Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 201CNQ040

Overview

201CNQ040 from Infineon Technologies is a center-tap Schottky rectifier module rated for 200 A average forward current, 40 V maximum DC reverse voltage, and 175 °C junction temperature operation; it features low forward voltage drop (0.58 V @ 100 A, TJ = 125 °C), high surge capability (16,000 A peak @ 5 µs sine), and TO-244AB package with common cathode configuration-designed for high-current switching power supplies and welding equipment.

For engineers reviewing the 201CNQ040 datasheet, 201CNQ040 pinout, 201CNQ040 application, or 201CNQ040 equivalent, key selection criteria include thermal resistance (0.20 °C/W junction-to-case per package), reverse leakage (90 mA @ 125 °C), ruggedness-enhancing guard ring, and compatibility with high-frequency, high-temperature industrial systems requiring stable conduction and minimal switching loss.

Technical Context

This device implements a dual-anode, single-common-cathode Schottky architecture enabling independent leg conduction with shared thermal path. Its proprietary barrier technology suppresses reverse leakage at elevated temperatures while maintaining low VF across wide current range (0.58–0.71 V @ 100–200 A).

Thermal design is enabled by low RthJC (0.20 °C/W per package) and RthCS (0.10 °C/W to heatsink), supporting continuous 200 A operation at TC = 138 °C under 50% duty cycle rectangular waveform. dv/dt rating of 10,000 V/µs ensures robustness against fast transients in inductive switching circuits.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-244AB (Modified JEDEC), metal-base insulated module with center-tap configuration. Dimensions: 92.71 × 40.26 × 23.55 mm (3.650 × 1.585 × 0.927 in), weight 79 g. Mounting via 1/4-20 slotted hex base and terminal lugs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Schottky rectifier applications.

Compared with VSKT200-04 and STPS20045CT, the 201CNQ040 delivers superior thermal performance (0.20 °C/W pkg RthJC), extended temperature capability (175 °C), and higher surge tolerance-making it optimal for space-constrained, high-reliability industrial power stages where thermal headroom and transient robustness are decisive.

Availability

201CNQ040 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for welding equipment, industrial DC-DC converters, and uninterruptible power systems requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for 201CNQ040 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Infineon Technologies is a German semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power semiconductors, microcontrollers, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and energy markets.

The 201CNQ... series was developed for high-current, high-temperature rectification in industrial power conversion-emphasizing ruggedness, low conduction loss, and long-term reliability under thermal and electrical stress.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable case temperature for continuous operation of the 201CNQ040?

The 201CNQ040 supports continuous 200 A average forward current at a case temperature (TC) of 138 °C under 50% duty cycle rectangular waveform conditions. Exceeding this temperature requires derating per Fig. 5 in the datasheet. The device's 175 °C maximum junction temperature and 0.20 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance define its thermal envelope. Proper heatsink interface (greased, smooth surface) is essential to maintain TC within limits during full-load operation of the 201CNQ040.

Does the 201CNQ040 have a guard ring, and what benefit does it provide?

Yes, the 201CNQ040 incorporates a guard ring structure in its die design. This feature enhances edge termination ruggedness, improving resistance to surface flashover and long-term reliability under repetitive avalanche stress-particularly important in inductive switching applications like welding and motor drives. The guard ring contributes directly to the device's ability to sustain 135 mJ non-repetitive avalanche energy per leg and supports robust operation in harsh industrial environments where the 201CNQ040 is deployed.

Can the 201CNQ040 be used in parallel configurations, and what limits that use?

Parallel operation of the 201CNQ040 is feasible but requires careful attention to thermal and electrical balancing. Its low and matched forward voltage (0.58 V @ 100 A, TJ = 125 °C) supports current sharing, yet reverse leakage divergence at high temperature (90 mA @ 125 °C per leg) may cause imbalance. To ensure stability, use matched devices, symmetrical PCB layout, and shared heatsinking. Derating and thermal monitoring are recommended-especially since the 201CNQ040's 175 °C TJ rating enables tighter thermal margins than alternatives.

What is the significance of the TO-244AB package designation for the 201CNQ040?

TO-244AB is a Modified JEDEC outline specifying a metal-base, insulated power module package with standardized mechanical dimensions (92.71 × 40.26 × 23.55 mm), 1/4-20 slotted hex base, and dual-terminal lug configuration. It provides low thermal resistance (0.20 °C/W junction-to-case per package), electrical isolation of the base, and high mechanical robustness-critical for high-vibration environments like welding gear and industrial machinery where the 201CNQ040 is commonly applied.

How does the 201CNQ040 compare to standard silicon rectifiers in high-frequency applications?

The 201CNQ040 uses Schottky barrier technology, eliminating minority-carrier storage delay and enabling true zero-recovery behavior-unlike PN-junction silicon rectifiers. This results in negligible reverse recovery charge (Qrr ≈ 0), reduced EMI, and higher efficiency above 20 kHz. With 7.0 nH typical series inductance and 10,000 V/µs dv/dt rating, the 201CNQ040 maintains stable operation in high-frequency switch-mode power supplies where conventional rectifiers would suffer switching losses and thermal runaway. That makes the 201CNQ040 especially advantageous in modern high-density, high-efficiency power systems.