Mitsubishi PM100RLA120 | Integrated IPM for High-Reliability Servo and Motor Control
The Mitsubishi PM100RLA120 is not just another power switch; it's a fully integrated power solution engineered for applications demanding uncompromising reliability and performance. As a member of Mitsubishi's L1-Series, this Intelligent Power Module (IPM) consolidates a 3-phase Converter-Inverter-Brake (CIB) topology with optimized gate drivers and a suite of protection circuits into a single, compact package. This module is purpose-built for engineers developing sophisticated AC servo drives, general-purpose inverters, and other high-performance motor control systems where design simplification and long-term operational integrity are paramount.
- System-in-a-Package Design: Integrates a three-phase inverter, brake chopper, and rectifier bridge, drastically reducing component count and simplifying PCB layout.
- Proprietary CSTBT™ Technology: Leverages Mitsubishi's 6th Generation Carrier Stored Trench Gate Bipolar Transistor (CSTBT™) for an optimal balance of low conduction loss and switching performance.
- Built-in Intelligence: Features on-board gate drive circuits and critical protection functions, including short-circuit (SC), over-temperature (OT), and control supply under-voltage (UV) protection.
- Engineered for Durability: Offers a robust solution that enhances system reliability by minimizing external wiring and potential points of failure.
A Technical Deep Dive into the PM100RLA120's Core Advantages
Understanding the technology inside the PM100RLA120 reveals why it stands out in a crowded field. The performance is not accidental but a result of deliberate engineering choices that directly translate to application-level benefits.
The Power of CSTBT™ for Efficient Power Conversion
At the heart of the PM100RLA120 are the 6th Generation CSTBT™ IGBTs. This proprietary trench-gate structure incorporates an innovative carrier-stored layer, which significantly enhances conductivity modulation during the on-state. The direct engineering benefit is a remarkably low collector-emitter saturation voltage (VCE(sat)) even at high current densities. For the design engineer, this means lower conduction losses, reduced heat generation, and the ability to design smaller, more efficient systems without resorting to oversized heatsinks. This efficiency is critical in achieving modern power density and energy consumption targets.
Beyond the Silicon: The Value of Integrated Protection
While the IGBTs provide the muscle, the integrated circuitry provides the intelligence and self-preservation instincts. A discrete design requires careful selection and layout of gate drivers, optocouplers, and protection feedback circuits—a process fraught with potential for noise coupling and parasitic inductance issues. The PM100RLA120 eliminates this complexity. The gate driver is perfectly matched to the IGBT's characteristics, ensuring optimal switching waveforms and minimizing losses. More importantly, the integrated short-circuit, under-voltage, and thermal protection provide a built-in safety net, dramatically improving the system's resilience against fault conditions that could otherwise lead to catastrophic failure. This integration transforms a complex design challenge into a reliable, plug-and-play power stage. For a deeper understanding of gate driver complexities, explore these 5 practical tips for robust IGBT gate drive design.
Key Parameters Overview
For engineers requiring quick-reference data, the table below summarizes the essential electrical characteristics of the PM100RLA120. For complete specifications, please download the full datasheet.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Collector-Emitter Voltage (Vces) | 1200 V |
| Collector Current (Ic) | 100 A |
| Topology | 3-Phase Inverter + Brake + Converter (CIB) |
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (VCE(sat)) (Typ.) | 1.75 V (at Ic = 100A) |
| Max Junction Temperature (Tj(max)) | 150 °C |
| Isolation Voltage (Viso) | 2500 Vrms (1 minute) |
Application Spotlight: Where the PM100RLA120 Excels
The unique feature set of the PM100RLA120 makes it an ideal choice for specific, demanding applications:
- AC Servo Drives: In high-precision robotics and CNC machinery, the module's fast switching, low losses, and integrated brake chopper enable precise and dynamic control of motor speed and torque. Its high level of integration is key to building the compact power stages required for robotic servo drives.
- Small to Medium Industrial Inverters: For general-purpose drives controlling pumps, fans, and conveyors, the PM100RLA120 simplifies the design process and improves the overall robustness of the system, reducing field failures and maintenance costs.
- Renewable Energy & UPS: The module's proven reliability and integrated protection make it a trustworthy component for smaller solar inverters and uninterruptible power supplies, where system uptime is a non-negotiable requirement.
Engineer's FAQ
Why choose an IPM like the PM100RLA120 over a discrete IGBT and driver solution?
While a discrete approach offers flexibility, an IPM provides guaranteed performance, higher reliability, and a faster time-to-market. The internal gate driver is perfectly optimized for the CSTBT™ chips, eliminating guesswork in gate resistor selection and layout. The tight integration minimizes parasitic inductance, leading to cleaner switching and lower EMI. Most importantly, the validated, built-in protection circuits offer a level of system safety that is difficult and time-consuming to replicate and test in a discrete design.
For complex power designs, leveraging an IPM like the Mitsubishi PM100RLA120 is a strategic decision that trades perceived component cost for significant savings in engineering time, board space, and long-term reliability. To discuss how this module can fit into your specific application, please contact our technical team.
