Power Module
By arranging arm circuits to overlap a circle around the input terminal with a specific wiring pattern, the power module reduces inductance, improving power conversion efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2022557420
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-10-21
- Filing Date
- 2021-10-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-12
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-10-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing power modules have high inductance, which hinders efficient power conversion and increases energy consumption.
The power module design includes an insulating substrate with arm circuits arranged to overlap a circle around the input terminal, featuring a specific wiring pattern and switching elements connected in series, reducing inductance by equalizing current flow.
This configuration reduces the overall inductance of the power module, enhancing power conversion efficiency and minimizing energy consumption.
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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power module. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, power modules equipped with power switching elements such as MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors) and IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) have been known. Such power modules are mounted in a variety of electrical devices, from industrial equipment to home appliances, information terminals, and automotive equipment. Patent Document 1 discloses a motor drive system equipped with a power module (power device). In the motor drive system described in Patent Document 1, the power module includes multiple transistors and is configured to supply a three-phase sinusoidal wave voltage to the motor in response to a drive signal input from a drive circuit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-39784 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] To reduce the energy consumption of electrical equipment, it is necessary to improve the power conversion efficiency of power modules. For example, reducing the inductance of a power module is an effective way to improve power conversion efficiency.
[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a power module with reduced inductance. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] A power module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an insulating substrate, a first input terminal supported by the insulating substrate, a second input terminal supported by the insulating substrate, a plurality of arm circuits provided on the insulating substrate, and a plurality of output terminals corresponding to the plurality of arm circuits. Each of the plurality of arm circuits includes a portion of a wiring pattern formed on the insulating substrate and a first switching element and a second switching element connected in series via the portion of the wiring pattern. Each of the plurality of output terminals is connected to a connection point between the first switching element and the second switching element in a corresponding arm circuit among the plurality of arm circuits. The plurality of arm circuits are arranged so as to overlap a circle surrounding the first input terminal when viewed in the thickness direction of the insulating substrate. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to the above configuration, the inductance of the power module can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a power module according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a plan view of FIG. 1 in which a resin member is shown by imaginary lines. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of a part of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of a part of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a power module according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration of a power module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a power module according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a power module according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a plan view of FIG. 8 in which the resin member is indicated by imaginary lines. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a power module according to a fourth embodiment, in which a resin member is indicated by imaginary lines. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view of a part of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a power module according to a fifth embodiment, in which resin members are indicated by imaginary lines. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration of a power module according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A preferred embodiment of the power module of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical or similar components will be designated by the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.
[0010] 1 to 6 show a power module A1 according to the first embodiment. The power module A1 includes an insulating substrate 1, a plurality of arm circuits 2, a first input terminal 31, a second input terminal 32, a plurality of output terminals 4, a plurality of conductive members 61, a plurality of wires 62, and a resin member 7.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the power module A1. FIG. 2 is a view showing the resin member 7 in the power module A1 by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line). FIGS. 3 and 4 are enlarged views of a portion of FIG. 2. The resin member 7 is omitted in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 5 is a front view showing the power module A1. In FIG. 5, the resin member 7 is shown by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line). FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the power module A1.
[0012] The power module A1 is, for example, a three-phase inverter that drives a three-phase motor M. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the three-phase motor M is Y-connected, but may also be delta-connected. The power module A1, with a configuration described in detail later, converts, for example, a DC voltage input from a DC power supply into an AC voltage and supplies the AC voltage to the three-phase motor M. The power module A1 includes a plurality of switching elements (a plurality of first switching elements 21 described later and a plurality of second switching elements 22 described later), and performs voltage conversion by driving the plurality of switching elements. As shown in FIG. 6, the power module A1 controls the driving of the plurality of switching elements by control signals (a first control signal described later and a second control signal described later) input from an external drive circuit Dr.
[0013] The insulating substrate 1, together with the wiring pattern 23 described later, constitutes the circuit board of the power module A1. The insulating substrate 1 may be made of, for example, glass epoxy resin, ceramics, or silicon. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the insulating substrate 1 has, for example, a circular shape when viewed in the thickness direction z of the insulating substrate 1. Hereinafter, the view in the thickness direction z of the insulating substrate 1 will also be referred to as the "planar view." The planar shape of the insulating substrate 1 is not limited to a circle, and may be rectangular, polygonal, or elliptical.
[0014] As shown in FIG. 5, the insulating substrate 1 includes a substrate main surface 11 and a substrate back surface 12. The substrate main surface 11 and the substrate back surface 12 are spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction z. The substrate main surface 11 faces one side (upward) in the thickness direction z, and the substrate back surface 12 faces the other side (downward) in the thickness direction z. A wiring pattern 23 is formed on the substrate main surface 11. As shown in FIG. 5, the three-phase motor M is disposed on the substrate back surface 12 side of the insulating substrate 1 in the thickness direction z.
[0015] The multiple arm circuits 2 include wiring patterns 23, and each is electrically connected to a first input terminal 31 and a second input terminal 32 via the wiring patterns 23. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the power module A1 includes three arm circuits 2. When distinguishing between the three arm circuits 2, they are referred to as a first arm circuit 2A, a second arm circuit 2B, and a third arm circuit 2C.
[0016] Each of the multiple arm circuits 2 (first arm circuit 2A, second arm circuit 2B, and third arm circuit 2C) includes a part of the wiring pattern 23, a first switching element 21, and a second switching element 22. In the power module A1, each arm circuit 2 includes two first switching elements 21 and two second switching elements 22. For ease of understanding, the first switching element 21 and the second switching element 22 of the first arm circuit 2A may be referred to as the first switching element 21A and the second switching element 22A, respectively. Similarly, the first switching element 21 and the second switching element 22 of the second arm circuit 2B may be referred to as the first switching element 21B and the second switching element 22B, respectively, and the first switching element 21 and the second switching element 22 of the third arm circuit 2C may be referred to as the first switching element 21C and the second switching element 22C, respectively.
[0017] Each of the first switching elements 21 and each of the second switching elements 22 is configured by an IGBT, for example, as shown in FIG. 6. Each of the first switching elements 21 and each of the second switching elements 22 is not limited to an IGBT, and may be another type of transistor, such as a MOSFET. As shown in FIG. 6 and other figures, in each arm circuit 2, the two first switching elements 21 are connected in parallel, and the two second switching elements 22 are connected in parallel. Also, as shown in FIG. 6 and other figures, in each arm circuit 2, the first switching elements 21 and the second switching elements 22 are connected in series, and a plurality of output terminals 4 are connected to the connection points between each of the first switching elements 21 and each of the second switching elements 22, one for each. That is, one of the plurality of output terminals 4 (a first output terminal 4A described later) is connected to the connection point between each first switching element 21A and each second switching element 22A, one of the plurality of output terminals 4 (a second output terminal 4B described later) is connected to the connection point between each first switching element 21B and each second switching element 22B, and one of the plurality of output terminals 4 (a third output terminal 4C described later) is connected to the connection point between each first switching element 21C and each second switching element 22C. In each arm circuit 2, the first switching element 21 is an upper arm, and the second switching element 22 is a lower arm. That is, the first switching element 21A is an upper arm of the first arm circuit 2A, and the second switching element 22A is a lower arm of the first arm circuit 2A. The first switching element 21B is an upper arm of the second arm circuit 2B, and the second switching element 22B is a lower arm of the second arm circuit 2B. The first switching element 21C is the upper arm of the third arm circuit 2C, and the second switching element 22C is the lower arm of the third arm circuit 2C.
