Obsolete IGBTs in Elevator Systems: Ensuring Vertical Transportation Reliability

Obsolete IGBTs in Elevator Systems: Ensuring Vertical Transportation Reliability

In the world of vertical transportation, reliability isn’t a luxury — it’s a safety imperative. From high-rise apartment towers to industrial freight lifts, elevators play a critical role in moving people and materials efficiently. Behind the scenes, however, many of these systems rely on obsolete IGBT modules to power elevator motor controls and drive systems.

As these components age and manufacturers discontinue production, building operators face a growing — and often unexpected — risk of downtime.

 

 

Why Elevator Systems Still Rely on Obsolete IGBTs

IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) are a foundational part of elevator control systems. They manage power flow to motors, control acceleration and braking, and ensure efficient energy use. Many elevators installed between the 1990s and early 2010s still use legacy drive systems that depend on now-obsolete power modules.

The problem? These modules are no longer produced by OEMs. Finding an exact IGBT replacement part — such as the MG150Q2YS40, SKM200GB128D, or 2MBI200U4H-120-50 — is becoming increasingly difficult. Retrofits often fail due to electrical incompatibilities or packaging differences, putting entire elevator systems at risk.

 

 

The Cost of Elevator Downtime from IGBT Failures

A failed IGBT isn’t just a technical issue — it’s a business-critical problem. One failed module can:

  • Shut down vertical access to multiple floors
  • Trigger emergency elevator service calls
  • Delay operations in hospitals, factories, or distribution centers
  • Result in compliance violations during inspections

Many building managers only discover a part is obsolete after a failure occurs — when it's already too late.

 

 

How to Source Hard-to-Find IGBTs Before It’s Too Late

Forward-thinking maintenance and procurement teams are taking a proactive approach to elevator system reliability. Here are three steps to get ahead of the obsolescence curve:

1. Audit Elevator Control Systems

Identify which models rely on legacy electronics or discontinued drive systems. Note the part numbers and manufacturers of key IGBT modules.

2. Build a Buffer of IGBT Replacement Parts

Stocking a small quantity of high-risk modules — especially those confirmed as obsolete — can prevent long lead times or emergency retrofits.

3. Partner with an Obsolete Component Supplier

Specialty distributors like ATI Accurate Technology Inc. focus on hard-to-find IGBTs for elevator systems, offering tested inventory from a U.S.-based warehouse.

 

 

Where to Find Obsolete Power Modules for Elevators

At ATI, we maintain stock of elevator-relevant IGBT modules — even those long discontinued by manufacturers. Modules like the 2MBI200U4H-120-50 and SKM200GB128D are commonly used in elevator applications and available now for same-day shipping.

 

 

If your elevators still depend on aging IGBTs, now is the time to act.
 Don’t let a simple module failure bring your building to a halt. Let ATI help you plan ahead, reduce sourcing risk, and maintain uninterrupted elevator uptime.

Browse available IGBT modules at igbts.us

🔍 Need to keep your elevators moving? We help facilities source the hard-to-find IGBT modules OEMs have long discontinued.

Explore solutions 👉 igbts.us

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