STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IPMNM3Q

Overview

STEVAL-IPMNM3Q from STMicroelectronics is a compact 300 W three-phase motor drive evaluation board built around the STIPQ3M60T-HZ SLLIMM-nano 2nd series intelligent power module (IPM), integrating six N-channel MDmesh™ DM2 MOSFETs, three half-bridge gate drivers, internal op-amp, NTC temperature sensing, and hardware overcurrent protection. It supports field-oriented control (FOC) for PMSM/BLDC and ACIM motors in white goods, HVAC compressors, and industrial fans.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IPMNM3Q datasheet, STEVAL-IPMNM3Q pinout, STEVAL-IPMNM3Q application, or STEVAL-IPMNM3Q equivalent, this board delivers verified current-sensing flexibility (single/three-shunt), Hall/encoder interface, thermal monitoring, and STM32 MCU compatibility - critical for rapid prototyping of high-efficiency 3-phase inverter systems.

Technical Context

The board implements a complete 3-phase inverter stage with bootstrap-gated high-voltage half-bridges, supporting DC bus input from 125 V to 400 V and delivering up to 1.1 A RMS motor current. Its SLLIMM-nano IPM integrates gate drivers with undervoltage lockout, smart shutdown, and internal temperature sensor output.

Current feedback is configurable via three methods: on-board TSV994 op-amps (three channels), external MCU-based amplification, or the embedded single op-amp inside the STIPQ3M60T-HZ IPM. Hall/encoder inputs and dedicated fault signaling (EM_STOP, T/SD/OD pins) enable real-time protection and closed-loop timing synchronization.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IPMNM3Q is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for HVAC compressor drives, refrigerator BLDC fan control, and industrial 3-phase inverter development requiring stable component supply and rapid validation of motor control firmware.

Supply support for STEVAL-IPMNM3Q includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, specializing in power management, microcontrollers, sensors, and analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL motor control evaluation platform family, designed to accelerate adoption of STM32-based FOC algorithms with pre-validated power stages and sensor interfaces.

FAQ

What microcontrollers is STEVAL-IPMNM3Q compatible with?

STEVAL-IPMNM3Q is specifically designed for ST's STM32 MCU-based control boards, including those used with the STM32 Motor Control SDK (MCSDK) and STSW-POWERSTUDIO. It connects via a standardized 32-pin motor control connector with PWM, enable, fault, and current sense signals mapped to common STM32 timer and ADC peripherals.

Does the board support both single-shunt and three-shunt current sensing?

Yes - the board provides jumper-selectable configurations for single-shunt (using internal IPM op-amp) or three-shunt (using three discrete TSV994 op-amps). The schematic shows SW1–SW3 for shunt selection and SW17/SW26 for op-amp routing, enabling direct FOC implementation without external signal conditioning.

What thermal protection mechanisms are implemented?

The board uses dual thermal protection: an NTC thermistor mounted on the IPM heatsink feeds into a comparator circuit, while the STIPQ3M60T-HZ IPM itself provides internal die temperature monitoring via its T/SD/OD pin, triggering immediate hardware shutdown if junction temperature exceeds safe limits.

Can STEVAL-IPMNM3Q drive induction motors as well as BLDC/PMSM?

Yes - the board's 3-phase inverter topology, adjustable PWM frequency (up to 20 kHz), and flexible current sensing support both scalar (V/f) control for 3-phase induction motors and vector (FOC) control for PMSM and BLDC motors, as confirmed in ST's application notes AN4695 and AN5115.