Abstract:
A power semiconductor device module includes a plurality of inverters, each having a first transistor and a second transistor that are interposed in series between a first potential and a second potential and that operate complementarily. The plurality of inverters are assembled into a module. Only one predetermined inverter of the plurality of inverters is configured to detect temperatures of the first and second transistors, and control terminals for detection of the temperatures of the first and second transistors protrude from sides of the module.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a power semiconductor device module having mounted thereon a voltage drive type semiconductor device such as IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor). 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Background Art 
         [0004]    In a power semiconductor device module, an electrical wiring connected to a semiconductor device mounted on the module is generally made from copper or the like which has a low electrical resistance and is inexpensive. The current density is designed such that heat generation upon passage of current does not exceed the heat-resistant temperature of the semiconductor device and the members composing the power semiconductor device module. 
         [0005]    Meanwhile, miniaturization of the power semiconductor device module has been advanced year by year due to a reduction in the loss of semiconductor device mounted on the module and improvements in cooling performance and insulation performance. Along with this, implementation of integration where the module includes a plurality of semiconductor devices and implementation of intelligence where the module has the function of protecting the semiconductor device from overcurrent and overheat have also been advanced. 
         [0006]    Hence, the number of external terminals of the power semiconductor device module has significantly increased, and miniaturization of principal current wiring has reached a limit. Thus, to advance miniaturization of the power semiconductor device module, there is a need to eliminate wasted space as much as possible to place electrical wiring. In particular, since the external terminals connected to external wiring are exposed to air, insulation distance needs to be secured from the electrical wiring within the power semiconductor device module which is covered with an insulating material. Thus, to miniaturize the power semiconductor device module, there is a need to reduce the number of external terminals as much as possible and thoroughly consider an exposure location. 
         [0007]    For a conventional technique for an integrated power semiconductor device module, there is, for example, as disclosed in FIG. 11 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-249364, a power semiconductor device module of a 6-in-1 structure where six semiconductor devices are assembled into a module. 
         [0008]    The power semiconductor device module described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-249364 adopts a configuration in which five control terminals are pulled out of each of the six semiconductor devices through bonding wires. The five control terminals generally include a gate terminal that controls the passage of current of the semiconductor device; an emitter sense terminal; a current sense terminal for protecting the semiconductor device from overcurrent; and anode and cathode terminals of a temperature sense diode for protecting the semiconductor device from overheat. Hence, the power semiconductor device module described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-249364 has difficulty in miniaturization due to a large number of control terminals. 
         [0009]    In addition, there is a problem that wiring inductance is large, since wiring on the direct-current high-voltage side and wiring on the direct-current low-voltage side are provided at distant locations. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    An object of the present invention is to miniaturize a power semiconductor device module by reducing the number of external terminals as much as possible, and to reduce wiring inductance. 
         [0011]    According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power semiconductor device module including a plurality of inverters, each having a first transistor and a second transistor, the first and second transistors being interposed in series between a first potential and a second potential and operating complementarily, and the plurality of inverters being assembled into a module, in which only one predetermined inverter of the plurality of inverters is configured to detect temperatures of the first and second transistors, and control terminals for detection of the temperatures of the first and second transistors protrude from sides of the module. 
         [0012]    According to the power semiconductor device module, since the number of control terminals for temperature detection can be reduced, the power semiconductor device module can be miniaturized. 
         [0013]    These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module of a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a side view showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module of the first preferred embodiment according to the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module of the first preferred embodiment according to the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module of a second preferred embodiment according to the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a side view showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module of the second preferred embodiment according to the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module of the second preferred embodiment according to the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module of a third preferred embodiment according to the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a side view showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module of the third preferred embodiment according to the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module of a fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a side view showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module of the fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First Preferred Embodiment 
       [0024]      FIG. 1  is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module  100  of a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention, and  FIG. 2  is a side view as viewed from the side of a direct-current high-voltage terminal  2 . In both drawings, a mold resin  8  is omitted.  FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module  100 . 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the power semiconductor device module  100  includes six semiconductor chip groups  11   a ,  11   b ,  11   c ,  11   d ,  11   e , and  11   f  including IGBT chips  9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c ,  9   d ,  9   e , and  9   f  having a temperature detection function; and diode chips  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d ,  10   e , and  10   f  which are connected in anti-parallel with the IGBT chips  9   a  to  9   f , respectively. 
