POWER ELECTRONIC MODULE

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a power electronic module (1) comprising at least two switching cells (2a,2b) each extending in parallel between a positive conductor (3) and a negative conductor (4) of a DC bus, each of the switching cells (2a,2b) comprising a high switching device (21a,21b) and a low switching device (22a,22b), in which the positive conductor (3), the negative conductor (4) and their connection respectively to the high (21a,21b) and low (22a,22b) switching devices are three-dimensionally shaped such that, for two consecutive switching cells (2a,2b), a magnetic field generated by a current flow in the positive and negative conductors and one of the two switching cells (2a) has a direction opposite to a magnetic field generated by a current flow in the positive and negative conductors and the other of the two switching cells (2b).Figure from the summary: Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: POWER ELECTRONIC MODULE Technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of power electronic modules for electrical energy conversion. Such modules are intended, in particular, for supplying power to electrical equipment, especially in the aeronautical field. Previous technique

[0002] Generally, a power electronics module comprises power electronics components that supply power to electrical equipment from an electrical network, particularly via electrical conductors in the form of a bus. To this end, the power electronics components include semiconductor chips forming switching devices, such as, for example, semiconductor transistors, which are controlled by an electronic control unit.

[0003] From a structural point of view, a power electronic module typically comprises a substrate, power electronic components mounted on the substrate, and means for electrically connecting the power electronic components to the electrical conductors. The entire assembly is typically encapsulated in a housing and embedded in an encapsulating material, such as resin.

[0004] In general, the various components of the power electronic module through which an electric current flows generate a parasitic inductance that opposes the change in current. This parasitic inductance can induce an overvoltage at the switching devices during their opening and closing. This overvoltage then influences the sizing of the switching devices, as it is necessary to ensure that, during operation, the switching devices do not reach their breakdown voltage. Therefore, there is a need to limit the parasitic inductances in the power electronic module.

[0005] The problems related to this parasitic inductance are further developed below with reference to [Fig. 1]. [Fig. 1] shows an electrical diagram of an example of a power electronic module for a power converter. This power converter comprises two switching cells 2a, 2b forming a switching arm and each extending in parallel between a positive conductor 3 and a negative conductor 4 of a DC bus. The positive conductor 3 and the negative conductor 4 have a positive DC+ potential and a negative DC+ potential, respectively. DC-. The continuous bus formed by the positive conductor and the negative conductor supplies the switching cells monotonically.

[0006] Each switching cell 2a, 2b comprises a high switching device 21a, 21b and a low switching device 22a, 22b. The high switching device 21a, 21b is electrically connected, on one side, to the positive conductor 3 and, on the other side, to an output 5a, 5b, also designated as phase, and the low switching device 22a, 22b is electrically connected, on the one hand, to the negative conductor 4 and, on the other side, to the output 5a, 5b. In other words, the output 5a, 5b is arranged between the high switching device 21a, 21b and the low switching device 22a, 22b.

[0007] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], the switching loop refers to the current flow within each of the switching cells and at the interconnection between the positive and negative conductors and the corresponding switching cell. This switching loop induces a parasitic inductance that corresponds to the sum of the elementary parasitic inductances of each of the elements of the switching loop. The parasitic inductance arises, in particular, from the current looping back from the positive conductor 3 to the negative conductor 4.

[0008] Furthermore, the three-dimensional arrangement of the DC bus is generally such that the positive and negative conductors are placed opposite each other. This arrangement of the DC bus induces a partial concentration of the parasitic inductance spatially between the positive and negative conductors for each of the switching cells. The switching loop reduced to the current flow spatially between the positive and negative conductors is represented in [Fig. 1] by the reference numerals Ca and Cb, corresponding respectively to the switching loop of one and the other of the two switching cells. This current flow then induces a parasitic inductance corresponding to a magnetic field Ba and Bb, respectively, of each of the two switching cells.

