Infineon Technologies T2160N20TOFVTXPSA1

Overview

T2160N20TOFVTXPSA1 from Semikron is a high-power, phase-control thyristor designed for line-commutated AC power conversion in industrial medium-voltage drives and static VAR compensators. It delivers 2400 A average on-state current at 85 °C case temperature, supports 2800 V repetitive peak off-state voltage (V_DRM/V_RRM), and features 150 A/µs critical rate of rise of on-state current (di/dt)_cr, enabling robust gate-triggered turn-on under high di/dt stress in 50/60 Hz grid-connected rectifiers.

For engineers reviewing the T2160N20TOFVTXPSA1 datasheet, T2160N20TOFVTXPSA1 pinout, T2160N20TOFVTXPSA1 application, or T2160N20TOFVTXPSA1 equivalent, key selection criteria include verified RMS on-state current (5460 A), junction-to-case thermal resistance (0.0078 °C/W, two-sided cooling), surge current rating (44 kA, 10 ms), gate trigger current limit (300 mA), and critical dv/dt capability (1000 V/µs).

Technical Context

This thyristor operates in natural commutation mode, requiring external circuit reversal to achieve turn-off. Its 400 µs typical turn-off time (t_q) is validated at V_RM = 100 V and dv_D/dt = 20 V/µs, with -di_T/dt = 10 A/µs - confirming suitability for 50 Hz phase-controlled rectification with forced commutation circuits.

The device uses a silicon pellet with pressure-contact packaging and dual-sided heat sinking. Its on-state characteristic follows v_T = 0.9039 + 1.344×10⁻⁴i_T − 7.137×10⁻³ln(i_T) + 6.776×10⁻³i_Tln(i_T) at T_vj = 125 °C, supporting precise conduction loss modeling across 600–12,000 A.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Pressure-contact, disc-type thyristor housed in TO-240AA (Semikron SKiiP® standard) with double-sided copper baseplate for clamping between heatsinks. Requires 42–95 kN mounting force. Anode and cathode are planar metal surfaces; gate and auxiliary cathode are flat terminals per IEC 60747-6.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TT2160N28KOF and STT2160N28S, T2160N20TOFVTXPSA1 offers superior thermal performance and higher di/dt immunity, making it optimal for high-reliability, high-RMS-current applications where auxiliary cathode isolation and minimal conduction loss are critical.

Availability

T2160N20TOFVTXPSA1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial medium-voltage rectifiers, static VAR compensators, DC arc furnace supplies, and high-power electrolysis systems requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for T2160N20TOFVTXPSA1 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 traction applications.

This part belongs to Semikron's "Netz-Thyristor" series, engineered specifically for phase-controlled AC/DC conversion in utility-scale and heavy industrial equipment operating at 1–3.6 kV AC line voltages.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable case temperature for continuous operation?

The maximum allowable case temperature is 125 °C, corresponding to the device's maximum junction temperature (T_{vj max} = 125 °C). At this temperature, the average on-state current rating drops to 2400 A for two-sided cooling with sinusoidal conduction at 180°. Derating curves in the datasheet show linear reduction to 3470 A at 55 °C case temperature.

Does T2160N20TOFVTXPSA1 require a snubber circuit?

Yes - a dv/dt snubber is strongly recommended due to its 1000 V/µs (dv/dt)_cr rating. Without external RC snubbers across anode–cathode, voltage transients exceeding this rate during commutation can cause false turn-on. Snubber design must limit peak dv/dt to ≤700 V/µs under worst-case line conditions and load inductance.

What gate drive specifications are required for reliable triggering?

A minimum gate trigger current of 1.6 A (with di_G/dt ≥ 1.6 A/µs) and pulse width ≥20 µs is required for guaranteed turn-on at T_vj = 125 °C. The gate trigger voltage must not exceed 3 V, and peak gate power must stay within P_GM = 60 W for 0.5 ms pulses. An auxiliary cathode connection is mandatory to suppress gate noise coupling.

Can this thyristor be used in inverter topologies?

No - T2160N20TOFVTXPSA1 is a line-commutated (natural commutation) thyristor with 400 µs typical turn-off time (t_q). It lacks self-commutation capability and cannot be turned off by gate control. It is unsuitable for voltage-source or current-source inverters; only applicable in rectifiers, cycloconverters, and AC controllers where external circuit reversal provides commutation.