Power semiconductor device
The power semiconductor device addresses heat dissipation challenges by employing a recessed conductor design that maximizes heat transfer area and reduces thermal stress on the gate wiring, enhancing reliability and performance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024113540
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing power semiconductor devices face challenges in effectively dissipating heat generated by semiconductor elements, particularly around the gate electrode, leading to potential damage and reduced reliability due to thermal stress on the gate wiring.
The design includes a first conductor with a recessed shape around the gate electrode, allowing for a wider space for the gate wiring and maximizing the heat transfer area, while the recess does not communicate with the conductor's base, facilitating efficient heat dissipation and reducing thermal stress on the gate wiring.
This design enhances heat dissipation performance and reliability by suppressing temperature rises and reducing stress on the gate wiring, ensuring high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation, thus improving the overall performance and durability of the power semiconductor device.
Smart Images

Figure 2026013236000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a power semiconductor device. [Background technology]
[0002] In recent years, hybrid and electric vehicles have become more popular to reduce environmental impact. Hybrid and electric vehicles require smaller and more cost-effective components. Power semiconductor devices used in power conversion systems are no exception, and these demands are also increasing. Among the electronic components that make up power conversion systems, power semiconductor devices generate a large amount of heat, so miniaturization requires improved cooling performance. Patent Document 1 discloses a power module that includes: multiple semiconductor elements forming upper and lower arms of an inverter circuit; multiple conductor plates arranged opposite the electrode surfaces of the semiconductor elements; and a module case that houses the semiconductor elements and the conductor plates. The module case includes a metal heat dissipation member facing the surface of the conductor plates and a metal frame having an opening that is closed by the heat dissipation member. The heat dissipation member has a central heat dissipation fin portion with multiple upstanding fins, and the heat dissipation member has a joint portion for connecting to the frame at its outer periphery. The heat dissipation member has higher thermal conductivity than the frame, and the frame has higher rigidity than the heat dissipation member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-257369 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] The invention described in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of heat dissipation from the semiconductor element. [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] A power semiconductor device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a semiconductor element having a gate electrode and a first electrode formed on one surface thereof, a first conductor bonded to the first electrode, a gate wiring bonded to the gate electrode, and a gate conductor bonded to the gate wiring, wherein the semiconductor element has an active region which is a region where heat is generated significantly, and the active region is formed so as to be adjacent to the gate electrode on multiple sides in a plan view seen from the thickness direction of the semiconductor element, and the bonding surface of the first conductor bonded to the semiconductor element has a substantially rectangular outer diameter with the periphery of the gate electrode cut out, and the first conductor has a recess on its side on which the gate conductor is disposed that forms a space in which the gate wiring is installed, and the space of the recess on the side on which the gate conductor is disposed is formed wider than the space on the opposite side, with a plane that passes through the bond between the gate electrode and the gate wiring and is perpendicular to the bonding surface and the side surface as the boundary. [Effects of the Invention]
[0006] According to the present invention, the heat generated by the semiconductor element can be dissipated using a larger heat transfer area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0007] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a power semiconductor device [Figure 2] Exploded perspective view of a power semiconductor device [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of a power semiconductor device [Figure 4] IV-IV cross section of Figure 3 [Figure 5] A perspective view of the first conductor 10 [Figure 6] VI-VI cross section of Figure 4 [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a power semiconductor device according to a first modification; [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of a power semiconductor device according to Modification 2 [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of a power semiconductor device according to Modification 3 [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing variations of a gate electrode, a first electrode, and an active projection region in Modification 4. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view of a power semiconductor device according to Modification 6 [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view of a power semiconductor device according to Modification 7 [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a power semiconductor device according to a second embodiment; [Figure 14] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a power semiconductor device according to a second embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] -First embodiment- A first embodiment of a power semiconductor device will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power semiconductor device 100. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the power semiconductor device 100. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the power semiconductor device 100, and FIG. 4 is a plan view of the power semiconductor device 100. In this embodiment, mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes are also shown to clearly show the correlation between the drawings. The power semiconductor device 100 includes two flat-plate-shaped power semiconductor elements 1, a first conductor 10, a second conductor 20, a gate conductor 30, and an insulating layer 40. The first conductor 10 and the second conductor 20 sandwich the power semiconductor element 1 in the Z-axis direction. The power semiconductor element 1 includes a first element 1-1 arranged on the negative side of the X-axis and a second element 1-2 arranged on the positive side of the X-axis. The first element 1-1 and the second element 1-2 have the same configuration.
