Power module, circuit block mountable on power module, method for adjusting circuit constants, and method for manufacturing power module

Abstract

To provide a power module which facilitates setting of a circuit constant relative to a parasitic inductance.SOLUTION: A power module includes a module internal circuit which is arranged on an insulating substrate 11 and has a first circuit element, a first conductive part and a second conductive part which are arranged on the insulating substrate, a first connection pin 16 whose one end is joined to the first conductive part positioned on one end side of the first circuit element, a second connection pin 17 whose one end is joined to the second conductive part positioned on the other end side of the first circuit element, a first resin 18 for sealing the module internal circuit, and a circuit block 19 which is exchangeably and electrically connected to the first circuit element, wherein the circuit block has a second circuit element 21, an other end 16b side of the first connection pin and other end 17b side of the second connection pin project from the first resin, and the circuit block is connected thereto by the first connection pin and the second connection pin.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power module, a circuit block that can be mounted on the power module, a method for adjusting circuit constants, and a method for manufacturing a power module.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional power modules are composed of, for example, power semiconductors, circuit components (circuit blocks), heat sinks, insulating materials, substrates, insulating resins, etc. A specific conventional power module can connect a chip-shaped power semiconductor and circuit components at the shortest distance to form a compact power conversion circuit with an insulating function.

[0003] However, since the substrate of a conventional power module is covered with an insulating resin, it is not easy to make trial and error to determine the circuit constants and ratings of the power module by changing the internal circuit block.

[0004] Such trial and error may be possible at the connection terminals originally possessed by the power module. However, even if the circuit components through which high-frequency current flows are implemented via the connection terminals, parasitic inductance due to the distance between the connection positions of the circuit components on the internal substrate and the connection terminals is added, making it difficult to obtain the optimal circuit constants.

[0005] Also, when power modules with different circuit constants are required for each customer, it is not easy to change the circuit block. Note that the technology related to conventional power modules is described in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Various aspects of the present invention aim to provide a power module that facilitates the setting of circuit constants for parasitic inductance. Furthermore, various aspects of the present invention aim to provide power modules with different circuit constants for each customer simply by changing the circuit block. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Various aspects of the present invention will be described below.

[0009] [1] Insulating substrate and, A module internal circuit having a first circuit element is disposed on the insulating substrate, A first conductive portion is disposed on the insulating substrate and electrically connected to one end of the first circuit element, A second conductive portion is disposed on the insulating substrate and electrically connected to the other end of the first circuit element, A first connecting pin is located on one end side of the first circuit element in the first conductive portion, and one end of the first connecting pin is joined to the first conductive portion. A second connecting pin is located on the other end side of the first circuit element in the second conductive portion, with one end joined to the second conductive portion, The module's internal circuitry, the first conductive part, the second conductive part, one end of the first connecting pin, and the first resin sealing one end of the second connecting pin, A circuit block electrically connected to the first circuit element in an interchangeable manner, Includes, The circuit block has a second circuit element, The other end of the first connecting pin and the other end of the second connecting pin protrude from the first resin, The power module is characterized in that the circuit block is connected by the first connection pin and the second connection pin.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], One end of the second circuit element is electrically connected to the other end of the first connection pin. The other end of the second circuit element is electrically connected to the other end of the second connection pin. The power module is characterized in that the circuit block is sealed with a second resin on the power module.

[0011] [3] In the above [1] or [2], The preceding second circuit element has a capacitor and a resistor, A power module characterized in that one end of the resistor is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the first connection pin, the other end of the resistor is electrically connected to the first electrode of the capacitor, and the second electrode of the capacitor is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the second connection pin.

[0012] [4] In the above [3], The first circuit element comprises a first switching element, a second switching element, a third conductive part, and a fourth conductive part. A power module characterized in that one end of the first switching element is electrically connected to the first conductive part, the other end of the first switching element is electrically connected to the second conductive part, the second conductive part is electrically connected to the third conductive part, the third conductive part is electrically connected to one end of the second switching element, and the other end of the second switching element is electrically connected to the fourth conductive part.