[0018] As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the multiple first switching elements 21 (multiple first switching elements 21A, 21B, 21C) has a first element main surface 211 and a first element back surface 212. The first element main surface 211 and the first element back surface 212 are spaced apart in the thickness direction z. The first element main surface 211 faces one side in the thickness direction z, and the first element back surface 212 faces the other side in the thickness direction z. In the power module A1, the first element main surface 211 faces the same direction as the substrate main surface 11, and the first element back surface 212 faces the same direction as the substrate back surface 12.
[0019] As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the plurality of first switching elements 21 (plurality of first switching elements 21A, 21B, 21C) has a first principal surface electrode 213a, a first rear surface electrode 213b, and a first control electrode 213c.
[0020] In each first switching element 21, the first principal surface electrode 213a and the first control electrode 213c are disposed on the first element principal surface 211, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The first rear surface electrode 213b is disposed on the first element rear surface 212, as can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4. In an example in which the first switching element 21 is an IGBT, for example, the first principal surface electrode 213a is an emitter, the first rear surface electrode 213b is a collector, and the first control electrode 213c is a gate. The switching operation of each first switching element 21 is controlled in accordance with a first control signal (e.g., a gate voltage) input to the first control electrode 213c. The switching operation is an operation in which the first switching element 21 switches between a conductive state and a cut-off state. When each first switching element 21 is in a conductive state, a current flows from the first rear surface electrode 213b (collector) to the first principal surface electrode 213a (emitter), and when in a cut-off state, this current does not flow.
[0021] 3 and 4, in each first switching element 21, the first principal surface electrode 213a is electrically connected to each second switching element 22 and to the output terminal 4 via a conductive member 61 (a first conductive member 611 described later) and a part of the wiring pattern 23 (a third conductive portion 233 described later). The first rear surface electrode 213b is electrically connected to the first input terminal 31 via a part of the wiring pattern 23 (a second conductive portion 232 described later). The first control electrode 213c is electrically connected to a part of the wiring pattern 23 (a fifth conductive portion 235 described later) via a wire 62 (a first wire 621 described later).
[0022] As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4 , each of the multiple second switching elements 22 (multiple second switching elements 22A, 22B, 22C) has a second element main surface 221 and a second element back surface 222. The second element main surface 221 and the second element back surface 222 are spaced apart in the thickness direction z. The second element main surface 221 faces one side in the thickness direction z, and the second element back surface 222 faces the other side in the thickness direction z. In the power module A1, the second element main surface 221 faces in the same direction as the substrate main surface 11 and the first element main surface 211, and the second element back surface 222 faces in the same direction as the substrate back surface 12 and the first element back surface 212.
[0023] As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the plurality of second switching elements 22 (plurality of second switching elements 22A, 22B, 22C) has a second principal surface electrode 223a, a second rear surface electrode 223b, and a second control electrode 223c.
[0024] In each second switching element 22, the second principal surface electrode 223a and the second control electrode 223c are disposed on the second element principal surface 221, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The second rear surface electrode 223b is disposed on the second element rear surface 222, as can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4. In an example in which the second switching element 22 is an IGBT, for example, the second principal surface electrode 223a is an emitter, the second rear surface electrode 223b is a collector, and the second control electrode 223c is a gate. The switching operation of the second switching element 22 is controlled in response to a second control signal (e.g., a gate voltage) input to the second control electrode 223c. When the second switching element 22 is in a conductive state, a current flows from the second rear surface electrode 223b (collector) to the second principal surface electrode 223a (emitter), and when in a cut-off state, this current does not flow.
[0025] 3 and 4, in each second switching element 22, the second principal surface electrode 223a is electrically connected to the second input terminal 32 via a conductive member 61 (a second conductive member 612 described later) and a part of the wiring pattern 23 (a fourth conductive portion 234 described later). The second rear surface electrode 223b is electrically connected to the output terminal 4 via a part of the wiring pattern 23 (a third conductive portion 233 described later), and is electrically connected to the first principal surface electrode 213a of each first switching element 21 via a part of the wiring pattern 23 (a third conductive portion 233 described later) and the conductive member 61 (a first conductive member 611 described later). The second control electrode 223c is electrically connected to a part of the wiring pattern 23 (a sixth conductive portion 236 described later) via a wire 62 (a second wire 622 described later), as shown in FIGS.
[0026] The wiring pattern 23 is formed on the substrate main surface 11 of the insulating substrate 1. The wiring pattern 23 includes a first wiring portion 23A that constitutes the first arm circuit 2A, a second wiring portion 23B that constitutes the second arm circuit 2B, and a third wiring portion 23C that constitutes the third arm circuit 2C.
[0027] The first wiring portion 23A forms a conduction path of the first arm circuit 2A. The first wiring portion 23A is electrically connected to the first input terminal 31 and the second input terminal 32. The first wiring portion 23A, together with a plurality of conductive members 61 joined to the first switching element 21A and the second switching element 22A, electrically connects the first switching element 21A and the second switching element 22A.
[0028] The second wiring portion 23B forms a conduction path of the second arm circuit 2B. The second wiring portion 23B is electrically connected to the first input terminal 31 and the second input terminal 32. The second wiring portion 23B, together with a plurality of conductive members 61 joined to the first switching element 21B and the second switching element 22B, electrically connects the first switching element 21B and the second switching element 22B.
[0029] The third wiring portion 23C forms a conduction path of the third arm circuit 2C. The third wiring portion 23C is electrically connected to the first input terminal 31 and the second input terminal 32. The third wiring portion 23C, together with a plurality of conductive members 61 joined to the first switching element 21C and the second switching element 22C, electrically connects the first switching element 21C and the second switching element 22C.
[0030] First wiring portion 23A, second wiring portion 23B, and third wiring portion 23C include first conductive portion 231, second conductive portion 232, third conductive portion 233, fourth conductive portion 234, fifth conductive portion 235, and sixth conductive portion 236, respectively.
[0031] The first conductive portion 231 is connected to the first input terminal 31. The first conductive portion 231 extends radially in the radial direction r from the first input terminal 31 in a plan view. In the power module A1, the first conductive portion 231 of the first wiring portion 23A, the first conductive portion 231 of the second wiring portion 23B, and the first conductive portion 231 of the third wiring portion 23C are connected to each other.
[0032] The second conductive portion 232 is connected to the first conductive portion 231. The second conductive portion 232 has, for example, an annular sector shape in a plan view. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first conductive portion 231 is connected to approximately the center of the second conductive portion 232 in the circumferential direction s. Two first switching elements 21 are joined to each second conductive portion 232, and are electrically connected to the first back surface electrodes 213b of each first switching element 21. As shown in FIG. 2, the two first switching elements 21 are arranged on both sides of the portion of the second conductive portion 232 to which the first conductive portion 231 is connected in the circumferential direction s.
