## ABB PP18017HS(ABBL)6A | High-Power 1700V IGBT Module for Demanding Power Conversion
The ABB PP18017HS(ABBL)6A is a high-performance 1700V IGBT module engineered for the most demanding high-power applications. Housed in the industry-standard PrimePACK™ 3 package, this module is designed to deliver exceptional reliability, superior thermal performance, and high efficiency, making it a cornerstone component for next-generation inverters and converters operating in harsh environments.
Product Highlights: The Engineer's Perspective
- High Current Density: With a nominal current rating of 1800A, the PP18017HS(ABBL)6A enables the design of compact, power-dense systems, reducing overall system footprint and cost.
- Optimized for Low Losses: Featuring advanced trench-gate and field-stop IGBT technology, this module achieves a low collector-emitter saturation voltage (VCE(sat)), minimizing conduction losses and improving total system efficiency.
- Superior Thermal Management: The PrimePACK™ package, combined with an advanced baseplate, ensures a low thermal resistance path. This facilitates efficient heat dissipation, allowing for higher operational reliability and longer service life under heavy load conditions.
- Robust and Reliable: Engineered for high power cycling capability, this module is built to withstand the rigorous thermal stresses inherent in applications like wind power and industrial motor drives.
Technical Deep-Dive: Beyond the Datasheet
The performance of the ABB PP18017HS(ABBL)6A is rooted in its sophisticated internal design. The module leverages a cutting-edge silicon design that balances the trade-off between conduction losses and switching losses. The low VCE(sat) is a direct result of the optimized trench-gate structure, which allows for a higher carrier concentration in the on-state. For a design engineer, this translates directly into less heat generated per ampere of current, simplifying thermal design and potentially reducing heatsink size and cooling system requirements.
Furthermore, the internal layout of the PrimePACK™ housing is engineered for minimal stray inductance. This is a critical factor in high-current, fast-switching applications. Low stray inductance mitigates voltage overshoots during turn-off, reducing stress on the IGBTs, improving the device's Safe Operating Area (SOA), and simplifying the design of snubber circuits. This inherent design feature enhances system reliability and can lead to a faster, more streamlined development cycle.
Application Scenarios & Value Proposition
The PP18017HS(ABBL)6A is not a general-purpose component; it is a specialized solution for applications where power, efficiency, and reliability are paramount.
- Wind Turbine Converters: In wind-to-grid conversion, these modules form the core of the power converter, managing the high-power flow from the generator to the grid. Their high reliability and efficiency are crucial for maximizing energy yield and ensuring long-term operational availability in remote and often inaccessible locations.
- Heavy-Duty Industrial Drives: For large-scale motor control in mining, marine propulsion, or manufacturing, the module's ability to handle high currents and its robust thermal performance ensure precise and reliable control of multi-megawatt motors.
- Grid Infrastructure & FACTS: In Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) and large-scale energy storage systems, the PP18017HS(ABBL)6A provides the fast, high-power switching capability necessary for voltage regulation, power factor correction, and grid stabilization.
Key Parameters Overview
The following table provides a snapshot of the key electrical and thermal characteristics. For comprehensive data, including characteristic curves and detailed application notes, please refer to the official product documentation.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CES) | 1700 V |
| Continuous Collector Current (I_C) @ T_C = 80°C | 1800 A |
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (V_CE(sat), typ. @ I_C,nom) | 1.95 V |
| Maximum Junction Temperature (T_jmax) | 150 °C |
| Package | PrimePACK™ 3 |
For a complete technical specification, download the PP18017HS(ABBL)6A datasheet from ABB's official portal.
Engineer's FAQ
1. What are the primary considerations for the gate drive design for this module?
Given the high current and fast switching characteristics, a robust gate drive is critical. Key considerations include providing a sufficient gate current for rapid charging/discharging of the input capacitance, implementing a negative gate voltage during the off-state to prevent parasitic turn-on, and using a Kelvin Emitter connection to minimize the effect of stray inductance in the emitter path for a clean gate signal. Utilizing advanced features like a Miller clamp is highly recommended.
2. How does the PP18017HS(ABBL)6A support parallel operation for higher power output?
The module is designed with parallel operation in mind. Its positive temperature coefficient of VCE(sat) helps ensure thermal self-balancing among parallel-connected modules. However, achieving successful paralleling requires careful attention to symmetrical layout in the power bus bars to ensure equal current sharing and synchronized gate drive signals to prevent timing mismatches. For detailed guidance on achieving this, contact our technical team to discuss your specific application design.