[0013] [5] In the above [1] or [2], The second circuit element has a gate driver, One end of the second connection pin is electrically connected to the control terminal of the first circuit element. A power module characterized in that the control input terminal of the gate driver is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the first connection pin, and the output terminal of the gate driver is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the second connection pin.

[0014] [6] In the above [1] or [2], The second circuit element has a third switching element, One end of the second connection pin is electrically connected to the control terminal of the first circuit element, A power module, wherein a first electrode of the third switching element is configured to be electrically connected to the other end of the first connection pin, and a second electrode of the third switching element is configured to be electrically connected to the other end of the second connection pin.

[0015] [7] In the above [1] or [2], The first circuit element has a current detection circuit including a resistor, a Hall element, and a current transformer, The second circuit element has an overcurrent detection circuit, One end of the first connection pin is electrically connected to a first terminal of the current detection circuit, and one end of the second connection pin is electrically connected to a second terminal of the current detection circuit, A power module, wherein a first terminal of the overcurrent detection circuit is configured to be electrically connected to the other end of the first connection pin, and a second terminal of the overcurrent detection circuit is configured to be electrically connected to the other end of the second connection pin.

[0016] [8] A circuit block electrically connected to a power module with replaceable circuit blocks, wherein the other ends of the first connection pin and the second connection pin protrude, The circuit block has a second circuit element, One end of the second circuit element is configured to be electrically connected to the other end of the first connection pin, A circuit block that can be mounted on a power module, wherein the other end of the second circuit element is configured to be electrically connected to the other end of the second connection pin.

[0017] [9] In the above [8], The second circuit element has a capacitor and a resistor, A circuit block that can be mounted on a power module, characterized in that one end of the resistor is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the first connection pin, the other end of the resistor is electrically connected to the first electrode of the capacitor, and the second electrode of the capacitor is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the second connection pin.

[0018]

[10] In the above [8], The second circuit element has a gate driver, A circuit block that can be mounted on a power module, characterized in that the control input terminal of the gate driver is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the first connection pin, and the output terminal of the gate driver is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the second connection pin.

[0019]

[11] In the above [8], The second circuit element has a third switching element, A circuit block that can be mounted on a power module, characterized in that the first electrode of the third switching element is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the first connection pin, and the second electrode of the third switching element is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the second connection pin.

[0020]

[12] In the above [8], The second circuit element has an overcurrent detection circuit, A circuit block that can be mounted on a power module, characterized in that the first terminal of the overcurrent detection circuit is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the first connection pin, and the second terminal of the overcurrent detection circuit is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the second connection pin.

[0021]

[13] A power module with replaceable circuit blocks, comprising the step (a) of electrically connecting the circuit block according to any one of claims 8 to 12 by the first connection pin and the second connection pin, Step (a) above is a step (b) of adjusting the second circuit element of the circuit block described above, Step (c) electrically connects the circuit block having the second circuit element adjusted in step (b) to the power module described in step (a) by the first connection pin and the second connection pin, A method for adjusting circuit constants, characterized by having [a certain feature].

[0022]