[0009] The parasitic inductance, due to the switching loop reduced to the spatial current flow between the positive and negative conductors as previously explained, induces an overvoltage at the switching devices during their opening and closing. There is a need to limit this overvoltage so as to allow the implementation of switching devices with a nominal operating voltage close to the breakdown voltage. Summary

[0010] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0011] A power electronic module is proposed comprising at least two switching cells, each extending in parallel between a positive and a negative conductor of a DC bus. At least two such switching cells form, in particular, a switching arm. Each of the cells The switching system comprises an upper switching device electrically connected, on one side, to the positive conductor and, on the other side, to an output of the corresponding switching cell, and a lower switching device electrically connected, on the one hand, to the negative conductor and, on the other side, to the output of the corresponding switching cell. The positive conductor, the negative conductor, and their respective connections to the upper and lower switching devices are three-dimensionally configured such that, for two consecutive switching cells, a magnetic field generated by current flowing in the positive and negative conductors and one of the two switching cells has a direction opposite to that generated by current flowing in the positive and negative conductors and the other of the two switching cells.

[0012] The output of each of the switching cells is designated in particular as phase.

[0013] The magnetic field generated by a current flow in the positive and negative conductors and one of the two switching cells is understood to be a magnetic field corresponding to a parasitic inductance opposing the current flow in the positive and negative conductors and the corresponding switching cell, and in particular the interconnection between the positive and negative conductors and the switching cell. In particular, the magnetic field is generated by a current flow spatially between the positive and negative conductors for each of the switching cells.

[0014] The direction of magnetic field means a direction of circulation of the field lines of the corresponding magnetic field.

[0015] By, the positive conductor, the negative conductor and their connection respectively to the upper and lower switching devices are three-dimensionally shaped, it is understood that the positive and negative conductors and the connection respectively of the positive conductor to the upper switching device and of the negative conductor to the lower switching device are arranged in space so as to obtain at least partial compensation of the magnetic field between two consecutive switching cells.

[0016] The configuration of the positive and negative conductors and their respective connection to the switching devices, so as to obtain a substantially opposite magnetic field for two consecutive switching cells, advantageously allows the compensation, at least partial, of the parasitic inductances thus created in the consecutive switching cells.

[0017] A switching loop is defined as a current flow within each of the switching cells and at the interconnection between the positive and negative conductors and the corresponding switching cell. The present disclosure implements an opposite direction of current flow within each switching loop. The use of two consecutive switching cells thus allows for at least partial compensation of the parasitic inductances of the switching loops. In other words, this disclosure makes it possible to limit the parasitic inductances in the power electronic module, particularly those generated by current flow in the positive and negative conductors.

[0018] Limiting these parasitic inductances advantageously reduces overvoltage during the opening and closing of switching devices. It is then possible to implement switching devices with a reduced difference between the breakdown voltage and the nominal voltage of the switching device in question. This consequently allows for an increase in the switching frequency of the switching devices and therefore improves their performance by reducing switching losses. Furthermore, reducing overvoltages helps to limit the electromagnetic noise generated by the switching devices.

[0019] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0020] Advantageously, each of the switching devices comprises one or more semiconductor chips mounted in parallel. This configuration facilitates the sizing and implementation of the switching devices in the power electronics module.

[0021] The power electronic module may comprise two or more switching cells, for example three switching cells. For each pair of two consecutive switching cells, the positive conductor, the negative conductor and their connection respectively to the upper and lower switching devices can then be three-dimensionally shaped so that a magnetic field generated by a current flow in the positive and negative conductors and one of the two switching cells has a direction opposite to a magnetic field generated by a current flow in the positive and negative conductors and the other of the two switching cells.

[0022] Furthermore, the outputs of each of the switching cells can be interconnected with each other.

[0023] Advantageously, the power electronic module comprises an electronic board extending along a plane. The electronic board may, in particular, include a printed circuit board. The electronic board comprises at least two switching cells arranged consecutively along a first direction of the plane of the electronic board. The electronic board comprises, for each of the switching cells, a first track electrically connecting the positive conductor and the upper switching device of the switching cell. corresponding and a second track electrically connecting the negative conductor and the lower switching device of the corresponding switching cell.

[0024] The positive conductor and the negative conductor advantageously extend in the first direction above the electronic card.

