Comparative Study on Power Module Architectures for Modularity and Scalability

2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei-Chien Lu
Keyword(s):  
Power Electronics ◽  
Hybrid Electric Vehicle ◽  
Wide Bandgap ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Power Module ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Power Modules ◽  
Bandgap Semiconductors ◽  
Sustainability Challenges

Abstract Silicon carbide (SiC) wide bandgap power electronics are being applied in hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and electrical vehicles (EV). The Department of Energy (DOE) has set target performance goals for 2025 to promote EV and HEV as a means of carbon emission reduction and long-term sustainability. Challenges include higher expectations on power density, performance, efficiency, thermal management, compactness, cost, and reliability. This study will benchmark state of the art silicon and SiC technologies. Power modules used in commercial traction inverters are analyzed for their within-package first-level interconnect methods, module architecture, and integration with cooling structure. A few power module package architectures from both industry-adopted standards and proposed patented technologies are compared in modularity and scalability for integration into inverters. The current trends of power module architectures and their integration into inverter are also discussed. The development of an eco-system to support the wide bandgap semiconductors-based power electronics is highlighted as an ongoing challenge.

Comparative Study on Power Module Architectures for Modularity and Scalability

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei-Chien Lu
Keyword(s):  
Silicon Carbide ◽  
Power Electronics ◽  
Electric Vehicles ◽  
Hybrid Electric Vehicle ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Power Module ◽  
Module Design ◽  
Power Modules ◽  
Hybrid Electric ◽  
Silicon Based

Abstract Silicon carbide wide bandgap power electronics have gained application spaces in hybrid electric vehicle and electrical vehicles. The Department of Energy has set target performance goals for 2025 to promote electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles as a means of carbon emission reduction and long term sustainability. Silicon carbide technology is well suited to reach these goals. Challenges include higher expectations on power density, performance, efficiency, thermal management, compactness, cost, and reliability. This study will benchmark state of the art silicon and silicon carbide technologies. Power modules of commercial traction inverters are analyzed for their within-package interconnect scheme, module architecture, and cooling methods. A few power module package architectures from both industry adopted standards and proposed patented technologies are compared for modularity and scalability for integration into inverters. The within package interconnect schemes are crucial elements to support power module design. Current trends of power module architectures and their integration into inverter are discussed. The development of an eco-system to support the transition from silicon-based to silicon carbide-based power electronics is additionally discussed as an ongoing challenge.

A High Current (>1500A) Power Module for High Temperature, High Performance Applications Using SiC TMOS Power Switches

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 (HITEC) ◽  
pp. 000402-000406
Author(s):  
B. Passmore ◽  
J. Hornberger ◽  
B. McPherson ◽  
J. Bourne ◽  
R. Shaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Extreme Environment ◽  
Wide Bandgap ◽  
Power Module ◽  
Power Modules ◽  
Power Switches ◽  
Bandgap Semiconductors ◽  
Transition Times ◽  
Switch Position

A high temperature, high performance power module was developed for extreme environment systems and applications to exploit the advantages of wide bandgap semiconductors. These power modules are rated > 1200V, > 100A, > 250 °C, and are designed to house any SiC or GaN device. Characterization data of this power module housing trench MOSFETs is presented which demonstrates an on-state current of 1500 A for a full-bridge switch position. In addition, switching waveforms are presented that exhibit fast transition times.

A Robust, Composite Packaging Approach for a High Voltage 6.5kV IGBT and Series Diode

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 (1) ◽  
pp. 000359-000364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Morgan ◽  
Ankan De ◽  
Haotao Ke ◽  
Xin Zhao ◽  
Kasunaidu Vechalapu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Voltage ◽  
Thermal Stresses ◽  
Wide Bandgap ◽  
Power Module ◽  
Cost Performance ◽  
Power Semiconductor ◽  
Current Switch ◽  
Power Modules ◽  
Voltage Stress ◽  
3D Printed

