Date: 12/04/2010

IGBT module for driving AC motor is worth 30 discrete parts

ST Microelectronics has released an integrated power module packed with control functions and IGBT devices for driving AC Motors in home appliances such as refrigerator, washing machine, Air-conditioners.

These modules available in the current range of 12 Amps to 17 Amps and voltage rating of 600 V, enable advanced current sensing and can be interfaced to embedded boards directly to output ports of microcontroller chips. The controllers inside the modules convert the microcontroller signals into the high-power waveform to drive the motor. ST says these modules can replace more than 30 discrete components.

The new modules are STGIPS10K60A, STGIPS14K60, STGIPL14K60, and the STGIPS20K60. Each device has three 600V IGBT half bridges with freewheeling diodes, control ICs, bootstrap diode, temperature control and comparators to protect against over-current and short-circuit faults. The STGIPL14K60 also has internal amplifiers to support internal current-sensing to control speed of the motor. To prevent high current related damage to IGBTs, dead-time is inserted by these modules through the internal circuitry. The smart-shutdown function is also available in STGIPS14K60 and STGIPS20K60.

Package: Available in 25-lead or 38-lead molded SDIP packages and use direct-bond copper (DBC) packaging to reduce heat dissipation. The thermal resistance is rated at low 2.4°C/W.

Availability: Now in volumes
Price: Each $5.60 per 25K pieces