International Rectifier Introduces the Most Integrated iNTERO Intelligent Power Modules to Take Development Time and Risk Out of Motor Drive Design.

Technology Editors

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 13, 2002

International Rectifier, IR(R) (NYSE:IRF) today launches the first iNTERO(TM) Programmable isolated-intelligent power module (PI-IPM), a device that integrates, in a single housing, the power stage with the embedded driver board (EDB) containing a programmable DSP on board. The PI-IPM is the most integrated power module available on the market and provides a fully integrated, flexible, high performance solution for three phase, AC induction and brushless DC industrial and servo motors up to 15kW, used in a wide variety of applications such as conveyor systems, pumps, HVAC systems and elevators. The PI-IPM limits the time, cost and risk of designing the motor drive power stage and associated controls and peripherals.

The PIIPM50P12B004 is rated at 1200V and 50A and includes all power semiconductors for a three-phase inverter power stage as well as a programmable 40 Mips DSP, current sensing, isolation, gate driver and power stage protection for direct interface with the motor drive host and the input stage.

The new module includes an asynchronous 2.5 Mbps serial port compatible with the scalable coherent interface/IEEE 1596-1992 (SCI), service provider interface (SPI) and controller area network (CAN) as well as a Joint Action Test Group (JTAG) IEEE 1149.1 standard port for DSP interfacing and an isolated serial port input with strobe signal for quadrature encoders or SPI communication. A basic instruction set is provided and a development tool is available.

A proven integrated solution eliminates financial and schedule risks associated with development of complex power systems, and provides a known cost from the start. The iNTERO PI-IPM greatly simplifies supply chain logistics by replacing 130 components with a single device. The PI-IPM also eliminates system costs such as separate packaging, cables and the cost of matching logic circuits with the power stage.

Dr. Francesco Vallone, International Rectifier Product Marketing Manager, said, "When using the iNTERO PI-IPM in their hardware designs, system designers can focus on control strategies and software development to manage motor characteristics, accelerating time-to-market. The PI-IPM facilitates the transition to variable speed motors with electronic drive with a limited investment in hardware design and makes it easy to upgrade the performance of an existing electronic drive."

The PI-IPM is designed for the high performance required for servo drives. The PI-IPM provides a very accurate current feedback loop in a high efficiency, highly rugged design with low noise in a package that is up to 50% smaller than traditional designs. The current feedback loop has a bandwidth of 5kHz and provides low torque at low speed without unwanted shaft trembling or noise.

The new module includes leading non-punch through (NPT) IGBT and advanced diode technology for reduced current-tail effects, ultra-low power losses up to 20kHz, a square safe operating area, 10 microsecond short-circuit capability and low conductive noise. Switching frequencies up to 20kHz can be implemented by combining the reduced current-tail effects from the IGBT with a gate driver IC that allows deadtime as low as 500 ns, or ten times faster than opto-couplers.

Careful design considerations have been implemented to limit noise and reduce the size of EMI filters, including separate turn-on and turn-off gate drive output for IGBT di/dt control. Noise is further reduced by the reduction of connectors and cables due to the integrated configuration and the compact outline that allows placing the power module close to the motor. Low noise and low power losses allow stacking the control section on top of the power stage.

The PI-IPM offers one of the most rugged designs in the market by incorporating rugged IGBT technology, under-voltage and over-voltage shutdown protection on all three phase inputs and the DC bus, shoot-through protection, matched propagation delay between the input and output signal, full protection from line-to-line and ground-fault failures and the ability to detect loss of isolation in the motor winding or connecting cable before forced system shutdown.

The device is housed in the EMP(TM) package that has the mechanical outline of the industry-standard EconoPack 2 package.

A data sheet is posted: http://www.irf.com/product-info/datasheets/data/piipm50p12b004.pdf

Pricing

Pricing for the PIIPM50P12B004 is US $500 each in 500-unit quantities.

About International Rectifier

International Rectifier is recognized as a leading supplier of power semiconductors and systems solutions. IR's patented HEXFET(R) power MOSFETs, IGBTs and high-voltage ICs make electricity work smarter in industrial automation and controls, automotive electrical systems, consumer electronics, computers and peripherals, telecommunications, lighting, and satellite/launch vehicle applications. Go to www.irf.com for more information on International Rectifier products and services.

Trademark Notice

IR(R) and HEXFET(R) are registered trademarks of International Rectifier Corporation. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.