[0010] The power semiconductor element 1 has a gate electrode 2 and a first electrode 3 on its surface on the positive side of the Z axis, and a second electrode 4 on its surface on the negative side of the Z axis. The first electrode 3 and second electrode 4 are source and drain electrodes, or drain and source electrodes. The gate electrode 2 of the first element 1-1 is called the first element gate electrode 2-1, and the gate electrode 2 of the second element 1-2 is called the second element gate electrode 2-2. The first electrode 3 of the first element 1-1 is called the first element first electrode 3-1, and the first electrode 3 of the second element 1-2 is called the second element first electrode 3-2. The second electrode 4 of the first element 1-1 is called the first element second electrode 4-1, and the second electrode 4 of the second element 1-2 is called the second element second electrode 4-2.
[0011] The power semiconductor element 1 becomes hot during use, but heat is not generated uniformly throughout; it is divided into areas where heat is generated significantly and areas where heat is hardly generated at all. Hereinafter, the area in the power semiconductor element 1 where heat is generated significantly will be referred to as the active area 5, and the area obtained by projecting the active area 5 onto the surface on the positive side of the Z axis will be referred to as the active projection area 6. In other words, the active area 5 is an area present inside the power semiconductor element 1, and the area on the surface on the positive side of the Z axis in the power semiconductor element 1 to which this heat is transferred and which becomes hot is the active projection area 6. In this embodiment, the active projection area 6 substantially coincides with the first electrode 3.
[0012] The first conductor 10 has a flat base 11 and a protrusion 12 shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped. The protrusion 12 includes a first protrusion 12-1 that contacts the first element 1-1 and a second protrusion 12-2 that contacts the second element 1-2. The protrusion 12 has a recess 13 that forms a space in which the gate wiring 86 is installed. The recess 13 includes a first recess 13-1 formed in the first protrusion 12-1 and a second recess 13-2 formed in the second protrusion 12-2. Roughly speaking, the shape of the recess 13 is obtained by dividing a sphere centered on the gate electrode 2 into four equal parts. The provision of the recess 13 allows the gate wiring 86 to connect the gate electrode 2 and the gate conductor 30 without being obstructed by the first conductor 10. The recess 13 does not extend to the base 11.
[0013] The first protrusion 12-1 and the second protrusion 12-2 have shapes that are approximately symmetrical with the YZ plane as a mirror plane. This will be described in more detail below. Here, the first conductor 10 is divided into the base 11 and the protrusion 12 to explain its shape, but the two may be formed integrally by, for example, cutting. The insulating layer 40 includes a first insulating layer 41 disposed on the positive side of the Z axis and a second insulating layer 42 disposed on the negative side of the Z axis. The first insulating layer 41 contacts the first conductor 10 from the positive side of the Z axis. The second insulating layer 42 contacts the second conductor 20 from the negative side of the Z axis. In other words, the insulating layer 40 sandwiches the first conductor 10 and the second conductor 20 in the Z axis direction.
[0014] 3, the first electrode 3 arranged on the surface on the positive side of the power semiconductor element 1 along the Z axis is connected to the first protrusion 12-1 and the second protrusion 12-2 of the first conductor 10 by a first bonding material 81. The second electrode 4 arranged on the surface on the negative side of the power semiconductor element 1 along the Z axis is joined to the second conductor 20 by a second bonding material 82. The first conductor 10 and the second conductor 20 are formed of, for example, copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy. The first bonding material 81 and the second bonding material 82 are formed of a solder material, a sintered material, or the like.
[0015] The insulating layer 40 conducts heat generated from the power semiconductor element 1 to the outside and is made of a material with high thermal conductivity and high dielectric strength. The insulating layer 40 is made of ceramics such as aluminum oxide (alumina), aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, etc. The insulating layer 40 may be an insulating sheet or adhesive containing fine powder of these materials.