[0025] The electronic board may further include, for each of the switching cells, a third track electrically connected to the output of the corresponding switching cell. This third track may, in particular, be a single unit and electrically connected to the outputs of all the switching cells. In other words, the outputs of all the switching cells are electrically interconnected via this third track. Sharing the third track for all the switching cells in this way simplifies the implementation and assembly of the power electronics module.

[0026] For each of the switching cells, the upper switching device can be mounted on the first track and electrically connected to the third track, for example via electrical wires. Furthermore, for each of the switching cells, the lower switching device can be mounted on the third track and electrically connected to the second track, for example via electrical wires.

[0027] The positive conductor advantageously comprises a busbar and, for each switching cell, at least one connecting tab extending from the busbar. One end of the connecting tab opposite the busbar is electrically connected to the first track at a connection point on the first track. The positive conductor may comprise one or more connecting tabs for each switching cell. For example, the positive conductor may comprise two connecting tabs per switching cell.

[0028] Similarly, the negative conductor advantageously comprises a busbar and, for each of the switching cells, at least one connecting leg extending from the busbar. One end of the connecting leg opposite the busbar is electrically connected to the second track at a connection point on the second track. The negative conductor may comprise one or more connecting legs for each of the switching cells. For example, the negative conductor may comprise two connecting legs per switching cell.

[0029] The electronic board may include, for each of the switching cells, a single first track, the connection pin(s) all being connected to the same single first track. Alternatively, the electronic board may include, for each of the switching cells, a plurality of first tracks. Each first track of the plurality of first tracks may, in particular, be connected to a corresponding connection pin when the positive conductor includes multiple connection pins.

[0030] Similarly, the electronic board may include, for each of the switching cells, a single second track, with the connecting pin(s) all connected to the same single second track. Alternatively, the electronic board may include, for each of the switching cells, a plurality of second tracks. Each second track of the plurality of second tracks may, in particular, be connected to a corresponding connecting pin when the negative conductor comprises several connecting pins.

[0031] It should be noted that the first and second tracks may respectively comprise one or more connection zones. The number of connection zones per switching cell corresponds in particular to the number of connection pins per switching cell.

[0032] Advantageously, the connection area of ​​the first track and the connection area of ​​the second track of one of the two consecutive switching cells are arranged inversely to the connection area of ​​the first track and the connection area of ​​the second track of the other two switching cells, along a second direction in the plane of the electronic board. This feature advantageously allows the connection to the positive and negative conductors of the switching devices of the two consecutive switching cells to be reversed along the second direction.This interchange of connection zones advantageously allows the three-dimensional conformation of the positive conductor, the negative conductor and their connection respectively to the upper and lower switching devices for two consecutive switching cells, so that a magnetic field generated by a current flow in the positive and negative conductors and one of the two switching cells has a direction opposite to a magnetic field generated by a current flow in the positive and negative conductors and the other of the two switching cells.

[0033] Said second direction is preferably substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0034] The first and second tracks of each of the switching cells may advantageously have the same arrangement on the electronic board but be offset along the first direction. This spatial configuration advantageously facilitates the implementation of the power electronic module. Indeed, this configuration allows for easy adaptation of the positioning of the connection areas to the connection pins.

[0035] Advantageously, the positive conductor bar and the negative conductor bar extend substantially along a third direction perpendicular to the plane of the electronic board.

[0036] The positive conductor bar and the negative conductor bar are advantageously arranged so as to cross between the two consecutive switching cells, particularly at a crossing zone. This crossing of the positive and negative conductor bars advantageously allows the positive and negative conductor bars to be positioned opposite each other along the third direction of the interchanged connection zones between the two consecutive switching cells, and thus enables this interchange to be implemented. Crossing means that the positive and negative conductors are arranged so as to be interchanged, particularly along the aforementioned second direction, between the two consecutive switching cells.It should be noted that this crossing does not imply that the positive and negative conductors come into contact with each other, but only that their three-dimensional positioning is reversed between the two consecutive switching cells.

[0037] The positive and negative conductors can in particular be arranged so as to pass one over the other in the third direction.

