Dedicated evaluation board for intelligent power modules

Paul Boughton

The new Evaluation Board EVBPS2XA7X from Mitsubishi Electric was specifically developed for design engineers using the 1200V DIPIPM Version 4 (DIPIPMTM: Dual In-Line Package Integrated Power Module) as the Evaluation Board provides users with an image of the system interface.
 
The new Evaluation Board reduces the time and cost required for designing a PCB based on Mitsubishi Electric’s DIPIPMs Version 4, which offer a rated voltage of 1200V. EVBPS2XA7X does not only contain the board itself but also a comprehensive documentation kit on CD-ROM allowing for easy mounting and handling of the demo kit.

Depending on the individual IPM chosen from Mitsubishi Electric’s new PS22A7X series of Intelligent Power Modules the rated current is 5A, 10A, 15A, 25A or, respectively, 35A at a rated voltage of 1200V. The PS22A7X series represents the Version 4 series of DIPIPMs devices for home appliances, air conditioners and small power drives.

Enabling technologies of the IPMs are Mitsubishi Electric's own CSTBT technology (Carrier-Stored Trench Gate Bipolar Transistor), shrink-process ICs, a novel heat dissipating insulation sheet and further innovations.

Despite the reduction of the on-state voltages and switching losses the new PS22A7X series is integrated in 30 per cent smaller packages compared to the previous DIPIPM generation.

Mitsubishi Electric achieved this reduction in size by developing a circular-shaped MOSFET replacing the traditional oval-shape MOSFET used for high voltage level shifting in the high voltage IC so far, while simultaneously making changes to the traditional offset-structured transistor. These measures lead to increased output capabilities while the chip size remains unchanged. Even at high switching frequencies the DIPIPM devices operate without oscillations. It is possible to drive the DIPIPM devices without using any coupling devices like optocouplers.

Internally the PS22A78-E (35A/1200V) comprises of IGBTs and Free Wheel Diodes (FWDs) in a three-phase inverter structure on the power side and control ICs on the low-voltage side. While this structure basically equals the previous version of DIPIPM, the open-emitter type products offer three divided emitter terminals of low-side IGBTs in order to sense the inverter phase currents flowing through external shunts. The PS22A7X series offers logic filtering functions for obtaining enhanced immunity against noise propagated from signal lines.

For more information, visit www.mitsubishichips.com