[0016] The space between the first insulating layer 41 and the second insulating layer 42 is sealed with sealing resin 85. That is, the power semiconductor element 1, the first conductor 10, and the second conductor 20 are sealed with sealing resin 85. The surface of the first insulating layer 41 on the positive side of the Z axis and the surface of the second insulating layer 42 on the negative side of the Z axis are exposed from the sealing resin 85 and serve as heat dissipation surfaces of the power semiconductor device 100. Note that the insulating layer 40 and the sealing resin 85 are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 2 , the active projection region 6 is formed to extend laterally from the gate electrode 2. It can be said that the remaining area, obtained by subtracting the rectangular region centered on the gate electrode 2 from the rectangular region, is set as the active projection region 6 and the first electrode 3. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the gate electrode 2, the first electrode 3, and the active projection region 6 are positioned in the negative Y-axis direction. It can also be said that the active projection region 6 is formed so as to be adjacent to the gate electrode 2 on multiple sides in a plan view seen from the thickness direction of the power semiconductor device 1. One end of a gate wiring 86 is connected to the gate electrode 2, and the other end of the gate wiring 86 is connected to a gate conductor 30. Specifically, a first gate wiring 86-1 is connected to the first element gate electrode 2-1, and a second gate wiring 86-2 is connected to the second element gate electrode 2-2. The gate conductor 30 is provided to electrically connect the gate electrode 2 to the outside of the power semiconductor device 100.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3, showing the shape of the recess 13. FIG. 4 shows the second conductor 20 at the top and the gate conductor 30 at the bottom. The first element 1-1 and the second element 1-2 are shown on the inner periphery of the second conductor 20. As described above, the first element 1-1 has a first-element gate electrode 2-1, and the second element 1-2 has a second-element gate electrode 2-2. The area indicated by a dashed line on the inner periphery of the first element 1-1 is a first protrusion 12-1, and the recess around the first-element gate electrode 2-1 indicates the shape of a first recess 13-1 on the surface of the first element 1-1. The area indicated by a dashed line on the inner periphery of the second element 1-2 is a second protrusion 12-2, and the recess around the second-element gate electrode 2-2 indicates the shape of a second recess 13-2 on the surface of the second element 1-2.
[0019] The shape of the first recess 13-1 will be described in detail. An imaginary plane parallel to the YZ plane and passing through the junction between the first element gate electrode 2-1 and the first gate wiring 86-1 is referred to as a first reference plane 91. A first space X1 on the positive side of the X axis, obtained by dividing the first recess 13-1 at the first reference plane 91, is larger than a second space X2 on the negative side of the X axis, obtained by dividing the first recess 13-1 at the first reference plane 91. An imaginary plane parallel to the YZ plane and passing through the junction between the second element gate electrode 2-2 and the second gate wiring 86-2 is referred to as a second reference plane 92. A third space X3 on the negative side of the X axis, obtained by dividing the second recess 13-2 at the second reference plane 92, is larger than a fourth space X4 on the positive side of the X axis, obtained by dividing the second recess 13-2 at the second reference plane 92. Thus, the first recess 13-1 and the second recess 13-2 have symmetrical shapes with the YZ plane as the plane of symmetry. Moreover, the recess 13 does not communicate with the base 11 of the first conductor 10 .
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first conductor 10 as viewed from the connection surface side of the power semiconductor element 1. In FIG. 5, the Z-axis direction is reversed from that in FIGS. 1 and 2. The first conductor 10 has a first protrusion 12-1 and a second protrusion 12-2 for connection to the power semiconductor element 1. The base 11 can also be considered a member that connects the first protrusion 12-1 and the second protrusion 12-2. The first recess 13-1 is provided in the first protrusion 12-1 near the first element gate electrode 2-1. The second recess 13-2 is provided in the second protrusion 12-2 near the second element gate electrode 2-2.
[0021] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 4, taken on the XZ plane passing through the gate electrode 2. The shape of the first recess 13-1 is defined by the aforementioned first reference plane 91, and the first space X1 on the side where the gate conductor 30 is disposed is larger than the second space X2 on the opposite side. The shape of the second recess 13-2 is defined by the aforementioned second reference plane 92, and the third space X3 on the side where the gate conductor 30 is disposed is larger than the fourth space X4 on the opposite side.