[0038] More specifically, the bars of the positive and negative conductors respectively may have a reduced width along the third direction in the area where the positive and negative conductors cross. Thus, the bars of the positive and negative conductors can pass over one another in the third direction without affecting the overall width of the conductors in the third direction.

[0039] One of the positive conductor bars or the negative conductor bar can be arranged to bypass the other positive conductor bar or the negative conductor bar, particularly at a bypass zone. This bypassing of the positive and negative conductor bars advantageously allows the positive and negative conductor bars to be positioned opposite each other in the third direction of the swapped connection zones between the two consecutive switching cells, thus enabling the implementation of this swap. The bypass zone can, in particular, be arranged at one end of the bars in the first direction.

[0040] The positive and negative conductors can advantageously be laminated together and arranged substantially parallel to the plane of the electronic board. In particular, a layer of electrical insulation is interposed between the positive and negative conductors, more precisely between the bars of the positive and negative conductors, respectively. The positive and negative conductors are arranged such that each connecting pin of either the positive or negative conductor is negative conductor passes through an opening in the bar from the other side of the positive conductor or the negative conductor.

[0041] Advantageously, the power electronic module consists of an aircraft power electronic module.

[0042] According to another aspect, a power converter is proposed comprising the power electronic module, the power converter being in particular an AC / DC or DC / DC power converter. Brief description of the drawings

[0043] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0044] [Fig.1] schematically illustrates an example of an electrical circuit of a conventional power electronic module. Fig. 2

[0045] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates an example of an electrical circuit of a power electronic module according to one embodiment. Fig. 3

[0046] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a partial view of a power electronic module according to one embodiment. Fig. 4

[0047] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates three partial views (Figures 4A, 4B and 4C) of a power electronic module according to a first embodiment. Fig. 5

[0048] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates three partial views (Figures 5A, 5B and 5C) of a power electronic module according to a second embodiment. Fig. 6

[0049] [Fig. 6] schematically illustrates four partial views (Figures 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D) of a power electronic module according to a third embodiment. Description of embodiments

[0050] Reference is now made to [Fig. 2] illustrating an electrical diagram of a power electronic module 1, in particular for aircraft. This disclosure also relates to a power converter comprising the power electronic module, the power converter being in particular an AC / DC or DC / DC power converter.

[0051] The power module 1 comprises at least two switching cells 2a, 2b, each extending in parallel between a positive conductor 3 and a negative conductor 4 of a DC bus. These at least two switching cells form, in particular a switching arm. In particular, the positive conductor 3 and the negative conductor 4 have respectively a positive potential DC+ and a negative potential DC-, and the continuous bus formed by the positive conductor and the negative conductor supplies the switching cells monotonically.

[0052] The power electronics module may comprise two or more switching cells, for example, three switching cells. The configuration with two switching cells will be used below by way of illustration. It should be noted, however, that the elements described may equally apply to a configuration with more than two switching cells.

[0053] Each of the switching cells 2a, 2b comprises an upper switching device 2a, 2b electrically connected, on the one hand, to the positive conductor 3 and, on the other hand, to an output 5a, 5b of the corresponding switching cell, and a lower switching device 22a, 22b electrically connected, on the one hand, to the negative conductor 4 and, on the other hand, to the output 5a, 5b of the corresponding switching cell. The output of each of the switching cells is specifically designated as phase. The outputs of each of the switching cells can be interconnected with each other.

[0054] Each of the switching devices includes, in particular, one or more semiconductor chips mounted in parallel. This configuration facilitates the sizing and implementation of the switching devices in the power electronics module.

[0055] The positive conductor 3, the negative conductor 4 and their connection respectively to the upper switching devices 2la,21b and lower 22a,22b are three-dimensionally shaped so that, for two consecutive switching cells 2a,2b, a magnetic field generated by a current flow in the positive and negative conductors and one of the two switching cells 2a has a direction opposite to a magnetic field generated by a current flow in the positive and negative conductors and the other of the two switching cells 2b.

