Mitsubishi Electric Corp. (Tokyo, Japan) introduced a super-high-reliability, dual-in-line package intelligent power module (DIP-IPM) targeted for motor inverter drives of hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) applications or auxiliary machines. The DIP-IPM product is the first of its kind in the world.
Traditional DIP-IPMs are mainly used for inverter drives in home appliances such as room air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. The DIP-IPM is also suitable for automobile applications, thus contributing to the miniaturization of automobile inverter drive systems. The increased use of energy-saving air conditioners in green automobiles (HEVs and FCEVs) is in response to environmental concerns. To meet this need, smaller and more reliable IPMs are required in the inverter drives for them and other auxiliary motors. The application of DIP-IPMs in electric automobiles is expected to contribute to the miniaturization of inverter drive systems in other auxiliary motors as well.
Product samples (PS21867-AJ) will be available in March 2004 at ¥5,000 per piece with monthly mass production of 20,000 pieces scheduled to begin from January 2005.
