Thyristors - SCRs

Thyristors - SCRs - Modules

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
CD431290C Powerex, Inc.	SCR MOD ISO DUAL 90A 1200V	39
LS431650 Powerex, Inc.	SCR MOD ISO SGL 1600V 500A	40
ND431625 Powerex, Inc.	SCR MODULE ISO DUAL 1600V 250A	6
T620163004DN Powerex, Inc.	SCR PHASE CTRL MOD 1600V 300A	23
CD431690B Powerex, Inc.	SCR MOD ISO DUAL 1600V 90A	227
CD431690C Powerex, Inc.	DUAL SCR MODULE	238
CD431699C Powerex, Inc.	SCR MODULE DUAL	44
LDR31850 Powerex, Inc.	SCR MODULE 1800V 785A POW-R-BLOK	4
CD431290B Powerex, Inc.	SCR MOD ISO DUAL 1200V 90A	408
CD421690B Powerex, Inc.	SCR MOD ISO DUAL 1600V 90A	0
T9G0161203DH Powerex, Inc.	SCR PHASE CTRL MOD 1600V 1200A	80
PD431607 Powerex, Inc.	SCR MODULE ISO DUAL 1600V 700A	0
CD631615C Powerex, Inc.	SCR MODULE DUAL 150A 1600V	0
LD430850 Powerex, Inc.	SCR MOD ISO DUAL 800V 500A	0
T7H8167504DN Powerex, Inc.	SCR PHASE CTRL MOD 1600V 750A	0
CD631615B Powerex, Inc.	SCR MOD DUAL 1600V 150A	0
LD431850 Powerex, Inc.	DUAL SCR MODULE 500A 1800V	0
T720165504DN Powerex, Inc.	SCR PHASE CTRL MOD 1600V 550A	0
ND431825 Powerex, Inc.	SCR MOD ISO DUAL 1800V 250A	90
CD431899C Powerex, Inc.	SCR MODULE DUAL	46

Thyristors - SCRs - Modules

1. Overview

Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs) are four-layer (PNPN) semiconductor devices that act as controlled switches for high-power applications. As key members of the thyristor family, SCR modules enable precise control of electrical power in industrial systems. Their ability to handle high voltages (>6000V) and currents (>5000A) makes them indispensable in power electronics, particularly for AC/DC conversion, motor speed control, and load management systems.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Single-phase SCR Module	Compact design with integrated snubber circuitry	Single-phase motor controllers, heating systems
Three-phase SCR Module	6-pack configuration for 3-phase power control	Variable frequency drives, industrial furnaces
Reverse-Conducting SCR (RC-SCR)	Integrated freewheeling diode for inductive loads	Traction converters, welding equipment
Light-Triggered SCR (LTSCR)	Optical gate activation for high-noise environments	High-voltage DC transmission systems
SCR Power Stack Module	Multi-chip parallel configuration for extreme currents	Electrolysis plants, large motor soft starters

3. Structure and Composition

Typical SCR module construction includes:

Die-level PNPN junction semiconductor (silicon base)
DBC (Direct Bonded Copper) substrate for thermal management
Gate control circuit with trigger transformer isolation
Press-pack or soldered housing with IP54 protection rating
Dielectric cooling interface ( silicone pad or phase-change material)

Advanced modules integrate temperature sensors and MOV-based overvoltage protection.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Typical Range	Importance
Rated Repetitive Peak Voltage (VRRM)	600V - 6500V	Determines maximum operating voltage
Rated Average On-state Current (ITAV)	25A - 3000A	Defines continuous load capacity
Gate Trigger Current (IGT)	50 A - 50mA	Affects control circuit design
dv/dt Capability	10-500 V/ s	Indicates immunity to voltage spikes
Thermal Resistance (Rth)	0.01-0.5 K/W	Impacts cooling requirements

5. Application Fields

Primary industries utilizing SCR modules:

Industrial: Motor drives (cranes, mills), welding machines, heating controllers
Energy: HVDC transmission, static VAR compensators, battery charging systems
Transportation: Traction converters for trains, EV charging stations
Utilities: Smart grid power flow controllers, uninterruptible power supplies

Case Study: 3 MW wind turbine converter using 1700V/1200A SCR modules achieves 98.5% conversion efficiency.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
ABB	5SNA 2400K170300	1700V/2400A, press-pack design, 50kA short-circuit rating
ON Semiconductor	CM400HA-34H	1600V/400A, hockey puck package, <2V forward voltage
Infineon	B25801-A1047	1200V/800A, integrated heat sink, RoHS compliant
Mitsubishi Electric	PM100CL1A-120	1200V/100A, low inductance package, 150 C operating temp

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

Derate ITAV by 20-30% for safety margin
Select VRRM 1.5 system peak voltage
Match gate drive circuit to IGT specifications
Consider thermal interface material (TIM) performance
Verify short-circuit withstand capability

Recommend consulting manufacturer's SOA (Safe Operating Area) curves for critical applications.

Industry Trends

Emerging developments:

SiC-based SCR prototypes enabling 3 higher switching frequencies
Smart power modules with embedded current/voltage sensors
Double-sided cooling packages reducing thermal resistance by 40%
Grid-forming SCR systems for renewable energy integration
Lead-free packaging compliant with REACH regulations