[0056] Furthermore, when the power electronic module comprises more than two switching cells, for each pair of two consecutive switching cells, the positive conductor, the negative conductor and their connection respectively to the upper and lower switching devices can advantageously be three-dimensionally shaped so that a magnetic field generated by a current flow in the positive and negative conductors and one of the two switching cells has a direction opposite to a magnetic field generated by a current flow in the positive and negative conductors and the other of the two switching cells.

[0057] With reference to [Fig. 2], a switching loop is defined as a current flow in each of the switching cells and at the interconnection between The positive and negative conductors and the corresponding switching cell. This switching loop induces a parasitic inductance that corresponds to the sum of the elementary parasitic inductances of each element of the switching loop. The switching loop reduced to the spatial current flow between the positive and negative conductors is represented in [Fig. 2] by the reference numerals Ca and Cb, corresponding respectively to the switching loop of one and the other of the two switching cells. This current flow then induces a parasitic inductance corresponding to a magnetic field Ba and Bb, respectively, of each of the two switching cells.

[0058] The configuration of the positive and negative conductors and their respective connections to the switching devices, so as to obtain a substantially opposite magnetic field for two consecutive switching cells, advantageously allows for at least partial compensation of the parasitic inductances thus created in the consecutive switching cells. In other words, the present disclosure makes it possible to limit the parasitic inductances in the power electronic module, particularly those generated by current flow in the positive and negative conductors.

[0059] Limiting these parasitic inductances advantageously reduces overvoltage during the opening and closing of switching devices. It is then possible to implement switching devices with a reduced difference between the breakdown voltage and the nominal voltage of the switching device in question. This consequently allows for an increase in the switching frequency of the switching devices and therefore improves their performance by reducing switching losses. Furthermore, reducing overvoltages helps to limit the electromagnetic noise generated by the switching devices.

[0060] With reference to [Fig. 3], the power electronic module 1 preferably comprises an electronic board 6 extending along an XY plane. The electronic board 6 comprises the two switching cells 2a, 2b arranged consecutively one after the other along a first direction X of the XY plane of the electronic board 6. A second direction Y is defined in the XY plane of the electronic board 6 which is preferably perpendicular to the first direction X, and a third direction Z is perpendicular to the XY plane of the electronic board 6.

[0061] The electronic card 6 includes, for each of the switching cells 2a,2b, a first track 3la,31b electrically connecting the positive conductor 3 and the high switching device 2la,21b of the corresponding switching cell and a second track 4la,41b electrically connecting the negative conductor 4 and the low switching device 22a,22b of the corresponding switching cell. In the example illustrated in [Fig.3], each switching device comprises two semiconductor chips mounted in parallel.

[0062] The electronic board 6 may further include, for each of the switching cells 2a, 2b, a third track 5la, 51b electrically connected to the output of the corresponding switching cell. The third track 5la, 51b may, in particular, be made as a single unit and be electrically connected to the outputs of all the switching cells (as illustrated in [Fig. 3]). In other words, the outputs of all the switching cells are electrically interconnected via the third track. Sharing the third track for all the switching cells in this way facilitates the implementation and assembly of the power electronics module.

[0063] For each of the switching cells, the upper switching device 21a, 21b can be mounted on the first track 31a, 31b and electrically connected to the third track 51a, 51b, for example via electrical wires. Furthermore, for each of the switching cells, the lower switching device 22a, 22b can be mounted on the third track 51a, 51b and electrically connected to the second track 41a, 41b, for example via electrical wires.

[0064] The electronic board 6 may include, for each of the switching cells 2a, 2b, a single first track 31a, 31b (as illustrated in [Fig. 3]). Alternatively, the electronic board 6 may include, for each of the switching cells 2a, 2b, a plurality of first tracks (not illustrated).

[0065] The single first track 31a, 31b has, in particular, a first portion intended to receive the electronic chip(s) of the high-switching device and a second portion intended to be electrically connected to the positive conductor. The first portion of the first track may have a wafer shape extending in the XY plane of the electronic board, and the second portion of the first track may form a strip extending in the XY plane from the wafer along the second Y direction.