[14] A step (a) of electrically connecting a circuit block according to any one of claims 8 to 12 to a power module with replaceable circuit blocks by the first connection pin and the second connection pin, (b) A step of sealing the circuit block on the power module with a second resin, A method for manufacturing a power module, characterized by having the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to various aspects of the present invention, a power module can be provided that facilitates the setting of circuit constants for parasitic inductance. Furthermore, according to various aspects of the present invention, power modules with different circuit constants can be provided to each customer simply by changing the circuit block. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] (A) is a schematic perspective view showing a power module 21 according to one aspect of the present invention, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the power module 21 shown in (A) and a circuit block 19 connected to the power module 21. [Figure 2] (A) is a diagram showing the internal circuitry of the module, and (B) is a schematic diagram explaining the connection relationship between the internal circuitry of the module and the circuit block. [Figure 3] (A) is a perspective view showing the state after the circuit block 19 shown in Figure 1(B) has been attached to the power module 20 shown in Figure 1(A) and the circuit block 19 has been sealed with the second resin 31, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the circuit block 19 shown in (A) has been sealed with the second resin 31. [Figure 4]This is a circuit diagram of the module's internal circuit 13a, showing the decoupling capacitor and damper resistor of the power supply line of the switching circuit. [Figure 5] (A) is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a configuration in which the circuit block 19 is connected to the module's internal circuit 13b, and (B) is a circuit diagram of the module's internal circuit 13b, which shows a gate driver. [Figure 6] This is a circuit diagram for fail-safe operation when overcurrent is detected. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the following description, and that its form and details can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention shall not be interpreted as being limited to the descriptions of the embodiments shown below.

[0026] Figure 1(A) is a schematic perspective view showing a power module 21 according to one aspect of the present invention, and Figure 1(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the power module 21 shown in Figure 1(A) and a circuit block 19 connected to the power module 21.

[0027] The power module 20 shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(B) has an insulating substrate 11. On the insulating substrate 11, a module internal circuit 13 having a first circuit element 12, as shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), is arranged. The first circuit element 12 is a first switching element (for example, a MOSFET).

[0028] A first conductive portion 14 is arranged on the insulating substrate 11, and the first conductive portion 14 is electrically connected to one end 12a of the first switching element 12. As shown in Figure 2(B), the first conductive portion 14 is formed, for example, by a copper clip.

[0029] A second conductive portion 15 is arranged on the insulating substrate 11, and the second conductive portion 15 is electrically connected to the other end 12b of the first switching element 12. The second conductive portion 15 is formed, for example, by a copper pattern. Reference numerals 12a and 12b in Figure 2(B) indicate the positions of the connection pins.

[0030] As shown in Figures 2(A) and (B), one end 16a of the first connection pin 16 is joined to the first switching element 12 or the first conductive part 14, and the joint is located on the side of one end 12a of the first switching element 12 in the first conductive part 14. In other words, one end 16a of the first connection pin 16 is joined to the side of one end 12a of the first switching element 12 in the first conductive part 14.

[0031] Furthermore, the method of joining one end 16a of the first connecting pin 16 to the first conductive part 14 can be soldering or welding. Alternatively, instead of joining, the first connecting pin 16 may be formed integrally with the first conductive part 14.

[0032] One end 17a of the second connecting pin 17 is joined to the second conductive part 15, and this joint is located on the other end 12b side of the first switching element 12 in the second conductive part 15. In other words, one end 17a of the second connecting pin 17 is joined to the other end 12b side of the first switching element 12 in the second conductive part 15.

[0033] Furthermore, the method of joining one end 17a of the second connecting pin 17 to the second conductive part 15 can be soldering or welding. Alternatively, instead of joining, the second connecting pin 17 may be formed integrally with the second conductive part 15.

[0034] The module's internal circuitry 13, the first conductive part 14, the second conductive part 15, one end 16a of the first connecting pin 16, and one end 17a of the second connecting pin 17 are sealed with the first resin 18 shown in Figures 1(A) and (B).

[0035] Furthermore, the first connecting pin 16 and the second connecting pin 17 may each be made of a conductive material (for example, a metal such as copper). The shape of the first connecting pin 16 and the second connecting pin 17 may be a round rod shape, a square rod shape, etc., and although Figure 1 shows a straight connecting pin, it may also have a bent portion.

[0036] Furthermore, multiple connection terminals 52 protrude from the first resin 18, and one end of each of the multiple connection terminals 52 is connected to the insulating substrate 11 (see Figures 1(A), (B), 3(A), (B)).