         [0026]    The semiconductor chip groups  11   a  and  11   b  in a set, the semiconductor chip groups  11   c  and  11   d  in a set, and the semiconductor chip groups  11   e  and  11   f  in a set each are connected in series with each other, and output terminals  4 ,  5 , and  6  are connected to the respective connection nodes. 
         [0027]    The collector sides of the IGBT chips  9   a ,  9   c , and  9   e  (the cathode sides of the diode chips  10   a ,  10   c , and  10   e ) included in the semiconductor chip groups  11   a ,  11   c , and  11   e  are connected in parallel with one another, and the direct-current high-voltage terminal  2  is connected to the connection node therebetween. 
         [0028]    The emitter sides of the IGBT chips  9   b ,  9   d , and  9   f  (the anode sides of the diode chips  10   b ,  10   d , and  10   f ) included in the semiconductor chip groups  11   b ,  11   d , and  11   f  are connected in parallel with one another, and a direct-current low-voltage terminal  3  is connected to the connection node therebetween. 
         [0029]    Control terminal groups  7   a ,  7   b ,  7   c ,  7   d ,  7   e , and  7   f  are connected to the IGBT chips  9   a  to  9   f , respectively. 
         [0030]    By the above-described configuration, it can be said that the semiconductor chip groups  11   a  and  11   b  are a single inverter composed of transistors and free wheeling diodes which are inserted in series between the direct-current high-voltage terminal  2  (which provides a first potential) and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  3  (which provides a second potential) and which operate complementarily. 
         [0031]    In addition, the semiconductor chip groups  11   c  and  11   d  can be said to be a single inverter composed of transistors and free wheeling diodes which are inserted in series between the direct-current high-voltage terminal  2  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  3  and which operate complementarily. 
         [0032]    In addition, the semiconductor chip groups  11   e  and  11   f  can be said to be a single inverter composed of transistors and free wheeling diodes which are inserted in series between the direct-current high-voltage terminal  2  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  3  and which operate complementarily. 
         [0033]    The control terminal group  7   a  includes a gate terminal  711  that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip  9   a ; an emitter sense terminal  712  that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal  713  for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip  9   a.    
         [0034]    The control terminal group  7   b  includes a gate terminal  721  that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip  9   b ; an emitter sense terminal  722  that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal  723  for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip  9   b.    
         [0035]    The control terminal group  7   c  includes a gate terminal  731  that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip  9   c ; an emitter sense terminal  732  that detects an output from an emitter; a current sense terminal  733  for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip  9   c ; and an anode terminal  734  and a cathode terminal  735  of a temperature sense diode  51  for detecting a temperature of the IGBT chip  9   c.    
         [0036]    The control terminal group  7   d  includes a gate terminal  741  that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip  9   d ; an emitter sense terminal  742  that detects an output from an emitter; a current sense terminal  743  for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip  9   d ; and an anode terminal  744  and a cathode terminal  745  of a temperature sense diode  52  for detecting a temperature of the IGBT chip  9   d.    
         [0037]    Note that the temperature sense diodes  51  and  52  are provided within the IGBT chips  9   c  and  9   d , respectively, and only anode pads and cathode pads are exposed to the top surfaces of the IGBT chips. Note also that although other IGBT chips also include temperature sense diodes, since, as will be described later, other IGBT chips do not use the temperature sense diodes, the temperature sense diodes are not shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0038]    The control terminal group  7   e  includes a gate terminal  751  that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip  9   e ; an emitter sense terminal  752  that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal  753  for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip  9   e.    
