Power module

Abstract

To provide a power module in which inductance is reduced.SOLUTION: The power module A1 includes a substrate 1 having an insulating layer, at least one first input-terminal 31 disposed on the substrate 1, at least one second input-terminal 32 disposed on the substrate 1, a plurality of arm circuits 2A to 2C, a plurality of output-terminals 4 corresponding to the plurality of arm circuits 2A to 2C, and a wiring-pattern 23 formed on the substrate 1. Each of the plurality of arm circuits 2A to 2C has an annular sector shape disposed around a common center as viewed in the thickness direction z of the substrate 1. As viewed in the thickness direction z, the at least one first input terminal 31 is located closer to the common center than at least one of the plurality of output terminals 4. Each of the arm circuits 2A to 2C includes a part of the wire pattern 23, and the first and second switching elements 21 and 22 connected in series to each other via the part of the wire pattern 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power module. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, power modules including power switching elements such as MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors) and IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) are known. Such power modules are mounted in various electric devices ranging from industrial equipment, home appliances, information terminals to automotive equipment. Patent Document 1 discloses a motor drive system including a power module (power device). In the motor drive system described in Patent Document 1, the power module includes a plurality of transistors and is configured to supply three-phase sine wave voltage to a motor in accordance with a drive signal input from a drive circuit. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-39784 [Summary of Invention] [Problem to be Solved by Invention]

[0004] In order to save energy in electric devices, improvement of power conversion efficiency of power modules is required. For improving power conversion efficiency, for example, reduction of inductance in a power module is effective.

[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 Problem]

[0006] A power module provided in one aspect of this disclosure comprises an insulating substrate, a first input terminal supported on the insulating substrate, a second input terminal supported on the insulating substrate, a plurality of arm circuits provided on the insulating substrate, and a plurality of output terminals corresponding to each of 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 the connection point between the first switching element and the second switching element in the corresponding arm circuit of the plurality of arm circuits. The plurality of arm circuits are arranged 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 in the power module can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing a power module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] In the plan view of Figure 1, the resin components are shown with dashed lines. [Figure 3] This is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing a power module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the circuit configuration of a power module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing a power module according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing a power module according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] In the plan view of Figure 8, the resin components are indicated by dashed lines. [Figure 10] This is a plan view showing a power module according to the fourth embodiment, in which resin members are indicated by dashed lines. [Figure 11] This is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 10. [Figure 12] This is a plan view showing a power module according to the fifth embodiment, in which resin members are indicated by dashed lines. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the circuit configuration of a power module according to the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the power module of this disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] Figures 1 to 6 show a power module A1 according to the first embodiment. The power module A1 comprises 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] Figure 1 is a plan view of power module A1. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the resin member 7 in power module A1, indicated by dashed lines. Figures 3 and 4 are enlarged views of parts of Figure 2, respectively. In Figures 3 and 4, the resin member 7 is omitted. Figure 5 is a front view of power module A1. In Figure 5, the resin member 7 is indicated by dashed lines. Figure 6 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of 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 alternatively be delta-connected. The power module A1, through a configuration described in detail later, converts a DC voltage input from, for example, a DC power source 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, driving of the plurality of switching elements of the power module A1 is controlled by control signals input from an external drive circuit Dr (a first control signal described later and a second control signal described later).

[0013] The insulating substrate 1, together with a wiring pattern 23 described later, constitutes a circuit board in the power module A1. The insulating substrate 1 may be made of any 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 state of viewing in the thickness direction z of the insulating substrate 1 is also referred to as "plan view". The planar shape of the insulating substrate 1 is not limited to a circle, and may be a rectangular shape, a polygonal shape, or an elliptical shape.

[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 (upper side) in the thickness direction z, and the substrate back surface 12 faces the other side (lower side) in the thickness direction z. The wiring pattern 23 is formed on the substrate main surface 11. As shown in FIG. 5, the three-phase motor M is arranged on the substrate back surface 12 side of the insulating substrate 1 in the thickness direction z.

[0015] The plurality of arm circuits 2 each include a wiring pattern 23, and each is electrically connected to the first input terminal 31 and the second input terminal 32 via the wiring pattern 23. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, the power module A1 includes three arm circuits 2. When distinguishing these three arm circuits, they are referred to as a first arm circuit 2A, a second arm circuit 2B, and a third arm circuit 2C.

[0016] The plurality of arm circuits 2 (the first arm circuit 2A, the second arm circuit 2B, and the third arm circuit 2C) each include 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 convenience of understanding, the first switching element 21 and the second switching element 22 of the first arm circuit 2A may be respectively referred to as a first switching element 21A and a second switching element 22A. Similarly, the first switching element 21 and the second switching element 22 of the second arm circuit 2B may be respectively referred to as a first switching element 21B and a second switching element 22B, and the first switching element 21 and the second switching element 22 of the third arm circuit 2C may be respectively referred to as a first switching element 21C and a second switching element 22C.

[0017] Each first switching element 21 and each second switching element 22 are composed of IGBTs, for example, as shown in Figure 6. Each first switching element 21 and each second switching element 22 are not limited to IGBTs, but may be other transistors such as MOSFETs. As shown in Figure 6, 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 Figure 6, in each arm circuit 2, each first switching element 21 and each second switching element 22 are connected in series, and one output terminal 4 is connected to each connection point between each first switching element 21 and each second switching element 22. In other words, one of the multiple output terminals 4 (the 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 multiple output terminals 4 (the 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 multiple output terminals 4 (the 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 the upper arm, and the second switching element 22 is the lower arm. In other words, the first switching element 21A is the upper arm of the first arm circuit 2A, and the second switching element 22A is the lower arm of the first arm circuit 2A. The first switching element 21B is the upper arm of the second arm circuit 2B, and the second switching element 22B is the 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] 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, as can be seen from Figures 3 and 4. 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 direction in the thickness direction z, and the first element back surface 212 faces the other direction in the thickness direction z. In 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] Each of the multiple first switching elements 21 (multiple first switching elements 21A, 21B, 21C) has a first main surface electrode 213a, a first back surface electrode 213b, and a first control electrode 213c, as can be seen from Figures 3 and 4.

