Key Takeaway: HVC DTS series IGBT snubber capacitors use self-healing polypropylene metallized film dielectric, rated 700-3000 Vdc with capacitance from 0.0068 μF to 5.6 μF. Engineered for high-peak-current transient suppression in IGBT switching circuits, these capacitors protect power semiconductors from voltage overshoot in inverters, motor drives, solar converters, and EV power electronics. Available in 5 voltage grades with 80+ standard part numbers for immediate delivery.

Product Overview

Figure 1: HVC DTS Series Axial Leaded Snubber Capacitor

The HVC DTS series IGBT snubber capacitors are designed for high-peak-current transient voltage suppression in power electronics switching circuits. When an IGBT or MOSFET switches off, the rapid change in current (high dI/dt) induces transient voltage spikes across the device. Without proper snubbing, these spikes can exceed the semiconductor's rated voltage and cause catastrophic failure. DTS capacitors absorb these transient energies and clamp the voltage to safe levels, extending the life of power semiconductors and improving overall circuit reliability.

Major Applications

• IGBT module snubber protection in motor drives and industrial inverters
• SiC MOSFET gate driver circuits requiring low-inductance snubbing
• Switching power supply primary-side transient suppression
• Solar inverter and wind turbine converter protection
• Electric vehicle traction inverter and onboard charger protection
• High-frequency resonant circuits in induction heating and wireless power transfer
• UPS and SMPS output filter circuits

Technical Specifications

General Technical Characteristics

Test Methods and Performance

Outline Drawing & Dimensions

Complete Standard Part Number List

Below is the complete DTS series part number reference covering all voltage grades. Each part number specifies rated voltage, capacitance, du/dt capability, peak current, RMS current, ESR, and mechanical dimensions. All data extracted from official HVC datasheets.

700Vdc Series — DTS700 (Urms 380Vac, Upk 1000Vdc)

1000Vdc Series — DTS1000 (Urms 480Vac, Upk 1400Vdc)

1200Vdc Series — DTS1200 (Urms 500Vac, Upk 1600Vdc)

1600Vdc Series — DTS1600 (Urms 500Vac, Upk 2000Vdc)

2000Vdc Series — DTS2000 (Urms 630Vac, Upk 2500Vdc)

3000Vdc Series — DTS3000 (Urms 750Vac, Upk 3500Vdc)

Why Choose HVC IGBT Snubber Capacitors?

• Self-healing metallized film — automatic isolation of dielectric defects extends service life and prevents catastrophic failure under surge conditions
• UL94V-0 flame retardant — meets safety requirements for automotive, industrial, and renewable energy installations
• Wide temperature range — reliable operation from -40°C to +85°C for outdoor and harsh-environment applications
• Low ESR and ESL — optimized for high-frequency switching with minimal power losses
• 5 voltage grades, 80+ part numbers — comprehensive range from 700V to 3000Vdc for all IGBT/SiC snubbing needs
• Custom configurations — custom capacitance, voltage, dimensions, and terminal types available for OEM requirements
• Fortune 500 approved — adopted by major power electronics manufacturers worldwide

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between film capacitors and ceramic capacitors for IGBT snubber applications?

Film capacitors offer self-healing capability, higher surge current handling, and more predictable voltage coefficients compared to ceramic capacitors. For IGBT snubbing above 600V, film capacitors are preferred because ceramic capacitors can exhibit significant capacitance loss under DC bias and are more susceptible to cracking from mechanical stress. Film capacitors also provide lower ESR at high frequencies, resulting in more effective transient absorption.

Q2: How do I select the right DTS capacitor for my IGBT module?

Select the voltage rating to match or exceed your DC bus voltage (typically 1.5-2x safety margin). The capacitance value depends on the IGBT's turn-off energy and the acceptable voltage overshoot. A common starting point is 0.1-0.47μF for 600-1200V IGBTs in the 50-300A range. The du/dt rating should exceed the maximum du/dt generated during IGBT turn-off. Consult the IGBT datasheet for Eoff and stray inductance values to calculate the optimal snubber capacitance.

Q3: Can I use HVC DTS capacitors as replacements for other brands?

Yes. HVC DTS series capacitors are designed as drop-in replacements for major snubber capacitor manufacturers. Match the capacitance, voltage rating, case dimensions, and lead spacing. Contact sales@hv-caps.com with your current part number for a cross-reference recommendation and free samples.

Q4: What is the expected lifetime of DTS snubber capacitors?

DTS snubber capacitors typically last the lifetime of the equipment due to their intermittent duty cycle. The self-healing metallized film construction ensures that minor dielectric defects are automatically isolated. Under continuous operation at rated voltage and 70°C, the design life exceeds 60,000 hours. Derating voltage by 20% significantly extends service life.