1. The role of packaging
If the semiconductor chip is the "heart" of an active power component, it cannot function independently of its case or, in a broader sense, its packaging. It is this packaging that protects and isolates it from its environment, dissipates the heat it dissipates, and provides connection terminals with the rest of the circuit.
1.1 Mechanical strength
The primary role of a power component housing is protection: semiconductor chips are highly sensitive to humidity, dust and static electricity (particularly in the case of insulated-gate MOSFET and IGBT components). This protection is provided mechanically by a closed enclosure (made of plastic, ceramic or metal) preventing the entry of foreign bodies.
The housing also provides the means (screwing,...
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The role of packaging
Selection criteria
Bibliography
- (1) - Indium Corp - Alloys sorted by temperature. - Liste d'alliages de brasure http://www.indium.com/products/alloy_sorted_by_temperature.pdf
- (2) - DUPONT (L.) -...
Digital tools
In addition to power electronics "circuit" simulation tools such as Saber (editor: Synopsys), the design of power modules requires mechanical-thermal calculation resources. These include Ansys (Ansoft) and Comsol Multiphysics (Comsol), both based on the finite element method.
To optimize electrical performance, it is useful to be able to calculate the parasitic elements of the circuit, particularly...
Events
At European level, there are two main power electronics conferences, which include sessions on packaging: EPE (European Power Electronics) and PCIM (ower Conversion Intelligent Motion). The former is more research-oriented, while the latter is aimed more at industry, even if the boundary is sometimes blurred in a field as applied as power electronics.
Packaging is also discussed at power electronics conferences...
Regulations
European RoHS Directive (Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances) Directive 2002/95 bans hazardous substances in electronic systems http://www.rohs.gov.uk
Directory
Manufacturers – Suppliers – Distributors (non-exhaustive list)
Power modules: ABB, Dynex, Eupec, International Rectifier, IXYS, Microsemi, Mitsubishi, Semelab, Semikron
Discrete power components: Fairchild Semiconductor, Fuji Semiconductor, Infineon, International Rectifier, Microsemi, NXP, ON Semiconductor, ST Microelectronics, Toshiba, Vishay
The list of power module...
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