US 5,471,089 A · Semiconductor power module

Abstract

In a semiconductor power module, a surge voltage on a power source line of a semiconductor element for electric power control is restrained. A power source terminal PS(NP) is comprised of power source terminals PS(P) and PS(N) which are arranged adjacent each other through an insulative sheet INS1 made of insulative synthetic resin or the like. The power source terminals PS(P) and PS(N) are each formed by a conductive plate and respectively transmit a positive and negative power source potentials. The thickness of the insulative sheet INS1 is 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, for instance. A reduction is made in a parasitic inductance which is present in the power source line which extends from the power source terminal PS(P) to the power source terminal PS(N) through the semiconductor element for electric power control, thereby suppressing a surge voltage which is developed between the power source terminal PS(P) and the power source terminal PS(N).

Claims32

Dependent claims

A semiconductor power module comprising:

(a) a semiconductor element for electric power control;
(b) a circuit board, comprising:
(b-1) a circuit board body having an insulator;
and
(b-2) first and second wiring patterns disposed on one major surface of said circuit board in such a manner that principal parts of said first and said second wiring patterns are longitudinally adjacent each other, said first and said second wiring patterns transmitting first and second power source potentials to said semiconductor element for electric power control, respectively;
and
(c) a first and a second power source terminals which are connected to said first and said second wiring patterns, respectively,
said first and second wiring patterns and said first and second power source terminals being disposed in such a manner that power source currents flow in said first and said second wiring patterns in substantially parallel but opposite directions.

5 more elements

A semiconductor power module comprising:

(a) a semiconductor element for electric power control;
and
(b) a power source terminal for transmitting first and second power source potentials to said semiconductor element for electric power control,
wherein said power source terminal comprises:
(b-1) an insulator;
and
(b-2) first and second conductors for transmitting said first and said second power source potentials, respectively, said first and said second conductors being electrically insulated from each other by said insulator, said first and said second conductors being longitudinally adjacent to each other and carrying power source currents in substantially parallel but opposite directions.

4 more elements

A semiconductor power module comprising:

(a) a semiconductor element for electric power control having a high power source potential electrode and a low power source potential electrode;
and
(b) a power source terminal, said power source terminal comprising:
(b-1) a first insulator;
and
(b-2) first and second conductors being electrically insulated from each other by said first insulator, principal parts of said first and said second conductors being longitudinally adjacent to each other, an end of said first conductor being electrically coupled with said high power source potential electrode and an end of said second conductor being electrically coupled with said low power source potential electrode, said ends of first and second conductors being on the same side with respect to said principal parts of said first and second conductors;
and
(c) an external power source terminal connected to said power source terminal by a conductive connection member, said external power source terminal comprising:
(c-1) a second insulator;
and
(c-2) third and fourth conductors being electrically insulated from each other by said second insulator, principal parts of said third and said fourth conductors being longitudinally adjacent to each other,
wherein said power source terminal and said external power source terminal are connected by said connection member in such a manner that another end of said first conductor and an end of said third conductor are in contact and hence in electrical connection to each other, another end of said second conductor and an end of said fourth conductor, each in contact to said connection member, are electrically coupled to each other through said connection member,
wherein said ends of said third and said fourth conductors are on the same side with respect to said principal parts of said third and said fourth conductors.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Semiconductor power module

Life of this patent

Semiconductor power module

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims32