Shielded Signal Pin Layout for EMI-Resistant Power Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrified vehicles, the coupling between load and drive paths in power switches leads to electromagnetic interference, causing parasitic effects such as parasitic turn-on and exceeding safety operating areas due to induced magnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
A power module with a shielding jacket that isolates and shields signal pins from electromagnetic interference, reducing coupling between load and drive paths, and using current-insulating protective cladding to protect and connect signal pins effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signal pins are used to carry control signals to power switches, then the power switches can be controlled effectively, but electromagnetic interference from load currents couples into the signal pins causing parasitic effects
Solution Approach 1:
A shielding jacket is introduced as an intermediary component between the signal pin and the electromagnetic field generated by load currents. The shielding jacket, made of electrically conductive material, acts as a mediator that blocks or redirects electromagnetic interference while allowing the control signal to pass through the signal pin to the power switch control electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful electromagnetic interference is extracted or separated from the signal transmission path by using the shielding jacket to contain and redirect the magnetic flux. This isolates the signal pin from the interfering magnetic fields generated by adjacent load currents, allowing the control signal to be transmitted without parasitic coupling.
2Productivity
If power switches are arranged in half-bridge configurations with multiple load paths, then voltage conversion efficiency is improved, but electromagnetic coupling between load paths and drive paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding jacket serves as a mediator that allows the half-bridge configuration to maintain its high voltage conversion efficiency while blocking the electromagnetic coupling between multiple load paths and the drive path. The conductive shielding material redirects magnetic flux away from signal pins, enabling efficient power conversion without parasitic interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding jacket provides localized electromagnetic protection specifically around the signal pin and control electrode area, while leaving the rest of the power switch and load path configuration unchanged. This local shielding approach maintains the overall productivity of the half-bridge arrangement while addressing the specific harmful coupling issue at the control signal interface.
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
The shielding jacket significantly reduces parasitic effects and ensures reliable operation by isolating signal pins from electromagnetic interference, enhancing the safety and efficiency of power conversion in electrified vehicle converters.
Implementation Method 1
a shielding jacket (26) which is potentially isolated from the signal pin and surrounds at least sections of the signal pin in order to shield the signal pin located therein from electromagnetic interference which arises as a result of the load current of the associated power switch
Implementation Method 2
The control signals are carried by a drive path which connects a control device to the control electrode in terms of signal technology... The load currents generate, however, electromagnetic interference coupled into the signal pins. This comes about as a result of the fact that the magnetic lines of force which are induced by the load currents run perpendicular to the orientation of the signal pins
Data Source
AI summary
A power module for a converter for use in an at least partly electrified vehicle has at least one power switch which can be switched for converting an input current into an output current, a plurality of power terminals which are electrically connected to current electrodes of the power switch and are designed to feed the input current or to withdraw the output current, a signal pin which is designed to impress a control signal generated by a control device on a control electrode of the power switch, and a shielding jacket which is potentially isolated from the signal pin and surrounds at least sections of the signal pin.