Active DC-Link capacitor discharge methods with Si/SiC Fusion power module for addressing vehicle cost down

Inhalt:
The Si/SiC Fusion power module approach, which utilizes a single common gate driver in a simultaneous switching configuration, is a promising method for reducing Bill of Materials (BOM) costs without significantly compromising drive cycle system efficiency and, subsequently, battery cost [1]. This contribution explores the application of Si/SiC Fusion power modules for active DC-Link capacitor discharge in automotive traction inverters, motivated by the goal of eliminating discharge resistors and active switches, including gate drivers, to support further vehicle cost reduction. Various continuous and pulsed discharge methods are discussed in this contribution and are evaluated in terms of their specific design challenges and device stress associated with Fusion power modules. To quantify device stress, this paper also compares the different discharge pulses with classical shortcircuit switching events. The discussed discharge methods, as well as short-circuit switching events, are experimentally validated through measurements with inverter systems using off-the-shelf automotive EiceDRIVER(exp TM) gate drivers and HybridPACK(exp TM) Drive G2 Fusion power modules.