Bilaterally Extending Terminals for Compact Power Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power modules are limited in size reduction due to the use of bus bars for connecting semiconductor devices, which occupy space in the module case.
Innovation Solution
The power module employs bilaterally extending terminals on semiconductor devices that extend from opposite surfaces, allowing direct connections between devices to function as power and ground bus bars, eliminating the need for physical bus bars and enabling a reduced module size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bus bars are used to connect semiconductor devices, then reliable electrical connections are achieved, but the module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of separate bus bars with the semiconductor device terminals themselves. The collector and emitter terminals are extended bilaterally from the molded resin to directly connect with other semiconductor devices, eliminating the need for separate bus bar components while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal structures serve multiple functions: they act as both the electrical connection points for the semiconductor devices and as the interconnection elements previously requiring separate bus bars. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and module size.
2Reliability
If traditional bus bar connections are used, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the terminal extensions with the molded resin housing into an integrated structure. The terminals are formed as integral parts extending from the resin, eliminating separate bus bar components and simplifying the overall module structure while ensuring reliable electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the bus bar function from the module assembly and integrates it directly into the semiconductor device terminals. By taking out the separate bus bar requirement and incorporating the connection function into the terminals themselves, the device complexity is reduced.
Data Source
AI summary
A power module includes a first semiconductor device having a collector terminal and an emitter terminal which extend outwardly from a molded resin, wherein at least one of the collector and emitter terminals is a bilaterally extending terminal extending outwardly from two opposite surfaces of the molded resin, and a second semiconductor device having the same construction as the first semiconductor device. The bilaterally extending terminal of the first semiconductor device is connected to a bilaterally extending terminal of the second semiconductor device.