Investigation Softstarter 3RW4 with defective SKKQ thyristors

Created: 14.03.2012 Updated: 22.10.2012

Frank Kilian, I IA CE CP MF GWA FTQ 23

0. Background
In the past the SKKQ thyristors were optimized to become more robustness and
reliability to increase the quality 3RW4 and customer satisfaction.
The launch of the improved SKKQ thyristors in the softstarter production has
started in the middle of February 2012 and will be finished probably at the end of
April 2012.
Especially Siemens and the supplier of the thyristors would like to ensure that
defective SKKQ thyristors of the improved version will be investigated as fast as
possible.
This document will helps you with the required information and instructions.
All the following information and instructions are only refered to the SKKQ
thyristors.

1. What does SKKQ thyristor means?

The softstarters 3RW4 are using different types of thyristors.

a) 3RW405*, 3RW442*, 4434*, 4435* (thyristor name: MCC*, SKKT*)

b) 3RW407*, 3RW4436*, 444*, 445*, 446* (thyristor name: SKKQ*)

Investigation Softstarter 3RW4 with defective SKKQ thyristors

2. How does the SKKQ thyristor could be identified whether it is an old or new
one?
a) Identification with the datecode of the softstarter

The datecode of the softstarter could be found at the cover or at the type plate.
For example: G/120112 (format: G/yymmdd)
The exchange to the new thyristor in the manufacturing was started in the
middle of February 2012 and finished end of May 2012.
The following table shows the launch date of the new thyristor in our fab.

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Investigation Softstarter 3RW4 with defective SKKQ thyristors

IMPORTANT:
Please use this kind of identification if the datecode of the softstarter is
more in the future due to the launch date. There is a small fuzziness of 2-3
days.
Please use the following identification method b) if the datecode of the
softstarter is between the launch date plus one week.

b) Identification with the material number of the thyristor

The thyristor could be identified with the help of the label at the small or long
side of the part. Essential is the suppliers material number (red marked at the
pictures).

label at the small side

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Investigation Softstarter 3RW4 with defective SKKQ thyristors

label at the long side

You have to evaluate the material number at the label with the material numbers
of the following table to find out whether the tyhristor is a new or old one.

Description Old suppliers material no. New suppliers material no.

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Investigation Softstarter 3RW4 with defective SKKQ thyristors

3. How does the documentation of the Pre-Inspection via Web-Delta

should be?

It’s important for us to have the information in the pre-inspection reports whether
the defective thyristor is a new or old one.

Please document in the pre-inspection report whether the SKKQ thyristor is a

new or old one.

Please also document in the pre-inspection report which phases with a defective
thyristor are effected (e.g. “L1” means phase1 or “L1L2” means phase1+2 are
effected)

4. Reshipment of the defective SKKQ thyristors

Please send all the defective SKKQ thyristors of the new version back to
Siemens Amberg for detailed investigation by the supplier.
This has to be done immediately.

The old version of the SKKQ thyristors must not sent back to Siemens Amberg
for further investigation.

5. Repair of softstarter by exchange the SKKQ thyristors

Please ensure that if the thyristors of the softstarter must be exchanged then no
mixed thyristor versions (old and new together) are allowed.
Please take care that all thyristors of the softstarter must be exchanged.
It’s not allowed to exchange only the defective one.

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