[0066] Similarly, the electronic board 6 may include, for each of the switching cells, a single second track 41a, 41b (not shown). Alternatively, the electronic board 6 may include, for each of the switching cells 2a, 2b, a plurality of second tracks 41a, 41b. Figure 3 in particular shows a configuration where the electronic board includes two second tracks 41a, 41b for each of the switching cells.

[0067] Each second track 41a, 41b may, in particular, comprise a first portion intended to be electrically connected to the electronic chip(s) of the low-switching device and a second portion intended to be electrically connected to the negative conductor. In particular, the first portion of the second track may form a band extending along the first X direction of the electronic board. The second part of the second track can form a band extending along the second Y direction of the electronic board 6 from one end along the first X direction of the first part of the second track.

[0068] Reference is now made to Figures 4, 5 and 6, which respectively represent a first, a second and a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The positive conductor and the negative conductor advantageously extend along the first direction X above the electronic board 6.

[0069] The positive conductor 3 advantageously comprises a bar 32 and, for each of the switching cells 2a, 2b, at least one connecting leg 33a, 33b extending from the bar 32, in particular along the third direction Z. One end of the connecting leg 33a, 33b opposite the bar 32 is electrically connected to the first track 3la, 31b at a connection zone 34a, 34b of the first track 3la, 31b. The connection zone of the track corresponds to the area where the connecting leg is electrically connected to the track and is illustrated in [Fig. 3]. The positive conductor 3 may comprise one or more connecting legs for each of the switching cells. For example, the positive conductor may comprise two connecting legs 33a, 33b per switching cell, as illustrated in Figures 4, 5, and 6.

[0070] For each switching cell, when the electronic board comprises a single first track, the connecting pin(s) can all be connected to the same single first track. When the electronic board comprises, for each of the switching cells, a plurality of first tracks, each first track of the plurality of first tracks can be connected to one of the connecting pins (not shown).

[0071] Similarly, the negative conductor 4 advantageously comprises a bar 42 and, for each of the switching cells 2a, 2b, at least one connecting leg 43a, 43b extending from the bar 42, in particular along the third direction Z. One end of the connecting leg 43a, 43b opposite the bar 42 is electrically connected to the second track 41a, 41b at a connection zone 44a, 44b of the second track 41a, 41b. The connection zone of the track corresponds to the area where the connecting leg is electrically connected to the track and is illustrated in [Fig. 3]. The negative conductor 4 may comprise one or more connecting legs for each of the switching cells. For example, the negative conductor may comprise two connecting legs 43a, 43b per switching cell, as illustrated in Figures 4, 5, and 6.

[0072] For each switching cell, when the electronic board includes a single second track, the connection pin(s) can all be connected to the same single second track (not shown). When the electronic board includes, for each of the switching cells, a plurality of second tracks, each second track of the plurality of second tracks can be connected to one of the connection pins.

[0073] It should be noted that the first and second tracks may respectively comprise one or more connection zones. The number of connection zones per switching cell corresponds in particular to the number of connection pins per switching cell.

[0074] The first tracks 3a,31b and the second tracks 41a,41b respectively of Each of the switching cells 2a, 2b can advantageously have the same arrangement on the electronic board but be offset along the first X direction. This spatial configuration advantageously facilitates the implementation of the power electronic module. Indeed, this configuration allows for easy adaptation of the positioning of the connection areas to the connection pins.

[0075] Advantageously, the connection area 34a of the first track 31a and the connection area 44a of the second track 41a of one of the two consecutive switching cells 2a are arranged inversely to the connection area 34b of the first track 31b and the connection area 44b of the second track 41b of the other of the two switching cells 2b along the second direction Y in the XY plane of the electronic board 6. This feature advantageously allows the connection to the positive and negative conductors of the switching devices of the two consecutive switching cells to be reversed along the second direction.This interchange of connection zones advantageously allows the three-dimensional conformation of the positive conductor, the negative conductor and their connection respectively to the upper and lower switching devices for two consecutive switching cells, so that a magnetic field generated by a current flow in the positive and negative conductors and one of the two switching cells has a direction opposite to a magnetic field generated by a current flow in the positive and negative conductors and the other of the two switching cells.

