Content last revised on November 29, 2025
SKM75GB17E4: A 1700V IGBT Module Engineered for High-Efficiency Power Conversion
The SKM75GB17E4 from Semikron is a 1700V single-switch IGBT module engineered to minimize total power losses in high-frequency industrial power converters. Featuring a robust 1700V collector-emitter voltage, a nominal current rating of 75A, and a typical VCE(sat) of 1.93V, this module combines high voltage capability with advanced loss-reduction technology. Key engineering benefits include significantly reduced cooling requirements and enhanced overall system efficiency. Engineered with Trench IGBT4 technology, the SKM75GB17E4 provides an optimized balance between conduction and switching losses for superior performance in demanding applications. For high-voltage DC chopper and booster applications requiring maximum efficiency, this 1700V module is a strategically sound choice.
Application Scenarios & Value
Achieving System-Level Benefits in High-Voltage Industrial Drives
The SKM75GB17E4 is engineered for high-reliability applications where efficient power switching is critical. Its primary domain is in high-power Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), particularly those operating on 690V AC industrial lines. In this context, the module's 1700V blocking voltage provides the essential safety margin required to withstand DC-link voltage fluctuations and transient overvoltages, a common challenge in industrial environments. This high voltage rating directly contributes to the long-term reliability of the entire drive system.
A key engineering challenge in VFD design is effective Thermal Management within compact enclosures. The SKM75GB17E4 addresses this through its use of advanced Trench IGBT4 and CAL4F diode technology. The low collector-emitter saturation voltage (VCE(sat)) of 1.93V (typical at 25°C) minimizes conduction losses, while the optimized switching characteristics reduce the energy lost during on/off transitions. This translates to less waste heat generated per switching cycle, allowing designers to specify smaller heatsinks, improve power density, and ultimately lower the total cost of ownership. For systems that demand higher current handling, the related SKM200GB176D offers a similar voltage class with increased current capacity.
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding the Specs for Reduced Power Loss
The technical specifications of the SKM75GB17E4 are tailored to deliver a superior balance of performance and efficiency. The parameters below highlight its suitability for high-frequency switching in robust power systems.
| IGBT Characteristics (Tj = 25°C unless otherwise specified) | |
|---|---|
| Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCES) | 1700 V |
| Nominal Collector Current (ICnom) | 75 A |
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (VCE(sat), typ. @ 75A) | 1.93 V |
| Gate-Emitter Threshold Voltage (VGE(th)) | 5.2 V (min) to 6.4 V (max) |
| Inverse Diode Characteristics (Tj = 25°C unless otherwise specified) | |
| Nominal Forward Current (IFnom) | 75 A |
| Forward Voltage (VF, typ. @ 75A) | 1.9 V |
| Thermal and Mechanical Ratings | |
| Operating Junction Temperature (Tj) | -40 to +175 °C |
| Isolation Voltage (Visol, AC 50 Hz, t = 1 min) | 4000 V |
Download the SKM75GB17E4 datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Technical Deep Dive
A Closer Look at Trench IGBT4 and CAL4F Diode Synergy
The performance of the SKM75GB17E4 is fundamentally rooted in the synergy between its core semiconductor technologies: the 4th generation Trench IGBT (IGBT4) and the Controlled Axial Lifetime (CAL4) freewheeling diode. This combination is deliberately engineered to manage the critical trade-off between conduction and Switching Loss, a pivotal factor in the efficiency of modern power converters.
To understand its value, think of power loss in an IGBT as two distinct costs. Conduction loss (defined by VCE(sat)) is like the constant friction on a spinning axle—it's the energy you lose just by letting current flow through the device. Switching loss (Eon and Eoff) is the burst of energy consumed each time you start or stop the axle's rotation. The Trench IGBT4 technology acts like advanced, low-friction bearings, significantly reducing the VCE(sat) to minimize those constant losses. Simultaneously, the integrated CAL4F diode provides "soft" recovery characteristics. This is analogous to a sophisticated braking system that slows the axle smoothly without a sudden, energy-wasting jolt. This soft recovery minimizes voltage overshoots during turn-off and reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI), simplifying system-level filtering requirements and ensuring compliance with standards like Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Trench IGBT4 technology in the SKM75GB17E4 for power system design?
Trench IGBT4 technology provides a highly optimized balance between low collector-emitter saturation voltage (VCE(sat)) and reduced switching energies (Eon/Eoff). For a design engineer, this directly translates into lower overall power losses, which reduces the demand on the cooling system and enables higher power density and greater system efficiency. What is the key benefit of Trench IGBT4? It optimizes the trade-off between conduction and switching losses.
How does the 1700V rating of this module benefit designs for 690V AC industrial systems?
Industrial power grids, especially at the 690V level, are prone to voltage spikes and transients. A 1700V-rated IGBT provides a crucial voltage headroom, ensuring the device operates well within its Safe Operating Area (SOA). This robust safety margin enhances the system's resilience against line disturbances, significantly improving the long-term reliability of applications like large motor drives and renewable energy inverters.
For engineering teams evaluating high-voltage IGBTs for demanding industrial applications, the SKM75GB17E4 presents a compelling option focused on efficiency and reliability. To further explore its integration, consulting a guide on decoding IGBT datasheets can provide deeper context on its performance curves. For specific inquiries regarding the implementation of this module in your design, please contact our technical support team for detailed assistance.
