The HM15S60A, introduced by HeroMicro, is a highly integrated 600V/15A three-phase Intelligent Power Module (IPM). It integrates six low-loss Trench-Gate Field-Stop IGBTs, three bootstrap diodes, and comprehensive protection circuits into a compact DIP26-FP package. This module is specifically designed to drive three-phase Brushless DC (BLDC) motors, Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM), and variable-frequency home appliances (such as refrigerators, water pumps, and fans), greatly simplifying inverter system design and enhancing reliability.
1. Key Features Overview
Based on the datasheet provided by HeroMicro (HM15S60A.pdf), key features include:
High Integration:
Built-in 6 IGBTs forming a complete three-phase full-bridge inverter.
Built-in 3 bootstrap diodes, eliminating the need for external high-voltage diodes.
Built-in Under-Voltage Lockout (UVLO), Short-Circuit/Over-Current (SC/OC) protection, and Shutdown functionality.
High Performance:
Rated Voltage/Current: 600V / 15A (Continuous, TC=25°C).
Compatibility: High-level active input signals, directly compatible with 3.3V or 5V Microcontrollers (MCUs).
Temperature Monitoring: Provides a constant current source output for temperature sensing, enabling system monitoring of the module's junction temperature.
High Reliability:
Isolation Voltage: 1500Vrms (1 minute), ensuring safe isolation between high and low voltage circuits.
Protection: Upon any protection trigger, the module immediately shuts down all IGBTs and signals a fault via the /FO pin.
Package: DIP26-FP with a metal baseplate for easy heatsink mounting.
2. Pin Configuration & Function Description
The HM15S60A has numerous pins, which can be categorized as follows:
Power Terminals:
P: DC bus positive terminal.
NU, NV, NW: Emitters of the lower-arm IGBTs for phases U/V/W (typically tied together as the DC bus negative).
U/VSU, V/VSV, W/VSW: AC output terminals for phases U/V/W (also serve as the floating ground for the high-side drivers).
Control & Logic Terminals:
INxH / INxL (x=U,V,W): PWM control signal inputs for the high/low-side of phases U/V/W. High-level active.
VCCx (x=U,V,W): Control supply for the low-side drivers of each phase (recommended 15V).
VBx (x=U,V,W): Bootstrap capacitor charging supply for the high-side drivers (recommended 15V).
Protection & Special Function Terminals:
/FO: Fault output. High-impedance (internally pulled up) when normal, pulled low on fault.
/SDW: Shutdown input for phase W (same function as /SDU, /SDV).
VOT: Temperature sense output. Provides a constant current proportional to the junction temperature.
/SDx (x=U,V,W): External shutdown input for each phase. Pulling low (<1.5V) immediately shuts down the corresponding phase.
CSC: Short-circuit/Over-current protection input. Protection is triggered when this pin's voltage exceeds 0.48V (typical).
/FO, /SDW, VOT (Pin 9): A multi-function pin.
3. Critical Design Guidelines
(1) Power Supply Design
Control Supply (VCC): Independent 15V ±1.5V control supplies must be provided for each phase (U, V, W). It is strongly recommended to place low-ESR decoupling capacitors (e.g., 10μF electrolytic + 0.1μF ceramic) between each VCCx and COM.
Bootstrap Circuit: For high-side driving, a bootstrap circuit is required for each phase. Connect a bootstrap capacitor (Cboot) between VBx and VSx (i.e., the U/V/W output). The datasheet recommends using a high-frequency, low-inductance capacitor, with traces kept as short as possible. The bootstrap diode is internal, so no external diode is needed.
(2) Input Interface & MCU Connection
Direct Connection: Since its inputs are 3.3V/5V compatible and high-level active, they can be directly connected to the MCU's GPIOs without optocouplers or level shifters (unless isolation is required).
RC Filtering: To prevent noise from causing false triggering, it is highly recommended to add an RC low-pass filter (e.g., 100Ω + 100pF) at each INxH/INxL input pin.
Routing: All input signal traces should be as short as possible and kept away from high dv/dt power traces to minimize coupled noise.
(3) Protection Circuit Design
Short-Circuit/Over-Current Protection (CSC): This is the most critical protection. Typically, a sense resistor (Rsense) is placed between the DC bus negative (NU/NV/NW) and ground. The CSC pin is connected to the high side of the sense resistor via an RC network (RF, CF).
Time Constant: RF * CF should be set within 1.5~2μs to filter switching spikes while responding quickly to real short circuits.
Threshold: The trip current threshold is determined by Rsense: Itrip ≈ 0.48V / Rsense.
Fault Handling (/FO): The /FO pin should be connected to an MCU interrupt or GPIO. Upon detecting /FO being pulled low, the MCU must immediately stop all PWM outputs and enter a fault handling routine. /FO is an open-drain output and requires an external pull-up resistor (e.g., 6.8kΩ to 5V).
(4) PCB Layout & Thermal Management (Critical!)
Power Loop: The DC bus capacitor (CP) must be placed as close as possible to the P and NU/NV/NW pins to minimize loop inductance and suppress switching voltage spikes. It is recommended to add a 0.1~0.22μF high-frequency non-inductive capacitor between P and N.
Grounding: Control ground (COM) and power ground (NU/NV/NW) must be connected at a single point to avoid ground bounce noise affecting control signals.
Thermal Management: The module's metal baseplate must be mounted on an adequately sized heatsink using thermal paste. The case temperature (Tc) must not exceed 100°C to ensure the junction temperature (Tj) remains within safe limits (recommended average Tj ≤125°C).
(5) Dead Time
The PWM signals for the high and low-side of the same phase generated by the MCU must include dead time to prevent shoot-through. The datasheet recommends a minimum dead time of 1.0μs.
4. Typical Applications
Compressor/Fan drives for inverter air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines
Variable-frequency control for water pumps and fans
Small industrial servo drives
Motor control for power tools and home appliances
5. Summary
HeroMicro's HM15S60A is an intelligent power module that integrates drivers, power devices, and multiple layers of protection. By following meticulous power supply design, proper protection circuit configuration, strict PCB layout rules, and correct dead time settings, engineers can quickly and reliably build efficient and safe three-phase motor drive systems, significantly shortening product development cycles.
