The reference board streamlines refrigerator compressor efficiency, enabling quick market access and is optimized for full-load operation and electromagnetic interference performance.
The refrigerator compressor is a vital component in the cooling process of modern refrigeration systems, serving as the heart of a refrigerator’s ability to preserve food. It circulates and compresses refrigerant, which is critical to maintaining consistent internal temperatures. This process ensures that perishable items are kept fresh and contributes to energy efficiency, reducing electricity consumption and overall environmental impact. The compressor’s role extends to enhancing the longevity of the refrigerator itself, providing versatility in temperature control, and contributing to a quieter kitchen environment. It’s a crucial element in domestic and commercial refrigeration, pivotal to the appliance’s performance and efficiency.
The REF_Fridge_C101T_6ED from Infineon Technologies is a pre-configured reference board crafted explicitly for refrigerator compressors. The reference design kit is a critical component of the iMOTION series for motor drives, tailored explicitly for refrigerator compressor driver applications. Designed for easy transition to final mass-production application boards, it offers a swift route to market.
The design operates within an input voltage range of 165 to 265 Vrms, with a lower AC input leading to reduced motor power output. When supplied with 220 VAC at an ambient temperature of 25°C, the maximum input current is 1.5 Arms. Under the same voltage and temperature conditions but with a PWM frequency of 5 kHz and a case temperature of 100°C without a heat sink, the maximum input power is set at 240 W. The maximum motor current under these conditions is 0.66 Arms. The device can handle a maximum DC bus voltage of 400 V and features a shunt resistance of 150 mΩ.
While the design considers environmental conditions, it has yet to be qualified for all safety standards or guaranteed for operation across the entire temperature range and lifespan. The boards undergo functional testing but different procedures than regular Infineon RMA, PCN, and PD products.
Key components include the 6EDL04I06PT EiceDRIVER Compact, a 600 V full-bridge three-phase gate driver IC, and the iMOTION IMC101T-T038 for sensorless and Hall-sensor motor drives. The IKD04N60RC2, a 600 V, 4 A IGBT Discrete with Reverse Conducting Drive 2-diode, enhances the design’s performance, controllability, and reliability.
The design offers numerous benefits, including a field-proven, turnkey iMOTION sensorless Field Oriented Control (FOC) solution with an optional Power Factor Correction (PFC) control. It is optimized for full-load operation and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) performance. Additionally, its user-friendly graphical interface (GUI) simplifies operation.
Infineon Technologies has tested this reference design. It comes with a Bill of Material (BOM), schematics, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, etc. You can find additional data about the reference design on the company’s website. To read more about this reference design, click here.
