600V IGBT IPMs deliver low noise with low loss

In recent years, with the proliferation of IoT and increasing power consumption following the automation of industrial equipment and home appliances, there is a need for lower power consumption when considering power utilisation and limited global resources. This requires higher efficiency IGBTs – one of semiconductors responsible for power conversion – along with modules equipped with them to further reduce power consumption.

However, in general, when developing IGBT IPMs, the noise characteristics often deteriorate as priority is placed on low loss to reduce power consumption, making it necessary to improve noise performance.

In response, ROHM developed a new four-model lineup of IGBT IPMs that achieve class-leading characteristics by simultaneously reducing both radiated noise and power loss. Optimising the built-in IGBT’s characteristics and soft recovery characteristics of the internal FRD (Fast Recovery Diode) allows the BM6437x series to decrease radiated noise by more than 6dB (at peak comparison) over standard products, making it possible to consider simplifying the noise filter that is typically required.

Also, the latest low-loss IGBTs adopted in these IPMs reduce power consumption over ROHM’s conventional IPM products by 6% (fc=15kHz), achieve class-leading low loss, and contribute to reduction of various equipment power consumption.

In addition, the new product dramatically improved the built-in temperature monitoring function, results in high ±2% accuracy (equivalent to 2°C). This makes it possible to consider eliminating the external thermistor required with existing high accuracy temperature monitors, reducing the number of external parts along with design load.

Furthermore, a new function for identifying the product after mounting has been added to help prevent mounting errors. Error identification mode has also been added. This integrated function is helping to distinguish the failure status by applying ‘Short Current Protection’, ‘Under Voltage Protection’ or ‘Thermal Shutdown Protection’.

ROHM is committed to further expand its lineup for a wide range of applications, including products optimised for the automotive sector. These products contribute to reducing application design load and power consumption while solving the social challenges such as environment protection.