Content last revised on November 26, 2025
An Engineer's Analysis of the BSM15GP60 IGBT Module for High-Frequency Power Systems
Optimizing Efficiency in Compact Power Conversion
The BSM15GP60 is an integrated Power Integrated Module (PIM) from Infineon designed to deliver a robust solution for low-to-mid power applications. It combines a three-phase input rectifier, a brake chopper, and a three-phase inverter bridge in a single, compact EconoPIM™ 2 package. With core specifications of 600V and a nominal DC collector current of 15A (at Tc = 80°C), this module provides a foundation for developing efficient and reliable power conversion systems. This integration directly addresses the engineering challenge of minimizing system footprint and simplifying assembly in applications like small industrial drives and uninterruptible power supplies. For systems that demand higher power output while maintaining a similar integrated topology, the BSM50GP60 offers increased current handling capabilities.
For engineers designing systems in the sub-10 kW range, the BSM15GP60's feature set offers a direct path to higher power density. Its primary value proposition lies in the balance between on-state losses and switching performance, a critical factor in achieving high efficiency in variable frequency drives. This module is an optimal choice for cost-sensitive industrial applications where reliability and a streamlined design process are paramount.
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding the Specs for Efficient System Design
The technical specifications of the BSM15GP60 define its performance envelope and suitability for specific engineering tasks. The parameters below are critical for thermal management, efficiency calculations, and ensuring operational reliability.
| Parameter | Value | Engineering Significance |
| Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CES) | 600V | Provides a sufficient voltage margin for applications operating on 200/240V AC lines, ensuring reliability against voltage transients. |
| Continuous DC Collector Current (I_C) | 20A (at T_c = 25°C) / 15A (at T_c = 80°C) | Defines the module's current handling capability under practical operating temperatures, crucial for sizing the device for a target motor or load. |
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (V_CEsat) | 1.95V (Typ) at I_C = 15A | Directly impacts conduction losses. This value represents a balance, ensuring that heat generated during the 'on' state is manageable. |
| Total Power Dissipation (P_tot) | 100W per IGBT | Sets the upper limit for the module's thermal dissipation, a key input for heatsink selection and overall thermal system design. |
| Integrated NTC Thermistor | Yes | Enables real-time temperature monitoring, allowing the control system to implement over-temperature protection and enhance long-term operational safety. |
Download the BSM15GP60 datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Application Scenarios & Value
Achieving System-Level Benefits in Motor Drives and UPS
The BSM15GP60 is engineered for applications where space, assembly cost, and reliability are critical decision factors. Its integrated PIM (Power Integrated Module) architecture makes it particularly well-suited for compact, high-performance systems.
A high-fidelity engineering scenario for this module is the development of a variable frequency drive (VFD) for a 1.5 kW to 2.2 kW three-phase induction motor. In this context, the engineer's primary challenge is to create a drive that is both energy-efficient and compact enough to fit into a constrained industrial control cabinet. The BSM15GP60 directly addresses this by consolidating the input rectifier, brake chopper, and inverter into a single component. This reduces the bill of materials (BOM), minimizes PCB layout complexity, and significantly cuts down on assembly time compared to a discrete solution. The module's total power dissipation of 100W per switch provides a clear target for the thermal design, simplifying heatsink selection. More importantly, the integrated NTC thermistor provides the essential feedback for preventing thermal runaway, a common failure mode in hard-switching motor drives. For a deeper understanding of the trade-offs involved in component selection, engineers can refer to resources on IPM vs. discrete IGBT design.
Other key applications include:
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): The module's integrated structure is ideal for the inverter stage of online UPS systems, ensuring a reliable power backup with a minimal physical footprint.
- Small Industrial Automation: Perfect for servo drives in packaging machinery, conveyor systems, and other automated equipment where precise control and high reliability are necessary.
- Air Conditioning: Can be used in the compressor drives of residential or light commercial air conditioning units to improve energy efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the integrated NTC thermistor in the BSM15GP60 improve system-level reliability?
The built-in NTC thermistor provides a real-time analog voltage signal that corresponds to the module's internal temperature. This allows the master controller (MCU or DSP) to accurately monitor thermal conditions and trigger a fault shutdown or power derating before the IGBTs reach their maximum junction temperature, preventing catastrophic failure and extending the service life of the entire system.
What is the significance of the 600V VCES rating for target applications?
A 600V rating provides the necessary safety margin for power converters operating on 200-240V AC mains. This accounts for voltage spikes from the grid and overvoltages caused by inductive load switching, which are common in Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) applications. It ensures the device operates well within its Safe Operating Area (SOA).
Is the BSM15GP60 suitable for hard-switching or soft-switching topologies?
With a typical Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage of 1.95V, the BSM15GP60 is optimized for hard-switching applications operating at moderate frequencies (typically up to 20 kHz). While it can be used in soft-switching topologies, its primary design point balances conduction and switching losses for cost-effective, high-reliability systems like standard motor drives.
What is the main advantage of the EconoPIM™ package for a manufacturing environment?
The EconoPIM™ package uses a single, unified housing with screw terminals for both power and control connections. This drastically simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of components to be mounted and soldered. It minimizes the risk of assembly errors and improves production throughput compared to building the same circuit with discrete components.
From a strategic standpoint, integrating the BSM15GP60 into a new design allows engineering teams to focus resources on software and control logic rather than on the complexities of power stage layout and component sourcing. This approach accelerates time-to-market and yields a more predictable and reliable final product, strengthening a company's competitive position in the crowded industrial automation market.
