IGBT｜Basic
About IGBT IPMs （Intelligent Power Modules）
2023.05.24
Points of this article
・IPM is an acronym for Intelligent Power Module, a general term for modules that combine individual elements (discrete semiconductors) such as IGBTs and MOSFETs with driving circuits, protection circuits, and other circuitry.
About IGBT IPMs （Intelligent Power Modules）
IPMs are a general name for modules that combine individual elements (discrete semiconductors) such as IGBTs and MOSFETs with driving circuits, protection circuits, and the like. Because the driving conditions and protection functions are optimized for the built-in power devices, and because they are easy to use, they are called Intelligent Power Modules, or IPMs.
The forms mainly taken by power devices are as individual elements (discrete semiconductors), as power modules, and as IPMs. The difference between power modules and IPMs is that a power module incorporates multiple discrete semiconductors in a single package, but a driving circuit and a protection circuit must be provided separately.
As an example of one of the most widely used IPMs, shown below are the block diagram and packages of an IGBT IPM inverter, combining six IGBTs and three-phase gate drivers. In this example, bootstrapping diodes to drive the high side N-channel IGBTs as well as fast recovery diodes for regeneration are also incorporated.
【Download Documents】 Basics of IGBTs
IGBTs are one of the typical power devices and are used in a wide range of applications including motor drives. This handbook provides a basic understanding of IGBTs, including their application scope and application picture based on their features, their structure and principle of operation, and how they compare with and use other power devices.
IGBT
Basic
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About IGBTs
- Applications Using IGBTs
- IGBT Structure
- Principles of Operation of IGBTs
- Range of Application of IGBTs
- IGBT Features: Comparisons with MOSFETs and Bipolar Transistors
- Selective Use of Power Devices in Motor Applications
- Short Circuit Withstand Time (SCWT) of IGBTs
- IGBTs Incorporating Fast Recovery Diodes (FRDs)
- About IGBT IPMs （Intelligent Power Modules）
Application
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IGBT IPM: Protection Functions and Operation Sequences
- Short Circuit Current Protection (SCP) Function of IGBT IPMs
- Control Power Supply Undervoltage Lockout（UVLO) Function of IGBT IPMs
- Thermal shutdown（TSD） Function of IGBT IPMs
- Analog Temperature Output（VOT）of IGBT IPMs
- Fault Output（FO）of IGBT IPMs
- Control inputs （HINU, HINV, HINW, LINU, LINV, LINW）of IGBT IPMs
- Protection Functions and Operation Sequences －Summary－
Product Information