STMicroelectronics and Sanken Electric, a supplier focused on the innovation of technology regarding semiconductors, power modules, and sensors, have joined hands on co-developing industrial power modules of 650V/50A and 1200V/10A by targeting at the high pressure and high-power market of industrial and automotive uses, and will be implementing a joint sales on these products. The two companies are expected to release the engineering sample for the intelligent power module (IPM) in March 2021, followed by the release of automotive IPM engineering samples during the second half of 2021.

It is reported that the collaboration aims to integrate the specialty in power components from the two parties, and design a high-performance power module that will exert the performance and practicality of smart efficiency modules within high pressure and high-power equipment. The new module will simplify the design challenges encountered from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), industrial servo actuators, industrial washers, and general frequency converters above 3kW, while also lower the cost of the bill of materials. STMicroelectronics and Sanken Electric will then extend their IPM product arrangement to high pressure compressor, pumps, and cooling fans for automotive applications, as well as incorporate the additional 650V/50A automotive module.

STMicroelectronics emphasized that the IPM module allows designers to replace conventional power circuits of discrete components with integrated components of high power density, simplify on circuit layout and the design of power circuit boards, which helps to accelerate the time of product launch, as well as elevate the cost effectiveness and reliability. An ample use of the power module facilitates easier manufacturing, faster assembly, and lower material cost, and design personnel of high pressure equipment are able to create the new generation power products that are higher in power density, more economical and energy efficient, and contain larger degree of reliability.

Masao Hoshino, Director of Component Division, Sanken Electric, commented that the technical advantages derived from the partnership between STMicroelectronics and Sanken Electric are able to incorporate these new types of high pressure and high-power IPM into the industrial and automotive market, and ensure that the products designed for clients possess remarkable performance, efficiency, and reliability.

 (Cover photo source: General Motors)