SEMIKRON SKKH92/16E | Robust Thyristor Module for High-Power Control Applications
The SEMIKRON SKKH92/16E is a high-reliability thyristor module engineered for demanding power conversion and control systems. As a cornerstone of the SEMITRON® Classic line, this component embodies a design philosophy centered on durability and consistent performance. It integrates two thyristors in a common cathode configuration, housed in the industry-standard SEMIPACK® 1 package, providing a proven solution for engineers developing robust power electronics.
At its core, the SKKH92/16E is designed not for high-frequency switching, but for brute-force reliability in line-frequency environments. Its key value propositions include:
- High Voltage Headroom: A 1600V repetitive peak reverse voltage (V_RRM) provides a substantial safety margin for applications running on 400V, 480V, or even 690V AC lines, ensuring resilience against voltage transients.
- Superior Thermal Management: Featuring a heat transfer path through an aluminium oxide ceramic isolated metal baseplate, it ensures excellent electrical isolation while efficiently channeling heat away from the silicon die.
- Mechanical Robustness: Hard soldered joints are utilized to create a durable bond that withstands significant thermal cycling, a common failure point in lesser components subjected to frequent on/off cycles.
- Simplified System Design: The module's topology is ideal for building straightforward and effective phase-angle control circuits.
Engineered for Demanding Power Control Environments
The specific characteristics of the SEMIKRON SKKH92/16E make it an optimal choice for applications where precise control of high power at low frequencies is the primary objective. Unlike high-frequency IGBT modules, this thyristor module excels in the following areas:
- AC Motor Soft Starters: By enabling phase-angle control, the module allows for a gradual ramping of voltage to large AC induction motors. This controlled start-up drastically reduces mechanical shock on gearboxes and couplings and limits high inrush currents that can stress the electrical grid.
- Controlled Rectifiers: It serves as the core building block for AC-DC converters where the output DC voltage needs to be regulated. This is essential for applications like large-scale battery charging systems, electroplating power supplies, and field exciters for synchronous machines.
- Industrial Heating and Lighting Control: For high-power resistive loads, such as industrial furnaces or large-scale lighting arrays, the SKKH92/16E provides a simple, efficient, and cost-effective method for power regulation.
The Engineering Behind SEMITRON® Classic Reliability
The long-standing success of the SEMITRON platform is not accidental; it's a result of deliberate design choices that prioritize long-term reliability over raw switching speed. The SEMIKRON SKKH92/16E exemplifies this through two key features:
First, the use of Hard Soldered Joints is critical. In power electronics, the constant expansion and contraction of materials during temperature changes (power cycles) is a primary cause of fatigue and eventual failure. Hard soldering creates a more rigid and fatigue-resistant interconnection between the die and the substrate compared to some other bonding methods, directly contributing to a longer operational life. Second, the Aluminium Oxide (Al₂O₃) Ceramic Baseplate offers a masterclass in balancing competing requirements. It provides very high dielectric strength, ensuring safe isolation from the high voltage, while possessing good Thermal Resistance properties to facilitate effective cooling—a cornerstone of reliable power module design.
SKKH92/16E at a Glance: Key Specifications
This table provides a snapshot of the critical parameters for system designers. For a comprehensive breakdown, including dynamic characteristics and thermal curves, please download the official SEMIKRON SKKH92/16E datasheet.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Repetitive Peak Off-State and Reverse Voltage (VDRM, VRRM) | 1600 V |
| Average On-State Current (ITAV @ Tcase = 85°C) | 95 A |
| RMS On-State Current (ITRMS) | 150 A |
| Threshold Voltage (VT0) | 0.85 V |
| Slope Resistance (rT) | 3.5 mΩ |
| Maximum Junction Temperature (Tvj max) | 130 °C |
Expert Answers to Your Design Questions
When is the SKKH92/16E a better choice than an IGBT module?
Choose the SKKH92/16E thyristor module for rugged, line-frequency (50/60 Hz) applications where phase-angle control is sufficient. Its inherent robustness and lower conduction losses at these frequencies make it ideal for soft starters and controlled rectifiers. An IGBT is the superior choice for high-frequency (>1 kHz) applications requiring fast, precise switching, such as in variable frequency drives (VFDs) and modern IGBT-based solar inverters.
What is the significance of the '16E' in the part number?
This is a critical specification identifier. The '16' directly corresponds to the module's voltage rating, indicating a 1600-volt capability (VDRM/VRRM). This high blocking voltage is essential for ensuring device survival in industrial environments prone to voltage spikes. The 'E' is a designation used by Semikron that often relates to the voltage class or a specific revision, with 'E' typically representing 1600V in this series.
For detailed pricing, availability, or to discuss integrating the SKKH92/16E into your next project, please contact our technical team.
