2. Semiconductor chips

2.1 Constitution

Semiconductor chips are the active elements of a power module (figure 1 ). They generally have a vertical structure, i.e. the top and bottom sides play an electrical role. This requires a chip transfer solution (such as soldering) which, in addition to cooling and mechanical strength, also ensures the electrical connection.

They are made up of three main parts (figure 2 ):

• a semiconductor material...