Challenges in low-voltage high-current applications – fathom the limits in system design

Abstract:
The system design in power electronics is driven by increasing the utilisation level of the used components to get a gain in performance at a constant cost level. This contribution gives an overview about different challenges in low-voltage high-current systems, e.g. used in automotive applications. The main content points are: topology selection – single systems vs. cascaded systems, PCB manufacturing technology overview, current measurement methods, bulk capacitor design (ceramic DC link) and PCB design instructions for high-current systems. The PCB design instructions target on optimised thermal design for maximised PCB utilisation and on optimised track design for a low inductance DC link interconnection. The paper based on calculations, measurements and simulations.