[0033] The third conductive portion 233 is electrically connected to the connection point between the first switching element 21 and the second switching element 22. The third conductive portion 233 has, for example, an annular sector shape in plan view. Two second switching elements 22 are respectively joined to each third conductive portion 233, and the third conductive portion 233 is electrically connected to the second back surface electrode 223b of each second switching element 22. As shown in FIG. 2, one of the two second switching elements 22 is disposed on each of the third conductive portion 233 on both outer sides in the circumferential direction s. The third conductive portion 233 is also electrically connected to the first main surface electrode 213a of each first switching element 21 via a conductive member 61 (a first conductive member 611 described later). As shown in FIG. 2, the third conductive portion 233 is located on the outer side of the second conductive portion 232 in the radial direction r with respect to the first input terminal 31 in plan view.
[0034] The fourth conductive portion 234 is electrically connected to each second switching element 22. The fourth conductive portion 234 has, for example, an annular sector shape in plan view. The fourth conductive portion 234 is electrically connected to the second principal surface electrode 223a of each second switching element 22 via a conductive member 61 (a second conductive member 612 described below). The fourth conductive portion 234 is located outside the third conductive portion 233 in the radial direction r with respect to the first input terminal 31 in plan view.
[0035] The two fifth conductive parts 235 are each electrically connected via a wire 62 (a first wire 621 described below) to the first control electrode 213c of each first switching element 21. A first control signal for controlling the switching operation of each first switching element 21 is input to each fifth conductive part 235 from the drive circuit Dr.
[0036] The two sixth conductive parts 236 are each electrically connected via a wire 62 (a second wire 622 described later) to the second control electrode 223c of each second switching element 22. A second control signal for controlling the switching operation of each second switching element 22 is input to each sixth conductive part 236 from the drive circuit Dr.
[0037] In the power module A1, the first wiring portion 23A, the second wiring portion 23B, and the third wiring portion 23C are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction s around the first input terminal 31, and the multiple arm circuits 2 (the first arm circuit 2A, the second arm circuit 2B, and the third arm circuit 2C) are arranged so as to overlap a circle surrounding the first input terminal 31 in a plan view. This circle surrounding the first input terminal 31 is preferably a circle centered on the first input terminal 31 in a plan view, but the first input terminal 31 may be offset from the center as long as it includes the first input terminal 31 within the circumference. Additionally, overlapping a circle means that when an imaginary circle is drawn around this circle, this imaginary circle intersects with each arm circuit 2 in a plan view. In particular, in the power module A1, the first wiring portion 23A, the second wiring portion 23B, and the third wiring portion 23C are arranged at equal angular intervals around the first input terminal 31 in a plan view. That is, in a power module A1 having three arm circuits 2, as shown in FIG. 2, the first wiring portion 23A, the second wiring portion 23B, and the third wiring portion 23C are arranged offset by approximately 120° (=360° / 3) in the circumferential direction s.
[0038] The first input terminal 31 and the second input terminal 32 are each connected to a power supply (e.g., a DC power supply), and a power supply voltage (e.g., a DC voltage) is applied between the terminals. In the power module A1, as shown in Fig. 6, the first input terminal 31 is a positive electrode (P terminal) and the second input terminal 32 is a negative electrode (N terminal). Unlike the power module A1, the first input terminal 31 may be a negative electrode (N terminal) and the second input terminal 32 may be a positive electrode (P terminal).
[0039] The first input terminal 31 is supported by the insulating substrate 1. The first input terminal 31 is erected on the substrate main surface 11 of the insulating substrate 1 and extends upward in the thickness direction z. The first input terminal 31 is connected to the first conductive portions 231 of the first wiring portion 23A, the second wiring portion 23B, and the third wiring portion 23C of the wiring pattern 23. The first input terminal 31 is disposed approximately in the center of the insulating substrate 1 in a plan view. The first input terminal 31 may be disposed at a position away from the center rather than approximately in the center of the insulating substrate 1 in a plan view. Even in this case, in the power module A1, it is sufficient that the first wiring portion 23A, the second wiring portion 23B, and the third wiring portion 23C are disposed side by side in the circumferential direction s around the first input terminal 31 in a plan view.
[0040] 1 and 2, the second input terminal 32 includes a first terminal portion 321, a second terminal portion 322, and a third terminal portion 323 that are spaced apart from one another. The first terminal portion 321, the second terminal portion 322, and the third terminal portion 323 are each supported by the insulating substrate 1.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the first terminal portion 321 is connected to the first wiring portion 23A. The first terminal portion 321 overlaps the fourth conductive portion 234 of the first wiring portion 23A in a plan view. The first terminal portion 321 is provided upright on the fourth conductive portion 234 of the first wiring portion 23A and extends upward in the thickness direction z. As shown in FIG. 5, the first terminal portion 321 protrudes above the resin member 7 in the thickness direction z. The first terminal portion 321 is electrically connected to the fourth conductive portion 234 of the first wiring portion 23A, and is electrically connected to the second switching element 22A via the fourth conductive portion 234 and a conductive member 61 (a second conductive member 612 described below).
[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the second terminal portion 322 is connected to the second wiring portion 23B. The second terminal portion 322 overlaps the fourth conductive portion 234 of the second wiring portion 23B in a plan view. The second terminal portion 322 is provided upright on the fourth conductive portion 234 of the second wiring portion 23B and extends upward in the thickness direction z. As shown in FIG. 5, the second terminal portion 322 protrudes above the resin member 7 in the thickness direction z. The second terminal portion 322 is electrically connected to the fourth conductive portion 234 of the second wiring portion 23B, and is electrically connected to the second switching element 22B via the fourth conductive portion 234 and a conductive member 61 (a second conductive member 612 described below).
[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the third terminal portion 323 is connected to the third wiring portion 23C. The third terminal portion 323 overlaps the fourth conductive portion 234 of the third wiring portion 23C in a plan view. The third terminal portion 323 is provided upright on the fourth conductive portion 234 of the third wiring portion 23C and extends upward in the thickness direction z. As shown in FIG. 5, the third terminal portion 323 protrudes above the resin member 7 in the thickness direction z. The third terminal portion 323 is electrically connected to the fourth conductive portion 234 of the third wiring portion 23C and is electrically connected to the second switching element 22C via the fourth conductive portion 234 and a conductive member 61 (a second conductive member 612 described below).
[0044] In the power module A1, the first terminal 321, the second terminal 322 and the second terminal 323 are each connected to ground, as in the case of the negative terminal of a DC power supply, as shown in FIG.
[0045] The plurality of output terminals 4 each output a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) converted by the switching operations of the first switching element 21 and the second switching element 22 in each of the plurality of arm circuits 2. The plurality of output terminals 4 include a first output terminal 4A, a second output terminal 4B, and a third output terminal 4C. The first output terminal 4A, the second output terminal 4B, and the third output terminal 4C are spaced apart.
[0046] The first output terminal 4A is connected to the first wiring portion 23A (the wiring pattern 23 in the first arm circuit 2A). In a plan view, the first output terminal 4A overlaps the third conductive portion 233 of the first wiring portion 23A. As shown in FIG. 2, the first output terminal 4A is located approximately in the center of the two second switching elements 22A in the circumferential direction s.
[0047] The second output terminal 4B is connected to the second wiring portion 23B (the wiring pattern 23 in the second arm circuit 2B). In a plan view, the second output terminal 4B overlaps with the third conductive portion 233 of the second wiring portion 23B. As shown in FIG. 2, the second output terminal 4B is located approximately in the center of the two second switching elements 22B in the circumferential direction s.
