Method and apparatus for integrating current sensors in a power semiconductor module

A current sensor for integration in a power semiconductor module, the current sensor comprising:

• a first electrical conductor including:
• a first end configured to be electrically connected to a first conductive substrate within the power semiconductor module, wherein the first conductive substrate is electrically connected to a first switching element within the power semiconductor module, and
• a second end configured to be electrically connected to a first terminal of the power semiconductor module;
• a second electrical conductor including:
• a first end configured to be electrically connected to a second conductive substrate within the power semiconductor module, wherein the second conductive substrate is electrically connected to a second switching element within the power semiconductor module, and
• a second end configured to be electrically connected to a second terminal of the power semiconductor module;
• a first magnetic field detector mounted adjacent to a predefined location on the first electrical conductor, wherein the first magnetic field detector generates a first signal corresponding to a first magnetic field present at the first magnetic field detector, the first magnetic field generated by a first current conducted within the first switching element and by a second current conducted within the power semiconductor module;
• a second magnetic field detector mounted at a second location within the power semiconductor module, wherein the second magnetic field detector generates a second signal corresponding to a second magnetic field present at the second magnetic field detector, the second magnetic field generated by the first current conducted within the first switching element and by the second current conducted within the power semiconductor module;
• and
• a decoupling circuit mounted within the power semiconductor module, wherein the decoupling circuit is configured to receive the first signal and the second signal as inputs and to generate an output signal corresponding to the first current.