Power modules for automotive applications with pin-fin substrates fabricated with a special arc welding technology

Inhalt:
The Application of Arc Welding Technology for power modules was investigated in detail. Cooling structures were fabricated with this technology and the feasibility of pin fin substrates is proven. In addition to this, AWT does not impact the electrical properties of power devices so that ATW could be applied at the end of a process chain. In thermal investigations we saw that the new types of cooling structures were very effective and functional. In comparison to flat ceramic systems Rth improvement of more than 30 % is achievable. But it is necessary to investigate in further studies the mechanical stability of ceramic substrates under water pressure. To ensure system reliability other failure modes (like module short circuit) needed to be investigated.