SKKT 570/16 E | 1600V 570A Fast Thyristor Module | Engineering Overview
Product Core Definition: An In-Depth Look at the SKKT 570/16 E
Content last revised on October 17, 2025.
The SKKT 570/16 E from Semikron-Danfoss is a high-performance Fast Thyristor Module engineered for robust and reliable power control in demanding industrial environments. This component, configured with two series-connected thyristors (common cathode) in the industry-standard SEMIPACK 1 package, provides a technically superior solution for AC and DC power regulation. Its design prioritizes operational longevity and thermal efficiency through features like a glass passivated die and an electrically insulated baseplate. For high-power AC phase control systems where reliability is paramount, this 1600V module delivers a robust and thermally efficient control element.
Application Scenarios & Value
System-Level Benefits in High-Current Motor Control and Power Regulation
The SKKT 570/16 E is engineered to excel in applications where precise control of high currents is fundamental. Its combination of a high average on-state current (570 A) and an exceptional surge current rating (15,500 A) makes it a primary candidate for industrial power systems. A key engineering challenge in applications like industrial soft starters is managing the massive inrush current during the startup of large induction motors. The SKKT 570/16 E's substantial I²t value of 1,200,000 A²s provides the necessary thermal capacity to absorb this transient energy without degradation, ensuring a reliable startup sequence and protecting downstream components. This capability is also critical in rectifier circuits for high-power welding supplies and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), where the module must withstand frequent load changes and potential fault conditions.
- AC & DC Motor Drives: Provides robust phase control for speed and torque regulation.
- Soft Starters: Manages motor inrush current to reduce mechanical stress and electrical disturbances.
- Controlled Rectifiers: Enables regulated DC output for battery chargers, welding, and electroplating.
- Temperature Control Systems: Delivers precise power regulation for large industrial heating elements.
While this model is well-suited for systems operating up to 1600V, for applications requiring a greater voltage margin or compliance with higher voltage standards, the related SKKT 570/18 E offers a repetitive peak off-state voltage of 1800V.
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding the Specs for Enhanced Thermal Reliability
The specifications of the SKKT 570/16 E are tailored for high-reliability power conversion. The parameters below highlight its capacity for handling significant electrical and thermal loads, forming the basis for a dependable system design. The low thermal resistance from junction to case is a critical factor, directly enabling more efficient heat dissipation and supporting higher power density.
| Parameter | Value | Engineering Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Repetitive Peak Off-State Voltage (VDRM, VRRM) | 1600 V | Provides substantial voltage margin for use in 400V, 480V, and 690V AC line applications. |
| Average On-State Current (ITAV @ Th = 85°C) | 570 A | Indicates high continuous current capability under realistic industrial operating temperatures. |
| RMS On-State Current (ITRMS @ Th = 25°C) | 900 A | Defines the maximum root-mean-square current the terminals can handle. |
| Surge On-State Current (ITSM @ 10 ms, Tvj=125°C) | 15500 A | Ensures component survival during severe overcurrent events like motor stalls or line faults. |
| I²t-Value (I²t @ 10 ms, Tvj=125°C) | 1,200,000 A²s | Quantifies the thermal energy the device can withstand, critical for fuse coordination and fault protection. |
| Thermal Resistance, Junction to Case (Rth(j-c)) | 0.07 K/W | A low value signifies highly efficient heat transfer from the silicon die to the heatsink. |
| Insulation Test Voltage (Visol) | 3600 V~ | Confirms robust electrical isolation between the live terminals and the mounting baseplate. |
Download the SKKT 570/16 E datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Technical Deep Dive
A Closer Look at the Insulated Baseplate and Glass Passivation
Two design features of the SKKT 570/16 E are fundamental to its long-term reliability and ease of integration. First, the use of glass passivated thyristor chips provides a hermetic seal over the sensitive p-n junctions. This passivation layer protects the silicon from moisture and contaminants over the module's lifetime, preventing the degradation of blocking voltage characteristics and ensuring stable performance. It acts as a permanent protective barrier, directly contributing to a lower rate of field failures.
Second, the module incorporates an Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3) ceramic insulated baseplate. This is a critical feature for simplifying system assembly. It eliminates the need for separate, often fragile, insulating thermal pads between the module and the heatsink. This direct mounting approach not only reduces component count and assembly labor but also creates a more consistent and lower-resistance thermal path. Think of the thermal interface as a pipe for heat; the integrated ceramic insulation ensures this pipe is wide and free of the extra connections and potential blockages that external pads can introduce, leading to more effective cooling and higher system reliability. For more on thermal performance, see this guide on unlocking thermal performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary benefit of the glass passivated thyristor in the SKKT 570/16 E?
The primary benefit is enhanced long-term electrical stability. Glass passivation creates an impermeable barrier that protects the silicon die from environmental factors, ensuring the module maintains its specified voltage blocking capability and low leakage currents throughout its operational life.
How does the Al2O3 insulated baseplate affect the assembly process and thermal management?
It significantly simplifies assembly by allowing the module to be mounted directly to a heatsink without additional insulating materials, reducing parts count and potential for assembly errors. Thermally, it provides a direct, reliable heat transfer path from the module case to the heatsink, improving overall cooling efficiency compared to using external thermal pads.
For what types of AC line voltages is the SKKT 570/16 E's 1600V rating most suitable?
The 1600V repetitive peak voltage rating provides a robust safety margin for power control circuits connected to 400V, 480V, and even 690V three-phase AC systems. This makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of global industrial applications, accommodating the voltage transients typically found in these environments.
Engineering Support & Further Steps
Integrating the SKKT 570/16 E into Your Power System
For design engineers and procurement specialists evaluating the SKKT 570/16 E for high-power control applications, the next step involves detailed thermal and electrical modeling. The provided datasheet offers the essential performance curves to begin this analysis. For inquiries regarding specific application requirements, technical integration, or procurement details, please contact our technical sales team for further assistance.