[0020] In each first switching element 21, the first main surface electrode 213a and the first control electrode 213c are located on the main surface 211 of the first element, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The first back surface electrode 213b is located on the back surface 212 of the first element, as can be understood from Figures 3 and 4. In the example where the first switching element 21 is an IGBT, for example, the first main surface electrode 213a is the emitter, the first back surface electrode 213b is the collector, and the first control electrode 213c is the gate. The switching operation of each first switching element 21 is controlled in accordance with a first control signal (e.g., gate voltage) input to the first control electrode 213c. The switching operation is an operation in which a conduction state and an interruption state are switched. In each first switching element 21, when it is in the conduction state, current flows from the first back surface electrode 213b (collector) to the first main surface electrode 213a (emitter), and this current does not flow when it is in the interruption state.

[0021] In each first switching element 21, the first main surface electrode 213a is electrically connected to each second switching element 22 and to the output terminal 4 via the conductive member 61 (the first conductive member 611 described later) and a part of the wiring pattern 23 (the third conductive part 233 described later), as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The first back surface electrode 213b is electrically connected to the first input terminal 31 via a part of the wiring pattern 23 (the second conductive part 232 described later). The first control electrode 213c is electrically connected to a part of the wiring pattern 23 (the fifth conductive part 235 described later) via the wire 62 (the first wire 621 described later), as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0022] 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, as can be seen from Figures 3 and 4. 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 direction in the thickness direction z, and the second element back surface 222 faces the other direction in the thickness direction z. In power module A1, the second element main surface 221 faces the same direction as the substrate main surface 11 and the first element main surface 211, and the second element back surface 222 faces the same direction as the substrate back surface 12 and the first element back surface 212.

[0023] Each of the multiple second switching elements 22 (multiple second switching elements 22A, 22B, 22C) has a second main surface electrode 223a, a second back surface electrode 223b, and a second control electrode 223c, as can be seen from Figures 3 and 4.

[0024] In each second switching element 22, the second main surface electrode 223a and the second control electrode 223c are located on the main surface 221 of the second element, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The second back surface electrode 223b is located on the back surface 222 of the second element, as can be understood from Figures 3 and 4. In the example where the second switching element 22 is an IGBT, for example, the second main surface electrode 223a is the emitter, the second back surface electrode 223b is the collector, and the second control electrode 223c is the gate. The switching operation of the second switching element 22 is controlled in accordance with a second control signal (e.g., gate voltage) input to the second control electrode 223c. When the second switching element 22 is conducting, current flows from the second back surface electrode 223b (collector) to the second main surface electrode 223a (emitter), and this current does not flow when it is disconnected.

[0025] In each second switching element 22, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second main surface electrode 223a is electrically connected to the second input terminal 32 via the conductive member 61 (the second conductive member 612 described later) and a part of the wiring pattern 23 (the fourth conductive part 234 described later). The second back surface electrode 223b is electrically connected to the output terminal 4 via a part of the wiring pattern 23 (the third conductive part 233 described later), and is also electrically connected to the first main surface electrode 213a of each first switching element 21 via a part of the wiring pattern 23 (the third conductive part 233 described later) and the conductive member 61 (the first conductive member 611 described later). The second control electrode 223c is electrically connected to a part of the wiring pattern 23 (the sixth conductive part 236 described later) via the wire 62 (the second wire 622 described later), as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0026] The wiring pattern 23 is formed on the main surface 11 of the insulating substrate 1. The wiring pattern 23 includes a first wiring section 23A that constitutes the first arm circuit 2A, a second wiring section 23B that constitutes the second arm circuit 2B, and a third wiring section 23C that constitutes the third arm circuit 2C.

[0027] The first wiring section 23A forms a conductive path for the first arm circuit 2A. The first wiring section 23A is conductive to the first input terminal 31 and the second input terminal 32. The first wiring section 23A, together with a plurality of conductive members 61 connected to the first switching element 21A and the second switching element 22A respectively, makes the first switching element 21A and the second switching element 22A electrically connected.

[0028] The second wiring section 23B forms a conductive path for the second arm circuit 2B. The second wiring section 23B is conductive to the first input terminal 31 and the second input terminal 32. The second wiring section 23B, together with a plurality of conductive members 61 connected to the first switching element 21B and the second switching element 22B respectively, makes the first switching element 21B and the second switching element 22B electrically connected.

[0029] The third wiring section 23C forms a conductive path for the third arm circuit 2C. The third wiring section 23C is conductive to the first input terminal 31 and the second input terminal 32. The third wiring section 23C, together with a plurality of conductive members 61 connected to the first switching element 21C and the second switching element 22C respectively, makes the first switching element 21C and the second switching element 22C electrically connected.

[0030] The first wiring section 23A, the second wiring section 23B, and the third wiring section 23C each include a first conductive part 231, a second conductive part 232, a third conductive part 233, a fourth conductive part 234, a fifth conductive part 235, and a sixth conductive part 236, respectively.

[0031] The first conductive portion 231 is connected to the first input terminal 31. In a plan view, the first conductive portion 231 extends radially in the radial direction r from the first input terminal 31. In power module A1, the first conductive portion 231 of the first wiring section 23A, the first conductive portion 231 of the second wiring section 23B, and the first conductive portion 231 of the third wiring section 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 is, for example, an annular sector in plan view. In the example shown in Figure 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 the first back surface electrode 213b of each first switching element 21 is electrically connected. As shown in Figure 2, one first switching element 21 is arranged on each side of the second conductive portion 232, flanking the portion in the circumferential direction s where the first conductive portion 231 is connected.

