STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IPMNM5Q

Overview

STEVAL-IPMNM5Q from STMicroelectronics is a compact 450 W three-phase motor drive evaluation board built around the STIPQ5M60T-H SLLIMM-nano 2nd series intelligent power module, featuring six N-channel MDmesh™ DM2 MOSFETs, integrated gate drivers, hardware overcurrent protection, and on-board current sensing with single- or three-shunt configuration. It supports field-oriented control (FOC) for PMSM/BLDC motors in white goods and HVAC compressors.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IPMNM5Q datasheet, STEVAL-IPMNM5Q pinout, STEVAL-IPMNM5Q application, or STEVAL-IPMNM5Q equivalent, key selection factors include its 600 V / 5 A IPM rating, 125–400 VDC input range, Hall/encoder interface, and compatibility with STM32-based control boards via 32-pin motor control connector.

Technical Context

The board implements a complete 3-phase inverter stage using the STIPQ5M60T-H IPM, which integrates high-voltage half-bridge gate drivers, thermal monitoring (NTC + internal sensor), undervoltage lockout, and smart shutdown logic. Its bootstrap gate drive architecture supports 100% duty cycle operation with discrete snubber and bootstrap capacitors.

Current sensing is configurable across three modes: external op-amps (TSV994 quad rail-to-rail amplifier), MCU-based amplification, or the embedded nano op-amp inside the IPM. The Hall/encoder interface includes pull-up resistors, filtering capacitors, and jumper-selectable termination for A/B/Z signals.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IPMNM5Q is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for HVAC compressor drives, refrigerator BLDC fan control, and industrial 3-phase inverter prototyping requiring stable component supply and rapid motor control validation.

Supply support for STEVAL-IPMNM5Q 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power devices, sensors, and analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's SLLIMM-nano evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of high-efficiency, space-constrained motor drives using integrated intelligent power modules.

FAQ

What MCU families is STEVAL-IPMNM5Q compatible with?

STEVAL-IPMNM5Q is designed for direct interfacing with ST's STM32 microcontrollers, especially those in the G0, G4, F3, and F4 series supporting advanced motor control peripherals like timers with complementary PWM outputs and ADCs with hardware-triggered sampling. The 32-pin control connector maps all required signals including PWM-H/L, fault, and current sense outputs.

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

No - the board supports either single-shunt or three-shunt configuration, selected via solder jumpers (SW1–SW3) and routing. Single-shunt uses the embedded nano op-amp in the STIPQ5M60T-H, while three-shunt routes phase currents to three independent TSV994 op-amps. Both configurations are mutually exclusive per hardware setup.

What thermal protection mechanisms are implemented?

The board leverages dual thermal monitoring: an NTC thermistor mounted near the IPM baseplate feeds into the control circuitry, and the STIPQ5M60T-H IPM includes an internal temperature sensor feeding the T/SD/OD pin. Hardware shutdown activates when either path exceeds threshold, asserting the fault signal (EM_STOP) to the MCU.

Can the Hall/Encoder interface accept differential encoder signals?

No - the Hall/Encoder section (J5) accepts only single-ended TTL/CMOS-compatible A/B/Z signals with configurable pull-ups and RC filtering. It does not provide differential line receivers or LVDS support; users requiring RS-422 or differential encoders must add external signal conditioning circuitry.