         [0039]    The control terminal group  7   f  includes a gate terminal  761  that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip  9   f ; an emitter sense terminal  762  that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal  763  for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip  9   f.    
         [0040]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the gate terminals  711 ,  721 ,  731 ,  741 ,  751 , and  761  are electrically connected to gate pads (not shown) of the IGBT chips  9   a  to  9   f , respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum, and the emitter sense terminals  712 ,  722 ,  732 ,  742 ,  752 , and  762  are electrically connected to emitter electrodes (not shown) of the IGBT chips  9   a  to  9   f , respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum. 
         [0041]    In addition, the current sense terminals  713 ,  723 ,  733 ,  743 ,  753 , and  763  are electrically connected to current sense pads (not shown) of the IGBT chips  9   a  to  9   f , respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum. 
         [0042]    The anode terminal  734  and the cathode terminal  735  are electrically connected to an anode pad (not shown) and a cathode pad (not shown) of the temperature sense diode  51 , respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum, and the anode terminal  744  and the cathode terminal  745  are electrically connected to an anode pad (not shown) and a cathode pad (not shown) of the temperature sense diode  52 , respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum. 
         [0043]    As such, the power semiconductor device module  100  is configured as a three-phase inverter circuit, and includes control terminals for detecting currents and temperatures to protect the IGBT chips from overcurrent and overheat. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the IGBT chips  9   a ,  9   c , and  9   e  and the diode chips  10   a ,  10   c , and  10   e  which serve as the high-voltage side are provided on an electrode pattern  12   a  such that the IGBT chips  9   a ,  9   c , and  9   e  are provided in a line in this order and the diode chips  10   a ,  10   c , and  10   e  are provided in a line in this order in parallel with the IGBT chips  9   a ,  9   c , and  9   e . Note that the IGBT chips  9   a ,  9   c , and  9   e  are arranged at a location near the outer side of the power semiconductor device module  100 , and the diode chips  10   a ,  10   c , and  10   e  are arranged at a location near the center of the power semiconductor device module  100 . 
         [0045]    Note that, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the IGBT chip  9   e  and the diode chip  10   e  are mounted on the electrode pattern  12   a  with solder layers  14   a  and  14   b  respectively provided therebetween, and the same applies to the IGBT chips  9   a  and  9   c  and the diode chips  10   a  and  10   c.    
         [0046]    The IGBT chip  9   b  and the diode chip  10   b  which serve as the low-voltage side are provided in parallel with each other on an electrode pattern  12   b . On the electrode pattern  12   b , the diode chip  10   b  is arranged at a location near the center of the power semiconductor device module  100 , and the IGBT chip  9   b  is arranged at a location near the outer side of the power semiconductor device module  100 . 
         [0047]    The IGBT chip  9   d  and the diode chip  10   d  which serve as the low-voltage side are provided in parallel with each other on an electrode pattern  12   c . On the electrode pattern  12   c , the diode chip  10   d  is arranged at a location near the center of the power semiconductor device module  100 , and the IGBT chip  9   d  is arranged at a location near the outer side of the power semiconductor device module  100 . 
         [0048]    The IGBT chip  9   f  and the diode chip  10   f  which serve as the low-voltage side are provided in parallel with each other on an electrode pattern  12   d . On the electrode pattern  12   d , the diode chip  10   f  is arranged at a location near the center of the power semiconductor device module  100 , and the IGBT chip  9   f  is arranged at a location near the outer side of the power semiconductor device module  100 . 
         [0049]    Note that, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the IGBT chip  9   f  and the diode chip  10   f  are mounted on the electrode pattern  12   d  with solder layers  14   c  and  14   d  respectively provided therebetween, and the same applies to the IGBT chips  9   b  and  9   d  and the diode chips  10   b  and  10   d  except that the electrode patterns to which they are mounted are different from the electrode pattern  12   d.    