[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 is, for example, an annular sector in plan view. Each third conductive portion 233 is joined to two second switching elements 22, and is electrically connected to the second back electrode 223b of each second switching element 22. As shown in Figure 2, the two second switching elements 22 are arranged one on each of the outer sides in the circumferential direction s of the third conductive portion 233. 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 (the first conductive member 611 described later). As shown in Figure 2, in plan view, the third conductive portion 233 is located radially r outside the second conductive portion 232 with respect to the first input terminal 31.

[0034] The fourth conductive portion 234 is electrically connected to each second switching element 22. The fourth conductive portion 234 is, for example, an annular sector shape in plan view. The fourth conductive portion 234 is electrically connected to the second main surface electrode 223a of each second switching element 22 via the conductive member 61 (the second conductive member 612 described later). In plan view, the fourth conductive portion 234 is located radially outward r of the third conductive portion 233 with respect to the first input terminal 31.

[0035] Each of the two fifth conductive parts 235 is electrically connected to the first control electrode 213c of each first switching element 21 via wire 62 (the first wire 621 described later). A first control signal that controls the switching operation of each first switching element 21 is input to each fifth conductive part 235 from the drive circuit Dr.

[0036] Each of the two sixth conductive parts 236 is electrically connected to the second control electrode 223c of each second switching element 22 via wire 62 (the second wire 622 described later). A second control signal that controls the switching operation of each second switching element 22 is input to each sixth conductive part 236 from the drive circuit Dr.

[0037] In power module A1, the first wiring section 23A, the second wiring section 23B, and the third wiring section 23C are arranged in a circumferential direction s centered on the first input terminal 31, and the multiple arm circuits 2 (first arm circuit 2A, second arm circuit 2B, and 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 is included within the circumference of the circle. Furthermore, overlapping a circle means that if a virtual circle is drawn from this circle, in a plan view this virtual circle intersects each arm circuit 2. In particular, in power module A1, the first wiring section 23A, the second wiring section 23B, and the third wiring section 23C are arranged at equal angular intervals centered on the first input terminal 31 in a plan view. In other words, in the power module A1 equipped with three arm circuits 2, as shown in Figure 2, the first wiring section 23A, the second wiring section 23B, and the third wiring section 23C are arranged to be offset by approximately 120° (=360° / 3) in the circumferential direction s.

[0038] The first input terminal 31 and the second input terminal 32 are, for example, connected to a power supply (e.g., a DC power supply), and the power supply voltage (e.g., a DC voltage) is applied between the terminals. In power module A1, as shown in Figure 6, the first input terminal 31 is the positive terminal (P terminal), and the second input terminal 32 is the negative terminal (N terminal). Unlike power module A1, the first input terminal 31 may be the negative terminal (N terminal) and the second input terminal 32 may be the positive terminal (P terminal).

[0039] The first input terminal 31 is supported by the insulating substrate 1. The first input terminal 31 is erected on the 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 portion 231 of each of the first wiring portion 23A, second wiring portion 23B, and third wiring portion 23C of the wiring pattern 23. In a plan view, the first input terminal 31 is located approximately in the center of the insulating substrate 1. However, in a plan view, the first input terminal 31 may be located at a position spaced away from the center of the insulating substrate 1. Even in this case, in the power module A1, it is sufficient that the first wiring portion 23A, second wiring portion 23B, and third wiring portion 23C are arranged in a circumferential direction s with respect to the first input terminal 31 in a plan view.

[0040] As shown in Figures 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 each other. 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 Figure 2, the first terminal portion 321 is connected to the first wiring portion 23A. In a plan view, the first terminal portion 321 overlaps the fourth conductive portion 234 of the first wiring portion 23A. The first terminal portion 321 is erected on the fourth conductive portion 234 of the first wiring portion 23A and extends upward in the thickness direction z. As shown in Figure 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 the conductive member 61 (the second conductive member 612 described later).

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the second terminal portion 322 is connected to the second wiring portion 23B. In a plan view, the second terminal portion 322 overlaps the fourth conductive portion 234 of the second wiring portion 23B. The second terminal portion 322 is erected on the fourth conductive portion 234 of the second wiring portion 23B and extends upward in the thickness direction z. As shown in Figure 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 the conductive member 61 (the second conductive member 612 described later).

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the third terminal portion 323 is connected to the third wiring portion 23C. In a plan view, the third terminal portion 323 overlaps the fourth conductive portion 234 of the third wiring portion 23C. The third terminal portion 323 is erected on the fourth conductive portion 234 of the third wiring portion 23C and extends upward in the thickness direction z. As shown in Figure 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 the conductive member 61 (the second conductive member 612 described later).

[0044] In power module A1, the first terminal 321, the second terminal 322, and the second terminal 322 are each connected to ground, similar to the negative terminal of a DC power supply, as shown in Figure 6.

[0045] Each of the multiple output terminals 4 outputs a voltage (e.g., AC voltage) converted by the switching operations of the first switching element 21 and the second switching element 22 in each of the multiple arm circuits 2. The multiple 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 section 23A (wiring pattern 23 in the first arm circuit 2A). In a plan view, the first output terminal 4A overlaps with the third conductive portion 233 of the first wiring section 23A. As shown in Figure 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 section 23B (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 section 23B. As shown in Figure 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 section 23C (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 section 23C. As shown in Figure 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 Figure 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 main surface 11 to the back surface 12 of the substrate, and extend downward in the thickness direction z from the back surface 12 of the substrate. The first output terminal 4A, the second output terminal 4B, and the third output terminal 4C each make electrical contact with the wiring pattern 23 on the main surface 11 side of the substrate. As shown in Figure 5, the first output terminal 4A, the second output terminal 4B, and the third output terminal 4C each connect to the three-phase motor M on the back surface 12 side of the substrate. For example, as shown in Figure 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] Multiple conductive members 61 provide electrical conductivity between two spaced-apart members. Each conductive member 61 is, for example, a metal plate. The multiple conductive members 61 include multiple first conductive members 611 and multiple second conductive members 612.

