E-learning Resources in Microelectronics Intelligent Power Modules (IPM)

Universität Paderborn

Document Information
 

1.  General

Author:

Staff of Universität Paderborn

1. General

Intelligent Power Modules contain the power and also the control circuitry for protection of the device. The pulse-signal generator is also included. This means that, all circuits responsible for global function are implemented in one housing   inside a single package.

Features:
 

• Low thermal impedance
• Optimal thermal manegment with integrated heatsink
• Compact design
• Low stray inductance
• High power, small losses
• Overtemperature protection
• Overcurrent protection due to current sensors
• Overvoltage protection
• Built-in dead time and interlock
• CMOS compatible inputs
• Internal pulse generating (PWM)

To see more details, the following block-diagram gives a possible structure showing the architecture of IPMs. The example refers to a single phase line of frequency inverters.
 
 

a) PWM processor   b) Small switched voltage source   c) Potential separation   d) UCE capture logic for short- circuit detection   e) Electronic interlock   f ) Driverstages   g) IGBT module (power device) Another form of block-diagram

An application from Mitsubishi is shown below. All protection measures are named inside corresponding blocks.
 

Typical Applications:   Half, Fullbridges and H-bridges Three phase motor drive inverter Uninterruptable power supplies UPS Converter General power switching supplies Inductive heating DC Chopper Servodrives

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General consideration for IGBTs and intelligent power modules (pdf)
Using intelligent power modules (pdf)
Datasheet of intelligent power module by Mitsubishi (pdf)
Semikron intelligent power module Skiip (pdf)