Intelligent Power Module (IPM)

Power semiconductor devices play a significant role in modern power control and drive systems, and one of the most common devices used in these systems is the IPM module.

An IPM (Intelligent Power Module) is in fact a powerful integrated circuit module used for controlling and driving high-power electronic devices such as AC motor drivers, inverters, frequency converters, etc. It is a highly integrated semiconductor device that typically includes multiple functional modules such as power switches, drive circuits, protection circuits, and control circuits.

So, IPM is an acronym for Intelligent Power Module, a general term for modules that combine discrete semiconductors such as IGBTs and MOSFETs with driving circuits, protection circuits, and other circuitry.

Since 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 (IPMs),

Keep note at this point that the key 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.

That is, an IPM typically includes a power MOSFET, IGBT, or SiC(Silicon Carbide) switch device, as well as a drive circuit for controlling the conduction and cutoff of these switch devices.

In addition, IPM modules often integrate features such as power supply circuits, current and voltage sensors, over-temperature protection, and short-circuit protection.

These functions provide comprehensive protection measures to ensure the safety and reliability of high-power electronic devices.

As an example of a widely used IPM, here is the PDF DATASHEET ↗ of a 600V IGBT IPM.

The aforementioned IPM (BM63563S-VA/-VC) is an intelligent power module (3phase DC/AC Inverter) composed of gate drivers, bootstrap diodes, IGBTs, flywheel diodes. Low saturation voltage IGBTs optimized for low speed switching drive (to 6kHz) such as a compressor is adopted.

As an aside, the HSDIP25 is a long pin type package for intelligent power modules (IPMs). See this PDF ↗ for more IGBT-IPM details from ROHM Semiconductor.

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