         [0050]    Note that the electrode patterns  12   a  to  12   d  are formed of a metal such as copper, and are arranged on an insulating substrate  13  formed of a filler-filled epoxy resin, ceramic, etc., and the electrode patterns  12   b  to  12   d  are provided in a line in the order of the electrode patterns  12   b  to  12   d  so as to be adjacent to the electrode pattern  12   a.    
         [0051]    As described above, since the IGBT chip  9   c  is sandwiched between the IGBT chips  9   a  and  9   e , the IGBT chip  9   c  has a lower cooling capability than the IGBT chips  9   a  and  9   e  and thus there is a possibility that the temperature of the IGBT chip  9   c  becomes higher than those of the IGBT chips  9   a  and  9   e  due to heat generation caused by passage of current. Likewise, since the IGBT chip  9   d  is sandwiched between the IGBT chips  9   b  and  9   f , the IGBT chip  9   d  has a lower cooling capability than the IGBT chips  9   b  and  9   f  and thus there is a possibility that the temperature of the IGBT chip  9   d  becomes higher than those of the IGBT chips  9   b  and  9   f  due to heat generation caused by passage of current. 
         [0052]    Therefore, locations where temperature is monitored for overheat protection operation of the IGBT chips are only the IGBT chips  9   c  and  9   d  which have the highest possibility of increasing in temperature. 
         [0053]    One end of each of the output terminals  4  to  6  and one end of each of the control terminal groups  7   a ,  7   c , and  7   e  of the respective IGBT chips  9   a ,  9   c , and  9   e  protrude in the same direction outwardly from one side of the mold resin  8  whose top-view shape is rectangular. The output terminal  4  and the control terminal group  7   a , the output terminal  5  and the control terminal group  7   c , and the output terminal  6  and the control terminal group  7   e  protrude outwardly so as to be close to each other. 
         [0054]    Note that the one end of the output terminal  4  is connected to an emitter pad (not shown) and an anode pad (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chip  9   a  and the diode chip  10   a , and the other end is connected to the electrode pattern  12   b.    
         [0055]    The one end of the output terminal  5  is connected to an emitter pad (not shown) and an anode pad (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chip  9   c  and the diode chip  10   c , and the other end is connected to the electrode pattern  12   c.    
         [0056]    The one end of the output terminal  6  is connected to an emitter pad (not shown) and an anode pad (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chip  9   e  and the diode chip  10   e , and the other end is connected to the electrode pattern  12   d.    
         [0057]    One end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal  2  is connected to a portion of the electrode pattern  12   a  adjacent to the diode chip  10   e , and the other end protrudes outwardly from a side of the mold resin  8  that is on the opposite side from the direction in which the output terminals  4  to  6  and the control terminal groups  7   a ,  7   c , and  7   e  protrude. 
         [0058]    On the other hand, the direct-current low-voltage terminal  3  is connected in a shared manner to emitter pads (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chips  9   b ,  9   d , and  9   f  and to anode pads (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective diode chips  10   b ,  10   d , and  10   f . One end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal  3  and one end of each of the control terminal groups  7   b ,  7   d , and  7   f  of the respective IGBT chips  9   b ,  9   d , and  9   f  protrude in the same direction outwardly from the side that is on the opposite side from the direction in which the output terminals  4  to  6  and the control terminal groups  7   a ,  7   c , and  7   e  protrude. Note that the one end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal  3  protrudes from a location adjacent to the control terminal group  7   f , and the other end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal  2  protrudes so as to be adjacent to the direct-current low-voltage terminal  3  on the side opposite to the control terminal group  7   f.    
         [0059]    In the power semiconductor device module  100  described above, a voltage applied between a gate pad, a current sense pad, the anode and cathode pads of a temperature sense diode, and an emitter electrode is very small and is on the order of 15 to 20 V at the maximum. Hence, the insulation distance between the control terminals in the control terminal groups  7   a  to  7   f  connected to those pads and the electrode can be reduced and thus the control terminals can be disposed so as to be close to each other. 
