Power Semiconductor Module Electrode Arrangement for Inductance Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power semiconductor modules experience increased inductance due to the configuration of electrodes, leading to surge voltages that can break the semiconductor elements, particularly when the output line is positioned between the positive and negative electrodes, reducing the effectiveness of magnetic flux cancellation and increasing the risk of element breakage.
Innovation Solution
A power semiconductor module design where the positive, negative, and AC electrodes are arranged such that one electrode faces each of the other two, reversing the direction of di/dt and effectively cancelling magnetic flux between them, thereby reducing inductance across all electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the output line U is positioned between the P power line and the N power line in the stacked electrode configuration, then the magnetic flux cancellation between P-U and U-N is improved, but the overall inductance reduction effect is deteriorated due to decreased cancellation between P-N
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional P-U-N stacking order by positioning the output line U outside the range between the P and N power lines. This inversion transforms the electrode arrangement from a configuration where U is sandwiched between P and N to one where U is positioned adjacent to either P or N, thereby reversing the spatial relationship and enabling all three lines to form effective magnetic flux cancellation pairs without the interference of intermediate positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making each electrode pair (P-U, U-N, P-N) have optimized spatial relationships for magnetic flux cancellation. By positioning U outside the P-N range, each pair achieves optimal local magnetic flux cancellation characteristics, with P and N forming a large-area facing relationship that maximizes their cancellation effect while U forms separate cancellation pairs with each of P and N
2Device complexity
If the conventional P-U-N stacked configuration is used, then the structure is simplified, but the inductance is increased due to reduced magnetic flux cancellation effectiveness between P-N
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional P-U-N stacking order by positioning the output line U outside the range between the P and N power lines. This inversion transforms the electrode arrangement from a configuration where U is sandwiched between P and N to one where U is positioned adjacent to either P or N, thereby reversing the spatial relationship and enabling all three lines to form effective magnetic flux cancellation pairs without the interference of intermediate positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical stacking dimension to arrange the electrodes such that P, U, and N are positioned in different vertical layers. By making P and N face each other across the vertical dimension with U positioned outside their range, the patent creates three-dimensional magnetic flux cancellation paths that enhance the overall cancellation effect while maintaining a compact module structure
3Reliability
If a large parasitic inductance is present in the power conversion device, then the surge voltage exceeds the breakdown voltage of the power semiconductor element, but reducing the inductance requires complex electrode arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional P-U-N stacking order by positioning the output line U outside the range between the P and N power lines. This inversion transforms the electrode arrangement from a configuration where U is sandwiched between P and N to one where U is positioned adjacent to either P or N, thereby reversing the spatial relationship and enabling all three lines to form effective magnetic flux cancellation pairs without the interference of intermediate positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the magnetic flux cancellation functions of multiple electrode pairs (P-U, U-N, and P-N) into a unified configuration. By positioning U outside the P-N range, all three pairs can simultaneously achieve effective cancellation, combining their effects to produce a significant overall reduction in parasitic inductance and surge voltage without requiring additional components or complex external circuits
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 reduces inductance between the electrodes, minimizing surge voltages and enhancing the reliability of the power semiconductor module by ensuring effective magnetic flux cancellation and reducing the risk of semiconductor element breakage.
Implementation Method 1
the direction of di/dt is reversed and the magnetic flux is cancelled between the positive-side electrode and the AC electrode facing each other, between the AC electrode and the negative-side electrode facing each other, and between the positive-side electrode and the negative-side electrode facing each other
Data Source
AI summary
A power semiconductor module includes: a positive arm and a negative arm that are formed by series connection of self-arc-extinguishing type semiconductor elements and that are connected at a connection point between the self-arc-extinguishing type semiconductor elements; a positive-side DC electrode, a negative-side DC electrode, and an AC electrode that are connected to the positive arm and the negative arm; and a substrate on which a wiring pattern is formed, the wiring pattern connecting the self-arc-extinguishing type semiconductor elements of the positive arm and the negative arm to the positive-side DC electrode, the negative-side DC electrode and the AC electrode. The positive-side DC electrode, the negative-side DC electrode, and the AC electrode are insulated from one another and arranged such that one of the electrodes faces each of the other two electrodes.