Power module targets vehicular brushless-motor apps

ON Semiconductor has further expanded its portfolio of automotive Power Integrated Modules (PIMs) with the introduction of the STK984-190-E. Optimized for driving 3-phase brushless DC motors in modern automotive applications, this module contains six 40 V, 30 A MOSFETs configured as a three-phase bridge with an additional 40 V, 30 A high-side reverse battery protection MOSFET. The MOSFETs are mounted onto a direct bonded copper (DBC) substrate, resulting in a compact module with excellent thermal performance taking up only half of the board space used by an equivalent discrete solution.

The module is suitable for use in 12 V automotive electric motor drive applications with power ratings up to 300 W, such as electric pumps, fans and windscreen wipers. Used in combination with motor controllers, such as LV8907UW, designers can build high efficiency BLDC solution with best in class thermal performance, built in diagnostics, and an ultra-small PCB that saves critical size and weight.   

Using the module allows both the component count and the bill of materials costs to be reduced substantially. The DBC substrate reduces the thermal resistance, which reduces the operating temperature of the MOSFETs. This reduces power losses and increases reliability due to a reduced change in temperature during thermal cycling. Reliability is also improved by the isolation provided by the DBC substrate.  STK984-190-E has a specified operational temperature range of -40°C to 150°C. The integrated MOSFETs are all AEC-Q101 qualified.

At least 13-15 discrete components would typically be needed to develop an effective BLDC drive solution, whereas the STK984-190-E automotive power module needs less than half that,” states Chris Chey, General Manager of System Solutions Group at ON Semiconductor. “In addition to its compact size, the strong thermal performance of the STK984-190-E allows a smaller heatsink to be employed. The marked reduction in system size and weight that it enables, mean the current challenges that engineers face in terms of boosting fuel economy and overcoming space constraints can be fully addressed.”

The STK984-190-E is supplied in a Pb-free DIP-S3, measuring 29.6mm x 18.2mm x 4.3mm. It is priced at $3.50 per unit in 16-unit quantities.