Assembly and testing of electronic power components insulation

A method for assembly and testing the insulation of electronic power components in electrical switching and control devices, particularly for motor vehicles, which are fastened to a heat sink so as to be thermally conducting and electrically insulated, which heat sink fits securely on a printed circuit board on which the power components and additional electrical elements are connected via conductor paths by soldering together with connecting parts and a circuit ground, the method comprising the steps of first fastening the heat sink to the printed circuit board so as to be free of potential;

• inserting the power components into the printed circuit board so as to be thermally conducting and electrically insulated at the heat sink;
• soldering connection pins of the power components with the conductor paths of the printed circuit board;
• testing the insulation between the potential-free heat sink and the power components by applying high voltage;
• and finally electrically connecting the heat sink with the circuit ground.