[0048] The third output terminal 4C is connected to the third wiring portion 23C (the wiring pattern 23 in the third arm circuit 2C). In a plan view, the third output terminal 4C overlaps with the third conductive portion 233 of the third wiring portion 23C. As shown in FIG. 2, the third output terminal 4C is located approximately in the center of the two second switching elements 22C in the circumferential direction s.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, the first output terminal 4A, the second output terminal 4B, and the third output terminal 4C each penetrate the insulating substrate 1 in the thickness direction z from the substrate main surface 11 to the substrate back surface 12 and extend downward in the thickness direction z from the substrate back surface 12. The first output terminal 4A, the second output terminal 4B, and the third output terminal 4C are each electrically connected to the wiring pattern 23 on the substrate main surface 11 side. As shown in FIG. 5, the first output terminal 4A, the second output terminal 4B, and the third output terminal 4C are each connected to a three-phase motor M on the substrate back surface 12 side. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first output terminal 4A is connected to the U phase of the three-phase motor M, the second output terminal 4B is connected to the V phase of the three-phase motor M, and the third output terminal 4C is connected to the W phase of the three-phase motor M.
[0050] The plurality of conductive members 61 provide electrical continuity between two spaced apart members. Each conductive member 61 is, for example, a metal plate. The plurality of conductive members 61 include a plurality of first conductive members 611 and a plurality of second conductive members 612.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the plurality of first conductive members 611 are respectively joined to the first main surface electrode 213a of each first switching element 21 and the third conductive portion 233 in each arm circuit 2, thereby establishing electrical continuity therebetween. The joining of each first conductive member 611 to the third conductive portion 233 can be achieved by partially bending each first conductive member 611 or by partially thickening each first conductive member 611. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the plurality of second conductive members 612 are respectively joined to the second main surface electrode 223a of each second switching element 22 and the fourth conductive portion 234 in each arm circuit 2, thereby establishing electrical continuity therebetween. The joining of each second conductive member 612 to the fourth conductive portion 234 can be achieved by partially bending each second conductive member 612 or by partially thickening each second conductive member 612.
[0052] The plurality of wires 62 provide electrical continuity between two spaced apart components. Each wire 62 is, for example, a bonding wire. The material of each wire 62 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, Au, Al, or Cu. The plurality of wires 62 include a plurality of first wires 621 and a plurality of second wires 622.
[0053] 2 to 4, the plurality of first wires 621 are joined to the first control electrode 213c of each first switching element 21 and each fifth conductive portion 235 in each arm circuit 2, thereby providing electrical continuity therebetween. The plurality of second wires 622 are joined to the second control electrode 223c of each second switching element 22 and each sixth conductive portion 236 in each arm circuit 2, thereby providing electrical continuity therebetween.
[0054] Resin member 7 is made of an insulating resin material (e.g., epoxy resin) and is disposed on main surface 11 of insulating substrate 1. Resin member 7 covers a portion of each arm circuit 2 (first arm circuit 2A, second arm circuit 2B, and third arm circuit 2C) and exposes first input terminal 31 and second input terminal 32. Resin member 7 includes a first sealing portion 71, a second sealing portion 72, and a third sealing portion 73 that are spaced apart from one another.
[0055] The first sealing portion 71 covers a portion of the first arm circuit 2A. The first sealing portion 71 exposes, in the first arm circuit 2A, a portion of the first conductive portion 231 of the first wiring portion 23A, a portion of each fifth conductive portion 235 of the first wiring portion 23A, and a portion of each sixth conductive portion 236 of the first wiring portion 23A. As shown in FIG. 5 , the first terminal portion 321 (second input terminal 32) protrudes in the thickness direction z from the upper surface of the first sealing portion 71. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first sealing portion 71 has, for example, an annular sector shape in plan view. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first sealing portion 71 has a cutout in a portion thereof, through which a portion of each fifth conductive portion 235 and a portion of each sixth conductive portion 236 of the first wiring portion 23A are exposed. The drive circuit Dr is connected to the fifth conductive portions 235 and the sixth conductive portions 236 of the first wiring portion 23A exposed from the first sealing portion 71.
[0056] The second sealing portion 72 covers a portion of the second arm circuit 2B. The second sealing portion 72 exposes, of the second arm circuit 2B, a portion of the first conductive portion 231 of the second wiring portion 23B, a portion of each fifth conductive portion 235 of the second wiring portion 23B, and a portion of each sixth conductive portion 236 of the second wiring portion 23B. As shown in FIG. 5, the second terminal portion 322 (second input terminal 32) protrudes in the thickness direction z from the upper surface of the second sealing portion 72. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second sealing portion 72 has, for example, an annular sector shape in plan view. As shown in FIG. 1, the second sealing portion 72 has a cutout in a portion thereof, through which a portion of each fifth conductive portion 235 and a portion of each sixth conductive portion 236 of the second wiring portion 23B are exposed. The drive circuit Dr is connected to the fifth conductive parts 235 and the sixth conductive parts 236 of the second wiring part 23B exposed from the second sealing part 72.
[0057] The third sealing portion 73 covers a portion of the third arm circuit 2C. The third sealing portion 73 exposes a portion of the first conductive portion 231 of the third wiring portion 23C, a portion of each fifth conductive portion 235 of the third wiring portion 23C, and a portion of each sixth conductive portion 236 of the third wiring portion 23C. As shown in FIG. 5, the third terminal portion 323 (second input terminal 32) protrudes in the thickness direction z from the upper surface of the third sealing portion 73. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the third sealing portion 73 has, for example, an annular sector shape in plan view. As shown in FIG. 1, the third sealing portion 73 has a cutout in a portion thereof, through which a portion of each fifth conductive portion 235 and a portion of each sixth conductive portion 236 of the third wiring portion 23C are exposed. The drive circuit Dr is connected to the fifth conductive parts 235 and the sixth conductive parts 236 of the third wiring part 23C exposed from the third sealing part 73.
[0058] In the power module A1, as shown in FIG. 2, the first terminal portion 321 (second input terminal 32), the first output terminal 4A (output terminal 4), and the first input terminal 31 are arranged side by side on a first line (along the first radial direction r1 in FIG. 2) passing through the first input terminal 31 in a plan view. Furthermore, in a plan view, the elements of the first arm circuit 2A (the first wiring portion 23A, the two first switching elements 21A, and the two second switching elements 22A) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the first line (the first radial direction r1 in FIG. 2) passing through the first terminal portion 321, the first output terminal 4A, and the first input terminal 31 as an axis of symmetry. Similarly, the second terminal portion 322 (second input terminal 32), the second output terminal 4B (output terminal 4), and the first input terminal 31 are arranged side by side on a second line (along the second radial direction r2 in FIG. 2) passing through the first input terminal 31 in a plan view. In addition, in plan view, the elements of the second arm circuit 2B (the second wiring unit 23B, the two first switching elements 21B, and the two second switching elements 22B) are arranged symmetrically with respect to a second line (the second radial direction r2 in FIG. 2) passing through the second terminal unit 322, the second output terminal 4B, and the first input terminal 31 as an axis of symmetry. Furthermore, the third terminal unit 323 (the second input terminal 32), the third output terminal 4C (the output terminal 4), and the first input terminal 31 are arranged side by side on a third line (along the third radial direction r3 in FIG. 2) passing through the first input terminal 31 as seen in plan view. In addition, in plan view, the elements of the third arm circuit 2C (the third wiring unit 23C, the two first switching elements 21C, and the two second switching elements 22C) are arranged symmetrically with respect to a third line (the third radial direction r3 in FIG. 2) passing through the third terminal unit 323, the third output terminal 4C, and the first input terminal 31 as an axis of symmetry. In the power module A1, the first radial direction r1, the second radial direction r2, and the third radial direction r3 are arranged at equal angular intervals around the first input terminal 31 in a plan view (in this embodiment, they are offset by approximately 120°).
