Infineon develops advanced hydrogen sulfide protection to extend the lifetime of IGBT modules

     Durability determines the service life and reliability of modules in harsh environments. Especially when exposed to hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the life of electronic components can be greatly affected. To counter this threat, Infineon Technologies has developed a unique protection feature. The EconoPACK™+ module with TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT4 chipset is the first in the Econo family to feature this new protection feature for inverter applications. Harsh environments where hydrogen sulfide reaches critical levels are particularly common in the paper, mining, wastewater, petrochemical processing, and rubber industries.

     Hydrogen sulfide is the most threatening corrosive pollutant for power semiconductors. IGBT modules usually rise in temperature during operation to form high temperatures, which, combined with the applied voltage and hydrogen sulfide pollution, will react to form copper sulfide (Cu2S) crystals. This conductive structure can spread in the copper-covered grooves on the ceramic substrate DCB and, at worst, cause a short circuit. Premature failure of the IGBT module will lead to a significant reduction in the life of the inverter. Infineon's advanced hydrogen sulfide protection prevents hydrogen sulfide from entering sensitive areas of the module. This method is not only unique, but also highly efficient.

     At the same time, all electrical, thermal and mechanical parameters of the modules are unchanged, while retaining the same properties as standard modules, which extends the life of systems operating in harsh environments. To confirm this, Infineon designed a proprietary HV-H2S test in accordance with ISA 71.04-2013 to demonstrate that the IGBT module can operate under specific conditions. The standard has four levels based on the severity of pollution impacts, from "mild (G1)" to "severe (GX)." Infineon's tests cover a wide range of industrial applications and provide a quantifiable way to assess the reliability of IGBT modules.

     Protected by Infineon's hydrogen sulfide technology, IGBT modules do not show dendrite growth under HV-H2S specified test conditions and are therefore expected to last for 20 years under the "G3 (severe)" grade upper limit (≤ 2000 A / 50 ppb) in accordance with ISA 71.04. EconoPACK+ with this protection can easily replace standard modules without costly and time-consuming design work. In addition, with this feature, companies using inverter systems can eliminate some additional protection measures, such as adding air conditioning, temperature and humidity control in the inverter installation area and even in the sealed cabinet.