Thyristor and diode modules
Several capsules in a single component
Thyristor and diode modules may contain one or two chips. The modules achieve a current range between 20 A and 2,000 A and a voltage range between 600 V and 3,600 V. Modules up to 300 A are normally soldered or bonded; modules above 300 A feature pressure contacts. This allows the semiconductor chip and contact components to slide onto one another, thus preventing fretting fatigue. This contact method features the longest life cycle of all. All modules described here feature pressure contacts.
Highest power density for thyristor modules on the market!
So far, the maximum current of the thyristor modules from Techsem was 1200 A. That has changed:
Up to 2000 A are possible now: MTx2000
Insulated base plate cools the modules
Power losses depend on temperature and increase as the temperature rises (heat losses). The modules are cooled via an electrically isolated base plate to reduce heat losses from thyristor or diode modules. Due to the high inverse voltages, the modules need to be plugged with a silicon compound to reliably prevent voltage flashovers in the module. The compound also helps to dissipate heat.
Modules are also available in a diode-thyristor combination. Thyristor-thyristor, diode-diode and thyristor-diode modules are used for motor controls, solar and wind inverters, UPS, soft starter, welding machines, ultra-capacitor applications, battery chargers and generally as a rectifier and inverter, controlled rectifier or for lighting and power control.
There are also fast-turn-off thyristor modules and fast-recovery diode modules for induction heating systems, power supply units in telecommunications or DC-DC inverters for DC power control.