Power Module Joining Layer for Higher Current Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power electronics modules face challenges in increasing power density due to limitations in current rating, which is time-consuming and costly to achieve through new chip technologies, necessitating alternative methods to optimize existing module designs.

Innovation Solution

The use of a common, uninterrupted joining layer between power electronic devices and a substrate's metallization area allows for closer device placement, maximizing active area and current rating without increasing module size, utilizing techniques like soldering or diffusion soldering for alignment and attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If separate joining layers are used for each power electronic device, then each device can be individually attached, but the space utilization is reduced due to gaps between devices and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive areaVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate joining layers for individual power electronic devices are merged into a single common uninterrupted joining layer that spans across the metallization area, eliminating gaps between devices and reducing manufacturing steps while maximizing active area utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If power electronic devices are placed closer together, then the current rating increases due to higher power density, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent ratingVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The common uninterrupted joining layer enables self-alignment of power electronic devices through its continuous structure, allowing devices to be placed closer together for higher current rating while automatically maintaining proper alignment without requiring high manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If new chip technologies are developed to increase power density, then conduction and switching losses are reduced, but the development time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconduction and switching lossesVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the need for developing new chip technologies with a structural modification approach, using a common uninterrupted joining layer to achieve higher power density and reduced losses through improved space utilization rather than through complex new chip designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enhances current capability by optimizing substrate space usage, achieving higher power density with reduced manufacturing costs and improved thermal management through self-alignment and continuous electrical paths.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing techniques like soldering or diffusion soldering for alignment and attachment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Implementation Method 2

utilizing techniques like soldering or diffusion soldering for alignment and attachment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion soldering: Diffusion Welding

Implementation Method 3

improved thermal management through self-alignment and continuous electrical paths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

improved thermal management through self-alignment and continuous electrical paths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4227995B1Power electronics module and method for its manufacturing
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • EP4227995B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4227995B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4227995B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a power electronics module (10) comprising: a substrate (11) with at least a first metallization area (12), a first group of power electronic devices (14) arranged in the first metallization area (12), wherein the first group comprises a plurality of power electronic devices (14). The power electronics module (10) further comprises a common, uninterrupted joining layer (13) arranged between the first metallization area (12) and the first group of power electronic devices (14), wherein the common, uninterrupted joining layer (13) establishes at least a mechanical and an electrical contact between the first metallization area (12) and the first group of power electronic devices (14). The present disclosure further relates to a method for manufacturing such a power electronics module (10).