IGBT Devices And Modules Evolve To Address Inverter Design Challenges In Electric And Hybrid-Electric Vehicles

Focus:

The mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) depends on automakers reducing the cost, size and weight of electric power train systems, while simultaneously increasing their reliability. The industry struggles with these issues due to the relative immaturity of the existing power electronics systems. Standardization is needed to lower the cost of these systems. But automotive OEMs and their suppliers are seeking differentiation and looking for better, more cost-effective solutions. Improved semiconductor devices and modules are needed to overcome these conflicting goals. This article will discuss the challenges faced in the design of traction inverters for EVs and HEVs, explain how these challenges necessitate changes in IGBT devices and modules, and discuss recent trends and advances in device and module development (higher TJ devices, elimination of wirebonds, transfer molded packages, etc.) with a focus on International Rectifier’s CooliR technology. Discussion includes a table of cost targets for inverter power electronics and a review of common inverter configurations (voltage source, current source, and Z source). Another table compares different generations of IGBT power modules followed by discussion of their impact on inverter designs.

What you’ll learn:

• How to understand inverter design challenges faced in development of electric vehicels and hybrid-electric vehicles and their impact on the development of IGBTs and IGBT
• How to understand the benefits of advances in IGBT devices and packaging in the development of inverters for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles

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Author & Publication:

Jack Marcinkowski, International Rectifier, El Segundo, Calif., How2Power Today, Jun 29 2012

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