Slitted Busbar Geometry for Accurate Current Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor modules face challenges in accurately measuring current due to the presence of busbars with slits, which can impact the linearity and phase error of magnetic sensors, necessitating improved designs to meet stringent electrical performance requirements.
Innovation Solution
The design of a busbar with slits that have distal ends broader than the rest of the slit, arranged such that the distal end faces run parallel, reduces the negative impact on sensor accuracy by maintaining a constriction for increased magnetic field strength while minimizing slit width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a busbar comprises slits to increase current density and magnetic field strength, then sensor measurement capability is improved, but sensor linearity and phase error performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The busbar is designed with non-uniform slit geometry where the distal ends are broader than the proximal portions. This local variation in slit width creates an optimized magnetic field distribution that simultaneously improves measurement capability and maintains sensor performance characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The slit geometry is pre-configured during busbar manufacturing with specific broader distal ends to anticipate and compensate for magnetic field distortion effects before sensor installation, ensuring optimal measurement conditions are already established
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 design enhances sensor accuracy and reduces phase errors, ensuring precise current measurement across a wide frequency range, thereby improving the operational efficiency and reliability of semiconductor modules.
Implementation Method 1
a current generated by the internal circuitry may flow through the busbar(s) and it may be necessary to measure the current in order to properly drive or control the internal circuitry. This may for example be done using one or more magnetic sensors arranged over the busbar(s). The busbar(s) may comprise a constriction in order to increase a current density and thereby also a magnetic field strength at the position of the magnetic sensor(s).
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor module includes a power semiconductor die, an encapsulation body encapsulating the power semiconductor die, and a busbar electrically connected to the power semiconductor die and exposed from the encapsulation body. The busbar has a first side, an opposite second side, and lateral sides connecting the first and second sides. The busbar includes first and second slits arranged such that the busbar has a constriction between a distal end of the first slit and a distal end of the second slit, as viewed from above the first side. A distal end face of the slits are arranged opposite to each other and run along parallel straight lines. The distal ends of the slits are broader than the rest of the respective slit as viewed from above the first side of the busbar, the breadth being measured perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the respective slit.