If your IGBT transistors are failing without warning, heat might be the hidden culprit. In high-load environments, thermal stress is one of the fastest ways to kill a system..
Engineers working in heat-intensive settings need to know how to identify early failure, prevent it, and replace damaged parts quickly.
Research shows that for every 10°C increase in temperature, electronic component life can drop by 50%. Heat is among the top causes of electronics failure in industrial settings. For industries running 24/7 operations, even short downtime can be a six-figure loss.
Summit Electronics helps engineers and buyers stay ahead of these issues. We stock and source IGBTs and other legacy electronic parts used in energy, defense, foundry, transportation, and many other industrial systems.
Our team supports MRO and OEM clients with obsolete electronic parts that are no longer available from manufacturers. If a component fails due to heat, we likely have the replacement already in stock.
How Heat Affects IGBT Transistors
IGBTs, or insulated-gate bipolar transistors, are high-efficiency electronic switches used to handle large amounts of current. They’re often found in inverters, motor drives, power control units, and other systems requiring fast switching at high voltage.
When these components overheat, it can lead to current leakage, performance instability, or total failure. The damage may be internal and invisible, but the results are often immediate: power loss, system shutdown, or permanent board damage.
Watch for warning signs like:
- Random system resets
- Burnt or discolored transistor packages
- Motor irregularities
- Failed startup sequences
Real-World Applications Where Heat Is a Problem
The following industries frequently deal with high-heat operating environments and rely heavily on IGBTs:
- Oil and Gas – used in motor drives and field electronics exposed to desert and offshore temperatures
- Foundry and Metal Casting – controls for heating systems, mold presses, and induction furnaces
- Railroad and Transportation – inverter modules and braking systems that run hot under load
- Defense and Aerospace – high-reliability electronics in extreme environments
- Industrial Manufacturing – motor controls and drives running continuously on production lines
In each case, temperature stress puts your entire system at risk if the IGBT fails.
Why Heat-Related Failures Are So Expensive
One overheated part can shut down a full process line. In sectors like energy or transportation, that’s not just lost time; it’s revenue loss, missed deadlines, and damaged equipment.
When IGBTs fail, the entire assembly often takes the hit. In some cases, the component is no longer being made, which leads to even longer downtimes while replacements are located.
Replace Failed IGBTs with Stock from Summit Electronics
Summit Electronics stocks a wide range of IGBT transistors for immediate shipment. Our available inventory includes:
- IGBT3040 by onsemi
- IGBT-6MBP20RH060 by ANALOGP
- IGBT150A600V, IGBT25A-0233, and the IGBT30A-0233 by TOSHIBA and MITSUBISHI
- IGBT1200, IGBT200A, and IGBT600V
We provide datasheets on request and offer fast global shipping. Whether you’re replacing a part damaged by heat or planning for future failures, we can help you reduce downtime.
Support for Legacy and Obsolete Electronic Parts
If your application relies on older industrial electronics, we’ve got you covered. Summit is a trusted global source for legacy electronic parts and rare components that aren’t available through normal channels.
We work with engineers and procurement teams to:
- Identify exact-match replacements
- Supply compatible alternatives when originals are unavailable
- Deliver parts fast to avoid extended downtime
Obsolete electronic parts don’t have to mean scrapping the whole system. We help keep your infrastructure running.
FAQs about IGBTs
Q: What causes IGBTs to fail in hot environments?
A: Heat degrades the internal structure, leading to leakage or sudden failure.
Q: Can Summit Electronics supply discontinued IGBT parts?
A: Yes. We specialize in legacy and obsolete electronic parts, including many IGBTs no longer in production.
Q: How do I request a datasheet for an IGBT part?
A: Contact us. We’ll send you the datasheet for any part in our inventory upon request.
Q: What industries rely most on IGBTs?
A: Manufacturing, oil and gas, rail, defense, and aerospace all use them in mission-critical systems.
Order IGBTs from Summit Electronics
Heat failure is expensive. Don’t wait for another breakdown. Summit Electronics has the IGBTs you need: new, legacy, or obsolete.
Reach out now to get a quote, request a datasheet, or place an order. We will keep your systems powered and productive. Contact us today or request a quote. Click here or give us a call toll-free at (800) 226-6960.
About Summit Electronics
Summit Electronics is a global distributor of current, allocated, and obsolete electronic components. We specialize in hard-to-find parts like IGBT transistors, MOSFETs, capacitors, and integrated circuits used in critical systems across aerospace, defense, oil and gas, rail, and manufacturing. For over 20 years, we’ve been the trusted source for engineers and buyers needing fast, reliable access to legacy electronic parts.
