Infineon Technologies T1500N16TOFVTXPSA1

Overview

T1500N16TOFVTXPSA1 from Semikron is a high-power phase-control thyristor designed for industrial AC power regulation in medium- to high-voltage line-commutated converters. It delivers 1500 A average on-state current at 85 °C case temperature, 1600 V repetitive peak off-state voltage (VDRM/VRRM), and supports 39 kA non-repetitive surge current (ITSM) at 25 °C - used in HVDC converter valves, traction rectifiers, and static VAR compensators.

For engineers reviewing the T1500N16TOFVTXPSA1 datasheet, T1500N16TOFVTXPSA1 pinout, T1500N16TOFVTXPSA1 application, or T1500N16TOFVTXPSA1 equivalent, key selection criteria include gate trigger current (≤250 mA), critical dv/dt rating (1000 V/µs), junction-to-case thermal resistance (0.0170 °C/W two-sided), turn-off time (240 µs), and on-state voltage drop (1.13 V at 1.5 kA).

Technical Context

This thyristor operates as a line-commutated, gate-controlled rectifier in phase-angle controlled AC–DC conversion. Its design centers on high di/dt capability (200 A/µs) and robust dv/dt immunity (1000 V/µs), enabling reliable triggering under fast-rising voltage transients in 50/60 Hz grid-connected systems.

It features a pressure-contact silicon pellet construction with dual cooling surfaces, supporting bidirectional heat extraction. The device requires precise gate drive timing (≤4 µs delay) and exhibits defined latching (2500 mA) and holding (500 mA) currents to ensure stable conduction during half-cycle operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-240AA (Semikron SKiiP®-compatible press-pack thyristor with dual-side cooling interface, 24 kN clamping force, 600 g mass, 20 mm creepage distance).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar phase-control thyristor applications.

Compared with TT1500N16KOF, T1500N16TOFVTXPSA1 delivers 35% lower thermal resistance and 36% higher surge rating; versus T1600N16TOF, it trades 67 A current headroom for relaxed gate timing tolerance and proven field reliability in legacy traction systems.

Availability

T1500N16TOFVTXPSA1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HVDC converter valves, traction rectifier systems, and static VAR compensators requiring stable component supply across multi-year production programs.

Supply support for T1500N16TOFVTXPSA1 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

Semikron is a German power semiconductor manufacturer specializing in high-reliability, high-power discrete devices and integrated power modules for industrial, energy, and transportation applications.

This part belongs to Semikron's T-series high-power thyristor product line, engineered for line-commutated applications demanding extreme surge robustness, precise turn-off behavior, and long-term thermal stability in harsh grid environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable junction temperature for T1500N16TOFVTXPSA1?

The maximum junction temperature (Tvj max) is 125 °C, as specified in the datasheet's thermal properties section. Operation beyond this temperature risks irreversible degradation of the silicon die and pressure-contact interfaces. Thermal design must ensure that under worst-case conduction angle (180°), case temperature does not exceed 85 °C to maintain 1500 A ITAVM rating with adequate safety margin.

Does T1500N16TOFVTXPSA1 require a heatsink on both sides?

Yes - the device is explicitly rated for two-sided cooling, and its 0.0170 °C/W RthJC value applies only when clamped between two thermally conductive surfaces with ≥24 kN force. Using only one heatsink increases thermal resistance to 0.0344 °C/W (anode-side) or 0.0364 °C/W (cathode-side), reducing ITAVM to approximately 1100 A at 85 °C case temperature.

What gate drive parameters are required to reliably trigger T1500N16TOFVTXPSA1?

A minimum gate trigger current of 250 mA (IGT max) at 2 V (VGT max) with 12 V anode-cathode voltage is required. Gate pulses must be ≥20 µs wide and deliver ≥500 mJ energy. The device also specifies a maximum non-trigger current (IGD) of 10 mA at full junction temperature, necessitating noise-immune gate isolation in high-di/dt environments.

Can T1500N16TOFVTXPSA1 be used in forced-commutated circuits?

No - this is a line-commutated thyristor with no inherent turn-off capability. Its 240 µs turn-off time (tq) assumes natural current zero-crossing in AC systems. Forced commutation requires additional circuitry (e.g., auxiliary SCRs or capacitors), which is not supported by its design. For fully controllable switching, consider GTOs or IGCTs from Semikron's G-series instead.