International Rectifier Corp. (IR, El Segundo, CA) launched the first iNTERO programmable isolated-intelligent power module, the (PI-IPM), which integrates the power stage with the embedded driver board (EDB) containing a programmable DSP onboard in a single housing. The PI-IPM provides a fully integrated, flexible, high-performance solution for three-phase, ac-induction, brushless-dc, industrial and servo motors up to 15kW.
The PIIPM50P12B004 is rated at 1,200V and 50A and includes all power semiconductors for a three-phase inverter power stage as well as a programmable 40 Mips DSP, current sensing, isolation, gate driver and power stage protection for direct interface with the motor drive host and the input stage. The iNTERO PI-IPM replaces 130 components with a single device, and eliminates system costs such as separate packaging, cables and the cost of matching logic circuits with the power stage.
The PI-IPM provides an accurate current feedback loop with a bandwidth of 5kHz in a high-efficiency, highly rugged design with low noise in a package that is up to 50 percent smaller than traditional designs. The new module includes non-punch through IGBT and advanced diode technology for reduced current-tail effects, ultra-low power losses up to 20kHz, a square safe operating area, a 10 microsecond short-circuit capability, and low conductive noise. Switching frequencies up to 20kHz can be implemented by combining the reduced current-tail effects from the IGBT with a gate driver IC that allows deadtime as low as 500ns, or 10 times faster than opto-couplers.
Limited noise and reduced EMI filter size, including separate turn-on and turn-off gate drive output for IGBT di/dt control, is reduced by the reduction of connectors and cables due to the integrated configuration and the compact outline that allows placing the power module close to the motor. Low noise and low power losses allow stacking the control section on top of the power stage. The PI-IPM incorporates IGBT technology, under-voltage and over-voltage shutdown protection on all three-phase inputs and the dc bus, shoot-through protection, matched propagation delay between the input and output signal, full protection from line-to-line and ground-fault failures, and the ability to detect loss of isolation in the motor winding or connecting cable before forced-system shutdown.
Samples of the PIIPM50P12B004 are now available with volume production scheduled for summer of 2002. Pricing for the PIIPM50P12B004 is $500 each in 500-unit quantities.