         [0060]    In addition, the output terminal  4  corresponds to the emitter electrode of the IGBT chip  9   a , the output terminal  5  corresponds to the emitter electrode of the IGBT chip  9   c , and the output terminal  6  corresponds to the emitter electrode of the IGBT chip  9   e . Hence, since voltages applied between the output terminal  4  and the control terminal group  7   a  of the IGBT chip  9   a , between the output terminal  5  and the control terminal group  7   c  of the IGBT chip  9   c , and between the output terminal  6  and the control terminal group  7   e  of the IGBT chip  9   e  are also very small, the insulation distance therebetween can be reduced and thus they can be disposed so as to be close to each other. 
         [0061]    In addition, since the direct-current low-voltage terminal  3  corresponds to the emitter electrodes of the IGBT chips  9   b ,  9   d , and  9   f , a voltage applied between the direct-current low-voltage terminal  3  and the control terminal groups  7   b ,  7   d , and  7   f  of the IGBT chips  9   b ,  9   d , and  9   f  is also very small. Hence, the insulation distance therebetween can be reduced and thus they can be disposed so as to be close to each other. In addition, since a voltage applied between the control terminal groups  7   b ,  7   d , and  7   f  is also very small, the insulation distance therebetween can be reduced and thus they can be disposed so as to be close to each other. 
         [0062]    By thus using the temperature sense diodes  51  and  52  only in the IGBT chips  9   c  and  9   d  which have the highest possibility of increasing in temperature, and connecting the anode terminal  734  and the cathode terminal  735  to the temperature sense diode  51  and connecting the anode terminal  744  and the cathode terminal  745  to the temperature sense diode  52 , temperature control can be performed, and the power semiconductor device module  100  can be miniaturized by reducing the number of control terminals. 
         [0063]    In addition, by allowing the direct-current high-voltage terminal  2  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  3  to protrude outwardly so as to be adjacent and close to each other, the wiring inductance between the direct-current high-voltage terminal  2  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  3  can be reduced. 
       Second Preferred Embodiment 
       [0064]      FIG. 4  is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module  200  of a second preferred embodiment according to the present invention, and  FIG. 5  is a side view as viewed from the side of a direct-current high-voltage terminal  21 . In both drawings, a mold resin  25  is omitted.  FIG. 6  is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module  200 . 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the power semiconductor device module  200  includes four semiconductor chip groups  28   a ,  28   b ,  28   c , and  28   d  including IGBT chips  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c , and  26   d  having a temperature detection function; and diode chips  27   a ,  27   b ,  27   c , and  27   d  which are connected in anti-parallel with the IGBT chips  26   a  to  26   d , respectively. 
         [0066]    The semiconductor chip groups  28   a  and  28   b  in a set and the semiconductor chip groups  28   c  and  28   d  in a set each are connected in parallel with each other, and the set of the semiconductor chip groups  28   a  and  28   b  and the set of the semiconductor chip groups  28   c  and  28   d  are connected in series with each other. 
         [0067]    An output terminal  23  is connected to a connection node where the sets of semiconductor chip groups are connected in series with each other. The direct-current high-voltage terminal  21  is connected to a connection node between the collector sides of the IGBT chips  26   a  and  26   b  (the cathode sides of the diode chips  27   a  and  27   b ) included in the semiconductor chip groups  28   a  and  28   b.    
         [0068]    A direct-current low-voltage terminal  22  is connected to a connection node between the emitter sides of the IGBT chips  26   c  and  26   d  (the anode sides of the diode chips  27   c  and  27   d ) included in the semiconductor chip groups  28   c  and  28   d.    
         [0069]    With the above-described configuration, it can be said that the semiconductor chip groups  28   a  and  28   c  are a single inverter composed of transistors and free wheeling diodes which are inserted in series between the direct-current high-voltage terminal  21  (which provides a first potential) and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  22  (which provides a second potential) and which operate complementarily, and it can be said that the semiconductor chip groups  28   b  and  28   d  are a single inverter composed of transistors and free wheeling diodes which are inserted in series between the direct-current high-voltage terminal  21  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  22  and which operate complementarily. 
