Power Integrations Revs Up Motor-Drive Offering With BridgeSwitch-2 BLDC IC Family
Power Integrations (NASDAQ: POWI) has launched the BridgeSwitch-2 BLDC IC family, enhancing its hardware-software bundle for brushless DC motors (BLDC). The new ICs feature high- and low-side drivers, advanced FREDFETs, and deliver up to 99% inverter efficiency. The BridgeSwitch-2 family targets applications up to 1 HP (746 W) and reduces inverter sleep-mode consumption to less than 10 mW. It includes the MotorXpert software suite for speeding inverter development, and the IHB architecture that increases design flexibility and reliability while reducing component count and PCB space. The ICs also support emerging EU ERP regulations and offer robust built-in protections, eliminating the need for auxiliary power supplies. Pricing starts at $0.48 for 10,000-unit quantities.
- New BridgeSwitch-2 ICs offer up to 99% inverter efficiency.
- The ICs target applications up to 1 HP (746 W).
- Inverter sleep-mode consumption reduced to less than 10 mW.
- MotorXpert software suite aids in speeding inverter development.
- IHB architecture reduces component count by 50% and PCB space by 30%.
- Supports emerging EU ERP regulations.
- Built-in protections reduce the need for auxiliary power supplies.
- Pricing starts affordably at $0.48 for 10,000-unit quantities.
- No concrete data on actual market adoption or customer feedback yet.
- Potential competition from existing IGBT-based IPMs.
Insights
Power Integrations' newly unveiled BridgeSwitch-2 IC family significantly advances the capabilities for brushless DC (BLDC) motor applications. By enhancing inverter efficiency to
The BridgeSwitch-2 family’s integrated lossless current sensing and high- and low-side drivers are noteworthy. Integrated lossless current sensing allows for real-time phase current reporting, which facilitates precise motor control and predictive maintenance. This can be particularly beneficial for industrial applications where downtime and maintenance costs are significant concerns. Moreover, eliminating shunt resistors not only reduces component count by
In terms of applications, the ICs are well-positioned for a variety of household and industrial uses, from heat exchanger fans to refrigerator compressors. The fact that these ICs meet IEC 60730 Class A safety software and IEC 60335-1 Class A requirements is also a strong selling point, reducing the time and cost needed for regulatory certification.
From a market perspective, the introduction of the BridgeSwitch-2 IC family is poised to solidify Power Integrations' leadership in the high-voltage IC market. The new ICs cater to a broad range of applications within the
The timing of this launch aligns well with tightening energy regulations, especially in the EU. By facilitating compliance with these emerging regulations, Power Integrations is strategically positioning itself to capture a growing market segment. Furthermore, the pricing strategy, starting at $0.48 for <10,000-unit quantities>, suggests a competitive edge that could attract significant volume orders, particularly in the consumer electronics and industrial sectors.
Additionally, the GUI-based MotorXpert software suite simplifies the design process, benefiting engineers with easy adoption and real-time optimization capabilities. This ease of integration can be a compelling selling point, potentially accelerating market penetration and customer onboarding.
The launch of the BridgeSwitch-2 IC family could have notable financial implications for Power Integrations. The product's efficiency and versatility across a wide range of applications make it a strong candidate for driving revenue growth. Lower operational costs and compliance with stringent regulations may increase demand, positively impacting sales figures.
Investors should pay attention to the gross margin improvements that could stem from the reduced component count and lower PCB area requirements. These factors could drive down production costs, potentially leading to higher profit margins. Additionally, the competitive pricing strategy may attract bulk orders, contributing to revenue stability and growth.
Looking ahead, the broadened market reach and the ability to meet new regulatory standards position Power Integrations favorably for future growth. However, investors should remain vigilant about the competitive landscape and any advancements from rival companies that could affect market share. Overall, the BridgeSwitch-2 IC family appears to be a strategically sound addition to Power Integrations' portfolio, with promising financial prospects.
BLDC motor hardware-software combo slashes inverter sleep-mode consumption to less than 10 mW, expands output power to 1 HP
NUREMBERG,
Power Integrations revs up motor-drive offering with BridgeSwitch-2 BLDC IC family. BLDC motor hardware-software combo slashes inverter sleep-mode consumption to less than 10 mW, expands output power to 1 HP. (Photo: Business Wire)
BridgeSwitch-2 ICs handle operational exceptions in hardware, which permits the use of IEC 60730 Class A safety software, reducing certification time by months. Quiescent BLDC inverters can be ordered into sleep-mode, reducing driver power consumption to less than 10 mW; this leaves more power available under regulated standby power limits to be allocated for loads such as network access and monitoring.
Cristian Ionescu-Catrina, product marketing manager at Power Integrations, said: “The low standby consumption of BridgeSwitch-2-based motor drives enables designers to meet new and emerging EU ERP regulations. BridgeSwitch-2 ICs are also far more efficient than IGBT based IPMs across the entire load range.” He continued: “From startup to performance optimization, the GUI-based tool, terminal emulator and MISRA C-compliant code library of MotorXpert greatly simplifies the design process, allowing the motor architecture to be optimized in real-time without repeated firmware updates. BridgeSwitch-2 is microprocessor agnostic, easing its adoption into existing systems – this is important as engineers update designs to meet more stringent standby regulations.”
BridgeSwitch-2 ICs address a power range of 30 to 746 W (1 HP), encompassing a broad range of applications including heat exchanger fans, refrigerator compressors, fluid and circulation pumps, gas boiler combustion fans, washing machine drums and kitchen blenders and mixers. The IHB architecture reduces component count by 50 percent and PCB space by 30 percent over discrete designs by eliminating shunt resistors and associated signal conditioning circuits. Shunt losses are also eliminated, improving efficiency. Precise motor control is achieved with the built-in real-time reporting of phase current (IPH) information. Accurate turn-on/off gate drive and a soft-body diode result in a typical EMI profile 10 dB lower than existing drivers, so a smaller EMI filter can be selected.
BridgeSwitch-2 ICs feature built-in DC overvoltage protection and current limits that protect the inverter and the system without relying on system software. The choice of error-flag or comprehensive fault bus reporting supports a range of system requirements. Emerging use-cases like failure prediction are now possible with the high accuracy of the built-in IPH information and comprehensive reporting via the fault bus. BridgeSwitch-2 motor drives use built-in, hardware-based low- and high-side over-current protection to meet IEC 60335-1 Class A requirements. BridgeSwitch-2 also works without an auxiliary power supply, further reducing PCB area and component count.
Availability & Resources
Pricing for BridgeSwitch-2 ICs starts at
About Power Integrations
Power Integrations, Inc., is a leading innovator in semiconductor technologies for high-voltage power conversion. The company’s products are key building blocks in the clean-power ecosystem, enabling the generation of renewable energy as well as the efficient transmission and consumption of power in applications ranging from milliwatts to megawatts. For more information, please visit www.power.com.
Power Integrations, the Power Integrations logo, BridgeSwitch, and MotorXpert are trademarks, service marks or registered trademarks of Power Integrations, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240610094341/en/
Media Contact
Linda Williams
Power Integrations
(408)-414-9837
linda.williams@power.com
Press Agency Contact
Nick Foot
BWW Communications
+44-1491-636 393
nick.foot@bwwcomms.com
Source: Power Integrations, Inc.
FAQ
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