Mitsubishi PS21865-P IGBT Module

PS21865-P: The Compact 600V/20A IPM for High-Reliability Motor Drives

The PS21865-P is a highly integrated Intelligent Power Module (IPM) from Mitsubishi's DIP-IPM series, engineered to simplify and ruggedize low-power three-phase motor control systems. This module uniquely combines six 5th generation IGBTs, free-wheeling diodes, and dedicated HVIC gate drivers with a comprehensive suite of protection circuits into a single, compact dual-in-line package. Key specifications include: 600V Collector-Emitter Voltage | 20A Collector Current | Integrated Under-Voltage, Short-Circuit & Over-Temperature Protection. Its primary benefits are enhanced system reliability and accelerated design cycles for engineers. For designers of compact variable frequency drives, this module directly addresses the challenge of integrating robust fault protection without complex external circuitry. The module's integrated protection and single-supply operation make it a superior choice for space-constrained applications under 1.5kW, such as advanced appliance motors and light industrial automation.

Key Parameter Overview

Highlighting Critical Specifications for Inverter Design

The technical specifications of the PS21865-P are tailored for efficiency and safety in low-power motor drive applications. The parameters below have been selected to provide engineers with the core data needed for initial design evaluation, focusing on the electrical characteristics and integrated protective functions that define the module's performance envelope.

Download the PS21865-P datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.

Application Scenarios & Value

Delivering System-Level Reliability in Compact Motor Control

The PS21865-P is engineered for applications where reliability, space efficiency, and thermal management are critical design constraints. Its all-in-one construction provides significant value in accelerating the development of robust motor drives for both commercial and light industrial equipment.

High-Fidelity Engineering Scenario: Consider the design of a high-efficiency inverter for a residential heat pump or a commercial refrigeration unit. A key challenge is protecting the power stage from destructive events like a motor phase-to-phase short circuit. Using discrete components would require a complex and carefully tuned circuit to sense the overcurrent, process the signal, and then command the gate drivers to shut down—all within microseconds. The PS21865-P solves this problem internally. Its integrated short-circuit protection senses the current via an external shunt resistor and, upon exceeding a defined threshold, immediately shuts down all lower-side IGBTs and issues a fault signal. This built-in function, specified in the datasheet, drastically reduces component count and eliminates the complex design and validation work associated with external protection circuits, ultimately improving the system's field reliability.

Core application areas include:

• Appliance Motor Control: Ideal for driving the main motors in washing machines, refrigerators, and high-efficiency air conditioners.
• Light Industrial Automation: Well-suited for small servo motors, fans, pumps, and conveyor belt systems where compact size and high reliability are paramount.
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): Serves as the core power stage for small AC inverter drives operating on 100V to 200V AC lines.

For systems requiring a slightly different current or feature set, designers might also evaluate related components. For instance, the PS21564-P offers a higher current rating for more demanding loads within a similar package family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the primary benefit of the PS21865-P's integrated HVICs?
The integrated High-Voltage ICs (HVICs) provide built-in level-shifting and gate drive functionality. This allows the module to be driven directly from a CPU or microcontroller's low-voltage logic signals (typically 3.3V or 5V), eliminating the need for external optocouplers and a separate floating power supply for the high-side IGBTs, simplifying PCB layout and reducing system cost.

How does the single power supply architecture simplify system design?
The module is designed to operate from a single 15V control power supply. Internal bootstrap circuits, consisting of diodes and resistors for each high-side driver, generate the necessary floating gate drive voltage. This single-supply operation is a significant advantage over discrete designs that often require multiple isolated power sources, thus reducing power supply complexity and overall system size.

What is the function of the fault (Fo) signal output?
When an internal protection function is triggered (such as short-circuit, under-voltage, or over-temperature), the Fo pin outputs a low logic signal. This signal should be monitored by the system's main controller to initiate a safe shutdown procedure, log the error, and prevent the inverter from restarting until the fault condition is cleared, ensuring system safety and preventing catastrophic failure.

What considerations are necessary for the external shunt resistor used for short-circuit protection?
The external shunt resistor is critical for the proper operation of the short-circuit (SC) protection. Its resistance value must be carefully selected to produce a voltage drop that accurately reflects the collector current. This voltage is compared against an internal reference in the module. The datasheet provides guidance on selecting this resistor and the associated RC filter to balance sensitivity with noise immunity, preventing nuisance trips while ensuring rapid shutdown under genuine fault conditions.

Industry Insights & Strategic Advantage

Accelerating Time-to-Market in an Efficiency-Driven Landscape

In the highly competitive markets of home appliances and light industrial machinery, design cycle time and long-term reliability are key business drivers. The trend towards higher energy efficiency, mandated by global standards, puts pressure on engineers to adopt sophisticated motor control strategies like vector control, which requires robust and reliable inverter hardware. The PS21865-P IPM directly supports this trend by providing a pre-validated, protected power stage. By integrating the most sensitive components—the gate drivers and protection circuits—into a single module, it abstracts away much of the complexity of high-voltage PCB layout and EMI management. This allows engineering teams to focus their resources on firmware development and system-level features rather than on the intricacies of power semiconductor performance. This modular approach not only de-risks the project but also significantly shortens the path from prototype to mass production, a crucial advantage in fast-moving sectors. For more information on the benefits of integrated power modules, see this overview on IPM (Intelligent Power Module) technology from a leading manufacturer.