Doctoral Thesis: High current contact in power semiconductor modules (iv)* in Warstein bei Infineon Technologies
Doctoral Thesis: High current contact in power semiconductor modules (f/m/div)* in Warstein bei Infineon Technologies
The industrial doctorate at Infineon: Pursue a doctoral degree at a university and gain professional experience simultaneously - an ideal start for your career. Advance your research with us and profit from our vast network of doctoral candidates and the expertise of a university. Mentorship is handled by both professors and dedicated Infineon employees. We are offering a doctoral thesis dealing with the electrical optimization of high current contacts in power semiconductor modules. In power modules with currents > 500 A and voltages exceeding 1200 V, screw connections are used exclusively in the power path. They each contribute to an increase in inductance of about 10 nH on the DC link side. Up to now, mainly slow-switching IGBTs have been used in such modules. In the meantime, however, the much faster switching SiC components are also being used in these modules. Their short rise time in particular leads to overvoltages during switching. To limit these overvoltages, the inductance of the DC link connection must be optimized. A suitable electrical connection is to be worked out for this purpose. In addition, special focus is to be placed on the basic design of the insulation system for applications in a voltage range of 1.5 to 6.5 kV. Suitable electrical test procedures and methods of numerical modeling for electrical-mechanical-thermal behavior will be used to evaluate the overall system in order to ensure reliable operation for up to 20 years in the application. The thesis is written in cooperation with the University of Dresden and under the supervision of PD Dr.-Ing. habil. Stephan Schlegel.
The tasks within the thesis will consist of:
- Elaboration of the state of the art and basic approaches to solutions, a suitable low-inductance conductor arrangement and a suitable geometry of the screw connection
- Elaboration of a contact design to achieve a low contact resistance at the connection of the inverter
- Analyzing and evaluating the insulation materials used so far for their suitability (common engineering plastics for frame modules, silicone gels)
- Elaboration of basic principles for the design of a reliable insulation system for voltages between 1.5 kV and 6 kV and, if necessary, identification of new insulation materials and alternative concepts
- Creation of a numerical model to represent the electrical-mechanical-thermal behavior of the insulation system
The learnings out of the thesis will lead to…
- Optimize high power modules for fast switching semiconductors
- Improve module reliability in terms of degradation
A doctoral student is a research enthusiast,
› …whose interests are scientific research combined with the passion for Infineon’s innovative products and applications.
› …who enjoys working in an industrial environment in combination with an Infineon partner university.
› …who appreciates open communication and the contribution of an international environment.
› …and is thus an excellent candidate for a further academic or industrial career after completion of their thesis.
As the ideal candidate you:
- Are a university graduate in the field of physics, electrical engineering or equivalent and meet the admission requirements for a doctoral degree
- Have already gained some experience in the field of insulation and contact materials and simulation-based optimization of the electric field distribution in insulation systems
- Are enthusiastic about scientific work
- Do question the existing and do you like to break new ground
- Do have good oral and written communication skills in German and English
Know-how in following topics is preferable - but not mandatory …
- Basic mechanical and design knowledge
- Material physics in the field of polymers
- Construction of multiphysical models in FEM
- Basics of current-carrying contacts and connections
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