[0022] (Action and effect) The power semiconductor device 100 includes a power semiconductor element 1 having an active projection region 6 that protrudes laterally from the gate electrode 2. The first conductor 10 has a substantially rectangular outer diameter with a recess 13 cut out around the gate electrode 2 in a region where a gate wiring 86 that connects the gate electrode 2 to the gate conductor 30 is provided. The first conductor 10 has the recess 13, which forms a space in which the gate wiring 86 is installed, on a side parallel to the XZ plane on the side where the gate conductor 30 is arranged. In the space formed by the recess 13, the space on the side closer to the gate conductor 30 is wider than the space on the opposite side. Specifically, the first space X1 is wider than the second space X2, and the third space X3 is wider than the fourth space X4. This prevents the gate wiring 86 from interfering with the first conductor 10, maximizing the area that the first conductor 10 covers the active projection region 6.
[0023] The bonding surface of the first conductor 10 bonded to the power semiconductor element 1 has an outer diameter corresponding to a shape with the periphery of the gate electrode 2 cut out, i.e., a substantially rectangular outer diameter in FIG. 4 . Because the active projection region 6 has a substantially rectangular shape, the area over which the first conductor 10 covers the active region 5 can be maximized. This allows the first conductor 10 to be connected so as to cover almost the entire surface of the active projection region 6 that protrudes laterally from the gate electrode 2 of the power semiconductor element 1. Therefore, when the power semiconductor element 1 is energized and generates heat, a local temperature rise on the surface of the power semiconductor element 1 is suppressed. This suppresses a temperature rise in the gate electrode 2 even when the power semiconductor element 1 is energized, and reduces thermal stress in the gate wiring 86. This makes the gate wiring 86 less susceptible to damage during power cycles, resulting in a power semiconductor device 100 with high heat dissipation performance and high reliability.
[0024] Furthermore, the recess 13 does not communicate with the base 11 of the first conductor 10. This allows heat from the power semiconductor element 1 to be conducted to the protrusion 12, spread to the base 11, and dissipated from the heat dissipation surface on the positive side of the Z axis. This further suppresses the temperature rise of the gate electrode 2, further reduces the stress on the gate wiring 86, and provides a power semiconductor device 100 with high heat dissipation performance and high reliability.
[0025] The power semiconductor device 100 includes a plurality of power semiconductor elements 1. When the gate electrodes 2 of the power semiconductor elements 1 are connected to the same gate conductor 30 via the gate wiring 86, the directions in which the gate wiring 86 extends are different. The first recess 13-1 and the second recess 13-21 provided in the first conductor 10 are provided in bridge regions for the first gate wiring 86-1 and the second gate wiring 86-2, respectively. By making the shapes of the first recess 13-1 and the second recess 13-21 different from each other in accordance with the directions in which the gate wiring 86 extends, the area over which the first conductor 10 covers the active projection region 6 can be maximized. This further suppresses temperature rise in the gate electrode 2, further reduces stress in the gate wiring 86, and provides a power semiconductor device 100 with high heat dissipation performance and high reliability.
