A power module is basically a power circuit of different materials assembled together using a variety of technologies, such as chip attachment, wire bonding, encapsulation, and more. The materials involved in power module design cover a wide range of insulators, conductors and semiconductors. Since materials behave differently under different environmental conditions, electrical parameters, and thermal stresses, the selection of the right materials and the ideal assembly techniques is very important.
Moreover, the state-of-the-art integration technologies have garnered improvementstin power modules, such as DC/DC voltage regulator power modules. Time to market, cost, size constraints, reliability, and design capabilities are among the factors in choosing modular power versus a traditional controller plus external components design.
Designing and building a power module requires the integration of various technologies. Knowledge of which of the following technologies is NOT needed to design or work with semiconductor power modules from the list below?
(If you feel you could use some more knowledge of power modules, then go right ahead and apply for the Power Module EVM RoadTest here: TI SWIFT Power Module EVM
You may surprise yourself on how much you learn!
Sincerely,
Randall Scasny
RoadTest Program Manager