         [0070]    The two inverters share a common output terminal, and the IGBT chips  26   a  and  26   b  in a set included in the semiconductor chip groups  28   a  and  28   b  operate in a common manner, the IGBT chips  26   c  and  26   d  in a set included in the semiconductor chip groups  28   c  and  28   d  operate in a common manner, and the set of the IGBT chips  26   a  and  26   b  and the set of the IGBT chips  26   c  and  26   d  operate complementarily, whereby a half-bridge circuit is formed. 
         [0071]    In addition, control terminal groups  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c , and  24   d  are connected to the IGBT chips  26   a  to  26   d , respectively. 
         [0072]    The control terminal group  24   a  includes a gate terminal  2411  that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip  26   a ; an emitter sense terminal  2412  that detects an output from an emitter; a current sense terminal  2413  for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip  26   a ; and an anode terminal  2414  and a cathode terminal  2415  of a temperature sense diode  61  for detecting a temperature of the IGBT chip  26   a.    
         [0073]    The control terminal group  24   b  includes a gate terminal  2421  that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip  26   b ; an emitter sense terminal  2422  that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal  2423  for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip  26   b.    
         [0074]    The control terminal group  24   c  includes a gate terminal  2431  that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip  26   c ; an emitter sense terminal  2432  that detects an output from an emitter; a current sense terminal  2433  for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip  26   c ; and an anode terminal  2434  and a cathode terminal  2435  of a temperature sense diode  62  for detecting a temperature of the IGBT chip  26   c.    
         [0075]    The control terminal group  24   d  includes a gate terminal  2441  that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip  26   d ; an emitter sense terminal  2442  that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal  2443  for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip  26   d.    
         [0076]    As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the gate terminals  2411 ,  2421 ,  2431 , and  2441  are electrically connected to gate pads (not shown) of the IGBT chips  26   a  to  26   d , respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum, and the emitter sense terminals  2412 ,  2422 ,  2432 , and  2442  are electrically connected to emitter electrodes (not shown) of the IGBT chips  26   a  to  26   d , respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum. 
         [0077]    In addition, the current sense terminals  2413 ,  2423 ,  2433 , and  2443  are electrically connected to current sense pads (not shown) of the IGBT chips  26   a  to  26   d , respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum. 
         [0078]    The anode terminal  2414  and the cathode terminal  2415  are electrically connected to an anode pad (not shown) and a cathode pad (not shown) of the temperature sense diode  61 , respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum, and the anode terminal  2434  and the cathode terminal  2435  are electrically connected to an anode pad (not shown) and a cathode pad (not shown) of the temperature sense diode  62 , respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum. 
         [0079]    As such, the power semiconductor device module  200  forms a half-bridge circuit in which two semiconductor chip groups are connected in parallel with each other, and includes control terminals for detecting currents and temperatures to protect the IGBT chips from overcurrent and overheat. 
         [0080]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the IGBT chips  26   a  and  26   b  and the diode chips  27   a  and  27   b  which serve as the high-voltage side are provided on an electrode pattern  29   a  in a line in the order of the IGBT chips  26   a  and  26   b , and the diode chips  27   a  and  27   b  are provided in a line in this order in parallel with the IGBT chips  26   a  and  26   b . Note that one end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal  21  is connected to a portion of the electrode pattern  29   a  adjacent to the diode chip  27   b , and the other end protrudes from a side of the mold resin  25  so as to pass through over an edge portion of an electrode pattern  29   b  on the side of the IGBT chip  26   d  and the diode chip  27   d.    
         [0081]    Note that, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the IGBT chip  26   b  and the diode chip  27   b  are mounted on the electrode pattern  29   a  with solder layers  14   a  and  14   b  respectively provided therebetween, and the same applies to the IGBT chip  26   a  and the diode chip  27   a.    