[0051] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, each of the multiple first conductive members 611 is joined to the first main surface electrode 213a and the third conductive part 233 of each first switching element 21 in each arm circuit 2, thereby creating electrical conductivity between them. Note that when joining each first conductive member 611 to the third conductive part 233, each first conductive member 611 can be partially bent or partially thickened. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, each of the multiple second conductive members 612 is joined to the second main surface electrode 223a and the fourth conductive part 234 of each second switching element 22 in each arm circuit 2, thereby creating electrical conductivity between them. Note that when joining each second conductive member 612 to the fourth conductive part 234, each second conductive member 612 can be partially bent or partially thickened.

[0052] Multiple wires 62 provide electrical conductivity between two spaced members. Each wire 62 is, for example, a bonding wire. The constituent material of each wire 62 is not particularly limited, but examples include Au, Al, and Cu. Multiple wires 62 include multiple first wires 621 and multiple second wires 622.

[0053] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, each of the multiple first wires 621 is connected to the first control electrode 213c of each first switching element 21 and each fifth conductive part 235 in each arm circuit 2, thereby making them electrically conductive. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, each of the multiple second wires 622 is connected to the second control electrode 223c of each second switching element 22 and each sixth conductive part 236 in each arm circuit 2, thereby making them electrically conductive.

[0054] The resin member 7 is made of an insulating resin material (for example, epoxy resin) and is placed on the main substrate surface 11 of the insulating substrate 1. The 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 the first input terminal 31 and the second input terminal 32. The 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 each other.

[0055] The first sealing portion 71 covers a part of the first arm circuit 2A. From the first sealing portion 71, a part of the first conductive portion 231 of the first wiring portion 23A, a part of each of the fifth conductive portions 235 of the first wiring portion 23A, and a part of each of the sixth conductive portions 236 of the first wiring portion 23A are exposed. Also, as shown in Figure 5, the first terminal portion 321 (second input terminal 32) protrudes from the upper surface of the first sealing portion 71 in the thickness direction z. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first sealing portion 71 is, for example, an annular sector in plan view. As shown in Figure 1, the first sealing portion 71 has a notch in part, and a part of each of the fifth conductive portions 235 and a part of each of the sixth conductive portions 236 of the first wiring portion 23A are exposed from this notch. A drive circuit Dr is connected to each of the fifth conductive parts 235 and each of the sixth conductive parts 236 of the first wiring section 23A that is exposed from the first sealing section 71.

[0056] The second sealing portion 72 covers a part of the second arm circuit 2B. From the second sealing portion 72, a part of the first conductive portion 231 of the second wiring portion 23B, a part of each fifth conductive portion 235 of the second wiring portion 23B, and a part of each sixth conductive portion 236 of the second wiring portion 23B are exposed. Also, as shown in Figure 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 Figures 1 and 2, the second sealing portion 72 is, for example, an annular sector in plan view. As shown in Figure 1, the second sealing portion 72 has a notch in part, and a part of each fifth conductive portion 235 and a part of each sixth conductive portion 236 of the second wiring portion 23B are exposed from this notch. A drive circuit Dr is connected to each of the fifth conductive parts 235 and each of the sixth conductive parts 236 of the second wiring part 23B that is exposed from the second sealing part 72.

[0057] The third sealing portion 73 covers a part of the third arm circuit 2C. From the third sealing portion 73, a part of the first conductive portion 231 of the third wiring portion 23C, a part of each fifth conductive portion 235 of the third wiring portion 23C, and a part of each sixth conductive portion 236 of the third wiring portion 23C are exposed. Also, as shown in Figure 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 Figures 1 and 2, the third sealing portion 73 is, for example, an annular sector in plan view. As shown in Figure 1, the third sealing portion 73 has a notch in part, and a part of each fifth conductive portion 235 and a part of each sixth conductive portion 236 of the third wiring portion 23C are exposed from this notch. A drive circuit Dr is connected to each of the fifth conductive parts 235 and each of the sixth conductive parts 236 of the third wiring part 23C that is exposed from the third sealing part 73.

[0058] In power module A1, as shown in Figure 2, the first terminal section 321 (second input terminal 32), the first output terminal 4A (output terminal 4), and the first input terminal 31 are arranged in a plan view along a first straight line passing through the first input terminal 31 (along the first radial direction r1 in Figure 2). Also, in a plan view, each element of the first arm circuit 2A (first wiring section 23A, two first switching elements 21A, and two second switching elements 22A) is arranged symmetrically with respect to the first straight line passing through the first terminal section 321, the first output terminal 4A, and the first input terminal 31 (first radial direction r1 in Figure 2) as the axis of symmetry. Similarly, the second terminal section 322 (second input terminal 32), the second output terminal 4B (output terminal 4), and the first input terminal 31 are arranged in a plan view along a second straight line passing through the first input terminal 31 (along the second radial direction r2 in Figure 2). Furthermore, in a plan view, the elements of the second arm circuit 2B (second wiring section 23B, two first switching elements 21B, and two second switching elements 22B) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the second straight line (second radial direction r2 in Figure 2) passing through the second terminal section 322, the second output terminal 4B, and the first input terminal 31 as the axis of symmetry. In addition, the third terminal section 323 (second input terminal 32), the third output terminal 4C (output terminal 4), and the first input terminal 31 are arranged in a plan view along the third straight line passing through the first input terminal 31 (along the third radial direction r3 in Figure 2). Furthermore, in a plan view, the elements of the third arm circuit 2C (third wiring section 23C, two first switching elements 21C, and two second switching elements 22C) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the third straight line (third radial direction r3 in Figure 2) passing through the third terminal section 323, the third output terminal 4C, and the first input terminal 31 as the axis of symmetry. In 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° each).