The main motivation of this work is to design, fabricate, test, and compare an alternative, robust packaging approach for a power semiconductor current switch. Packaging a high voltage power semiconductor current switch into a single power module, compared to using separate power modules, offers cost, performance, and reliability advantages. With the advent of Wide-Bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, such as Silicon-Carbide, singular power electronic devices, where a device is denoted as a single transistor or rectifier unit on a chip, can now operate beyond 10kV–15kV levels and switch at frequencies within the kHz range. The improved voltage blocking capability reduces the number of series connected devices within the circuit, but challenges power module designers to create packages capable of managing the electrical, mechanical, and thermal stresses produced during operation. The non-sinusoidal nature of this stress punctuated with extremely fast changes in voltage and current, with respect to time, leads to non-ideal electrical and thermal performance. An optimized power semiconductor series current switch is fabricated using an IGBT (6500V/25A die) and SiC JBS Diode (6000V/10A), packaged into a 3D printed housing, to create a composite series current switch package (CSCSP). The final chosen device configuration was simulated and verified in an ANSYS software package. Also, the thermal behavior of such a composite package was simulated and verified using COMSOL. The simulated results were then compared with empirically obtained data, in order to ensure that the thermal ratings of the power devices were not exceeded; directly affecting the maximum attainable frequency of operation for the CSCSP. Both power semiconductor series current switch designs are tested and characterized under hard switching conditions. Special attention is given to ensure the voltage stress across the devices is significantly reduced.

scholarly journals Effects of Frequency and Temperature on Electric Field Mitigation Method via Protruding Substrate Combined with Applying Nonlinear FDC Layer in Wide Bandgap Power Modules

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Mesgarpour Tousi ◽  
Mona Ghassemi
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Electric Field ◽  
Metal Layer ◽  
Wide Bandgap ◽  
High Density ◽  
Field Calculation ◽  
Power Module ◽  
Temperature Dependent ◽  
Ac Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Power Modules

Our previous studies showed that geometrical techniques including (1) metal layer offset, (2) stacked substrate design and (3) protruding substrate, either individually or combined, cannot solve high electric field issues in high voltage high-density wide bandgap (WBG) power modules. Then, for the first time, we showed that a combination of the aforementioned geometrical methods and the application of a nonlinear field-dependent conductivity (FDC) layer could address the issue. Simulations were done under a 50 Hz sinusoidal AC voltage per IEC 61287-1. However, in practice, the insulation materials of the envisaged WBG power modules will be under square wave voltage pulses with a frequency of up to a few tens of kHz and temperatures up to a few hundred degrees. The relative permittivity and electrical conductivity of aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic, silicone gel, and nonlinear FDC materials that were assumed to be constant in our previous studies, may be frequency- and temperature-dependent, and their dependency should be considered in the model. This is the case for other papers dealing with electric field calculation within power electronics modules, where the permittivity and AC electrical conductivity of the encapsulant and ceramic substrate materials are assumed at room temperature and for a 50 or 60 Hz AC sinusoidal voltage. Thus, the big question that remains unanswered is whether or not electric field simulations are valid for high temperature and high-frequency conditions. In this paper, this technical gap is addressed where a frequency- and temperature-dependent finite element method (FEM) model of the insulation system envisaged for a 6.5 kV high-density WBG power module will be developed in COMSOL Multiphysics, where a protruding substrate combined with the application of a nonlinear FDC layer is considered to address the high field issue. By using this model, the influence of frequency and temperature on the effectiveness of the proposed electric field reduction method is studied.

scholarly journals Metallized ceramic substrate with mesa structure for voltage ramp-up of power modules

2019 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 20903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Hourdequin ◽  
Lionel Laudebat ◽  
Marie-Laure Locatelli ◽  
Zarel Valdez-Nava ◽  
Pierre Bidan
Keyword(s):  
Field Enhancement ◽  
Wide Bandgap ◽  
Ceramic Substrate ◽  
Electrical Insulation ◽  
Shape Modification ◽  
Mesa Structure ◽  
Power Modules ◽  
Voltage Ramp ◽  
Bandgap Semiconductors ◽  
Semiconductor Chips

As the available wide bandgap semiconductors continuingly increase their operating voltages, the electrical insulation used in their packaging is increasingly constrained. More precisely the ceramic substrate, used in demanding applications, represents a key multi-functional element is being in charge of the mechanical support of the metallic track that interconnects the semiconductor chips with the rest of the power system, as well as of electrical insulation and of thermal conduction. In this complex assembly, the electric field enhancement at the triple junction between the ceramic, the metallic track borders and the insulating environment is usually a critical point. When the electrical field at the triple point exceeds the critical value allowed by the insulation system, this hampers the device performance and limits the voltage rating for future systems. The solution proposed here is based on the shape modification of the ceramic substrate by creating a mesa structure (plateau) that holds the metallic tracks in the assembly. A numerical simulation approach is used to optimize the structure. After the elaboration of the structures by ultrasonic machining we observed a significant increase (30%) in the partial discharge detection voltages, at 10 pC sensitivity, in a substrate with a mesa structure when comparing to a conventional metallized ceramic substrate.