[0037] As shown in Figures 1(A) and (B), the circuit block 19 is electrically and interchangeably connected to the first switching element 12. In other words, the power module 20 has an interchangeably connected circuit block 19.

[0038] The circuit block 19 has a second circuit element 21 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0039] As shown in Figures 1(A) and (B), the other end 16b of the first connecting pin 16 and the other end 17b of the second connecting pin 17 protrude from the first resin 18.

[0040] The circuit block 19 is connected by the first connection pin 16 and the second connection pin 17.

[0041] In the power module with replaceable circuit blocks according to this embodiment, the other ends 16b and 17b of the first connection pin 16, which is electrically connected to one end 12a of the first switching element 12, which is the first circuit element 12 of the module's internal circuit 13, and the other end 12b of the second connection pin 17, respectively, protrude from the first resin 18. Therefore, by preparing a circuit block 19 having a second circuit element 21, the second circuit element 21 of the circuit block can be easily electrically connected to the first switching element 12 of the power module by the first connection pin 16 and second connection pin 17 protruding from the first resin 18. By preparing multiple circuit blocks 19 with adjusted second circuit elements 21, trial and error in determining the circuit constants of the power module becomes easier. As shown in Figure 2, one end 16a of the first connecting pin 16 is joined to the portion of the first conductive part 14 located on the side of one end 12a of the first switching element 12, and one end 17a of the second connecting pin 17 is joined to the portion of the second conductive part 15 located on the side of the other end 12b of the first switching element 12. This positions the first connecting pin 16 and the second connecting pin 17 so as to be at the shortest distance from the first switching element 12. This reduces parasitic inductance. Since the second circuit element 21 of the circuit block 19 and the first switching element 12 are connected by the first connecting pin 16 and the second connecting pin 17 in this manner, it becomes possible to set circuit constants in relation to the reduced parasitic inductance.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2(B), one end 21a of the second circuit element 21 is electrically connected to the other end 16b of the first connection pin 16.

[0043] The other end 21b of the second circuit element 21 is electrically connected to the other end 17b of the second connection pin 17. Reference numerals 21a and 21b in Figure 2(B) indicate the positions of the connection pins.

[0044] Figure 3(A) is a perspective view showing the state after the circuit block 19 shown in Figure 1(B) has been attached to the power module 20 shown in Figure 1(A) and the circuit block 19 has been sealed with the second resin 31. Figure 3(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the circuit block 19 shown in Figure 3(A) has been sealed with the second resin 31.

[0045] The method for connecting the other end 16b of the first connection pin 16 to one end 21a of the second circuit element 21 is to use sockets 51a and 51b when the circuit block 19 is to be replaceable from the power module 20. Socket 51a is designed so that the other end 16b of the first connection pin 16 is inserted into socket 51a, and the other end 17b of the second connection pin 17 is inserted into socket 51b (see Figures 1(B) and 3(B)). Furthermore, if the circuit constants have been set and there is no need to replace the circuit block 19, the method for joining the other end 16b of the first connection pin 16 to one end 21a of the second circuit element 21 can be soldering or welding. Alternatively, instead of joining, the other end 16b of the first connection pin 16 may be formed integrally with the circuit block 19.

[0046] The circuit block 19 is sealed on the power module 20 with a second resin 31 (see Figure 3).

[0047] According to the power module of this embodiment, a circuit block 19 in which suitable circuit constants for parasitic inductance are set is electrically connected to the first circuit element 12 of the power module 20, and the circuit block 19 is sealed on the power module 20 with a second resin, thereby enabling the provision of power modules with different circuit constants for each customer.

[0048] Figure 2(A) is a circuit diagram of the module's internal circuit 13, showing a CR snubber for a three-phase inverter. Figure 2(B) is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a configuration in which a circuit block 19 is connected to the module's internal circuit 13. As shown in Figures 2(A) and (B), the second circuit element 21 has a capacitor 32 and a resistor 33.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2(B), one end of the resistor 33 is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end 16b of the first connection pin 16. The other end of the resistor 33 is electrically connected to the first electrode of the capacitor 32. The second electrode of the capacitor 32 is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end 17b of the second connection pin 17.

