance and resilience are non-negotiable. Its ratings and thermal characteristics make it an excellent component for a range of industrial equipment.

• AC Motor Soft Starters: The module's high surge current rating is ideal for managing the high inrush currents typical during motor startup, protecting both the motor and the power electronics.
• Industrial Heater and Furnace Control: In applications involving resistive heating elements, the PK90FG160 provides precise phase-angle control, enabling stable temperature regulation and efficient power usage. Its thermal efficiency is vital in the often high-ambient-temperature environments of these systems.
• Controlled Rectifiers: When used in controlled bridge configurations, this thyristor module enables the creation of high-current, variable DC power supplies for applications such as battery charging systems and electroplating.
• Static VAR Compensators (SVC): Its fast turn-on characteristics and robust voltage blocking are suitable for use in power factor correction and grid stabilization equipment.

For AC controllers up to 600V operating in thermally constrained environments, the PK90FG160's 0.24 °C/W Rth(j-c) makes it a superior choice for maximizing system lifetime.

Comparative Data for Informed Decisions

To assist in the component evaluation process, this section provides a factual comparison of key specifications. The data presented here is for engineering reference and is based on publicly available datasheets. For systems requiring a different current or package configuration, the SKKT162/16 is another component within the broader thyristor module category.

Note: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Engineers must consult the official datasheets for each product to confirm suitability for their specific application.

Forging a Path to More Resilient Power Systems

The trajectory of industrial automation and power infrastructure points toward systems that not only deliver higher performance but also operate with greater autonomy and reduced maintenance intervention. Power electronic components like the Sanrex PK90FG160 are instrumental in this evolution. By providing a foundation of thermal stability and electrical robustness, they enable the design of power conversion systems that can be deployed with confidence, ensuring operational continuity and contributing to a lower lifecycle cost. The focus on intrinsic component reliability is a critical step in building the resilient, efficient, and sustainable industrial environments of the future.

Frequently Asked Questions about the PK90FG160

1. What is the primary benefit of a glass passivated thyristor in the PK90FG160?
Glass passivation creates a stable and hermetic seal on the semiconductor junction. This significantly improves long-term reliability by preventing ionic contamination, which in turn ensures low, stable leakage currents and consistent high-voltage blocking characteristics over the module's entire service life and temperature range.

2. How does the 2500V isolation voltage impact my system design?
A V_isol of 2500V provides a high degree of electrical separation between the power circuit and the grounded heatsink. This simplifies meeting safety standards like UL and IEC, reduces the need for external high-voltage insulation materials, and enhances overall system safety, particularly during fault conditions.

3. Can the PK90FG160 be used for a three-phase controlled rectifier?
Yes. Three PK90FG160 modules can be configured to create a full-wave, six-pulse controlled bridge rectifier for three-phase AC applications, providing variable DC output voltage control.

4. What is a key consideration when designing a heatsink for this module?
The most critical parameter is the low thermal resistance from junction to case (Rth(j-c) = 0.24 °C/W). Your thermal design should aim for a very low case-to-heatsink thermal resistance (Rth(c-s)) by ensuring a flat, clean mounting surface and using a high-quality thermal interface material to fully leverage the module's efficient internal heat transfer capabilities. Understanding potential failure modes related to temperature is crucial.