On the Progress Made in GaN Vertical Device Technology

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (01n02) ◽  
pp. 1940010
Author(s):  
Dong Ji ◽  
Srabanti Chowdhury
Keyword(s):  
Silicon Carbide ◽  
Power Electronics ◽  
Wide Bandgap ◽  
Wide Bandgap Semiconductors ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Higher Power ◽  
Key Driver ◽  
Bandgap Semiconductors ◽  
Device Technology ◽  
Made In

Silicon technology enabled most of the electronics we witness today, including power electronics. However, wide bandgap semiconductors are capable of addressing high-power electronics more efficiently compared to Silicon, where higher power density is a key driver. Among the wide bandgap semiconductors, silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) are in the forefront in power electronics. GaN is promising in its vertical device topology. From CAVETs to MOSFETs, GaN has addressed voltage requirements over a wide range. Our current research in GaN offers a promising view of GaN that forms the theme of this article. CAVETs and OGFETs (a type of MOSFET) in GaN are picked to sketch the key achievements made in GaN vertical device over the last decade.

Potential and Challenges of Diamond Wafer Toward Power Electronics

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-178
Author(s):  
Shinichi Shikata ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Saving ◽  
Power Electronics ◽  
Wide Bandgap ◽  
Power Device ◽  
Surface Finishing ◽  
Low Resistivity ◽  
Wide Bandgap Materials ◽  
Bandgap Semiconductors ◽  
Century Development ◽  
Device Technology

To achieve a 50% worldwide reduction of CO2by the middle of this century, development of energy saving power device technology using wide bandgap materials is urgently needed. Diamond is receiving increasing attention as a next generation material for wide bandgap semiconductors owing to its extreme characteristics. Research studies investigating large wafers, low resistivity, and low dislocation have accelerated. This study targets the use of wafers for power electronics applications, and the required machining technologies for diamond, including wafer shaping, slicing, and surface finishing, are introduced.

The Design and Evaluation of an Integrated Wire Bond-less Power Module using a Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic Interposer

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 169-175
Author(s):  
Sayan Seal ◽  
Michael D. Glover ◽  
H. Alan Mantooth
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
High Performance ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Power Devices ◽  
Power Module ◽  
Fast Switching ◽  
Wire Bond ◽  
Power Modules ◽  
Bandgap Semiconductors

This article presents the plan and initial feasibility studies for an Integrated Wire Bond-less Power Module. Contemporary power modules are moving toward unprecedented levels of power density. The ball has been set rolling by a drastic reduction in the size of bare die power devices owing to the advent of wide bandgap semiconductors such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride. SiC has capabilities of operating at much higher temperatures and faster switching speeds compared with its silicon counterparts, while being a fraction of their size. However, electronic packaging technology has not kept pace with these developments. High-performance packaging technologies do exist in isolation, but there has been limited success in integrating these disparate efforts into a single high-performance package of sufficient reliability. This article lays the foundation for an electronic package designed to completely leverage the benefits of SiC semiconductor technology, with a focus on high reliability and fast switching capability. The interconnections between the gate drive circuitry and the power devices were implemented using a low temperature cofired ceramic interposer.

scholarly journals Liquid-Cooled Heat Sink Optimization for Thermal Imbalance Mitigation in Wide-Bandgap Power Modules

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raj Sahu ◽  
Emre Gurpinar ◽  
Burak Ozpineci
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Loading ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Wide Bandgap ◽  
Heat Sinks ◽  
Power Module ◽  
Power Semiconductor ◽  
Power Modules ◽  
Significant Temperature ◽  
Thermal Imbalance ◽  
Heat Spreading

Abstract Power semiconductor die placement on substrates used in high-power modules is generally optimized to minimize electrical parasitic (e.g., stray inductance, common-mode capacitance), taking into account the minimum spacing between semiconductor dies for thermal decoupling. The layout assumes sufficient heat spreading and transfer from dies to the cooling structure. Insulated metal substrate-based power module designs may lead to asymmetrical thermal resistance across the dies, which may cause significant temperature differences among the devices. Such unintentional thermal asymmetries can lead to over sizing the cooling system design or under-using the semiconductor power processing capability. This article proposes a thermal imbalance mitigation method that uses evolutionary optimized liquid-cooled heat sinks to improve the thermal loading among devices.

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