[0050] According to this embodiment, by providing a circuit block 19 having a CR snubber capacitor 32 and a resistor 33, the capacitor 32 and resistor 33 of the circuit block 19 can be easily electrically connected to the first switching element 12 of the power module by the first connection pins 16 and 2 connection pins 17 protruding from the first resin 18 shown in Figure 1. By providing multiple circuit blocks 19 with adjusted capacitors 32 and resistors 33, trial and error in determining the circuit constants of the power module becomes easier. Furthermore, since the capacitor 32 and resistor 33 of the circuit block 19 are connected to the first switching element 12 by the first connection pins 16 and 2 connection pins 17, it becomes possible to set circuit constants for reduced parasitic inductance.

[0051] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of the module's internal circuit 13a, showing the decoupling capacitor and damper resistor of the power supply line of the switching circuit. The first circuit element 12d shown in Figure 4 has a first switching element 34 and a second switching element 35, and a third conductive part 36 and a fourth conductive part 37 as shown in Figure 2(B).

[0052] As shown in Figure 2(B), one end of the first switching element 34 is electrically connected to the first conductive part 14, and the other end of the first switching element 34 is electrically connected to the second conductive part 15. The second conductive part 15 is electrically connected to the third conductive part 36. The third conductive part 36 is electrically connected to one end of the second switching element 35, and the other end of the second switching element 35 is electrically connected to the fourth conductive part 37. The first conductive part 14 and the third conductive part 36 are formed from, for example, copper clips. The second conductive part 15 and the fourth conductive part 37 are formed from, for example, copper patterns.

[0053] According to this embodiment, by providing a circuit block 19 having a decoupling capacitor 32a and a damper resistor 33a, the decoupling capacitor 32a and damper resistor 33a of the circuit block 19 can be easily electrically connected to the first switching element 34 and the second switching element 35 of the power module by the first connection pin 16 and the second connection pin 17 protruding from the first resin 18 shown in Figure 1. By providing multiple circuit blocks 19 with adjusted decoupling capacitors 32a and damper resistors 33a, trial and error in determining the circuit constants of the power module becomes easier. Furthermore, since the decoupling capacitor 32a and damper resistor 33a of the circuit block 19 are connected to the first switching element 34 and the second switching element 35 by the first connection pin 16 and the second connection pin 17, it becomes possible to set circuit constants for reduced parasitic inductance.

[0054] Figure 5(A) is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a configuration in which circuit block 19 is connected to the module's internal circuit 13b. Figure 5(B) is a circuit diagram of the module's internal circuit 13b, showing a gate driver. The second circuit element 21 has a gate driver 38.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5(A), one end 17a of the second connection pin 17 is electrically connected to the control terminal 12c of the first switching element 12.

[0056] The control input terminal 39 of the gate driver 38 is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end 16b of the first connection pin 16. The output terminal 40 of the gate driver 38 is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end 17b of the second connection pin 17.

[0057] According to this embodiment, by providing a circuit block 19 having a gate driver 38, the gate driver 38 of the circuit block 19 can be easily electrically connected to the first switching element 12 of the power module by the first connection pins 16 and 2 connection pins 17 protruding from the first resin 18 shown in Figure 1. By providing multiple circuit blocks 19 with adjusted gate drivers 38, trial and error in determining the circuit constants of the power module becomes easier. Furthermore, since the gate driver 38 of the circuit block 19 and the first switching element 12 are connected by the first connection pins 16 and 2 connection pins 17, it becomes possible to set circuit constants for reduced parasitic inductance.

[0058] Figure 6 is a fail-safe circuit diagram for overcurrent detection. The second circuit element 21 has a bipolar transistor 41 as a third switching element.

