Patent ID: 6441317
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A semiconductor module comprising:a semiconductor element; an electrically insulating base having an outer surface to be connected to an electrically grounded surface, and an inner surface on which the semiconductor element is arranged; an electrically insulating cover covering the semiconductor element on the inner surface; and first and second electrically conductive members each of which is connected to the semiconductor element and extends to the exterior of the semiconductor module through the electrically insulating cover; wherein a part of each of the first and second electrically conductive members on the exterior of the semiconductor module is arranged away from the outer surface of the electrically insulating base to electrically isolate the part of the each of the first and second electrically conductive members from the electrically grounded surface; and a third electrically conductive member connected to the semiconductor element and extending to the exterior of the semiconductor module through the electrically insulating cover, wherein the semiconductor module is configured so that electric current is supplied to the semiconductor element, a value of electric current flowing through the third electrically conductive member is significantly smaller than a value of electric current flowing through the each of the first and second electrically conductive members, a part of the third electrically conductive member on the exterior of the semiconductor module is arranged away from the outer surface of the electrically insulating base to electrically isolate the part of the third electrically conductive member from the electrically grounded surface, and a distance between the outer surface of the electrically insulating base and the part of the third electrically conductive member is less than a distance between the outer surface of the electrically insulating base and the part of the each of the first and second electrically conductive members in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the electrically insulating base while being not less than 80% of the distance.