NPC CONVERTER MODULE
PEN8018
NPC PHASE-LEG POWER MODULE
Three-level modules for building NPC converters
- – Sensors output (analog)
- – Gate drivers inputs (optical)
- – Internal fault flag (optical)
- – Power supply (5V/12V)
- – Cooling fan (120W)
- – 4x Power switches (IGBT) + clamping diodes
- – DC link terminals
BUILDING BLOCK FOR NEUTRAL POINT CLAMPED CONVERTERS
The PEN8018 NPC converter module allows the rapid implementation of three-level Neutral Point Clamped inverters as well as similar power converters. Three power modules are all that it takes to build a three-phase three-level NPC converter. Other multilevel converter topologies can also be built easily.
PEN8018 power modules are built around an NPC phase-leg (I-type) made of four IGBT semiconductors. Their power ratings make them particularly suitable for both laboratory-scale research activities.
800V/18A Three-level NPC module
| DC voltage | 800V |
| Output current | 18A |
| Typical power | 1-5 kVA |
READY-TO-USE NPC CONVERTER MODULE
MODULE FUNCTIONS AND FEATURES
NPC phase-leg modules are ready-to-use power electronic building blocks. They are ideal for rapid control prototyping applications on Neutral Point Clamped converters. PEN8018 modules feature:
- NPC-type IGBT phase-leg (I-type)
- DC bus capacitors
- Current and voltage sensors
- Integrated gate drivers
- Onboard logic and protection (voltage, current, temperature)
- Speed-regulated cooling (120W TDP)
This way, when building NPC converters, the only missing elements are the inductive components, whose sizing is linked to the application.
NPC MODULES FOR LABORATORY RESEARCH
ONBOARD PROTECTION MECHANISMS
As with all imperix power modules, the PEN8018 NPC converter module embeds protection mechanisms such as over-current/voltage detection, which block the NPC phase-leg in case of hazardous behavior and thus ensure that its capabilities are never exceeded.
Combined with the additional adjustable protections of our programmable controller, PEN8018 modules are the ultimate solution for the safe and efficient prototyping of three-level NPC converters.
SYSTEM-LEVEL INTEGRATION
A MODULAR APPROACH FOR BUILDING NPC POWER CONVERTERS
Three-level NPC inverter example:
- 1x B-Box RCP (digital controller)
- 3x PEN8018 power modules
- 1x rack-mountable open chassis
- …
When used to build power inverters, the PEN8018 modules are ideally suited for 230/400VAC applications, thanks to their operating DC voltage up to 800VDC.
Typical operating parameters
- Switching frequency: 1-20kHz.
- AC grid voltage: 230/400VAC.
- Power rating (three-phase configuration): 5-10kW.
Typical prototyping applications
- Grid-tied NPC power inverters
- Medium-voltage motor drives
- High-performance rectifiers
- Active power filters
- Serial-in parallel-out isolated DC/DC converters
- Cascaded multilevel converters
- etc.
NEUTRAL POINT CLAMPED CONVERTERS FAMILY
APPLICATION EXAMPLES OF NPC CONVERTER MODULES
In addition to the well-known three-level inverters and rectifiers, there are numerous applications that can benefit from the increased waveform quality of three-level power modules.
Three-phase grid-connected NPC inverter, using:
- 1x B-Box RCP digital controller
- 3x NPC converter modules
Multilevel inverter with three-level modules, using:
- 1x B-Box RCP digital controller
- 6x NPC converter modules
NPC INVERTER MODULES
BENEFITS OF PEN8018 THREE-LEVEL MODULES
Easy-to-use
The NPC power modules contain everything needed to start working quickly.
Robust
Our three-level NPC modules are based on powerful I-type NPC cells with oversized ratings.
Specialized
PEN8018 modules are ideal for studying NPC converters within academic or R&D environments.
POWER MODULE ACCESSORIES
RACK-MOUNTING EQUIPMENT
NPC phase-leg modules are best assembled within rack-mountable frames or enclosures. This guarantees the highest flexibility, thanks to the modular nature of the power converter modules.
PEB modules can be mounted within open rack-mountable frames. As such, modules remain easily accessible and can be easily put in (or taken out) of the chassis.
Imperix power modules can also be placed within enclosures that make use of 4mm laboratory safety plugs. This guarantees that no dangerous voltage can ever be reached.
For those interested to have a first configuration that is fully ready-to-use, imperix offers a standard box with inductors and LC filters. Components have reasonable, but fixed values.
OTHER POWER MODULES
- 800V / 24A
- Half-bridge topology
The PEB8024 modules are SiC-based power modules. They are designed for fast-switching applications, up to 200kHz.
- 400V / 50A
- Half-bridge topology
The PEB4050 modules use Silicon IGBTs. They offer the highest currents ratings among imperix power modules.
- 200V / 15A
- Full-bridge topology
The PEH2015 modules use Silicon IGBTs. Their reduced voltage ratings make them preferred for multilevel converter applications.