[0059] The operation and effects of power module A1 are as follows:

[0060] In power module A1, multiple arm circuits 2 are arranged so as to overlap 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, thus 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, power module A1 can reduce the overall inductance of the module. In particular, in power module A1, by making the circle surrounding the first input terminal 31 (virtual circle) in a plan view a circle centered on the first input terminal 31, it becomes possible to equalize the amount of current flowing from the first input terminal 31 to each arm circuit 2.

[0061] In power module A1, the wiring pattern 23 includes a first wiring section 23A, a second wiring section 23B, and a third wiring section 23C. The first wiring section 23A constitutes part of the first arm circuit 2A, the second wiring section 23B constitutes part of the second arm circuit 2B, and the third wiring section 23C constitutes part of the third arm circuit 2C. The first wiring section 23A, the second wiring section 23B, and the third wiring section 23C are arranged at equal angular intervals around the first input terminal 31 when viewed in the thickness direction z. In other words, in a configuration with three arm circuits 2 (first arm circuit 2A, second arm circuit 2B, and third arm circuit 2C), the first wiring section 23A, the second wiring section 23B, and the third wiring section 23C are arranged offset by 120 degrees in the circumferential direction s around the first input terminal 31 when viewed in the thickness direction z. In this configuration, multiple arm circuits 2 are arranged substantially evenly in the circumferential direction s centered on the first input terminal 31. This allows for equalization of 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. Consequently, the power module A1 can achieve a reduction in the overall inductance of the module.

[0062] In power module A1, the first terminal section 321, the first output terminal 4A, and the first input terminal 31 are arranged in a plan view along a first straight line passing through the first input terminal 31 (along the first radial direction r1 in Figure 2). Also, in a plan view, each element of the first arm circuit 2A (first wiring section 23A, two first switching elements 21A, and two second switching elements 22A) is arranged symmetrically with respect to the first straight line passing through the first terminal section 321, the first output terminal 4A, and the first input terminal 31 (first radial direction r1 in Figure 2) as the axis of symmetry. With this configuration, the path difference in the current path flowing from the first input terminal 31 through each first switching element 21 to the first output terminal 4A can be suppressed, as can the path difference in the current path flowing from the first terminal section 321 through each second switching element 22 to the first output terminal 4A. Therefore, power module A1 can suppress the reduction of inductance in the first arm circuit 2A. Similarly, the second terminal section 322, the second output terminal 4B, and the first input terminal 31 are arranged in a plan view along a second straight line passing through the first input terminal 31 (along the second radial direction r2 in Figure 2), and in a plan view, each element of the second arm circuit 2B (second wiring section 23B, two first switching elements 21B, and two second switching elements 22B) is arranged symmetrically with respect to the second straight line passing through the second terminal section 322, the second output terminal 4B, and the first input terminal 31 (the second radial direction r2 in Figure 2) as the axis of symmetry. As a result, the power module A1 can suppress the reduction of inductance in the second arm circuit 2B. Furthermore, the third terminal section 323, the third output terminal 4C, and the first input terminal 31 are arranged in a plan view along a third straight line passing through the first input terminal 31 (along the third radial direction r3 in Figure 2), and in a plan view, each element of the third arm circuit 2C (the third arm circuit 2C, the two first switching elements 21C, and the two second switching elements 22C) is arranged symmetrically with respect to the third straight line passing through the third terminal section 323, the second output terminal 4B, and the first input terminal 31 (the third radial direction r3 in Figure 2) as the axis of symmetry. As a result, the power module A1 can suppress the reduction of inductance in the third arm circuit 2C.

[0063] In power module A1, the insulating substrate 1 is circular in a plan view. The three-phase motor M is typically cylindrical in shape. With this configuration, when power module A1 is attached to the three-phase motor M, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, power module A1 can be made to overlap the three-phase motor M in a plan view. As a result, power module A1 has a shape that is preferable for attachment to the three-phase motor M in terms of thinning and space saving.

[0064] Figure 7 shows a power module A2 according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 is a plan view of power module A2. As shown in Figure 7, power module A2 differs from power module A1 in that the resin member 7 is not separated into three parts (first sealing part 71, second sealing part 72, and third sealing part 73).

[0065] The resin member 7 of power module A2 is annular in plan view. The resin member 7 covers a portion of each of the multiple arm circuits 2. In the example shown in Figure 7, the resin member 7 is provided with notches to expose a portion of each fifth conductive part 235 and a portion of each sixth conductive part 236.

[0066] In power module A2, as in power module A1, multiple arm circuits 2 are arranged so that, in a plan view, they overlap the circle surrounding the first input terminal 31. Therefore, the difference in the amount of current flowing from the first input terminal 31 to each arm circuit 2 can be suppressed, and thus power module A2 can reduce the overall inductance of the module.

[0067] Figures 8 and 9 show a power module A3 according to the third embodiment. Figure 8 is a plan view showing power module A3. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the resin member 7 in the plan view of Figure 8, indicated by dashed lines. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, power module A3 differs from power module A1 in that the second input terminal 32 is not separated into three parts (first terminal section 321, second terminal section 322, and third terminal section 323).

[0068] In power module A3, the second input terminal 32 is not separated into the first terminal section 321, the second terminal section 322, and the third terminal section 323, but is configured as a common terminal for multiple arm circuits 2. Accordingly, in power module A3, the fourth conductive part 234 of the first wiring section 23A, the fourth conductive part 234 of the second wiring section 23B, and the fourth conductive part 234 of the third wiring section 23C are connected to each other, forming a common fourth conductive part 234.

[0069] The common fourth conductive portion 234 is, for example, annular in plan view. In the example shown in Figure 9, each fifth conductive portion 235 and each sixth conductive portion 236 are positioned radially inward r from the common fourth conductive portion 234. Therefore, in power module A3, if the resin member 7 is notched in the same way as the resin member 7 of power module A2, the common fourth conductive portion 234 will be partially exposed. For this reason, power module A3 is equipped with a plurality of control terminals 331 and a plurality of control terminals 332.

