Dear All,

In several Infenion IGBT datasheets e.g. IKW50N60T I have found this text:

"Allowed number of short circuits: <1000; time between short circuits: >1s."

What constitutes a "short circuit" in this context? I have absolutely no clue, maybe someone could come up with a qualified answer?

Thank you.
Ejnar

 

This is probably the number of times you can short circuit the load from 5 uS with Vcc < 400V, VGE of 15 volts (pr presumably less) when the junction temperature is less than or equal to 150°C.

 

This is probably the number of times you can short circuit the load from 5 uS with Vcc < 400V, VGE of 15 volts (pr presumably less) when the junction temperature is less than or equal to 150°C.

View attachment 174671

Thank you Dick, but then every time you switch the IGBT fully on in your circuit, it would also constitute a short?

 

The specification applies to a shorted load, in other words, the collector connected directly to 400V and the emitter grounded. In most real circuits there is a load somewhere in that path which will limit the current.

 

The specification applies to a shorted load, in other words, the collector connected directly to 400V and the emitter grounded. In most real circuits there is a load somewhere in that path which will limit the current.

OK, then this must be the short circuit condition:

So if I keep below the maximum rating I can disregard the ominous short circuit warning i.e.

 

Yes.