Odd Bond Wire Power Semiconductor Current Distribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circuit arrangements for power semiconductor modules face challenges in achieving homogeneous current application to load connection areas of the same polarity using an odd number of bonding wires, which is essential for maintaining performance at operational limits.

Innovation Solution

A circuit arrangement with a substrate and conductor tracks, where a power semiconductor component is connected using an odd number of bonding wires, with the last wire having bonding feet on both load connection areas, ensuring even current distribution across the component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If an odd number of bonding wires is used to connect to load connection areas of the same polarity, then the current carrying capacity is sufficient, but homogeneous current application to both load connection areas cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent carrying capacityVSAvoidhomogeneous current application
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the Nth bonding wire different from the other bonding wires. While the first N-1 bonding wires connect to only one load connection area, the Nth bonding wire connects to both load connection areas (first and second emitter connection areas). This local differentiation in connection configuration enables the odd number of bonding wires to achieve homogeneous current distribution across both load connection areas of the same polarity, resolving the contradiction between current carrying capacity and homogeneous current application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If the number of bonding wires is limited by the size of the load connection area, then the device complexity is reduced, but the current carrying capacity may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of bonding wiresVSAvoidcurrent carrying capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The Nth bonding wire serves a dual function by connecting to both load connection areas (first and second emitter connection areas) of the same polarity. This multi-functionality allows a single bonding wire to contribute to the current carrying capacity of both connection areas simultaneously. As a result, the overall current carrying capacity is enhanced without proportionally increasing the number of bonding wires, thus addressing the contradiction between device complexity and current carrying capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of moving object

If power semiconductor components are reduced in lateral extent, then the area is reduced, but maintaining the same current carrying capacity becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent areaVSAvoidcurrent carrying capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the connection configuration parameter by implementing an asymmetric bonding wire arrangement where the Nth bonding wire connects to both load connection areas while the other bonding wires connect to individual areas. This parameter change in the electrical connection topology allows the power semiconductor component to maintain its current carrying capacity even with reduced lateral extent, as the bonding wire configuration optimizes current distribution within the smaller area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration ensures homogeneous current application to both load connection areas, maintaining the full performance of the power semiconductor component, even when operating at its performance limit, by distributing current evenly across the component.

Implementation Method 1

The respective power semiconductor component is electrically conductively connected to a first conductor track by means of a bond connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2091081B1Switching assembly with bond connection
Publication Date: 2010.07.28 SEMIKRON DANFOSS ELEKTRONIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2091081B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2091081B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a circuit arrangement comprising a substrate with conductor tracks, at least one first power semiconductor device, and an associated bond connection. The first power semiconductor device has a first and a second load connection pad of the same polarity. The bond connection, in turn, has an odd number N of bond wires, wherein the first half of the N-1 bond wires extend from a first conductor track of the substrate to the first load connection pad, and the second half of the N-1 bond wires extend from this first conductor track to the second load connection pad. Furthermore, the Nth bond wire extending from the first conductor track has at least one bond foot on both the first and the second load connection pads.