Description
Product Introduction
When a medium-voltage drive trips offline due to a semiconductor fault, the production stoppage costs thousands per hour. That’s the high-stakes environment where the ABB 5SHX0660F0002 operates. It is the workhorse thyristor module engineered for ABB’s heavy-duty converter stacks.
This press-pack design handles 660 A RMS with a 2800 V blocking capability. It uses diffusion-bonded technology for superior thermal cycling resistance. For the reliability engineer, it represents a balance of ruggedness and precise gate control needed for multi-megawatt applications.
Key Technical Specifications
- Type: Press-Pack Thyristor (SCR)
- RMS Current (IT(RMS)): 660 A
- Repetitive Peak Reverse/Off-State Voltage (VRRM/VDRM): 2800 V
- Non-Repetitive Surge Current (ITSM): 9500 A (Half-sine, 10 ms)
- Gate Trigger Current (IGT): 100 mA (Max)
- Gate Trigger Voltage (VGT): 3.0 V (Max)
- Holding Current (IH): 150 mA (Max)
- Thermal Resistance (Rth(j-c)): 0.025 °C/W
- Operating Temperature: -40 °C to +100 °C
- Weight: Approx. 1.2 kg
- Mounting Force: 130 kN (Required for electrical contact)

ABB 5SHX0660F0002
Compatibility & Replacement Matrix
- 5SHX0660F0002 → 5SHX0660F0002 : Direct — Identical part, no changes.
- 5SHX06H0F0002 → 5SHX0660F0002 : Compatible — Suffix difference may indicate packaging/traceability; verify voltage rating.
- 5SHX0440F0002 → 5SHX0660F0002 : Needs Adaptation — Higher current rating; verify heat sink and clamping mechanism.
- 5SHX0660L0002 → 5SHX0660F0002 : Incompatible — “L” series may differ in gate characteristics; do not mix in stack.
- Non-ABB Thyristors → 5SHX0660F0002 : Incompatible — Press-pack geometry and force curves are OEM specific.
Quality Inspection & SOP Transparency
Incoming Inspection
We verify the date code against ABB standard formats. The ceramic housing must be free of micro-cracks. We check the copper anode/cathode surfaces for flatness and oxidation—any pitting or discoloration results in rejection. The laser-etched code is cross-referenced with the packing list.
Mechanical & Visual Test
Using a surface roughness comparator, we inspect the contact planes. We measure the parallelism with a dial indicator. Any warpage exceeding 50 µm is rejected. We clean the surfaces with isopropyl alcohol wipes.
Electrical Parameter Test
We perform a leakage current test (IR) at 2500 V DC using a Megger. The leakage must be below 10 µA. We verify the gate-cathode resistance with a Fluke 115 (should be 15-30 Ω). We do not perform high-current switching tests in-house due to safety; these are type-tested at the factory.
Final QC & Packaging
The module is placed in a conductive foam tray. We use a rigid double-walled cardboard box. A “Fragile” and “This Side Up” label is applied. Test data sheet included in the shipment.

ABB 5SHX0660F0002
Common Replacement Pitfalls
Mounting Force is Critical
This isn’t a bolt-it-down-and-go part. You need exactly 130 kN of clamping force. Too little and you get high resistance, localized heating, and thermal runaway. Too much and you crack the ceramic wafer. Use a hydraulic press with a load cell—guessing kills the module.
Surface Preparation
The heat sink and thyristor contact faces must be atomically clean. We’ve seen modules fail in 2 weeks because someone used a wire brush, leaving grooves that trap air. Use 600-grit lapping paper or a professional lapping tool.
Silicone Grease Application
Use the right amount of high-thermal-conductivity grease (like ABB A5E or equivalent). A thick layer acts as an insulator. A thin, even film is best. Wipe off excess.
Stack Alignment
If you are replacing one in a series stack (cascaded), the centerlines must be perfectly coaxial. Misalignment causes uneven current sharing. The entire stack must be compressed simultaneously.
Gate Wiring
The gate trigger wire is sensitive. Keep it away from high-power busbars to avoid noise-induced false triggering. A ferrite bead on the gate lead is cheap insurance.
FAQ
Q: Can I use this to replace a 5SHX0660L0002?
A: No. While the current rating is the same, the “F” and “L” designations often refer to different turn-off times (ton/off) or gate characteristics. Mixing them in a series stack causes uneven voltage distribution. Replace like-for-like.
Q: What is the required mounting force?
A: 130 kN. You cannot achieve this with a standard torque wrench. You must use a hydraulic press or a specialized clamping fixture that measures force directly. “Tight” is not a measurement.
Q: Is this module new or pulled?
A: This is New Original (New Surplus). It comes in the original ABB box or static bag with protective covers on the terminals. It has never been energized.
Q: Do I need to break this in?
A: Not electrically, but thermally yes. After installation, run the drive at 50% load for 30 minutes. Stop and check the temperature rise on the heat sink. If it’s stable, proceed to full load. This seats the thermal interface.
Q: My old module exploded. Did I do something wrong?
A: Often, a catastrophic failure is caused by a voltage spike or loss of cooling. Before installing the new 5SHX0660F0002, inspect the DC link capacitors and the water cooling flow rate. Replacing the module without fixing the root cause just buys you time until the next explosion.