[0026] According to the first embodiment described above, the following advantageous effects can be obtained. (1) A power semiconductor device 100 includes a power semiconductor element 1 having a gate electrode 2 and a first electrode 3 formed on one surface thereof, a first conductor 10 bonded to the first electrode 3, a gate wiring 86 bonded to the gate electrode 2, and a gate conductor 30 bonded to the gate wiring 86. The power semiconductor element 1 has an active region 5 which is a region where significant heat is generated. The active region 5 is formed so as to be adjacent to the gate electrode 2 on multiple sides in a plan view seen from the thickness direction of the power semiconductor element 1. The bonding surface of the first conductor 10 bonded to the power semiconductor element 1 has a substantially rectangular outer diameter with the periphery of the gate electrode 2 cut out as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 4. The first conductor 10 has a recess 13 on the side where the gate conductor 30 is arranged, which forms a space in which the gate wiring 86 is installed. The space of the recess 13 on the side where the gate conductor 30 is disposed is wider than the space on the opposite side, with the boundaries being a junction plane parallel to the XY plane that passes through the junction of the gate electrode 2 and the gate wiring 86, and a plane perpendicular to the side surface parallel to the XZ plane, i.e., a plane parallel to the YZ plane. For example, in the first recess 13-1, the plane parallel to the YZ plane that passes through the junction of the first element gate electrode 2-1 and the first gate wiring 86-1 is the first reference plane 91. The first space X1 on the positive side of the X axis obtained by dividing the first recess 13-1 by the first reference plane 91 is wider than the second space X2 on the negative side of the X axis obtained by dividing the first recess 13-1 by the first reference plane 91. Therefore, the gate wiring 86 does not interfere with the first conductor 10, and the area that the first conductor 10 covers the active projection region 6 can be maximized, allowing heat generated by the power semiconductor element 1 to be dissipated using a wider heat transfer area. Furthermore, since the thermal stress of the gate wiring 86 is reduced, the gate wiring 86 is less likely to be damaged during power cycles, and the power semiconductor device 100 has high heat dissipation performance and high reliability.
[0027] (2) The first conductor 10 includes a flat base 11 and a protrusion 12 that protrudes from the base 11 toward the power semiconductor element 1. A recess 13 is formed at the tip of the protrusion 12. As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 4 , the area from the tip of the protrusion 12 excluding the space of the recess 13 contacts the first electrode 3. The recess 13 does not communicate with the base 11. Therefore, heat from the power semiconductor element 1 is easily transferred from the protrusion 12 to the base 11, and can be dissipated from the heat dissipation surface on the positive side of the Z axis of the base 11.
[0028] (3) A plurality of power semiconductor elements 1 and a plurality of gate wirings 86 are provided for each pair of first conductors 10 and gate conductors 30 .
[0029] (4) The shapes of the recesses 13 provided corresponding to the gate wirings 86 are different from each other. By varying the shapes of the recesses 13 depending on the positional relationship between each power semiconductor element 1 and the gate conductor 30, the area over which the first conductor 10 covers the active projection region 6 can be maximized.
[0030] (Variation 1) 7 is a cross-sectional view of a power semiconductor device 100 in Modification 1, corresponding to FIG. 6 in the first embodiment. The recess 13 in this modification includes a recess insulating layer 14. The recess insulating layer 14 is made of, for example, a resin. A first recess insulating layer 14-1 is provided on the inner wall of the first recess 13-1, and a second recess insulating layer 14-2 is provided on the inner wall of the second recess 13-2.
[0031] According to this modification, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (5) An insulating resin is applied to the recess 13. Therefore, there is no risk of an electrical short between the gate wiring 86 and the first conductor 10, and the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, the space in the recess 13 is reduced, which has the advantage of making it easier to dissipate heat from the power semiconductor element 1.
[0032] (Variation 2) Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a power semiconductor device 100 in Modification 2, and corresponds to Fig. 6 in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the recess 13 provided in the first conductor 10 has a curved shape, but it may have a rectangular shape as shown in Fig. 8. In this modification, the relationship in which the first space X1 is larger than the second space X2 and the third space X3 is larger than the fourth space X4 remains the same.
[0033] (Variation 3) Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a power semiconductor device 100 in Modification 3, and corresponds to Fig. 6 in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the recess 13 provided in the first conductor 10 has a curved shape, but even if it has a tapered shape as shown in Fig. 9, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In this modification, the relationship in which the first space X1 is larger than the second space X2 and the third space X3 is larger than the fourth space X4 remains the same.
[0034] (Variation 4) FIG. 10 shows variations of the gate electrode 2, the first electrode 3, and the active projection region 6. In this figure, the regions of the first electrode 3 and the active projection region 6 are hatched to clearly show the first electrode 3 and the active projection region 6. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the positions of the gate electrode 2, the first electrode 3, and the active projection region 6 in the negative Y-axis direction are aligned. However, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the end of the gate electrode 2 may protrude beyond the first electrode 3 and the active projection region 6 in the negative Y-axis direction. Conversely, the end of the first electrode 3 and the active projection region 6 may protrude beyond the gate electrode 2 in the negative Y-axis direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the periphery of the gate electrode 2 may be cut out in a shape other than a rectangle. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10(c), the gate electrode 2 may be disposed within a hollowed-out region of the first electrode 3 and the active projection region 6, rather than being disposed at the end of the first electrode 3 and the active projection region 6.