[0070] Each of the 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 erected on each fifth conductive part 235 and connected to each fifth conductive part 235. Each control terminal 331 extends in the thickness direction z from each fifth conductive part 235 and protrudes from the resin member 7.

[0071] Each of the 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 erected on each sixth conductive part 236 and connected to each sixth conductive part 236. Each control terminal 332 extends in the thickness direction z from each sixth conductive part 236 and protrudes from the resin member 7.

[0072] In power module A3, as in power modules A1 and A2, multiple arm circuits 2 are arranged so that, in a plan view, they overlap a circle surrounding the first input terminal 31. Therefore, the difference in the amount of current flowing from the first input terminal 31 to each arm circuit 2 can be suppressed, and thus power module A3 can reduce the overall inductance of the module.

[0073] In power module A3, the second input terminal 32 is not separated into three parts (first terminal section 321, second terminal section 322, and third terminal section 323), thus reducing the number of external terminals in power module A3. However, in order to reduce inductance, it is preferable to separate the second input terminal 32 into three parts (first terminal section 321, second terminal section 322, and third terminal section 323), as in power module A1.

[0074] In the third embodiment, an example was shown in which each fifth conductive part 235 and each sixth conductive part 236 are arranged radially inward r than the common fourth conductive part 234, but they may also be arranged radially outward r than the common fourth conductive part 234. In this case, each wire 62 can be wired so as to straddle the common fourth conductive part 234 to make electrical contact between the first control electrode 213c of each first switching element 21 and each fifth conductive part 235, and between the second control electrode 223c of each second switching element 22 and each sixth conductive part 236.

[0075] Figures 10 and 11 show a power module A4 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 10 is a plan view of power module A4, in which the resin member 7 is shown by dashed lines. Figure 11 is a partially enlarged view of a part of Figure 10. In Figure 11, the resin member 7 is omitted. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, power module A4 differs from power module A1 in that the multiple first switching elements 21 and the multiple second switching elements 22 are each flip-chip mounted.

[0076] In power module A4, each first switching element 21 has its first element main surface 211 facing downward in the thickness direction z, and its first element back surface 212 facing upward in the thickness direction z. In other words, 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 Figure 11, each first switching element 21 has its first main surface electrode 213a joined to each third conductive part 233, and its first control electrode 213c joined to each fifth conductive part 235. In addition, the first back surface electrode 213b is electrically connected to each second conductive part 232 via the first conductive member 611.

[0077] In power module A4, each second switching element 22 has its main surface 221 facing downward in the thickness direction z, and its back surface 222 facing upward in the thickness direction z. In other words, in the thickness direction z, the main surface 221 of the second element faces the same direction as the back surface 12 of the substrate, and the back surface 222 of the second element faces the same direction as the main surface 11 of the substrate. Furthermore, each second switching element 22 has its second main surface electrode 223a joined to each fourth conductive part 234, and its second control electrode 223c joined to each sixth conductive part 236. In addition, the second back surface electrode 223b is electrically connected to each third conductive part 233 via the second conductive member 612.

[0078] In power module A4, as in power modules A1 to A3, multiple arm circuits 2 are arranged so that, in a plan view, they overlap the circle surrounding the first input terminal 31. Therefore, the difference in the amount of current flowing from the first input terminal 31 to each arm circuit 2 can be suppressed, and thus power module A4 can reduce the overall inductance of the module.

[0079] In power module A4, multiple first switching elements 21 and multiple second switching elements 22 are each mounted using a flip-chip design. This configuration eliminates the need for multiple wires 62, thereby reducing material costs.

[0080] Figures 12 and 13 show a power module A5 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 12 is a plan view of power module A5, in which the resin member 7 is shown by dashed lines. Figure 13 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of power module A5. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, power module A5 differs from power module A1 in that it includes a snubber capacitor C.

[0081] As shown in Figure 13, one snubber capacitor C is provided for each arm circuit 2. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the snubber capacitor C provided in the first arm circuit 2A has, for example, one terminal connected to the second conductive part 232 of the first wiring section 23A and the other terminal connected to the fourth conductive part 234 of the first wiring section 23A. The snubber capacitor C provided in the second arm circuit 2B has, for example, one terminal connected to the second conductive part 232 of the second wiring section 23B and the other terminal connected to the fourth conductive part 234 of the second wiring section 23B. The snubber capacitor C provided in the third arm circuit 2C has, for example, one terminal connected to the second conductive part 232 of the third wiring section 23C and the other terminal connected to the fourth conductive part 234 of the third wiring section 23C. Figure 12 shows an example where, for example, a cylindrical snubber capacitor C is arranged vertically, but it may also be arranged horizontally. The upper end of each snubber capacitor C may be exposed from the resin member 7 or covered by the resin member 7. Each snubber capacitor C may have its terminals directly connected to the first wiring section 23A, the second wiring section 23B, and the third wiring section 23C, respectively, and be electrically connected to them, or it may be electrically connected via a conductor or the like. The size and shape of each snubber capacitor C may be appropriately changed according to the required capacitance. Furthermore, the arrangement of each snubber capacitor C is not limited to the positions shown in Figure 12, as long as it is placed on the insulating substrate 1.

[0082] In power module A5, as in power modules A1 to A4, multiple arm circuits 2 are arranged so that, in a plan view, they overlap the circle surrounding the first input terminal 31. Therefore, the difference in the amount of current flowing from the first input terminal 31 to each arm circuit 2 can be suppressed, and thus power module A5 can reduce the overall inductance of the module.

[0083] In the first to fifth embodiments, each power module A1 to A5 is shown as a three-phase inverter that drives a three-phase motor M, but the invention is not limited to this and may be a single-phase inverter. For example, a full-bridge type inverter with two arm circuits 2 is an example of such a single-phase inverter. In this case, the two arm circuits 2 are arranged on opposite sides of the first input terminal 31 in a plan view.

