A Technical Review of the Mitsubishi CM800HB-66H IGBT Module
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Mitsubishi CM800HB-66H 3300V 800A H-Series IGBT Module
High-Voltage Power Switching with Enhanced Thermal Performance
The Mitsubishi CM800HB-66H is a high-power H-Series IGBT module engineered for demanding high-voltage industrial applications. It leverages Mitsubishi’s 4th generation CSTBT™ (Carrier Stored Trench Gate Bipolar Transistor) technology to deliver a robust combination of high blocking voltage and efficient current handling. This single-switch module provides a reliable building block for power converters where high voltage capability and thermal stability are critical. Understanding its thermal characteristics is fundamental for proper thermal design and system longevity.
- Core Specifications: 3300V | 800A | 6000V Isolation
- Key Advantages: Enables robust medium-voltage inverter design, facilitates effective thermal management.
Download Official Datasheet (PDF)
Technical Analysis
The CM800HB-66H is defined by its impressive voltage ratings. With a collector-emitter voltage (VCES) of 3300V, it is structured for direct use in medium-voltage power systems, such as those operating on 3.3kV lines. [8] This high blocking voltage is complemented by a substantial isolation voltage (Visol) of 6000Vrms, providing a significant safety margin against line disturbances and ensuring reliable separation between the power circuit and control logic. [8] This level of insulation is crucial for building systems that comply with stringent industrial safety standards. For more insights on this topic, explore our guide to high-voltage IGBTs.
Efficient heat dissipation is paramount in high-current modules. The thermal resistance from junction to case (Rth(j-c)) for the IGBT is specified at a low 0.015 °C/W. [8] This parameter can be imagined as the width of a heat escape tunnel; a lower value indicates a wider tunnel, allowing large amounts of thermal energy to move away from the semiconductor chip with minimal resistance. This efficient thermal transfer simplifies heatsink selection and helps maintain the junction temperature within its safe operating limit of 150°C, which is critical for long-term operational reliability. [8]


Optimized Application Areas
The specifications of the CM800HB-66H make it a strong candidate for several high-power applications:
- Medium Voltage Drives: The 3300V VCES is ideally suited for inverters and motor drives operating on industrial power grids above 1kV, where this voltage class is standard.
- Renewable Energy Systems: Its high current rating of 800A allows it to handle significant power throughput in large-scale central solar or wind turbine inverters. [8]
- Railway and Traction Systems: The robust construction and high isolation voltage of 6000Vrms ensure reliability in the electrically noisy and mechanically demanding environment of railway traction drives. [8]
- High-Power DC Converters: Used as a core switching element in applications like induction heating and high-power rectifiers that require precise control of high currents and voltages.
This module is best matched for high-power converters where high-voltage blocking capability and system reliability are the primary design drivers.
Key Specification Parameters
| Absolute Maximum Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCES) | 3300 V | |
| Gate-Emitter Voltage (VGES) | ±20 V | |
| Collector Current (IC) | 800 A | |
| Peak Collector Current (ICM) | 1600 A | |
| Maximum Power Dissipation (PC) at TC=25°C | 10400 W | |
| Electrical & Thermal Characteristics | ||
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (VCE(sat)) (Typical) | 2.5 V (at IC = 800A, VGE = 15V) | |
| Thermal Resistance, Junction-to-Case (Rth(j-c)Q) (IGBT) | 0.015 °C/W | |
| Operating Junction Temperature (Tj) | -40 to +150 °C | |
| Isolation Voltage (Visol) | 6000 Vrms | |

Engineer’s FAQ
1. How does the thermal resistance of the CM800HB-66H impact heatsink selection?
The module’s low junction-to-case thermal resistance (0.015 °C/W) means it efficiently transfers heat from the IGBT die to the module baseplate. To select a heatsink, you must calculate the total power loss at your operating conditions and use the specified Rth(j-c) and the heatsink’s case-to-ambient thermal resistance (Rth(c-a)) to ensure the junction temperature stays below its 150°C maximum.
2. What are the recommended mounting torque values for this module?
According to the datasheet, the main power terminals (M8 screws) should be tightened to a torque of 6.67 – 13.00 N·m. The module mounting screws (M6) require a torque of 2.84 – 6.00 N·m. [8] Adhering to these values is crucial for ensuring a reliable electrical and thermal connection.
3. Can the CM800HB-66H be operated in parallel for higher current capacity?
Yes, connecting IGBT modules in parallel is a common practice for achieving higher currents. The datasheet notes that for parallel connections, devices should be selected from the same rank. It’s critical to ensure a symmetrical busbar layout to minimize stray inductance imbalances, which can cause unequal current sharing. For a detailed guide, see our analysis on mastering high-power IGBT paralleling.
4. What is the function of the integrated freewheeling diode (FWD)?
The CM800HB-66H includes a co-packaged freewheeling diode. In inverter or chopper applications, this diode provides a path for inductive load current to flow when the IGBT is switched off. This prevents a large voltage spike across the IGBT. The datasheet specifies its forward voltage (VEC) as typically 3.1V at an emitter current of 800A. [8]
Design Enablement
The CM800HB-66H provides the high-voltage blocking capacity and thermal headroom necessary for developing reliable megawatt-scale power conversion systems. Its use of proven 4th generation CSTBT™ chip technology and a high-integrity isolated package offers a solid foundation for designs where operational robustness and long-term performance are non-negotiable.