What is IPM?
IPM stands for Intelligent Power Module, known in Chinese as 智能力模組.
IPM is an advanced power switching device that combines the high current, low saturation voltage, and high voltage tolerance of GTR (High-Power Transistor), as well as the high input impedance, high switching frequency, and low driving power of MOSFETs (Field-Effect Transistor). Moreover, IPM integrates logic, control, detection, and protection circuits internally, making it convenient to use. It not only reduces system size and shortens development time but also enhances system reliability, adapting to the current trends in power device development.
IPM protection features
The protection circuit can provide control voltage undervoltage protection, overheating protection, overcurrent protection, and short-circuit protection. If a protection circuit activates in the IPM module, the IGBT gate driver unit will cut off the gate current and output a fault signal (FO). The specific protection functions are as follows:
(1) Control voltage undervoltage protection (UV): IPM uses a single +15V power supply. If the supply voltage is below 12.5V and the duration exceeds toff=10ms, undervoltage protection occurs, blocking the gate drive circuit and outputting a fault signal.
(2) Over-temperature protection (OT): A temperature sensor is installed on the insulating substrate near the IGBT chip. When the IPM temperature sensor detects that the substrate's temperature exceeds the temperature value, over-temperature protection is triggered, blocking the gate drive circuit and outputting a fault signal.
(3) Overcurrent Protection (OC): If the current flowing through the IGBT exceeds the operating current and the time exceeds toff, overcurrent protection is triggered, blocking the gate drive circuit and outputting a fault signal. To avoid excessive di/dt, most IPMs use a two-stage shutdown mode, with overcurrent protection and short-circuit protection operations.
