ABB 5SHX1960L0005 IGCT Gate Unit – Reliable, fast switching control for medium-voltage power converters

The ABB 5SHX1960L0005 is part of ABB’s 5SHX gate-unit family typically used to drive ABB IGCTs (Integrated Gate-Commutated Thyristors) in high-power converters. From my experience, this series pairs well with ABB 4.5 kV and 6.5 kV IGCT devices (5SHY family), giving you clean turn-on/turn-off behavior, strong short-circuit handling, and the kind of timing accuracy you want in MV drives, STATCOMs, and traction inverters. One thing I appreciate is the straightforward fiber‑optic triggering and robust interlock logic—it keeps integration clean and predictable in most control architectures.

Our Order Process & Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Lead time: 1 week if in stock; no more than 1 month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment, full payment before delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• Dedicated IGCT driver – Designed to mate with ABB IGCTs for fast, reliable gate control and low switching losses.
• Fiber‑optic firing interface – Noise‑immune triggering and status feedback, which in many cases simplifies EMC and cabling in large cabinets.
• Integrated protection logic – Typically includes interlock, fault status output, and controlled turn‑off to protect the semiconductor during abnormal events.
• High di/dt capability – Optimized gate drive to support the IGCT’s fast commutation characteristics in demanding converter stages.
• Serviceable design – Field-replaceable gate unit concept; you can swap a GDU without disturbing the power stack more than necessary.
• Proven in MV platforms – Commonly seen in medium‑voltage drives, wind converters, STATCOMs, and rail traction where uptime is critical.

Technical Specifications

Brand / Model	ABB 5SHX1960L0005
Product Type	IGCT Gate Unit (driver) for ABB IGCT power semiconductors
HS Code	8538.90 (Parts suitable for switching/control apparatus; commonly used for gate driver units)
Power Requirements	Typically 24 VDC auxiliary supply (industrial range, e.g., 18–30 VDC); low steady‑state power consumption
Operating Temperature	Typically −25 °C to +70 °C (application dependent; follow ABB datasheet for exact limits)
Signal I/O Types	Fiber‑optic control input/output, hardware interlock/status contacts (varies by stack design)
Communication Interfaces	Fiber‑optic trigger interface; no fieldbus on the gate unit itself
Installation Method	Direct mounting on the compatible ABB IGCT with specified clamping; auxiliary power via terminal/plug; fiber ports to control

Application Fields

You’ll typically see the 5SHX1960L0005 in:

• Medium‑voltage drives for compressors, pumps, and fans
• Reactive power compensation such as STATCOM and SVC systems
• Rail traction converters and marine propulsion drives
• Wind and photovoltaic central inverters using IGCT stacks
• Industrial UPS and energy storage converters with high cycling demands

Advantages & Value

• System reliability – Matched ABB driver-to-device behavior helps reduce nuisance trips and thermal stress on the IGCT.
• Compatibility – Seamless pairing with ABB IGCTs (5SHY series) and fiber‑optic control schemes used in many MV platforms.
• Lifecycle cost – Stable availability and serviceable design can cut downtime costs compared with custom driver boards.
• Engineering support – ABB documentation and established application notes speed up commissioning and troubleshooting.

A maintenance lead from a steel mill told us the swap time “went from hours to under 45 minutes” after standardizing on ABB gate units across their IGCT stacks—seems to be a common theme when spares are aligned.

Installation & Maintenance

• Panel and cabinet – Use an IP54 or better cabinet in dusty/humid areas; maintain clear airflow around the power stack. Keep fiber bends within the recommended radius.
• Wiring and power – Provide a clean, regulated 24 VDC auxiliary supply with proper grounding. Route auxiliary and fiber separately from high‑dv/dt busbars.
• Mounting – Follow ABB torque and clamping instructions to ensure correct pressure and alignment on the IGCT housing.
• Safety – Lockout/tagout the DC link; discharge capacitors fully. Verify fiber polarity and interlock chain before energizing.
• Routine care – Inspect connectors quarterly, check fiber cleanliness, and review thermal logs. Firmware/config (if applicable) should be kept at the recommended revision.
• Calibration/health – Periodically validate turn‑off energy and gate current waveforms during service windows; abnormal signatures often indicate upstream issues.

Quality & Certifications

• Manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems
• CE compliance for applicable EMC/Low Voltage aspects at the assembly level
• RoHS compliant materials, typical for ABB semiconductor assemblies
• Warranty: 365 days

Related Components (for a complete stack)

• ABB IGCT devices: 5SHY series (e.g., 4.5 kV / 6.5 kV classes)
• Fiber‑optic transmitter/receiver modules and cables
• Snubber capacitors and clamp hardware specified for the target IGCT
• Auxiliary 24 VDC industrial power supply and interlock relays

If you need a cross‑check on compatibility with your exact IGCT part number or a recommended spares list, share your converter topology and we’ll map the gate units, fibers, and accessories accordingly. You might notice that having matched pairs (IGCT + 5SHX gate unit) typically shortens commissioning time and reduces parameter tweaking.