[0059] The functions and effects of the power module A1 are as follows.
[0060] In the power module A1, the multiple arm circuits 2 are arranged so as to overlap on a circle surrounding the first input terminal 31 in a plan view. With this configuration, current flows radially from the first input terminal 31 to each arm circuit 2, thereby reducing the difference in the current path from the first input terminal 31 to each arm circuit 2. In other words, the difference in the amount of current flowing from the first input terminal 31 to each arm circuit 2 can be suppressed. Therefore, the power module A1 can reduce the inductance of the entire module. In particular, in the power module A1, by making the circle (virtual circle) surrounding the first input terminal 31 in a plan view a circle centered on the first input terminal 31, it is possible to equalize the amount of current flowing from the first input terminal 31 to each arm circuit 2.
[0061] In the power module A1, the wiring pattern 23 includes a first wiring portion 23A, a second wiring portion 23B, and a third wiring portion 23C. The first wiring portion 23A constitutes a part of the first arm circuit 2A, the second wiring portion 23B constitutes a part of the second arm circuit 2B, and the third wiring portion 23C constitutes a part of the third arm circuit 2C. The first wiring portion 23A, the second wiring portion 23B, and the third wiring portion 23C are arranged at equal angular intervals around the first input terminal 31 as viewed in the thickness direction z. That is, in a configuration including three arm circuits 2 (the first arm circuit 2A, the second arm circuit 2B, and the third arm circuit 2C), the first wiring portion 23A, the second wiring portion 23B, and the third wiring portion 23C are arranged at 120-degree intervals in the circumferential direction s around the first input terminal 31 as viewed in the thickness direction z. According to this configuration, the multiple arm circuits 2 are arranged approximately evenly in the circumferential direction s around the first input terminal 31. This makes it possible to equalize the amount of current flowing from the first input terminal 31 to each arm circuit 2, thereby further reducing the difference in the amount of current flowing to each arm circuit 2. Therefore, the power module A1 can reduce the inductance of the entire module.
[0062] In the power module A1, the first terminal unit 321, the first output terminal 4A, and the first input terminal 31 are arranged side by side on a first straight line (along the first radial direction r1 in FIG. 2 ) passing through the first input terminal 31 in a plan view. Furthermore, in a plan view, the elements of the first arm circuit 2A (the first wiring unit 23A, the two first switching elements 21A, and the two second switching elements 22A) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the first straight line (the first radial direction r1 in FIG. 2 ) passing through the first terminal unit 321, the first output terminal 4A, and the first input terminal 31. This configuration can reduce the difference in the path of the current flowing from the first input terminal 31 through each first switching element 21 to the first output terminal 4A, and can also reduce the difference in the path of the current flowing from the first terminal unit 321 through each second switching element 22 to the first output terminal 4A. Therefore, the power module A1 can reduce the reduction in inductance in the first arm circuit 2A. Similarly, the second terminal portion 322, the second output terminal 4B, and the first input terminal 31 are arranged side by side on a second straight line passing through the first input terminal 31 in a plan view (along the second radial direction r2 in FIG. 2), and the elements of the second arm circuit 2B (the second wiring portion 23B, the two first switching elements 21B, and the two second switching elements 22B) are arranged symmetrically with the second straight line passing through the second terminal portion 322, the second output terminal 4B, and the first input terminal 31 (the second radial direction r2 in FIG. 2) as the axis of symmetry in a plan view. Therefore, the power module A1 can suppress a reduction in inductance in the second arm circuit 2B. Furthermore, the third terminal portion 323, the third output terminal 4C, and the first input terminal 31 are arranged side by side on a third straight line passing through the first input terminal 31 in a plan view (along the third radial direction r3 in FIG. 2), and the elements of the third arm circuit 2C (the third arm circuit 2C, the two first switching elements 21C, and the two second switching elements 22C) are arranged symmetrically with the third straight line passing through the third terminal portion 323, the second output terminal 4B, and the first input terminal 31 (the third radial direction r3 in FIG. 2) as the axis of symmetry in a plan view. Therefore, the power module A1 can suppress a reduction in inductance in the third arm circuit 2C.
[0063] In the power module A1, the insulating substrate 1 has a circular shape in a plan view. A three-phase motor M usually has a cylindrical outer shape. With this configuration, when the power module A1 is attached to the three-phase motor M, it is possible to substantially overlap the power module A1 with the three-phase motor M in a plan view, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This allows the power module A1 to have a shape that is favorable for attaching to the three-phase motor M in terms of thinness, space saving, and the like.
[0064] Fig. 7 shows a power module A2 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the power module A2. As shown in Fig. 7, the power module A2 differs from the power module A1 in that the resin member 7 is not separated into three portions (a first sealing portion 71, a second sealing portion 72, and a third sealing portion 73).
[0065] The resin member 7 of the power module A2 has an annular shape in a plan view. The resin member 7 covers a portion of each of the multiple arm circuits 2. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the resin member 7 has cutouts for exposing a portion of each of the fifth conductive parts 235 and a portion of each of the sixth conductive parts 236.
[0066] In the power module A2, similarly to the power module A1, the multiple arm circuits 2 are arranged in a plan view so as to overlap on a circle surrounding the first input terminal 31. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the difference in the amount of current flowing from the first input terminal 31 to each arm circuit 2, and therefore the power module A2 can reduce the inductance of the entire module.
[0067] 8 and 9 show a power module A3 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing the power module A3. Fig. 9 is a diagram in which the resin member 7 is shown by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line) in the plan view of Fig. 8. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the power module A3 differs from the power module A1 in that the second input terminal 32 is not separated into three portions (a first terminal portion 321, a second terminal portion 322, and a third terminal portion 323).
[0068] In the power module A3, the second input terminal 32 is not separated into a first terminal portion 321, a second terminal portion 322, and a third terminal portion 323, but is configured as a terminal common to a plurality of arm circuits 2. Accordingly, in the power module A3, the fourth conductive portion 234 of the first wiring portion 23A, the fourth conductive portion 234 of the second wiring portion 23B, and the fourth conductive portion 234 of the third wiring portion 23C are connected to each other, forming a common fourth conductive portion 234.
[0069] 9, the fifth conductive portions 235 and the sixth conductive portions 236 are disposed radially inward of the common fourth conductive portion 234 in the radial direction r. Therefore, in the power module A3, if the resin member 7 is provided with a cutout similar to that of the resin member 7 of the power module A2, the common fourth conductive portion 234 will be partially exposed. Therefore, the power module A3 includes a plurality of control terminals 331 and a plurality of control terminals 332.
