Transfer-Molded Power Module Pin Layout for Isolation and Low Inductance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor device modules face issues such as signal pin deformation or breakage during insertion, increased module dimensions for electrical isolation, high stray inductance due to single leadframe current flow paths, and reliability concerns from thermo-mechanical stresses during attachment to thermal-dissipation appliances.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves arranging signal pins and power tabs on a primary surface of the module instead of the edge, using pre-molded signal pins with spring portions and mechanical stops to prevent deformation, and attaching the substrate to a thermal-dissipation appliance first to avoid adhesive issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If signal pins are arranged along the edge of the module, then electrical isolation spacing can be achieved, but the overall module dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidmodule dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions signal pins from an edge arrangement (1D/2D configuration along the module perimeter) to a face arrangement (2D/3D configuration on the primary surface). This dimensional change allows signal pins to be positioned in a compact grid pattern on the module face, achieving electrical isolation through spatial separation in multiple dimensions rather than requiring increased linear spacing along the edge, thereby reducing overall module dimensions while maintaining isolation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If signal pins are bent to facilitate insertion into PCB, then ease of insertion is improved, but deformation or breakage occurs during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion easeVSAvoidsignal pin integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the signal pins with appropriate bends and shapes during the molding process itself, rather than requiring post-assembly bending. The signal pins are configured with insertion-friendly geometries (such as pre-bent leads or shaped distal ends) before module assembly, allowing them to be directly inserted into PCBs without additional deformation steps that would compromise their structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If guide part or tool is used to prevent signal pin deformation, then signal pin integrity is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal pin integrityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the protective function from external guide parts or tools and integrates it directly into the signal pin structure and molding compound. The molding compound is configured to provide mechanical support and protection to the signal pins during insertion, eliminating the need for separate guide components. This integration removes the complexity associated with additional parts while maintaining signal pin integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of manufacture

If single body stamping process is used for leadframe, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but stray inductance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidstray inductance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the leadframe structure into multiple independently formed components rather than using a single monolithic stamped piece. By dividing the current path into separate segments (such as individual power tabs, signal tabs, and interconnect elements that can be separately formed and assembled), the current flow paths are optimized to minimize loops and stray inductance, while still maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

5Temperature

If power module is attached to thermal-dissipation appliance after package assembly, then thermal management is achieved, but adhesive consistency and void reduction become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidadhesive layer consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing the substrate attachment to the thermal-dissipation appliance before completing the full package assembly. By attaching the substrate (DBC orAMB) to the heat sink or cooling jacket in an early stage, the adhesive layer can be applied and cured under controlled conditions with proper positioning and pressure, ensuring consistent thickness and minimal voids. Subsequent assembly steps (die attachment, wire bonding, molding) are then performed on the already-thermally-managed substrate, preserving adhesive quality while achieving thermal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

6Strength

If thermal processing is used for attachment to thermal-dissipation appliance, then bonding strength is improved, but internal solder re-melting occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidinternal solder integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling and adjusting the thermal processing parameters (temperature, time, pressure) during attachment to the thermal-dissipation appliance. The attachment process uses temperature and pressure profiles that are optimized to achieve sufficient bonding strength for the substrate-to-heat-sink interface while remaining below the re-melting temperature of the internal solder joints. This parameter optimization allows simultaneous achievement of strong bonding and solder integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260074448A1Transfer molded power modules and methods of manufacture
Publication Date: 2026.03.12 SEMICON COMPONENTS IND LLC
  • US20260074448A1 patent drawing
  • US20260074448A1 patent drawing
  • US20260074448A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In a general aspect, an electronic device assembly includes a substrate arranged in a plane. The substrate has a first side and a second side, the second side being opposite the first side. The assembly also includes a plurality of semiconductor die disposed on the first side of the substrate and at least one signal pin. The at least one signal pin includes a proximal end portion coupled with the first side of the substrate, a distal end portion, and a medial portion disposed between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The medial portion is pre-molded in a molding compound, the proximal end portion and the distal end portion exclude the molding compound. The at least one signal pin is arranged along a longitudinal axis that is orthogonal to the plane of the substrate.