Insulated Load Electrodes for High Voltage Parasitic Inductance Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices with air gaps between load electrodes face challenges in reducing parasitic inductances, especially in high voltage applications, leading to increased parasitic commutation inductances and undesirable performance.

Innovation Solution

The use of electrically insulating materials, such as polyimide, to separate load electrodes, reducing the clearance distance and increasing creepage distances, thereby minimizing parasitic inductances and enhancing mechanical robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If air gaps are used between load electrodes, then electrical insulation is provided, but parasitic commutation inductances increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidparasitic commutation inductances

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An electrically insulating material is introduced as an intermediary substance between the load electrodes, replacing the air gap. This mediator provides electrical insulation while allowing the electrodes to be positioned closer together, thereby reducing parasitic inductances without compromising insulation reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state and properties of the medium between electrodes are changed from air to a solid electrically insulating material. This parameter change enables smaller clearance distances while maintaining or improving insulation performance, directly addressing the contradiction between insulation and inductance reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If large clearances are provided between load electrodes, then high voltage insulation requirements are met, but parasitic inductances increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh voltage insulationVSAvoidclearance distance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrically insulating material serves as a mediator that enables smaller clearance distances between load electrodes while still meeting high voltage insulation requirements. This allows the design to achieve both compact dimensions and reliable high voltage insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The use of specialized electrically insulating materials with high dielectric strength allows for reduced clearance distances compared to traditional air gaps, while maintaining the necessary insulation levels for high voltage applications. The material properties enable compact design without sacrificing insulation reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-generated harmful factors

If electrically insulating material is used to separate load electrodes, then parasitic inductances are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparasitic inductancesVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrically insulating material is integrated with the encapsulation material, combining two functions into a single material system. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for separate insulation components and reducing assembly steps, while still achieving the goal of reduced parasitic inductances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The encapsulation material is given multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection, environmental sealing, and electrical insulation between load electrodes. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity and simplifies manufacturing, as a single material system accomplishes what would otherwise require multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach effectively reduces parasitic inductances and enhances the performance of electronic devices, particularly in high voltage applications, by utilizing electrically insulating materials to separate load electrodes, resulting in improved mechanical robustness and reduced inductance.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically insulating material; the load electrodes are separated by the electrically insulating material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS11646258B2Electronic devices including electrically insulated load electrodes

Publication Date: 2023.05.09 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG

AI summary

An electronic device and method is disclosed. In one example, the electronic device includes an electrically insulating material, a first load electrode arranged on a first surface of the electrically insulating material, and a second load electrode arranged on a second surface of the electrically insulating material opposite to the first surface, wherein the load electrodes are separated by the electrically insulating material along the entire length on which the load electrodes have opposite sections, wherein surfaces of the load electrodes facing away from the electrically insulating material are uncovered by the electrically insulating material.