[0070] Each of the plurality of control terminals 331 is a terminal for inputting the first control signal. As can be seen from Figures 8 and 9, each control terminal 331 is provided upright on each fifth conductive portion 235 and connected to each fifth conductive portion 235. Each control terminal 331 extends from each fifth conductive portion 235 in the thickness direction z and protrudes from the resin member 7.
[0071] Each of the plurality of control terminals 332 is a terminal for inputting the second control signal. As can be seen from Figures 8 and 9, each control terminal 332 is provided upright on each sixth conductive portion 236 and connected to each sixth conductive portion 236. Each control terminal 332 extends from each sixth conductive portion 236 in the thickness direction z and protrudes from the resin member 7.
[0072] In the power module A3, similarly to the power modules A1 and A2, the multiple arm circuits 2 are arranged in a plan view so as to overlap on a circle surrounding the first input terminal 31. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the difference in the amount of current flowing from the first input terminal 31 to each arm circuit 2, and therefore the power module A3 can reduce the inductance of the entire module.
[0073] In the power module A3, the second input terminal 32 is not separated into three portions (first terminal portion 321, second terminal portion 322, and third terminal portion 323), so the number of external terminals in the power module A3 can be reduced. However, in order to reduce inductance, it is preferable to separate the second input terminal 32 into three portions (first terminal portion 321, second terminal portion 322, and third terminal portion 323) as in the power module A1.
[0074] In the third embodiment, an example has been shown in which the fifth conductive portions 235 and the sixth conductive portions 236 are arranged inward in the radial direction r from the common fourth conductive portion 234, but they may also be arranged outward in the radial direction r from the common fourth conductive portion 234. In this case, by wiring the wires 62 so as to straddle the common fourth conductive portion 234, the first control electrode 213c of each first switching element 21 and the fifth conductive portion 235 are brought into electrical conduction, and the second control electrode 223c of each second switching element 22 and the sixth conductive portion 236 are brought into electrical conduction.
[0075] 10 and 11 show a power module A4 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the power module A4, with the resin member 7 indicated by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line). FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 10. The resin member 7 is omitted in FIG. 11. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the power module A4 differs from the power module A1 in that a plurality of first switching elements 21 and a plurality of second switching elements 22 are each flip-chip mounted.
[0076] In the power module A4, the first element main surface 211 of each first switching element 21 faces downward in the thickness direction z, and the first element back surface 212 faces upward in the thickness direction z. That is, in the thickness direction z, the first element main surface 211 faces the same direction as the substrate back surface 12, and the first element back surface 212 faces the same direction as the substrate main surface 11. As can be seen from FIG. 11 , in each first switching element 21, the first main surface electrode 213a is joined to the corresponding third conductive portion 233, and the first control electrode 213c is joined to the corresponding fifth conductive portion 235. Furthermore, the first back surface electrode 213b is electrically connected to the corresponding second conductive portion 232 via the first conductive member 611.
[0077] In the power module A4, the second element main surface 221 of each second switching element 22 faces downward in the thickness direction z, and the second element back surface 222 faces upward in the thickness direction z. That is, in the thickness direction z, the second element main surface 221 faces the same direction as the substrate back surface 12, and the second element back surface 222 faces the same direction as the substrate main surface 11. In each second switching element 22, the second main surface electrode 223a is joined to the corresponding fourth conductive portion 234, and the second control electrode 223c is joined to the corresponding sixth conductive portion 236. In addition, the second back surface electrode 223b is electrically connected to the corresponding third conductive portion 233 via the second conductive member 612.
[0078] In the power module A4, similarly to the power modules A1 to A3, the multiple arm circuits 2 are arranged in a plan view so as to overlap on a circle surrounding the first input terminal 31. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the difference in the amount of current flowing from the first input terminal 31 to each arm circuit 2, and therefore the power module A4 can reduce the inductance of the entire module.
[0079] In the power module A4, the plurality of first switching elements 21 and the plurality of second switching elements 22 are flip-chip mounted. With this configuration, the plurality of wires 62 is not required, which makes it possible to reduce material costs.
[0080] 12 and 13 show a power module A5 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 12 is a plan view showing the power module A5, with the resin member 7 indicated by imaginary lines. Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the power module A5. As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the power module A5 differs from the power module A1 in that it includes a snubber capacitor C.
[0081] As shown in Fig. 13, one snubber capacitor C is provided for each arm circuit 2. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the snubber capacitor C provided in the first arm circuit 2A has, for example, one terminal connected to the second conductive portion 232 of the first wiring portion 23A and the other terminal connected to the fourth conductive portion 234 of the first wiring portion 23A. The snubber capacitor C provided in the second arm circuit 2B has, for example, one terminal connected to the second conductive portion 232 of the second wiring portion 23B and the other terminal connected to the fourth conductive portion 234 of the second wiring portion 23B. The snubber capacitor C provided in the third arm circuit 2C has, for example, one terminal connected to the second conductive portion 232 of the third wiring portion 23C and the other terminal connected to the fourth conductive portion 234 of the third wiring portion 23C. Although Fig. 12 shows an example in which the cylindrical snubber capacitor C is vertically disposed, it may also be horizontally disposed. The upper end of each snubber capacitor C may be exposed from the resin member 7 or may be covered by the resin member 7. The terminals of each snubber capacitor C may be directly connected to the first wiring portion 23A, the second wiring portion 23B, and the third wiring portion 23C, respectively, and may be electrically connected thereto, or may be electrically connected thereto via a conductor or the like. The size and shape of each snubber capacitor C may be changed as appropriate depending on the required capacitance. Furthermore, the arrangement of each snubber capacitor C is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 12 as long as it is arranged on the insulating substrate 1.
[0082] In the power module A5, similarly to the power modules A1 to A4, the multiple arm circuits 2 are arranged in a plan view so as to overlap on a circle surrounding the first input terminal 31. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the difference in the amount of current flowing from the first input terminal 31 to each arm circuit 2, and therefore the power module A5 can reduce the inductance of the entire module.
[0083] In the first to fifth embodiments, the power modules A1 to A5 are illustrated as three-phase inverters that drive a three-phase motor M, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be a single-phase inverter. An example of such a single-phase inverter is a full-bridge inverter that includes two arm circuits 2. In this case, the two arm circuits 2 are arranged on opposite sides of the first input terminal 31 in plan view.