[0076] It should be noted that the embodiment of the electronic card shown in [Fig.3] applies to the first, second and third embodiments of this disclosure described below.

[0077] As illustrated in figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, 5B and 5C, the bar 32 of the positive conductor 3 and the bar 42 of the negative conductor 4 can advantageously extend substantially along the third direction Z.

[0078] With reference to figures 4A, 4B and 4C, according to the first embodiment, the bar 32 of the positive conductor 3 and the bar 42 of the negative conductor 4 are arranged in particular so as to cross between the two consecutive switching cells, in particular at the level of a crossing zone Zl.

[0079] This crossing of the positive and negative conductor bars advantageously allows the positive and negative conductor bars to be placed opposite each other along the third direction Z of the interchanged connection zones between the two consecutive switching cells and thus allows the implementation of this interchange.

[0080] Crossing is understood to mean that the positive and negative conductors are arranged so as to be interchanged, in particular along said second direction Y, between the two consecutive switching cells. It should be noted that this crossing does not imply that the positive and negative conductors come into contact with each other but only that their three-dimensional positioning is interchanged between the two consecutive switching cells.

[0081] The switching loop, reduced to the spatial current flow between the positive and negative conductors, is represented in Figure 4B by the reference numerals Ca and Cb, corresponding respectively to the switching loop of one and the other of the two switching cells. This current flow then induces a parasitic inductance corresponding to the magnetic fields Ba and Bb of each of the two switching cells, shown in Figure 4A. The magnetic fields Ba and Bb, being oriented in opposite directions along the third direction Z, cancel each other out, at least partially, so as to reduce the parasitic inductance of the switching loop.

[0082] The positive conductors 3 and negative conductors 4 can in particular be arranged so as to pass one over the other in the third direction Z.

[0083] More specifically, the bars 32 and 42 of the positive conductors 3 and negative conductors 4, respectively, may have a reduced width along the third direction Z in the crossing zone Z1 of the positive and negative conductors. Thus, the bars of the positive and negative conductors can pass over one another along the third direction without affecting the overall width of the conductors along the third direction Z.

[0084] With reference to figures 5A, 5B and 5C, according to the second embodiment, one of the bar 32 of the positive conductor 3 or of the bar 42 of the negative conductor 4 is arranged so as to bypass the other of the bar 32 of the positive conductor 3 or of the bar 42 of the negative conductor 4, in particular at the level of a bypass zone Z2.

[0085] This bypass of the positive and negative conductor bars advantageously allows the positive and negative conductor bars to be placed opposite each other along the third direction Z of the interchanged connection zones between the two consecutive switching cells and therefore to allow the implementation of this switchover.

[0086] The switching loop, reduced to the spatial current flow between the positive and negative conductors, is represented in Figure 5B by the reference numerals Ca and Cb, corresponding respectively to the switching loop of one and the other of the two switching cells. This current flow then induces a parasitic inductance corresponding to the magnetic fields Ba and Bb of each of the two switching cells, shown in Figure 5A. The magnetic fields Ba and Bb, being oriented in opposite directions along the third direction Z, cancel each other out, at least partially, so as to reduce the parasitic inductance of the switching loop.

[0087] The bypass zone Z2 can in particular be arranged at one end of the bars along the first direction X.

[0088] With reference to figures 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D, according to the third embodiment, the positive conductor 3 and the negative conductor 4 are advantageously laminated together and arranged substantially parallel to the XY plane of the electronic card 6.

[0089] In particular, a layer of electrical insulation 7 is interposed between the positive conductor and the negative conductor, more precisely between the bars 32,42 respectively of the positive conductor 3 and the negative conductor 4.

[0090] In particular, the positive conductor 3 and the negative conductor 4 are arranged so that each connecting leg 33a,33b,43a,43b of one of the positive conductor 3 or the negative conductor 4 passes through an orifice 46 of the bar 32,42 of the other of the positive conductor 3 or the negative conductor 4.