[0059] One end of the second connection pin 17 is electrically connected to the control terminal of the first switching element 12, which is a first circuit element.

[0060] The emitter electrode 43, which serves as the first electrode of the bipolar transistor 41 serving as the third switching element, is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the first connection pin 16. The collector electrode 42, which serves as the second electrode of the bipolar transistor 41 serving as the third switching element, is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the second connection pin 17.

[0061] The internal circuitry of the module shown in Figure 6 includes a current detection circuit 45 as a first circuit element, which comprises a resistor, a Hall element, and a current transformer.

[0062] The second circuit element 21 has an overcurrent detection circuit 44.

[0063] One end 16a of the first connection pin 16 shown in Figure 1 is electrically connected to the first terminal of the current detection circuit 45, and one end 17a of the second connection pin 17 is electrically connected to the second terminal of the current detection circuit 45.

[0064] The first terminal of the overcurrent detection circuit 44 is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end 16b of the first connection pin 16 shown in Figure 1. The second terminal of the overcurrent detection circuit 44 is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end 17b of the second connection pin 17 shown in Figure 1.

[0065] According to this embodiment, by providing a circuit block 19 having an overcurrent detection circuit 44, the overcurrent detection circuit 44 of the circuit block 19 can be easily electrically connected to the current detection circuit 45 of the power module by the first connection pins 16 and 2 connection pins 17 protruding from the first resin 18 shown in Figure 1. By providing multiple circuit blocks 19 with adjusted overcurrent detection circuits 44, trial and error in determining the circuit constants of the power module becomes easier. Furthermore, since the overcurrent detection circuit 44 and the current detection circuit 45 of the circuit block 19 are connected by the first connection pins 16 and 2 connection pins 17, it becomes possible to set circuit constants for reduced parasitic inductance.

[0066] As shown in Figure 1, the circuit block 19 is electrically connected to a replaceable circuit block power module 20, the power module 20 having the other ends 16b and 17b of the first connection pin 16 and second connection pin 17 protruding.

[0067] Circuit block 19 has a second circuit element 21 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0068] One end 21a of the second circuit element 21 is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end 16b of the first connection pin 16.

[0069] The other end 21b of the second circuit element 21 is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end 17b of the second connection pin 17.

[0070] According to this embodiment, a power module 20 with replaceable circuit blocks is provided. In this power module 20 with replaceable circuit blocks, the other ends 16b and 17b of the first connection pin 16 and the second connection pin 17, respectively, protrude. A circuit block 19 having a second circuit element 21 is provided, where one end 21a of the second circuit element 21 is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end 16a of the first connection pin 16, and the other end 21b of the second circuit element 21 is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end 17b of the second connection pin 17. Since such a circuit block 19 can be electrically connected to the power module 20 with replaceable circuit blocks, various circuit blocks can be prepared, and power modules with different circuit constants can be realized for each customer.

[0071] As shown in Figures 2(A) and (B), the second circuit element 21 has a capacitor 32 and a resistor 33.

[0072] As shown in Figure 2(B), one end of the resistor 33 is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end 16b of the first connection pin 16. The other end of the resistor 33 is electrically connected to the first electrode of the capacitor 32. The second electrode of the capacitor 32 is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end 17b of the second connection pin 17.

[0073] According to this embodiment, by providing a circuit block 19 having a CR snubber capacitor 32 and a resistor 33, the capacitor 32 and resistor 33 of the circuit block 19 can be easily electrically connected to the first switching element 12 of the power module by the first connection pins 16 and 2 connection pins 17 protruding from the first resin 18 shown in Figure 1. By providing multiple circuit blocks 19 with adjusted capacitors 32 and resistors 33, trial and error in determining the circuit constants of the power module becomes easier. Furthermore, since the capacitor 32 and resistor 33 of the circuit block 19 are connected to the first switching element 12 by the first connection pins 16 and 2 connection pins 17, it becomes possible to set circuit constants for reduced parasitic inductance.

