Semiconductor Module Terminal Arrangement for Bus Bar Inductance Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor modules with in-line and L-shaped terminal arrangements face limitations in flexibility when connected using bus bars, leading to increased inductance and voltage surges, restricting the arrangement of modules with different terminal configurations.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor module design featuring electrode terminals arranged along intersecting directions, allowing for greater flexibility in module arrangement and bus bar design, with AC and DC terminals positioned to optimize connection and reduce inductance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If semiconductor modules with different terminal arrangements (in-line or L-shaped) are connected using bus bars, then electrical connection is achieved, but the arrangement flexibility is limited and inductance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearrangement flexibilityVSAvoidbus bar length

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear terminal arrangements to two-dimensional planar terminal arrangements. By positioning terminals at corners and edges of the mounting surface, the module interface extends into multiple spatial dimensions, enabling bus bars to connect modules in various orientations without being constrained to single-directional layouts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric terminal positioning where the anode and cathode terminals are placed at different corner positions rather than symmetrically opposite each other. This asymmetric arrangement allows bus bars to connect modules in multiple orientations (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) while maintaining optimal connection lengths, breaking the symmetry constraint that limited previous designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If bus bar length is increased to connect modules with different terminal arrangements, then connection flexibility improves, but inductance increases causing higher voltage surges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidvoltage surge

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By utilizing two-dimensional terminal positioning at corners and edges, the patent enables modules to be connected in various orientations with optimized bus bar paths. This spatial arrangement allows connection flexibility without requiring excessive bus bar length, as terminals are positioned to minimize connection distance while maximizing arrangement versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal arrangement serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables connection flexibility for various module orientations, minimizes bus bar length to reduce inductance, and provides standardized mounting positions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to trade off between connection flexibility and voltage surge control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If terminals are arranged in traditional in-line or L-shaped configurations, then manufacturing is simplified, but the degree of freedom in arranging modules is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal arrangement simplicityVSAvoidmodule arrangement freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves from one-dimensional linear terminal sequences to two-dimensional corner-based positioning. This dimensional transition maintains manufacturing simplicity by using standard mounting techniques while enabling modules to be arranged in multiple orientations (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) during system assembly, significantly increasing arrangement freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal arrangement is segmented into independent corner positions rather than continuous linear sequences. Each corner terminal can be independently positioned and connected, allowing flexible module arrangements while maintaining simple individual terminal manufacturing and assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9418975B1Semiconductor module, power conversion device, and method for manufacturing semiconductor module

Publication Date: 2016.08.16 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A semiconductor module has a first electrode terminal, a second electrode terminal, a third electrode terminal, a fourth electrode terminal, a fifth electrode terminal, and a sixth electrode terminal. The first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are arranged along a first direction. The third electrode terminal, the fourth electrode terminal, the fifth electrode terminal, and the sixth electrode terminal are arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first electrode terminal is arranged at a position where the first direction intersects with the second direction. The fourth electrode terminal, the fifth electrode terminal, and the sixth electrode terminal are AC output terminals or AC input terminals. The first electrode terminal is one of an anode terminal and a cathode terminal. At least one of the second electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal is the other of the anode terminal and the cathode terminal.