[0035] (Variation 5) In the first embodiment described above, the insulating layer 40 is also sealed with the sealing resin 8 except for the heat dissipation surface. However, the insulating layer 40 does not have to be sealed with the sealing resin 8. The sealing resin 8 only needs to seal at least the first conductors 10 and the second conductors 20.
[0036] (Variation 6) In the first embodiment described above, the power semiconductor device 100 includes two semiconductor elements, specifically, the first element 1-1 and the second element 1-2. However, the power semiconductor device 100 may include only one element. Even in this case, as long as the positions of the gate conductor 30 and the gate electrode 2 are misaligned, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a power semiconductor device 100 according to Modification 6, corresponding to FIG. 6 for the first embodiment. In this modification, the power semiconductor device 100 includes only one element, namely, the first element 1-1, and no other elements. In this modification, the first element 1-1 and the gate conductor 30 are also misaligned on the X-axis, and the gate wiring 86 is routed diagonally. Therefore, in order to maximize the heat transfer area from the first element 1-1 to the first conductor 10 and to avoid adverse effects on the gate wiring 86, the first space X1 is made larger than the second space X2.
[0038] (Variation 7) FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a power semiconductor device 100 according to Modification 7, and corresponds to FIG. 6 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the power semiconductor device 100 may include a heat dissipation member 15. A refrigerant circulates inside the heat dissipation member 15, for example. The heat dissipation member 15 includes a first heat dissipation member 15-1 and a second heat dissipation member 15-2. The first heat dissipation member 15-1 is in contact with the first insulating layer 41 via the heat transfer member 83. The second heat dissipation member 15-2 is in contact with the second insulating layer 412 via the heat transfer member 83. That is, the heat dissipation member 15 sandwiches the first insulating layer 41 and the second insulating layer 42 from both sides along the Z axis.
[0039] --Second embodiment-- A second embodiment of a power semiconductor device will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and differences will be mainly described. Points that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that three semiconductor elements are housed in one power semiconductor device.
[0040] Fig. 13 is a plan view of a power semiconductor device 100A according to the second embodiment, corresponding to Fig. 4 in the first embodiment. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the power semiconductor device 100A, corresponding to Fig. 6 in the first embodiment. The power semiconductor device 100A includes a third element 1-3 in addition to a first element 1-1 and a second element 1-2. The third element 1-3 has a third element gate electrode 2-3, which is connected to the gate conductor 30 via a third gate wiring 86-3.
[0041] The first conductor 10A further includes a third protrusion 12-3 in addition to the base 11, the first protrusion 12-1, and the second protrusion 12-2. The third protrusion 12-3 is bonded to the third element 1-3 by a first bonding material 81. The third protrusion 12-3 has a third recess 13-3, which is a notch, near the third element gate electrode 2-3. In FIG. 13, the area indicated by a dashed line on the inner periphery of the third element 1-3 is the third protrusion 12-3, and the depression existing around the third element gate electrode 2-3 indicates the shape of the third recess 13-3 on the surface of the third element 1-3.
[0042] The gate conductor 30 is located approximately in the center of the power semiconductor device 100A in the X-axis direction, but slightly to the negative side of the X-axis. Therefore, the positional relationship between each gate electrode 2 and gate conductor 30 is such that only the first element gate electrode 2-1 has its gate conductor 30 on the positive side of the X-axis, while the second element gate electrode 2-2 and the third element gate electrode 2-3 have their gate conductors 30 on the negative side of the X-axis. Because the gate wiring 86 connects the gate electrode 2 to the gate conductor 30, the direction in which the gate wiring 86 exits from the gate electrode 2, i.e., whether it is on the positive side or the negative side of the X-axis, is determined by the positional relationship between each gate electrode 2 and gate conductor 30. To prevent the protrusion 12 from obstructing the gate wiring 86, it is necessary to ensure a large space in the recess 13 in the direction in which the gate wiring 86 exits. However, to maximize the heat transfer area for heat emitted by the power semiconductor element 1, the recess 13, which is a cutout, should be small. Therefore, only the first recess 13-1 has a larger area on the positive side of the X axis than the first reference plane 91, and the second recess 13-2 and the third recess 13-3 have larger areas on the negative side of the X axis.