[0074] The second circuit element 21 shown in Figures 5(A) and (B) has a gate driver 38.

[0075] The control input terminal 39 of the gate driver 38 is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end 16b of the first connection pin 16. The output terminal 40 of the gate driver 38 is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end 17b of the second connection pin 17.

[0076] According to this embodiment, by providing a circuit block 19 having a gate driver 38, the gate driver 38 of the circuit block 19 can be easily electrically connected to the first switching element 12 of the power module by the first connection pins 16 and 2 connection pins 17 protruding from the first resin 18 shown in Figure 1. By providing multiple circuit blocks 19 with adjusted gate drivers 38, trial and error in determining the circuit constants of the power module becomes easier. Furthermore, since the gate driver 38 of the circuit block 19 and the first switching element 12 are connected by the first connection pins 16 and 2 connection pins 17, it becomes possible to set circuit constants for reduced parasitic inductance.

[0077] The second circuit element 21 shown in Figure 6 has a bipolar transistor 41 as a third switching element.

[0078] The emitter electrode 43, which serves as the first electrode of the bipolar transistor 41 serving as the third switching element, is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the first connection pin 16. The collector electrode 42, which serves as the second electrode of the bipolar transistor 41 serving as the third switching element, is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the second connection pin 17.

[0079] The second circuit element 21 shown in Figure 6 has an overcurrent detection circuit 44.

[0080] The first terminal of the overcurrent detection circuit 44 is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end 16b of the first connection pin 16 shown in Figure 1. The second terminal of the overcurrent detection circuit 44 is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end 17b of the second connection pin 17 shown in Figure 1.

[0081] According to this embodiment, by providing a circuit block 19 having an overcurrent detection circuit 44, the overcurrent detection circuit 44 of the circuit block 19 can be easily electrically connected to the current detection circuit 45 of the power module by the first connection pins 16 and 2 connection pins 17 protruding from the first resin 18 shown in Figure 1. By providing multiple circuit blocks 19 with adjusted overcurrent detection circuits 44, trial and error in determining the circuit constants of the power module becomes easier. Furthermore, since the overcurrent detection circuit 44 and the current detection circuit 45 of the circuit block 19 are connected by the first connection pins 16 and 2 connection pins 17, it becomes possible to set circuit constants for reduced parasitic inductance.

[0082] The method for adjusting circuit constants is described below.

[0083] First, the circuit block 19 is electrically connected to the power module 20, which is capable of replacing circuit blocks, by the first connection pin 16 and the second connection pin 17 (step (a)).

[0084] The second circuit element 21 of the circuit block 19 described in step (a) above is adjusted (step (b)).

[0085] The circuit block 19 having the second circuit element 21 adjusted in step (b) above is electrically connected to the power module 20 described in step (a) by the first connection pin 16 and the second connection pin 17 (step (c)).

[0086] According to the above method for adjusting circuit constants, since it includes step (b) of adjusting the second circuit element 21 of the circuit block 19, the circuit block 19 having the adjusted second circuit element 21 can be electrically connected to the power module 20 described in step (a) by the first connection pin 16 and the second connection pin 17. Therefore, power modules with different circuit constants can be provided to each customer.

[0087] The manufacturing method for power modules is described below.

[0088] The circuit block 19 described in claim 3 is electrically connected to the circuit block replaceable power module 20 by the first connection pin 16 and the second connection pin 17 (step (a)).

[0089] As shown in Figures 3(A) and 3(B), the circuit block 19 is sealed on the power module 20 with the second resin (31) (step (b)).

