The combined effect of failure factors in power modules for automotive applications

PCIM Europe 2012 - International Exhibition & Conference for Power Electronics, Intelligent Motion and Power Quality 2012 , Nuremberg, ALLEMAGNE, 08-/05/2012 - 10/05/2012Robustness study of a module on the basis of a representative drive cycle is mandatory for safety reasons, cost and lifetime estimation. The power modules for motor drives are subject to multiple failure modes which are due to many damaging factors. Generally we perform the damage evaluation of power modules by thermal and active power cycling ageing tests. The objective of this paper is to define a method, which enables us to discriminate the criticity of a specific mission profile in order to evaluate and reduce the impact on lifetime. Complementary, a dedicated power cycling test ben|ch will permit to evaluate the combined effect of the main critical factors (current density J, temperature fluctuation AT, maximum temperature Tma