[0084] The power module according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The specific configuration of each part of the power module according to the present disclosure can be freely designed in various ways. For example, the power module according to the present disclosure includes the following embodiments. Appendix 1. an insulating substrate; a first input terminal supported by the insulating substrate; a second input terminal supported by the insulating substrate; a plurality of arm circuits provided on the insulating substrate; a plurality of output terminals respectively corresponding to the plurality of arm circuits; It is equipped with each of the plurality of arm circuits includes a part of a wiring pattern formed on the insulating substrate, and a first switching element and a second switching element connected in series via the part of the wiring pattern; each of the plurality of output terminals is connected to a connection point between the first switching element and the second switching element in a corresponding one of the plurality of arm circuits; The power module, wherein the plurality of arm circuits are arranged so as to overlap a circle surrounding the first input terminal when viewed in the thickness direction of the insulating substrate. Appendix 2. the plurality of arm circuits include a first arm circuit, a second arm circuit, and a third arm circuit; the wiring pattern includes a first wiring portion constituting the first arm circuit, a second wiring portion constituting the second arm circuit, and a third wiring portion constituting the third arm circuit, 2. The power module of claim 1, wherein the plurality of output terminals include a first output terminal connected to the first wiring portion, a second output terminal connected to the second wiring portion, and a third output terminal connected to the third wiring portion. Appendix 3. 3. The power module according to claim 2, wherein the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion are arranged at equal angular intervals around the first input terminal when viewed in the thickness direction. Appendix 4. the second input terminal includes a first terminal portion, a second terminal portion, and a third terminal portion that are spaced apart from one another; the first terminal portion is connected to the first wiring portion, the second terminal portion is connected to the second wiring portion, 4. The power module according to claim 2, wherein the third terminal portion is connected to the third wiring portion. Appendix 5. the first terminal portion, the first output terminal, and the first input terminal are arranged side by side on a first straight line that passes through the first input terminal, the second terminal portion, the second output terminal, and the first input terminal are arranged side by side on a second straight line that passes through the first input terminal, 5. The power module according to claim 4, wherein the third terminal portion, the third output terminal, and the first input terminal are arranged side by side on a third straight line that passes through the first input terminal. Appendix 6. each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion includes a first conductive portion extending radially from the first input terminal as viewed in the thickness direction, a second conductive portion connected to the first conductive portion and conducting to the first switching element, a third conductive portion conducting to a connection point between the first switching element and the second switching element, and a fourth conductive portion conducting to the second switching element; the first output terminal, the second output terminal, and the third output terminal are respectively disposed on the third conductive portion in the first wiring portion, the third conductive portion in the second wiring portion, and the third conductive portion in the third wiring portion; 6. The power module according to claim 4, wherein the first terminal portion, the second terminal portion, and the third terminal portion are respectively arranged in the fourth conductive portion in the first wiring portion, the fourth conductive portion in the second wiring portion, and the fourth conductive portion in the third wiring portion. Appendix 7. The power module described in Appendix 6, wherein each of the first wiring section, the second wiring section, and the third wiring section further includes a fifth conductive section to which a first control signal for controlling a switching operation of the first switching element is input, and a sixth conductive section to which a second control signal for controlling a switching operation of the second switching element is input. Appendix 8. 8. The power module according to claim 7, wherein the insulating substrate faces one side in the thickness direction and has a substrate main surface on which the wiring pattern is formed. Appendix 9. the first switching element in each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit has a first element main surface and a first element back surface that are spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction; a first principal surface electrode and a first control electrode are disposed on the first element principal surface; a first back surface electrode is disposed on a back surface of the first element; 9. The power module according to claim 8, wherein the first switching element in each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit conducts electricity between the first main surface electrode and the first back surface electrode in response to the first control signal input to the first control electrode. Appendix 10. the first switching element in each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit has a first element main surface facing the same direction as the substrate main surface; the first back surface electrode is conductively joined to the second conductive portion in each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion; the first principal surface electrode is electrically connected to the third conductive portions of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion via a first conductive member; 10. The power module of claim 9, wherein the first control electrode is electrically connected to the fifth conductive portion in each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion via a first wire. Appendix 11. the second switching element in each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit has a second element main surface and a second element back surface that are spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction; a second principal surface electrode and a second control electrode are disposed on the second element principal surface; a second back surface electrode is disposed on a back surface of the second element; 11. The power module according to claim 9, wherein the second switching element in each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit conducts electricity between the second main surface electrode and the second back surface electrode in response to the second control signal input to the second control electrode. Appendix 12. the second switching element in each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit has a second element main surface facing the same direction as the substrate main surface; the second back surface electrode is conductively joined to the third conductive portion in each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion; the second principal surface electrode is electrically connected to the fourth conductive portions of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion via a second conductive member; 12. The power module according to claim 11, wherein the second control electrode is electrically connected to the sixth conductive portion in each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion via a second wire. Appendix 13. further comprising an insulating resin member disposed on the main surface of the substrate, the resin member covers a portion of each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion, the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit, and exposes a portion of the first input terminal and a portion of the second input terminal. Appendix 14. the resin member includes a first sealing portion, a second sealing portion, and a third sealing portion that are arranged separately from one another; the first sealing portion covers a portion of the first wiring portion and the first arm circuit; the second sealing portion covers a portion of the second wiring portion and the second arm circuit, 14. The power module according to claim 13, wherein the third sealing portion covers a portion of the third wiring portion and the third arm circuit. Appendix 15. the insulating substrate further has a substrate back surface facing the opposite side to the substrate main surface in the thickness direction, 15. The power module according to claim 8, wherein a three-phase motor is disposed on the rear surface of the substrate. Appendix 16. the first output terminal, the second output terminal, and the third output terminal each penetrate the insulating substrate in the thickness direction, the first output terminal is connected to a U-phase of the three-phase motor on the back surface side of the board in the thickness direction; the second output terminal is connected to a V-phase of the three-phase motor on the back surface side of the board in the thickness direction, 16. The power module according to claim 15, wherein the third output terminal is connected to a W-phase of the three-phase motor on a rear surface side of the board in the thickness direction. Appendix 17. 17. The power module according to claim 1, wherein the insulating substrate has a circular shape when viewed in the thickness direction. Appendix 18. 18. The power module according to claim 1, wherein the first input terminal is a positive terminal and the second input terminal is a negative terminal. [Explanation of symbols]
[0085] A1 to A5: Power modules 1: Insulating substrate 11: Main surface of substrate 12: Back surface of substrate 2: Arm circuit 2A: 1st arm circuit 2B: Second arm circuit 2C: Third arm circuit 21, 21A, 21B, 21C: First switching element 211: First element main surface 212: First element back surface 213a: First main surface electrode 213b: First back electrode 213c: first control electrode 22, 22A, 22B, 22C: Second switching elements 221: Second element main surface 222: Second element rear surface 223a: Second main surface electrode 223b: Second back electrode 223c: Second control electrode 23: Wiring pattern 23A: 1st wiring section 23B: 2nd wiring section 23C: Third wiring portion 231: First conductive portion 232: Second conductive part 233: Third conductive part 234: Fourth conductive part 235: Fifth conductive part 236: Sixth conductive part 31: First input terminal 32: Second input terminal 321: First terminal section 322: 2nd terminal part 323: 3rd terminal part 331, 332: Control terminal 4: Output terminal 4A: 1st output terminal 4B: 2nd output terminal 4C: Third output terminal 61: Conductive member 611: First conductive member 612: Second conductive member 62: Wire 621: First wire 622: Second wire 7: Resin member 71: First sealing portion 72: Second sealing portion 73: Third sealing part C: Snubber capacitor Dr: Drive circuit M: Three-phase motor
Claims
1. an insulating substrate; a first input terminal supported by the insulating substrate; a second input terminal supported by the insulating substrate; a plurality of arm circuits provided on the insulating substrate; a plurality of output terminals respectively corresponding to the plurality of arm circuits; It is equipped with each of the plurality of arm circuits includes a part of a wiring pattern formed on the insulating substrate, and a first switching element and a second switching element connected in series via the part of the wiring pattern; each of the plurality of output terminals is connected to a connection point between the first switching element and the second switching element in a corresponding one of the plurality of arm circuits; the plurality of arm circuits are arranged so as to overlap a circle surrounding the first input terminal when viewed in a thickness direction of the insulating substrate, the plurality of arm circuits include a first arm circuit, a second arm circuit, and a third arm circuit; the wiring pattern includes a first wiring portion constituting the first arm circuit, a second wiring portion constituting the second arm circuit, and a third wiring portion constituting the third arm circuit; the plurality of output terminals include a first output terminal connected to the first wiring portion, a second output terminal connected to the second wiring portion, and a third output terminal connected to the third wiring portion; the second input terminal includes a first terminal portion, a second terminal portion, and a third terminal portion that are spaced apart from one another; the first terminal portion is connected to the first wiring portion; the second terminal portion is connected to the second wiring portion; the third terminal portion is connected to the third wiring portion, the first terminal portion, the first output terminal, and the first input terminal are arranged side by side on a first straight line passing through the first input terminal, the second terminal portion, the second output terminal, and the first input terminal are arranged side by side on a second straight line passing through the first input terminal, the third terminal portion, the third output terminal, and the first input terminal are arranged side by side on a third straight line that passes through the first input terminal.
