Integrated power module handles the other appliance need

You hear a lot about networked home appliances, such as smart refrigerators, but OEMs and end users need a better, more efficient motor drive, which both saves energy costs and reduces thermal loads. International Rectifier addresses this need with the IRAMS10UP60A module, which combines non-punch-through IGBTs (insulated-gate bipolar transistors); a three-phase, high-speed driver IC; and more than 20 other parts into one device (Picture). You use this module, which has PWM-control frequency as high as 20 kHz, with 400 to 750W, variable-speed motors, which find use in air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, and other home products.

You provide the motor-drive algorithm at the level of sophistication your product demands and embed it in your processor, which can range from a basic microcontroller to a sophisticated DSP; you can use this module with vector-control-loop mode. The product includes full thermal, overcurrent, and undervoltage protection for fail-safe operation. It generates low EMI, which is critical in many regulator environments and boasts a 10A rating at 25°C that derates to only 5A at 100°C. To ease software development, the company offers a reference-design kit with the module, associated components, software to emulate motion cycles, an 8-bit microcontroller, and an optically isolated RS-232 port that interfaces to the company's GUI software. The $8.30 (10,000) device measures 62×21×4 mm and comes in standup and flat-on-the-board mounting styles.

International Rectifier, 1-310-322-3331, www.irf.com.