ST, Sanken to support applications above 3kW
Partnership to develop intelligent power modules (IPM)
IPM Engineering Samples, Coming in 2021


STMicroelectronics announced on the 16th that it has formed a strategic partnership with Sanken Electric to improve the performance of Intelligent Power Modules (IPMs) in high-voltage, high-power equipment designs.

ST and Sanken are developing 650V/50A and 1200V/10A industrial modules and plan to jointly launch them into the market. This module reduces the bill of materials (BOM) and simplifies design challenges for HVAC systems, industrial servo drives, industrial washers, and general-purpose inverters above 3 kW.

The two companies’ IPM product roadmap extends to 650V/50A automotive-grade modules supporting high-voltage compressors, pumps and cooling fans.

“With this collaboration, ST is extending its existing STPOWER SLLIMM portfolio into a high-power product line, addressing applications beyond 3kW and delivering our first automotive-grade IPM,” said Marco Monti, President of ST’s Automotive and Discrete Group.

Design engineers using IPM can replace existing power circuits implemented with discrete components with ultra-small integrated devices, simplifying circuit layout and PCB design, accelerating time to market and improving cost efficiency and reliability.

Engineering samples of the industrial IPM are expected to be available in March 2021, with volume production expected to follow shortly thereafter. Automotive grade samples will be available in the second half of 2021.