2. each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion includes a first conductive portion extending radially from the first input terminal as viewed in the thickness direction, a second conductive portion connected to the first conductive portion and conducting to the first switching element, a third conductive portion conducting to a connection point between the first switching element and the second switching element, and a fourth conductive portion conducting to the second switching element; the first output terminal, the second output terminal, and the third output terminal are disposed in the third conductive portion of the first wiring portion, the third conductive portion of the second wiring portion, and the third conductive portion of the third wiring portion, respectively; 2. The power module according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal portion, the second terminal portion, and the third terminal portion are respectively arranged on the fourth conductive portion in the first wiring portion, the fourth conductive portion in the second wiring portion, and the fourth conductive portion in the third wiring portion.
3. An insulating substrate; a first input terminal supported by the insulating substrate; a second input terminal supported by the insulating substrate; a plurality of arm circuits provided on the insulating substrate; a plurality of output terminals respectively corresponding to the plurality of arm circuits; It is equipped with each of the plurality of arm circuits includes a part of a wiring pattern formed on the insulating substrate, and a first switching element and a second switching element connected in series via the part of the wiring pattern; each of the plurality of output terminals is connected to a connection point between the first switching element and the second switching element in a corresponding one of the plurality of arm circuits; the plurality of arm circuits are arranged so as to overlap a circle surrounding the first input terminal when viewed in a thickness direction of the insulating substrate, the plurality of arm circuits include a first arm circuit, a second arm circuit, and a third arm circuit; the wiring pattern includes a first wiring portion constituting the first arm circuit, a second wiring portion constituting the second arm circuit, and a third wiring portion constituting the third arm circuit; the plurality of output terminals include a first output terminal connected to the first wiring portion, a second output terminal connected to the second wiring portion, and a third output terminal connected to the third wiring portion; the second input terminal includes a first terminal portion, a second terminal portion, and a third terminal portion that are spaced apart from one another; the first terminal portion is connected to the first wiring portion; the second terminal portion is connected to the second wiring portion; the third terminal portion is connected to the third wiring portion, each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion includes a first conductive portion extending radially from the first input terminal as viewed in the thickness direction, a second conductive portion connected to the first conductive portion and conducting to the first switching element, a third conductive portion conducting to a connection point between the first switching element and the second switching element, and a fourth conductive portion conducting to the second switching element; the first output terminal, the second output terminal, and the third output terminal are disposed in the third conductive portion of the first wiring portion, the third conductive portion of the second wiring portion, and the third conductive portion of the third wiring portion, respectively; the first terminal portion, the second terminal portion, and the third terminal portion are respectively arranged on the fourth conductive portion in the first wiring portion, the fourth conductive portion in the second wiring portion, and the fourth conductive portion in the third wiring portion.
4. 4. The power module according to claim 2, wherein each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion further includes a fifth conductive portion to which a first control signal for controlling a switching operation of the first switching element is input, and a sixth conductive portion to which a second control signal for controlling a switching operation of the second switching element is input.
5. The power module according to claim 4 , wherein the insulating substrate has a main surface facing one side in the thickness direction and on which the wiring pattern is formed.
6. the first switching element in each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit has a first element main surface and a first element back surface that are spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction; a first principal surface electrode and a first control electrode are disposed on the first element principal surface; a first back surface electrode is disposed on a back surface of the first element; 6. The power module according to claim 5, wherein the first switching elements in each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit conduct between the first main surface electrode and the first back surface electrode in response to the first control signal input to the first control electrode.
7. the first switching element in each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit has a first element main surface facing the same direction as the substrate main surface; the first back surface electrode is conductively joined to the second conductive portion in each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion; the first principal surface electrode is electrically connected to the third conductive portions of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion via a first conductive member; 7. The power module according to claim 6, wherein the first control electrode is electrically connected to the fifth conductive portion of each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion via a first wire.
8. the second switching element in each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit has a second element main surface and a second element back surface that are spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction; a second principal surface electrode and a second control electrode are disposed on the second element principal surface; a second back surface electrode is disposed on a back surface of the second element; 8. The power module according to claim 6, wherein the second switching element in each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit conducts electricity between the second main surface electrode and the second back surface electrode in response to the second control signal input to the second control electrode.
9. the second switching element in each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit has a second element main surface facing the same direction as the substrate main surface; the second back surface electrode is conductively joined to the third conductive portion in each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion; the second principal surface electrode is electrically connected to the fourth conductive portions of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion via a second conductive member; 9. The power module according to claim 8, wherein the second control electrode is electrically connected to the sixth conductive portion of each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion via a second wire.
10. further comprising an insulating resin member disposed on the main surface of the substrate, 10. The power module according to claim 5, wherein the resin member covers a portion of each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion, the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit, and exposes a portion of the first input terminal and a portion of the second input terminal.
11. the resin member includes a first sealing portion, a second sealing portion, and a third sealing portion that are arranged separately from one another; the first sealing portion covers a portion of the first wiring portion and the first arm circuit; the second sealing portion covers a portion of the second wiring portion and the second arm circuit; The power module according to claim 10 , wherein the third sealing portion covers a part of the third wiring portion and the third arm circuit.
12. the insulating substrate further has a substrate back surface facing the opposite side to the substrate main surface in the thickness direction, 12. The power module according to claim 5, wherein a three-phase motor is disposed on a rear surface of the substrate.
13. the first output terminal, the second output terminal, and the third output terminal each penetrate the insulating substrate in the thickness direction, the first output terminal is connected to a U-phase of the three-phase motor on the rear surface side of the substrate in the thickness direction; the second output terminal is connected to a V-phase of the three-phase motor on the back surface side of the substrate in the thickness direction, The power module according to claim 12 , wherein the third output terminal is connected to a W-phase of the three-phase motor on a rear surface side of the substrate in the thickness direction.
14. 14. The power module according to claim 1, wherein the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion are arranged at equal angular intervals around the first input terminal as viewed in the thickness direction.
15. 15. The power module according to claim 1, wherein the insulating substrate has a circular shape when viewed in the thickness direction.
16. 16. The power module according to claim 1, wherein the first input terminal is a positive terminal and the second input terminal is a negative terminal.
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