[0084] The power module relating to this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. The specific configuration of each part of the power module relating to this disclosure can be modified in various ways. For example, the power module relating to this disclosure includes embodiments relating to the following appendices. Note 1. Insulating substrate and A first input terminal supported on the insulating substrate, A second input terminal supported on the aforementioned insulating substrate, Multiple arm circuits provided on the insulating substrate, Each of the aforementioned multiple arm circuits has a plurality of output terminals corresponding to it, It is equipped with, 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 the connection point between the first switching element and the second switching element in the corresponding arm circuit among the plurality of arm circuits. The power module is configured such that the plurality of arm circuits are arranged to overlap a circle surrounding the first input terminal when viewed in the thickness direction of the insulating substrate. Note 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 section that constitutes the first arm circuit, a second wiring section that constitutes the second arm circuit, and a third wiring section that constitutes the third arm circuit. The power module as described in Appendix 1, wherein the plurality of output terminals include a first output terminal connected to the first wiring section, a second output terminal connected to the second wiring section, and a third output terminal connected to the third wiring section. Note 3. The power module as described in Appendix 2, wherein the first wiring section, the second wiring section, and the third wiring section are arranged at equal angular intervals with respect to the first input terminal when viewed in the thickness direction. Note 4. The second input terminal includes a first terminal section, a second terminal section, and a third terminal section, which are spaced apart from each other. The first terminal section is connected to the first wiring section, The second terminal section is connected to the second wiring section, The third terminal section is connected to the third wiring section and is a power module as described in either Appendix 2 or Appendix 3. Note 5. The first terminal section, the first output terminal, and the first input terminal are arranged in a straight line passing through the first input terminal. The second terminal section, the second output terminal, and the first input terminal are arranged in a line on a second straight line passing through the first input terminal. The power module as described in Appendix 4, wherein the third terminal section, the third output terminal, and the first input terminal are arranged in a line on a third straight line passing through the first input terminal. Note 6. Each of the first wiring section, the second wiring section, and the third wiring section includes a first conductive section extending radially from the first input terminal when viewed in the thickness direction, a second conductive section connected to the first conductive section and conductive to the first switching element, a third conductive section conductive to the connection point between the first switching element and the second switching element, and a fourth conductive section conductive to the second switching element. The first output terminal, the second output terminal, and the third output terminal are arranged in the third conductive part of the first wiring section, the third conductive part of the second wiring section, and the third conductive part of the third wiring section, respectively. The power module according to either Appendix 4 or Appendix 5, wherein the first terminal section, the second terminal section, and the third terminal section are arranged in the fourth conductive section of the first wiring section, the fourth conductive section of the second wiring section, and the fourth conductive section of the third wiring section, respectively. Note 7. The power module according to 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 the switching operation of the first switching element is input, and a sixth conductive section to which a second control signal for controlling the switching operation of the second switching element is input. Note 8. The power module according to Appendix 7, wherein the insulating substrate has a main substrate surface on which the wiring pattern is formed, and the insulating substrate faces one of the thickness directions. Note 9. 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 main surface electrode and a first control electrode are arranged on the main surface of the first element. A first back electrode is arranged on the back surface of the first element. The power module as described in Appendix 8, wherein the first switching element in each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit conducts 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. Note 10. In each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit, the first switching element has its main surface facing the same direction as the main surface of the substrate. The first back electrode is electrically connected to the second conductive portion in each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion. The first main surface electrode is electrically connected to the third conductive portion in each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion via the first conductive member. The power module as described in Appendix 9, wherein the first control electrode is electrically connected to the fifth conductive portion in each of the first wiring section, the second wiring section, and the third wiring section via the first wire. Note 11. 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 main surface electrode and a second control electrode are arranged on the main surface of the second element. A second back electrode is arranged on the back surface of the second element. The power module according to either Appendix 9 or Appendix 10, wherein the second switching element in each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit conducts the second main surface electrode and the second back surface electrode in response to the second control signal input to the second control electrode. Note 12. In each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit, the second switching element has its main surface facing the same direction as the main surface of the substrate. The second back electrode is electrically connected to the third conductive portion in each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion. The second main surface electrode is electrically connected to the fourth conductive portion in each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion via the second conductive member. The power module as described in Appendix 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 the second wire. Note 13. The substrate further comprises an insulating resin member disposed on the main surface of the substrate, The power module according to any one of the appendices 8 to 12, wherein the resin member covers a portion of the first wiring section, the second wiring section, and the third wiring section, and 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. Note 14. The resin member includes a first sealing portion, a second sealing portion, and a third sealing portion that are arranged separately from each other. The first sealing portion covers a part of the first wiring portion and the first arm circuit. The second sealing portion covers a part of the second wiring portion and the second arm circuit. The third sealing portion covers a part of the third wiring portion and the third arm circuit, as described in Appendix 13, for the power module. Note 15. The insulating substrate further has a substrate back surface that faces away from the main surface of the substrate in the thickness direction, A power module as described in any of Appendix 8 to Appendix 14, wherein a three-phase motor is arranged on the back surface of the aforementioned circuit board. Note 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 the U-phase of the three-phase motor on the back side of the substrate in the thickness direction, The second output terminal is connected to the V-phase of the three-phase motor on the back side of the substrate in the thickness direction. The power module as described in Appendix 15, wherein the third output terminal is connected to the W phase of the three-phase motor on the back side of the substrate in the thickness direction. Note 17. The power module described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 16, wherein the insulating substrate is circular when viewed in the thickness direction. Note 18. The power module as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 17, wherein the first input terminal is positive and the second input terminal is negative. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] A1~A5: Power Module 1: Insulating Board 11: Main surface of the circuit board 12: Back surface of the circuit board 2: Arm circuit 2A: First arm circuit 2B: Second arm circuit 2C: Third arm circuit 21, 21A, 21B, 21C: First switching element 211: Main surface of the first element 212: Back surface of the first element 213a: First main surface electrode 213b: First back electrode 213c: First control electrode 22, 22A, 22B, 22C: Second switching element 221: Main surface of the second element 222: Back surface of the second element 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 section 231: First conductive section 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: Second terminal section 323: Third terminal section 331,332: Control terminals 4: Output terminal 4A: First output terminal 4B: Second output terminal 4C: Third output terminal 61: Conductive material 611: First conductive member 612: Second conductive member 62: Wire 621: First wire 622: Second wire 7: Resin component 71: First sealing section 72: Second sealing section 73: Third sealing section C: Snubber capacitor Dr: Drive circuit M: Three-phase motor

