Power Module Substrate Layout for Symmetrical Current Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power modules face limitations in output power due to housing dimensions, leading to suboptimal arrangement of semiconductor components, resulting in asymmetric power loss and excessive heating, which can cause module failure.

Innovation Solution

A power module design featuring symmetrical current supply lines on a substrate with power semiconductor arrangements, arranged between power connectors to ensure uniform load distribution and improved thermal dissipation, using a housing with protrusions for increased substrate surface area and efficient bonding connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If semiconductor components are arranged to optimize installation space, then the housing dimensions are reduced, but the power loss distribution becomes asymmetric and heating increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing areaVSAvoidmodule reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry principle by intentionally designing asymmetric current track arrangements and semiconductor component placements that compensate for thermal effects. The current tracks are routed with different lengths and configurations to balance power loss distribution across parallely connected semiconductor components, preventing asymmetric heating while maintaining compact housing dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by creating region-specific thermal management zones within the housing. Different areas of the substrate and housing are designed with varying thermal conductivities and heat dissipation characteristics. Cooling bodies are strategically positioned to provide enhanced cooling in high-power-loss regions, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across the module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If semiconductor components are arranged adjacently to save space, then installation space is optimized, but mutual heating intensifies and causes module failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower densityVSAvoidcomponent temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary thermal management elements between adjacently arranged semiconductor components. These include thermally conductive substrates with optimized heat diffusion paths, intermediate cooling structures, and thermally conductive adhesives that act as heat transfer mediators. These intermediaries prevent direct thermal coupling between components while maintaining electrical connectivity, thereby reducing mutual heating effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar arrangement to three-dimensional thermal management architecture. Multiple cooling bodies are positioned at different vertical levels and angles relative to the semiconductor components. Heat dissipation is achieved not only through the substrate plane but also through vertical heat sinks and side-mounted cooling structures, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space for thermal management.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If power loss is distributed asymmetrically among semiconductor components, then component loading varies, but thermal imbalance occurs and reduces service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distribution flexibilityVSAvoidmodule service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through temperature sensors and control circuits that monitor the thermal state of each semiconductor component. The control system adjusts the switching duty cycles and current distribution in real-time based on detected temperature differences, actively balancing the thermal load across all components. This closed-loop control ensures uniform power loss distribution and prevents thermal runaway, thereby extending module service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11888407B2Power module having at least two power semiconductor arrangements that are contacted on a substrate
Publication Date: 2024.01.30 SIEMENS AG
  • US11888407B2 patent drawing
  • US11888407B2 patent drawing
  • US11888407B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power module includes at least two power semiconductor arrangements, each having at least one semiconductor component, in contact with substrate and arranged in a housing. To improve the reliability of the power module, a first power connector and a second power connector are arranged on a first side of the housing and at least one other power connector is arranged on an opposing second side of the housing. Supply lines extending from the power connectors to the power semiconductor arrangements are arranged on the substrate in such a manner that electrical current is provided in a symmetrical manner.