Identifying Unequal Temperature Distributions in SiC MOSFET Power Modules

Conference: PCIM Europe digital days 2021 - International Exhibition and Conference for Power Electronics, Intelligent Motion, Renewable Energy and Energy Management
05/03/2021 - 05/07/2021 at Online

Proceedings: PCIM Europe digital days 2021

Pages: 6Language: englishTyp: PDF

Authors:
Luedecke, Christoph; Laumen, Michael; Fritz, Niklas; De Doncker, Rik W. (Institute for Power Electronics and Electrical Drives, RWTH Aachen University, Germany)

Abstract:
In today’s power modules, single SiC MOSFET dies are connected in parallel to increase the current carrying capability of power modules. However, geometrical asymmetries of the module and tolerances in the manufacturing process of the semiconductor devices, lead to an unequal loss distribution among the individual dies. This in turn leads to different thermal stress of the individual dies and thus to different aging which requires a de-rating of the MOSFETs. In this work, a SiC power module with a nominal voltage of 1200 V and a nominal current of 300 A is investigated. An unequal temperature distribution among the parallel dies is identified and the root causes are discussed. Therefore, this research provides valuable insights in the design of more efficient, more reliable and more durable power modules.