[0043] The distance on the X-axis between the gate conductor 30 and the first element 1-1 is defined as Y1, the distance on the X-axis between the gate conductor 30 and the second element 1-2 is defined as Y2, and the distance on the X-axis between the gate conductor 30 and the third element 1-3 is defined as Y3. In addition to the definitions of the first space X1 to the fourth space X4, a fifth space X5 and a sixth space X6 are defined as follows. A virtual plane parallel to the YZ plane and passing through the junction between the third element gate electrode 2-3 and the third gate wiring 86-3 is referred to as the third reference plane 93. The space on the negative side of the X-axis obtained by dividing the third recess 13-3 by the third reference plane 93 is referred to as the fifth space X5, and the space on the opposite side is referred to as the sixth space X6. In this case, Y1 to Y3 have a relationship of Y3 > Y1 > Y2, and the size of the spaces has a relationship of X5 > X1 > X3. Therefore, the gate wiring 86 does not interfere with the first conductor 10, and the area over which the first conductor 10 covers the active region 5 can be maximized.
[0044] According to the second embodiment described above, the following advantageous effects can be obtained. That is, similar to the first embodiment, the gate wiring 86 does not interfere with the first conductors 10, the area over which the first conductors 10 cover the active projection region 6 can be maximized, and the heat generated by the power semiconductor element 1 can be dissipated using a wider heat transfer area. Furthermore, since the thermal stress of the gate wiring 86 is reduced, the gate wiring 86 is less likely to be damaged during power cycles, and a power semiconductor device 100 with high heat dissipation performance and high reliability can be obtained.
[0045] The above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined with each other. Although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. Other embodiments conceivable within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]
[0046] 1: Power semiconductor element 2: Gate electrode 3 :1st electrode 4:Second electrode 5 :Active area 6:Active projection area 10, 10A: First conductor 11: Base 12:Protrusion 13: Recess 14: Recessed insulating layer 30: Gate conductor 40: Insulating layer 86: Gate wiring 91: 1st reference plane 92: 2nd reference plane 93: 3rd reference plane 100, 100A: Power semiconductor device
Claims
1. a semiconductor element having a gate electrode and a first electrode formed on one surface thereof; a first conductor joined to the first electrode; a gate wiring connected to the gate electrode; a gate conductor to which the gate wiring is joined; The semiconductor element has an active region which is a region where heat is generated significantly, the active region is formed so as to be adjacent to the gate electrode on a plurality of sides in a plan view seen in a thickness direction of the semiconductor element, a bonding surface of the first conductor bonded to the semiconductor element has a substantially rectangular outer diameter with a notch around the gate electrode; the first conductor has a recess on a side surface on which the gate conductor is disposed, the recess forming a space in which the gate wiring is disposed; a plane that passes through a junction between the gate electrode and the gate wiring and is perpendicular to the junction surface and the side surface as a boundary, and the space of the recess on one side where the gate conductor is disposed is formed wider than the space on the other side.
2. 2. The power semiconductor device according to claim 1, the first conductor includes a flat base and a protrusion protruding from the base toward the semiconductor element; the recess is formed at the tip of the protrusion, and a region from the tip excluding the space of the recess is in contact with the first electrode; The power semiconductor device, wherein the recess does not communicate with the base.
3. 2. The power semiconductor device according to claim 1, A power semiconductor device in which a plurality of the semiconductor elements and a plurality of the gate wirings are provided for each pair of the first conductors and the gate conductors.
4. 2. The power semiconductor device according to claim 1, The power semiconductor device, wherein the recesses provided corresponding to the gate wirings respectively have different shapes.
5. 2. The power semiconductor device according to claim 1, The recess is coated with an insulating resin.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Power module and electric power conversion apparatus using the same
JP2012257369A