Thyristors - SCRs

Thyristors - SCRs - Modules

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
LDR31650 Powerex, Inc.	SCR MODULE 1800V 785A POW-R-BLOK	57
TA20241603DH Powerex, Inc.	SCR PHASE CTRL 2400V 1600A	0
T720163504DN Powerex, Inc.	SCR PHASE CTRL MOD 1600V 350A	0
T820087504DH Powerex, Inc.	SCR PHASE CTRL MOD 800V 750A	0
T9G0221003DH Powerex, Inc.	SCR PHASE CTRL MOD 2200V 1000A	0
TA20101803DH Powerex, Inc.	SCR PHASE CTRL 1000V 1800A	0
C784DP Powerex, Inc.	THYRISTOR DISC 4000V 1650A TBK	0
ND471825 Powerex, Inc.	SCR MOD ISO DUAL 1800V 250A	0
PA430607 Powerex, Inc.	SCR MOD AC-SW ISO 600V 700A	0
T7H8146504DN Powerex, Inc.	SCR PHASE CTRL MOD 1400V 650A	0
T620102004DN Powerex, Inc.	SCR PHASE CTRL MOD 1000V 200A	0
PD431807 Powerex, Inc.	SCR MOD ISO DUAL 1800V 700A	0
LD421850 Powerex, Inc.	SCR/DIODE MODULE	0
T620162004DN Powerex, Inc.	SCR PHASE CTRL MOD 1600V 200A	0
LD431250 Powerex, Inc.	SCR MOD ISO DUAL 1200V 500A	0
LD471250 Powerex, Inc.	SCR MOD ISO DUAL 1200V 500A	0
T8KC603203DH Powerex, Inc.	SCR PHASE CTRL MOD 325A 6000V	0
CD431090B Powerex, Inc.	SCR MOD ISO DUAL 1000V 90A	0
PA431607 Powerex, Inc.	SCR MOD AC-SW ISO 1600V 700A	0
PD432006 Powerex, Inc.	SCR MOD ISO DUAL 2000V 600A	0

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