[0090] According to the power module manufacturing method described above, the circuit block 19 described in claim 3 is electrically connected to the power module 20, which has replaceable circuit blocks, by first connection pins 16 and second connection pins 17, and the circuit block 19 is sealed on the power module 20 with a second resin (31). As a result, even if a power module with different circuit constants is required for each customer, only the circuit block needs to be changed, making production adjustments easier and improving productivity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 11 Insulating substrate 12,12d First circuit element 12a One end of the first circuit element 12b The other end of the first circuit element 12c control terminal 13. Module Internal Circuitry 14. First conductive part 15. Second conductive part 16. First connection pin 16a One end of the first connecting pin 16b The other end of the first connection pin 17. Second connection pin 17a One end of the second connection pin 17b The other end of the second connection pin 18. First resin 19 Circuit Blocks 20 Power Modules 21 Second circuit element 21a One end of the second circuit element 21b The other end of the second circuit element 31 Second resin 32,32A capacitor 33,33a resistance 34 First switching element 35 Second switching element 36 Third conductive part 37 Fourth conductive part 38 Gate Driver 39 Control Input Terminals 40 Gate driver output terminals 41 Third switching element 42. Second electrode of the third switching element 43 First electrode of the third switching element 44 Overcurrent detection circuit 45 Current detection circuit

Claims

1. Insulating substrate and A module internal circuit having a first circuit element is disposed on the insulating substrate, A first conductive portion is disposed on the insulating substrate and electrically connected to one end of the first circuit element, A second conductive portion is disposed on the insulating substrate and electrically connected to the other end of the first circuit element, A first connecting pin is located on one end side of the first circuit element in the first conductive portion, and one end of the first connecting pin is joined to the first conductive portion. A second connecting pin is located on the other end side of the first circuit element in the second conductive portion, with one end joined to the second conductive portion, The module's internal circuitry, the first conductive part, the second conductive part, one end of the first connecting pin, and the first resin sealing one end of the second connecting pin, A circuit block electrically connected to the first circuit element in an interchangeable manner, Includes, The first resin has a recess for housing the circuit block, The aforementioned circuit block has a second circuit element, The other end of the first connecting pin and the other end of the second connecting pin protrude from the first resin, The circuit block is connected by the first connection pin and the second connection pin, The upper surface of the circuit block housed in the recess and the inside of the recess are sealed with the second resin, The second circuit element has a gate driver, One end of the second connection pin is electrically connected to the control terminal of the first circuit element. A power module characterized in that the control input terminal of the gate driver is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the first connection pin, and the output terminal of the gate driver is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the second connection pin.

2. Insulating substrate and A module internal circuit having a first circuit element is disposed on the insulating substrate, A first conductive portion is disposed on the insulating substrate and electrically connected to one end of the first circuit element, A second conductive portion is disposed on the insulating substrate and electrically connected to the other end of the first circuit element, A first connecting pin is located on one end side of the first circuit element in the first conductive portion, and one end of the first connecting pin is joined to the first conductive portion. A second connecting pin is located on the other end side of the first circuit element in the second conductive portion, with one end joined to the second conductive portion, The module's internal circuitry, the first conductive part, the second conductive part, one end of the first connecting pin, and the first resin sealing one end of the second connecting pin, A circuit block electrically connected to the first circuit element in an interchangeable manner, Includes, The first resin has a recess for housing the circuit block, The aforementioned circuit block has a second circuit element, The other end of the first connecting pin and the other end of the second connecting pin protrude from the first resin, The circuit block is connected by the first connection pin and the second connection pin, The upper surface of the circuit block housed in the recess and the inside of the recess are sealed with the second resin, The second circuit element has a third switching element, One end of the second connection pin is electrically connected to the control terminal of the first circuit element. A power module characterized in that the first electrode of the third switching element is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the first connection pin, and the second electrode of the third switching element is configured to be electrically connectable to the other end of the second connection pin.

3. In claim 1 or 2, One end of the second circuit element is electrically connected to the other end of the first connection pin. A power module characterized in that the other end of the second circuit element is electrically connected to the other end of the second connection pin.

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