ABB 5SHY35L4511 IGCT Module – Press-pack power thyristor for medium-voltage drives and grid converters

The ABB 5SHY35L4511 is an IGCT (Integrated Gate-Commutated Thyristor) designed for high-power conversion where efficiency, robustness, and predictable switching behavior matter—think medium-voltage drives, STATCOM/SVC, and heavy-duty rectifier/inverter stacks. From my experience, engineers pick this device when they need the ruggedness of a press-pack package and the controllability of a gate-commutated device without drifting parameters over time. One thing I appreciate is how IGCTs typically handle fault conditions better than many plastic-pack modules, provided the clamping and gate drive are done right.

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 payment, full payment before delivery
• Shipping: FedEx, UPS, DHL (express options available)
• Packaging: ESD-safe, shock-absorbing packing for press-pack devices

Key Features

• Press-pack construction – Metal-ceramic package with uniform pressure contact; no wire bonds, typically excellent thermal cycling and short-circuit robustness.
• IGCT switching behavior – Gate-commutated turn-off provides fast, clean commutation compared to classic GTOs, helping reduce losses and snubber stress.
• High-voltage class (4.5 kV family) – Well-suited for MV drive DC-link levels and grid converter topologies using series stacking.
• Low conduction losses for high current – In many cases results in lower system losses versus equivalent IGBT stacks at the same voltage class.
• Predictable failure mode – Press-pack devices tend to fail short, which system designers often prefer for series strings and fault management.
• Mature ecosystem – Works with dedicated ABB gate units, proven clamps, and standard heat-sink assemblies used across MV platforms.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

You might notice this device shows up in equipment where downtime is expensive and switching losses add up quickly:

• Medium-voltage drives for compressors, pumps, rolling mills, and marine propulsion
• Static VAR Compensators (SVC) and STATCOM systems for grid stability
• High-power rectifiers and DC supplies in metals, mining, and chemistry
• Wind turbine and test-bench converters in the multi-megawatt range
• Traction auxiliary converters and heavy industrial UPS where robust press-pack devices are preferred

Feedback from a maintenance lead at a steel plant: “Swapping to the ABB IGCT package cut our thermal failures. Clamping setup needs care, but once dialed in, it’s been steady for years.”

Advantages & Value

• Reliability in harsh duty – Press-pack architecture handles thermal cycling and current surges better in most MV stacks.
• Compatibility – Fits established ABB gate-unit ecosystems and standard mechanical clamps, simplifying retrofits.
• Cost of ownership – Lower conduction losses and predictable fault behavior can reduce snubber stress and downtime, which typically saves more than the initial device delta.
• Long-term support – ABB’s IGCT family has stable availability and documentation, which makes lifecycle planning easier.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet & environment – Install in a sealed cabinet with filtered airflow or liquid-cooled heat sinks. Keep ambient dust and moisture low; typical design target is clean, dry air, < 95% RH non-condensing.
• Clamping – Use a calibrated press system with disc springs. For this frame size, clamping forces are usually in the 25–35 kN range; confirm the exact value in the ABB drawing for 5SHY35L4511.
• Gate drive – Pair with the correct ABB gate unit for 4.5 kV IGCTs. Ensure short, low-inductance gate connections and verify fiber-optic command polarity and interlocks at commissioning.
• Wiring – Keep busbars laminated and symmetrical. Minimize loop inductance around the device to improve di/dt control and reduce snubber stress.
• Cooling – Use flat, lapped heat-sink surfaces. Apply approved thermal interface material (thin, uniform). Check temperature rise under load and stay within case temperature limits.
• Routine checks – Inspect clamping force after initial thermal cycles, clean dust from heat sinks, verify gate unit health (fiber signal, DC supply), and keep firmware up to date when applicable.
• Safety – Lockout/tagout the DC link. Discharge snubbers and DC capacitors, and use appropriate HV PPE. IGCTs can store charge; treat the stack as live until proven safe.

Quality & Certifications

• RoHS: Typically compliant; material declaration available on request.
• ISO: Manufactured in ISO 9001 certified facilities.
• CE/UL: As a semiconductor component, CE/UL marking may not apply to the device itself; system-level certification is handled by the equipment manufacturer.
• Warranty: 365 days (device-level warranty as stated above).

Recommended Supporting Components

• Gate Unit for 4.5 kV IGCT – Fiber-optic controlled drive unit with 24 VDC supply, tailored gate current profile, and protection interlocks.
• Press-pack clamping set – Calibrated disc springs, load washers, and insulated fixtures matched to the device frame size.
• Laminated busbars and snubber network – Optimized to limit stray inductance and voltage overshoot during turn-off.
• High-performance heat sinks – Air- or liquid-cooled, lapped surfaces for uniform contact pressure and low thermal resistance.
• Fiber-optic transceivers – Compatible transmitter/receiver pairs for command and status channels between controller and gate unit.