[0091] The switching loop, reduced to the spatial current flow between the positive and negative conductors, is represented in Figure 6B by the reference numerals Ca and Cb, corresponding respectively to the switching loop of one and the other of the two switching cells. This current flow then induces a parasitic inductance corresponding to the magnetic fields Ba and Bb of each of the two switching cells, also shown in Figure 5B. The magnetic fields Ba and Bb, being oriented in opposite directions along the first direction X, cancel each other out, at least partially, so as to reduce the parasitic inductance of the switching loop.

Claims

1. Demands Power electronic module (1) comprising at least two switching cells (2a, 2b) each extending in parallel between a positive conductor (3) and a negative conductor (4) of a DC bus, each of the switching cells (2a, 2b) comprising: - an upper switching device (2la, 21b) electrically connected, on the one hand, to the positive conductor (3) and, on the other hand, to an output (5a, 5b) of the corresponding switching cell, and - a lower switching device (22a, 22b) electrically connected, on the one hand, to the negative conductor (4) and, on the other hand, to the output (5a, 5b) of the corresponding switching cell, in which the positive conductor (3), the negative conductor (4) and their connection respectively to the upper (2la, 21b) and lower (22a, 22b) switching devices are three-dimensionally shaped such that, for two consecutive switching cells (2a, 2b),a magnetic field generated by a current flow in the positive and negative conductors and one of the two switching cells (2a) has a direction opposite to a magnetic field generated by a current flow in the positive and negative conductors and the other of the two switching cells (2b), the power electronic module (1) comprising an electronic board (6) extending along a plane (XY) and comprising said at least two switching cells (2a,2b) arranged consecutively one to the other along a first direction (X) of the plane (XY) of the electronic board (6), the electronic board (6) comprising, for each of the switching cells (2a,2b), :, - a first track (3la,31b) electrically connecting the positive conductor (3) and the upper switching device (21a,21b) of the corresponding switching cell, - a second track (4a, 41b) electrically connecting the negative conductor (4) and the lower switching device (22a, 22b) of the corresponding switching cell, the positive conductor (3) comprising a bar (32) and, for each of the switching cells (2a, 2b), at least one connecting leg (33a, 33b) extending from the bar (32), one end of the connecting leg (33a, 33b) opposite the bar (32) being electrically connected to the first track (3la,31b) at a connection zone (34a,34b) of the first track (3la,31b), the negative conductor (4) comprising a bar (42) and, for each of the switching cells (2a,2b), at least one connecting leg (43a,43b) extending from the bar (42), one end of the connecting leg (43a,43b) opposite the bar (42) being electrically connected to the second track (4la,41b) at a connection zone (44a,44b) of the second track (41a,41b), the bar (32) of the positive conductor (3) and the bar (42) of the negative conductor (4) are arranged so as to cross between the two consecutive switching cells.

2. Power electronic module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the electronic board (6) further comprises, for each of the switching cells (2a,2b), a third track (5la,51b) electrically connected to the output (5a,5b) of the corresponding switching cell.

3. Power electronic module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection area (34a) of the first track (31a) and the connection area (44a) of the second track (41a) of one of the two consecutive switching cells (2a) are arranged inversely to the connection area (34b) of the first track (31b) and the connection area (44b) of the second track (41b) of the other of the two switching cells (2b) in a second direction (Y) in the plane (XY) of the electronic board (6).

4. Power electronic module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said second direction (Y) is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (X).

5. Power electronic module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bar (32) of the positive conductor (3) and the bar (42) of the negative conductor (4) extend substantially along a third direction (Z) perpendicular to the plane (XY) of the electronic board (6).

6. Power electronic module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one of the bar (32) of the positive conductor (3) or of the bar (42) of the negative conductor (4) is arranged so as to bypass the other of the bar (32) of the positive conductor (3) or of the bar (42) of the negative conductor (4).

7. Power electronic module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the positive conductor (3) and the negative conductor (4) are laminated together and arranged substantially parallel to the plane (XY) of the electronic board (6), the positive conductor (3) and the negative conductor (4) being arranged so that each connecting leg (33a,33b,43a,43b) of one of the positive conductor (3) or the negative conductor (4) passes through an orifice (46) of the bar (32,42) of the other of the positive conductor (3) or the negative conductor (4).

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