If you're designing a motor control system, you know how challenging it can be to optimize performance while minimizing cost and complexity. One way to simplify your task and accelerate your time to market is to use an evaluation board that integrates advanced features and components. The STEVAL-IPM15B is one such board that offers a broad range of functions and benefits.

Overview of the STEVAL-IPM15B

The STEVAL-IPM15B is an evaluation board based on the SLLIMM-nano module, an integrated intelligent power module (IPM) that combines three-phase gate drivers, six SPT IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors), and a bootstrap diode in a compact and robust package. The IPM is optimized for AC motor drive applications up to 200 W, with operating voltage up to 600 V and switching frequency up to 20 kHz. The STEVAL-IPM15B board is designed to showcase the performance of the IPM and enable easy testing and development of motor control algorithms.

The STEVAL-IPM15B board includes various hardware and software features that enhance its usability and flexibility. Some of the key components and modules are:

STM32F030C8T6 microcontroller from STMicroelectronics

ST-Link/V2-1 debugger and programmer

USB interface for power supply and communication

Isolated DC bus voltage measurement circuit

On-board current and temperature sensors

JTAG connector and SWIM pin header

Extension connector for additional daughterboards

The STEVAL-IPM15B board also comes with a comprehensive software package that includes a motor control firmware library, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) tool, and a set of documentation and application notes.

Key Features and Benefits of the STEVAL-IPM15B

The STEVAL-IPM15B board offers several advantages that make it an attractive choice for motor control engineers and developers:

High efficiency: The IPM module incorporates advanced power electronics and thermal management technologies that ensure high efficiency and reliability in various operating conditions. The STEVAL-IPM15B board allows you to measure and analyze the power efficiency and losses of your motor drive system, and optimize the control parameters accordingly.

Robustness: The IPM module and the STEVAL-IPM15B board are designed for harsh environments and robust performance. The board includes several protection features such as overcurrent and overtemperature shutdown, short-circuit protection, and undervoltage lockout, which enhance the safety and longevity of your motor control system.

Flexibility: The STEVAL-IPM15B board supports different control modes and configurations, such as V/F (volts per frequency), FOC (field-oriented control), and sensorless control. You can choose the most suitable mode for your application, and customize the firmware and the GUI accordingly. The board also allows you to connect external sensors and feedback devices, such as encoders, Hall sensors, or current transformers, and implement advanced control algorithms, such as position or speed control, torque control, or fault detection.

Easy evaluation and development: The STEVAL-IPM15B board provides a user-friendly environment for testing and prototyping your motor control system. You can use the GUI tool to configure the control parameters, visualize the waveforms and the performance indicators, and debug your firmware code. You can also connect additional daughterboards or modules, such as power supplies, signal generators, or oscilloscopes, to extend the functionality of the board and emulate different scenarios or conditions.

Cost-effective: The STEVAL-IPM15B board is a cost-effective solution for evaluating and developing motor control systems, compared to designing a custom board from scratch or buying a pre-built solution. The board includes all the necessary components and interfaces, and can be easily integrated into your final product or system. Moreover, the board comes with a rich set of documentation and application notes that guide you through the implementation and optimization process, and help you overcome common challenges and errors.

Conclusion

The STEVAL-IPM15B evaluation board is a powerful and versatile tool for motor control applications, that can help you simplify your design and development tasks, reduce your time to market, and improve the performance and efficiency of your product or system. With its advanced features, robustness, flexibility, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, the STEVAL-IPM15B is a must-have board for any motor control engineer or developer who wants to stay ahead in the game.