ST is launching a new family of intelligent power modules (IPM) called SLLIMM Compact that’s 32% smaller than equivalent SLLIMM 2nd series modules while offering the lowest losses and highest efficiency at up to 20 kHz. Consequently, it enables smaller appliances like air conditioners to perform better. The SLLIMM Compact is also pin-to-pin compatible with competing solutions to help designers migrate to the new ST IPM. The first device (STGI15C60S) will support 600 V and target 20 A designs, but 5 A and 10 A versions will arrive later. In the meantime, ST will be holding a webinar on June 30, 2026 that will examine the SLLIMM portfolio and help engineers and decision-makers jump-start their projects.
Why designers seek intelligent power modules?
It’s the most obvious solution to current challenges
We could say that electric motors account for roughly 50% of global electricity consumption, and therefore, any gain in efficiency has a tremendous impact. We could say that motor control applications in appliances, such as the compressor in refrigerators and air conditioners, and the drum in washing machines and dryers, continually demand optimization as legislators crack down on energy waste. We could say competition in this sector is particularly challenging. However, the reality for many engineers is even more straightforward than this: managers demand significantly greater efficiency and significantly smaller footprints, and there are very few solutions that can satisfy these contradictory constraints.
This explains why devices like our Small Low Loss Intelligent Molded Modules (SLLIMM) are increasingly popular. A discrete solution with external components will never be as small, efficient, robust, or straightforward as an integrated device. Moreover, with a portfolio ranging from 10 W (SLLIMM nano) to 7 kW (SLLIMM HP), it’s nearly impossible to find an application that wouldn’t benefit from an integrated device.
It’s the next step in energy efficiency
Consequently, the industry is experiencing a new phenomenon, as labs no longer ask if they should adopt a module, but how modules can become more efficient while still offering smaller packages, especially when it comes to 600 V applications at 15/20 A, like air conditioners, industrial motor applications, pumps, or any other motor drives. Indeed, the challenge is to find room for improvements in integrated devices. For instance, if a component is too small to properly dissipate the heat it generates, it creates a snowball effect. As the delta case temperature lowers the margins for safe operation, designers must add larger heatsinks, which increase the overall design size, while higher electromagnetic interference means a BoM is just not viable.
Why SLLIMM Compact already won an award?
Most efficient device in its category
To address these new challenges, ST is introducing the SLLIMM Compact series and its first device, the STGI15C60S. It uses a 600 V short circuit rugged IGBT and diode, supporting a nominal current of 20 A.
The reason ST settled on this particular configuration is that it is in high demand, and we are thrilled to announce that the new device has already received an award from a home appliance maker. Put simply, its significantly smaller size and vastly greater efficiency made our early customer switch from a competing solution to our new component. In fact, based on our internal testing, the STGI15C60S is systematically more efficient even against 20A competitor devices. Moreover, thanks to DBC (direct bonded copper) substrate for improved thermal dissipation, it has a vastly lower delta case temperature
Newly optimized architecture
ST achieved this by first optimizing its manufacturing process, thus enabling SLLIMM Compact to live in much smaller packages. The new STGI15C60S is also a symbolic opening to a new way of designing power supplies for motor control applications. Unlike in the SLLIMM 2nd series, the VBOOT and its corresponding OUT pins are much closer to each other, thus ensuring much shorter traces. Additionally, the family will be expanded up to 30 A and offer reverse-conducting IGBTs for even greater optimization.
Next Steps
This is a turning point for many designers, which is why we are organizing a webinar on our SLLIMM family of devices. It will help decision-makers and engineers better understand how to approach their designs, and the presentation will even delve into all the features of the SLLIMM Compact series, including those we couldn’t address in this post. It will also be a chance to be ready for the SLLIMM Compact STEVAL board we will release in the future. Moreover, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain the expertise they need to remain competitive.
