ABB 5SHX19L6020 IGCT Gate Unit – Robust, fiber‑optic driver for high‑power converters

The model 5SHX19L6020 belongs to ABB’s IGCT gate unit family — the driver module that mounts directly onto a press‑pack IGCT to deliver the high di/dt gate pulses and fast turn‑off performance your medium‑voltage converter stack depends on. From my experience, this generation is typically used in 4.5–6.5 kV IGCT applications, where reliable fiber‑optic command links, tight protection logic, and low propagation delay make a noticeable difference in uptime and switching losses. You might notice that teams choose it when they need a drop‑in, field‑proven gate unit for drive, traction or STATCOM retrofits without requalifying an entirely new control chain.

Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Lead time: 1 week if in stock; no more than 1 month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance; full payment prior to delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL
• Pre‑shipment testing and visual inspection are included to reduce installation risk

Key Features

• Direct‑mount gate unit for IGCTs – Attaches to the press‑pack device, minimizing loop inductance and improving commutation margins.
• Fiber‑optic command and feedback – Immune to EMC noise typical in MV switch cabinets; simplifies long‑distance control routing.
• High peak gate current drive – Delivers fast turn‑on/turn‑off pulses for low losses and clean switching, especially under high dI/dt.
• Integrated protection logic – Typically includes desaturation/overcurrent response, status indication, and safe‑off behavior on supply loss.
• 24 VDC supply – Common control power for industrial cabinets; simplifies retrofits.
• Ruggedized for MV environments – Designed for operation across a wide temperature range with consistent timing behavior.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

This gate unit is typically used in:

• Medium‑voltage drives for cement, mining, metals, and oil & gas compressors
• Traction converters and auxiliary inverters
• Static VAR compensators (SVC/STATCOM) and grid‑tied power quality systems
• High‑power wind turbine converters and test benches
• Large UPS and research pulse‑power converters

Advantages & Value

• Reliability under real loads – Stable timing and strong gate pulses reduce mis‑turn‑off risks, especially during line dips.
• Compatibility – Works with established ABB IGCT frames, so you can service existing stacks without redesigning the control rack.
• Lower integration cost – Fiber‑optic isolation eliminates extra EMC filtering and simplifies cabinet wiring.
• Predictable lifecycle support – ABB documentation and long‑term spares policy ease qualification and audits.

A drive OEM told us they swapped in 5SHX19L6020 on a 6‑pulse stack during a forced outage and had it synchronized within a shift; the fiber link and 24 V supply alignment saved them a full day of rewiring.

Installation & Maintenance

• Environment – Install in a sealed MV cabinet with adequate ventilation or forced air. Keep away from conductive dust and condensation.
• Mounting – Seat the gate unit squarely on the IGCT; apply the specified press‑pack clamping force. Verify flatness and cleanliness of mating surfaces.
• Wiring – Provide a regulated 24 VDC supply; route fiber‑optic Rx/Tx clear of sharp bends and high‑EMI paths. Confirm polarity of FO channels before energizing.
• Safety – De‑energize and discharge DC links before handling. Observe ESD precautions when connecting control leads.
• Routine maintenance – Inspect connectors quarterly; clean dust with dry air; check FO signal levels; update firmware if applicable; verify temperature sensor readings during scheduled downtime.
• Commissioning tips – Measure propagation delay and confirm interlock behavior with a low‑energy source first; then ramp to full current to validate margins.

Quality & Certifications

• Manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems
• CE marking; RoHS compliance for electronic assemblies
• Typical conformity with relevant EMC and LV directives for industrial environments
• Warranty: 12 months (365 days)

Note: Specifications above reflect typical values for the 5SHX gate unit series and seem to be consistent with fielded installations. If you’re pairing 5SHX19L6020 with a specific ABB IGCT part number, share the device code and we’ll confirm exact compatibility and mounting kit before shipment.