10.12.2008

Mitsubishi Electric Promotes its IGBT and Intelligent Power Modules for Inverters and Other Power Applications

Over 15 years have now passed since the IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) was first developed and produced as industrial power semiconductor switch. During these years, its performance has been greatly improved and its utilisation has become widespread in most industrial application fields. Mitsubishi Electric, available through GLYN High-Tech Distribution, is introducing its 5th generation IGBT modules developed using the latest CSTBT™ chips, which combines the advantages of trench IGBT with its low loss and planar IGBT with its versatility. 

IGBT modules have taken applications away from both MOSFET Modules and Bipolar Darlington Modules as they operate in hard switching applications upwards of 20kHz and higher in soft switching applications. Also they serve the lower 1 - 10kHz range previously dominated by Bipolar Transistor modules, up to 1MW applications.

The development of the IGBT has allowed a long desire for the peripheral circuits to be built into power modules to be realized in a cost effective manner through the development of the IPM (Intelligent Power Module). Mitsubishi Electric IPMs are advanced hybrid power devices that combine high speed, low loss IGBTs with optimized gate drive and protection circuitry. Highly effective over-current and short-circuit protection is realized through the use of advanced current sense IGBT chips that allow continuous monitoring of power device current. System reliability is further enhanced by the IPM’s integrated over temperature and under voltage lock out protection. Compact, automatically assembled IPMs are designed to reduce system size, cost, and time to market. 

IGBT and IPM have been developed to satisfy particular customer needs for higher frequency operation to provide a “noiseless” inverter, operating above the audible range. Additional requirements include more precise servo motor controllers, higher efficiency, compact, low noise UPS systems, etc. Mitsubishi Electric’s 5th generation IPM have also been developed for renewable energy systems such as photovoltaic generation, wind power generation and fuel cells.

Mitsubishi Electric has also developed DIP-IPM (Dual In-Line Intelligent Power Module) including the Super Mini DIP-IPM Ver. 4 line-up which is ideal for household electric appliances, such as air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators and low power industrial motor drives.

The new IGBT module series line up covers the range from 50A to 1400A, 250V to 1700V. IPM series covers the range from 25A to 800A, 600V to 1200V. DIP-IPM series covers the range from 3A to 50A, 600V/1200V.

Typical applications for Mitsubishi IGBT and IPM include:
● General purpose inverters
● UPS
● Power converters/conditioners for solar power, wind power and fuel cell
● AC servo amplifier
● Motor control
● Welder
● Medical equipment (CT scanners, MRI)
● Air conditioner
● Refrigerator
● Washing machine
● Electric train
● Electric cars

The Mitsubishi Electric IGBT and IPM have been designed to exacting standards for the key ratings and characteristics required to provide optimum performance for switching operation. These key parameters have been determined and understood well by the technical experts at Mitsubishi Electric, the recognized world leader in Power Transistor Modules.

For more information on Mitsubishi Electric power devices, please send us an email at sales@glyn.com.au