International Rectifier: More motor/motion control functionality goes into silicon

iNTERO—a family of drive modules for several motor technologies from International Rectifier (IR, El Segundo, CA)—has expanded with the introduction of a new member that incorporates bridge, brake, and inverter (BBI) functions into one compact unit.

By Control Engineering Staff

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iNTERO—a family of drive modules for several motor technologies from International Rectifier (IR, El Segundo, CA)—has expanded with the introduction of a new member that incorporates bridge, brake, and inverter (BBI) functions into one compact unit.

Programmable, isolated intelligent power module PIIPM15P12D007 serves as a digital building block for closed-loop control of high-performance induction, brushless, and servo motors up to 5 kW. Dubbed “007” module, the device integrates 150 components, an internally programmable 40 MIPS digital signal processor (DSP) with a 64-KB EEPROM, and is rated at 1,200 V and 15A.

The new iNTERO family member focuses on protecting the motor, which is a prime requisite for motion-control. Protection circuits use a “double path” technique that assures redundancy and maximum safety, according to IR. New high-voltage ICs enable desaturation, over-voltage, and fault protection. For example sensing circuits have greater than 10-kHz bandwidth and latency under 5 microseconds on two motor-phase outputs. “Full protection” in the device applies to the following potential failures and faults:

• Line-to-line;

• Ground fault;

• Phase-to-phase;

• Phase-to-ground;

• Phase-to-dc bus;

• Leg shoot-through; and

• Under/over-voltage on the dc bus.

All fault conditions detected are fed back to the DSP for software control.

Interfaces provided include Controller Area Network (CAN); Joint Action Test Group (JTAG) IEEE 1149.1 standard port for program downloading and debugging; an asynchronous, isolated 2.5 Mbps serial port; and a synchronous, isolated 10 Mbps serial port for DSP communication and programming.

Dr. Francesco Vallone, IR product marketing manager, notes that the ''007'' module reflects the company’s new business model ''to stay focused on its core competency,'' while collaborating with technology partners to provide comprehensive software and hardware support.

Target applications for BBI module include precision industrial machinery, plus general-purpose machinery, such as conveyors, air-conditioning systems, and elevators. PIIPM15P12D007 is available now, priced at $300 each in production volumes.

Also read '' International Rectifier's new power modules ''

—Frank J. Bartos, Executive Editor, fbartos@reedbusiness.com