High-Power Motor Control with the Infineon IM818-LCC Automotive Intelligent Power Module

The electrification of the automotive industry demands robust, efficient, and compact solutions for high-power motor control in applications like electric power steering (EPS), electric brakes, and thermal management systems. At the heart of these critical systems lies the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), which integrates the key power and control components into a single, optimized package. The Infineon IM818-LCC stands out as a premier solution designed specifically to meet the stringent requirements of the automotive sector.

This module is engineered for three-phase inverter systems driving motors up to 10 kW, making it ideal for a wide range of high-power 48V automotive applications. Its core is built upon high-efficiency, rugged six-pack IGBTs paired with non-intrusive current sensing technology. This combination ensures low electromagnetic interference (EMI) and provides highly accurate motor current feedback, which is crucial for implementing advanced field-oriented control (FOC) algorithms for smooth and precise motor operation.

A significant advantage of the IM818-LCC is its high level of integration. It incorporates six IGBTs with their corresponding freewheeling diodes, three shunt resistors for phase current sensing, and a dedicated high-voltage IC (HVIC) for gate driving. The onboard HVIC provides essential protection features such as undervoltage lockout (UVLO) and overcurrent protection, significantly enhancing system reliability by safeguarding against common fault conditions that could damage the inverter or motor.

Furthermore, the module utilizes a low-inductance design and an electrically isolated package, which simplifies thermal management and mechanical mounting to the heatsink. This design minimizes parasitic effects that can cause voltage overshoot and switching losses, thereby maximizing overall system efficiency. The automotive-grade qualification of the IM818-LCC ensures it can operate reliably under the harsh conditions typical in vehicles, including wide temperature fluctuations and significant vibration.

For engineers, using the IM818-LCC translates to a reduction in development time and system size. By offering a pre-optimized and tested power stage, it eliminates the complexity of designing discrete MOSFET/IGBT gate driver circuits, leading to a more compact printed circuit board (PCB) and a faster time-to-market for demanding automotive applications.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon IM818-LCC Automotive IPM is a highly integrated, robust, and efficient solution that simplifies the design of high-power motor control systems, offering superior performance and reliability for 48V automotive applications.

Keywords: Intelligent Power Module, Automotive Grade, High-Power Motor Control, Three-Phase Inverter, System Integration