Description
Key Technical Specifications
- Product Model: 5SHX0660F0002
- Manufacturer: ABB
- Product Type: RC-IGCT (Reverse Conducting Integrated Gate-Commutated Thyristor)
- Package Style: Press-Pack, 51mm Height
- Mounting Method: Press-Pack (Requires uniform pressure fixture)
- Application: Medium Voltage Drives (e.g., ACS1000 Series)
- Key Feature: Integrated Reverse-Conducting Diode
- Switching Frequency: Medium Frequency (Typical for IGCT)
- Cooling: Water or Air Cooled (Dependent on heatsink assembly)
- Electrical Isolation: Full ceramic/metal press-pack isolation
Product Introduction
Medium voltage drives don’t fail gracefully, and when the main power stack goes, production stops cold. The ABB 5SHX0660F0002 is a 51mm Reverse Conducting IGCT designed to handle the brutal switching demands of ACS1000 and similar medium-voltage drive platforms. Unlike standard IGBTs, this device integrates the gate commutation circuit directly into the silicon package, allowing for hard-switching at high currents with minimal switching losses. It’s the workhorse of ABB’s medium-voltage power conversion, but like many press-pack devices from this generation, it’s no longer in active production.
Engineers specify the 5SHX0660F0002 because of its inherent short-circuit ruggedness and predictable failure mode. Press-pack IGCTs don’t explode when they fail; they typically short, which allows for redundant stack designs to keep running in a degraded state. The integrated reverse-conducting diode eliminates the need for separate anti-parallel diodes, reducing stack complexity and inductance. If you’re maintaining a fleet of ACS1000 drives, securing tested 5SHX0660F0002 units is critical. Verify your exact stack configuration before ordering; the 51mm height is specific, and mixing package sizes will destroy your press fixture.
QA/QC Transparency SOP
- Intake & Origin Verification: We verify the 5SHX0660F0002 part number and date code on the ceramic housing. We inspect the press-pack surfaces for pitting, corrosion, or uneven wear that indicates prior overheating or improper clamping pressure.
- Static Electrical Testing: Using a high-voltage curve tracer, we verify the forward and reverse blocking voltage capabilities and check for gate-cathode junction integrity. Leakage current is measured at rated voltage to ensure no internal degradation.
- Gate Drive Interface Check: We test the gate unit interface pins for continuity and correct impedance. A damaged gate interface is a common failure point that won’t show up in a simple diode check.
- Thermal Resistance Estimation: While we can’t run full dynamic tests on every unit, we inspect the internal thermal interface materials (if accessible during refurbishment) and verify the external surface finish is within spec for proper heatsink contact.
- Final QC & Anti-Static Packaging: The 5SHX0660F0002 is sealed in a custom foam-lined, anti-static container to prevent mechanical damage to the ceramic surfaces during shipping. Gate pins are capped to prevent bending.
Field Engineer Gotchas
- Clamping Pressure Tolerance: Press-pack IGCTs require exact clamping pressure. Risk: Using a torque wrench on the stack bolts instead of a calibrated hydraulic press or Belleville spring stack. Uneven pressure causes localized hot spots and immediate failure upon energization. Fix: Always use the OEM-specified press fixture with load cells. I’ve seen techs “tighten it down good” and crack the ceramic internally. The 5SHX0660F0002 will look fine externally but fail at full voltage.
- Gate Unit Compatibility: The gate driver must match the IGCT generation. Risk: Plugging a newer gate unit into an older 5SHX0660F0002 without verifying the gate interface pinout and commutation timing. Fix: Check the gate unit part number against the IGCT datasheet. Mismatched gate drivers cause either false triggering or incomplete turn-off, leading to shoot-through faults.
- Thermal Grease Application: The press-pack interface requires a specific thermal compound and thickness. Risk: Using standard CPU thermal paste or applying too much/thick. Fix: Use only ABB-approved thermal interface material with the specified spacer/shim. Excess grease squeezes out and creates an air gap; insufficient grease causes thermal runaway.
- ESD Sensitivity on Gate Pins: The gate structure is extremely sensitive. Risk: Touching the gate pins without grounding or storing the 5SHX0660F0002 in a non-conductive bag. Fix: Always handle by the ceramic body. Store in the original conductive foam. A zapped gate pin might test OK with a multimeter but fail under switching stress.

ABB 5SHX 0660F0002
Application Scenarios
- Cement Mill Drives: Powering 6kV ACS1000 drives in cement plants where dust and thermal cycling are constant. The press-pack design handles the mechanical stress better than soldered modules.
- Marine Propulsion: Providing variable frequency drive for ship propulsion motors, where the 5SHX0660F0002‘s short-circuit ruggedness is critical for surviving saltwater-induced insulation faults.
- Mining Conveyor Systems: High-torque, low-speed drives that require the high peak current capability of IGCTs without the derating needed for IGBT modules.
FAQ
Is the 5SHX0660F0002 still manufactured by ABB?
No. This is a legacy press-pack IGCT. We supply new surplus and professionally refurbished units. Stock is finite and not replenished from factory production.
Can I replace an IGBT module with this IGCT?
No. The 5SHX0660F0002 is a press-pack device with completely different mounting, cooling, and gate drive requirements. You cannot drop it into an IGBT stack. The entire power assembly must be designed for IGCT.
How do I test this module in the field?
You can perform static tests (diode check, gate-cathode resistance, blocking voltage with a megger at low voltage). Dynamic testing requires the drive to be operational. Do not attempt to apply full bus voltage without verifying the gate drive circuit first.
What is the difference between 5SHX0660F0001 and 5SHX0660F0002?
The suffix typically indicates a minor revision, often related to gate interface pinout, internal snubber capacitance, or thermal interface material. Always verify cross-compatibility with your OEM documentation. Do not assume they are interchangeable without checking.
My drive is tripping on “Gate Overcurrent.” Is the IGCT bad?
Not necessarily. Check the gate unit, gate cables, and commutation inductance first. A damaged gate cable or faulty gate unit can cause false overcurrent trips. Test the 5SHX0660F0002 gate junction statically before condemning the device.
Can I press-pack this myself?
Only if you have the correct fixture, load cells, and training. Improper pressing destroys the ceramic. If you don’t have the tooling, send the stack to a qualified service center. The cost of a ruined 5SHX0660F0002 far exceeds the service fee.
What is the expected lifespan?
Press-pack IGCTs don’t have a wear-out mechanism like soldered modules. They typically last 20+ years unless subjected to electrical overstress, thermal cycling beyond spec, or mechanical damage. Failure is usually event-driven, not age-driven.


