About IGBT IPMs （Intelligent Power Modules）

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.