Claims

1. A substrate having an insulating layer, The board includes at least one first input terminal, The board includes at least one second input terminal, Multiple tonearm circuits, Multiple output terminals corresponding to the multiple arm circuits, The wiring pattern formed on the substrate, Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned multiple arm circuits is an annular sector arranged around a common center when viewed in the thickness direction of the substrate. The at least one first input terminal is positioned closer to the common center than at least one of the plurality of output terminals when viewed in the thickness direction. Each of the plurality of arm circuits is a power module including a portion of the wiring pattern and a first switching element and a second switching element connected in series with respect to the portion of the wiring pattern.

2. The power module according to claim 1, wherein the insulating layer comprises a glass epoxy resin.

3. The power module according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of arm circuits has a plurality of first switching elements and a plurality of second switching elements, including the first switching elements and second switching elements connected in series with respect to each other.

4. The power module according to claim 3, wherein in each of the plurality of arm circuits, the plurality of first switching elements are connected in parallel with each other, and the plurality of second switching elements are connected in parallel with each other.

5. The power module according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of arm circuits are arranged along a circle surrounding the at least one first input terminal when viewed in the thickness direction.

6. 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 section that constitutes the first arm circuit, a second wiring section that constitutes the second arm circuit, and a third wiring section that constitutes the third arm circuit. The power module according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of output terminals include a first output terminal connected to the first wiring section, a second output terminal connected to the second wiring section, and a third output terminal connected to the third wiring section.

7. The power module according to claim 6, wherein the first wiring section, the second wiring section, and the third wiring section are arranged at equal angular intervals with respect to the at least one first input terminal when viewed in the thickness direction.

8. The at least one second input terminal includes a first terminal section, a second terminal section, and a third terminal section that are spaced apart from each other. The first terminal section is connected to the first wiring section, The second terminal section is connected to the second wiring section, The power module according to claim 6, wherein the third terminal portion is connected to the third wiring portion.

9. The first terminal section, the first output terminal, and the at least one first input terminal are arranged in a line along a first straight line passing through the at least one first input terminal. The second terminal section, the second output terminal, and the at least one first input terminal are arranged in a line along a second straight line passing through the at least one first input terminal. The power module according to claim 8, wherein the third terminal section, the third output terminal, and the at least one first input terminal are arranged in a line along a third straight line passing through the at least one first input terminal.

10. Each of the first wiring section, the second wiring section, and the third wiring section includes a first conductive section, a second conductive section connected to the first conductive section and conductive to the first switching element, a third conductive section conductive to the connection point between the first switching element and the second switching element, and a fourth conductive section conductive to the second switching element. The first output terminal, the second output terminal, and the third output terminal are arranged in the third conductive part of the first wiring section, the third conductive part of the second wiring section, and the third conductive part of the third wiring section, respectively. The power module according to claim 8, wherein the first terminal portion, the second terminal portion, and the third terminal portion are arranged in the fourth conductive portion of the first wiring portion, the fourth conductive portion of the second wiring portion, and the fourth conductive portion of the third wiring portion, respectively.

11. The power module according to claim 10, 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 the switching operation of the first switching element is input, and a sixth conductive section to which a second control signal for controlling the switching operation of the second switching element is input.

12. The substrate has a main substrate surface facing one direction in the thickness direction, The power module according to claim 11, wherein the wiring pattern is formed on the main surface of the substrate.

13. 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 main surface electrode and a first control electrode are arranged on the main surface of the first element. A first back electrode is arranged on the back surface of the first element. The power module according to claim 12, wherein the first switching element in each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit conducts a first main surface electrode and a first back surface electrode in response to a first control signal input to the first control electrode.

14. In each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit, the first switching element has its main surface facing the same direction as the main surface of the substrate. The first back electrode is electrically connected to the second conductive portion in each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion. The first main surface electrode is electrically connected to the third conductive portion in each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion via the first conductive member. The power module according to claim 13, 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 the first wire.

15. 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 in the thickness direction. A second main surface electrode and a second control electrode are arranged on the main surface of the second element. A second back electrode is arranged on the back surface of the second element. The power module according to claim 12, wherein the second switching element in each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit conducts electrical signals 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.

16. In each of the first arm circuit, the second arm circuit, and the third arm circuit, the second switching element has its main surface facing the same direction as the main surface of the substrate. The second back electrode is electrically connected to the third conductive portion in each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion. The second main surface electrode is electrically connected to the fourth conductive portion in each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion via the second conductive member. The power module according to claim 15, 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 the second wire.

17. The substrate further comprises an insulating resin member disposed on the main surface of the substrate, The power module according to claim 13, wherein the resin member covers a portion of the first wiring section, the second wiring section, and the third wiring section, and 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.

18. The resin member includes a first sealing portion, a second sealing portion, and a third sealing portion, which are arranged separately from each other. The first sealing portion covers a part of the first wiring portion and the first arm circuit. The second sealing portion covers a part of the second wiring portion and the second arm circuit. The power module according to claim 17, wherein the third sealing portion covers a part of the third wiring portion and the third arm circuit.

19. The power module according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is circular in shape when viewed in the thickness direction.

20. The at least one first input terminal is positive, The power module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second input terminal is a negative terminal.

21. The power module according to claim 10, wherein the first conductive portion of each of the first wiring portion, the second wiring portion, and the third wiring portion extends radially from the at least one first input terminal.

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