         [0082]    Note also that the IGBT chip  26   d  and the diode chip  27   d  are mounted on the electrode pattern  29   b  with solder layers  14   c  and  14   d  respectively provided therebetween, and the same applies to the IGBT chip  26   c  and the diode chip  27   c.    
         [0083]    The electrode patterns  29   a  and  29   b  are formed of a metal such as copper, and are arranged on an insulating substrate  33  formed of a filler-filled epoxy resin, ceramic, etc. 
         [0084]    The IGBT chips  26   a  and  26   b  and the diode chips  27   a  and  27   b  are connected to a location shifted in an upper direction from the center of the electrode pattern  29   a  in order to secure the location of connection of the direct-current high-voltage terminal  21  to the electrode pattern  29   a . Hence, the IGBT chip  26   a  connected to a location closer to an edge of the electrode pattern  29   a  has a lower cooling capability than the IGBT chip  26   b  and thus there is a possibility that the temperature of the IGBT chip  26   a  becomes higher than that of the IGBT chip  26   b  due to heat generation caused by passage of current. This is due to the fact that since the IGBT chip  26   a  is located near the edge of the electrode pattern  29   a , the heating surface area is reduced. 
         [0085]    The IGBT chips  26   c  and  26   d  and the diode chips  27   c  and  27   d  which serve as the low-voltage side are provided on the electrode pattern  29   b  which is provided in parallel with the electrode pattern  29   a , such that the IGBT chips  26   c  and  26   d  are provided in a line in this order and the diode chips  27   c  and  27   d  are provided in a line in this order in parallel with the IGBT chips  26   c  and  26   d.    
         [0086]    Note that the IGBT chips  26   c  and  26   d  and the diode chips  27   c  and  27   d  are also connected to a location shifted in an upper direction from the center of the electrode pattern  29   b  in order to secure a route where the direct-current high-voltage terminal  21  is provided. Hence, the IGBT chip  26   c  connected to a location closer to an edge of the electrode pattern  29   b  has a lower cooling capability than the IGBT chip  26   d  and thus there is a possibility that the temperature of the IGBT chip  26   c  becomes higher than that of the IGBT chip  26   d  due to heat generation caused by passage of current. This is due to the fact that since the IGBT chip  26   c  is located near the edge of the electrode pattern  29   b , the heating surface area is reduced. 
         [0087]    Therefore, locations where temperature is monitored for overheat protection operation of the IGBT chips are only the IGBT chips  26   a  and  26   c  which have the highest possibility of increasing in temperature. 
         [0088]    One end of the output terminal  23  and one end of each of the control terminal groups  24   a  and  24   b  of the respective IGBT chips  26   a  and  26   b  protrude in the same direction outwardly from one side of the mold resin  25  whose top-view shape is rectangular. Note that the output terminal  23  and the control terminal groups  24   a  and  24   b  protrude outwardly so as to be close to each other. 
         [0089]    Note that the one end of the output terminal  23  is connected in a shared manner to emitter pads (not shown) and anode pads (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chips  26   a  and  26   b  and the respective diode chips  27   a  and  27   b , and the other end is connected to the electrode pattern  29   b.    
         [0090]    On the other hand, one end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal  22  is connected in a shared manner to emitter pads (not shown) and anode pads (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chips  26   c  and  26   d  and the respective diode chips  27   c  and  27   d , and the other end together with the control terminal groups  24   c  and  24   d  of the IGBT chips  26   c  and  26   d  protrudes in the same direction outwardly from a side of the mold resin  25  that is on the opposite side from the direction in which the output terminal  23  and the control terminal groups  24   a  and  24   b  protrude, such that the other end and the control terminal groups  24   c  and  24   d  are close to one another. 
         [0091]    Note that the other end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal  22  protrudes from a location adjacent to the control terminal group  24   d , and the other end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal  21  protrudes so as to be adjacent to the direct-current low-voltage terminal  22  on the side opposite to the control terminal group  24   d.    
         [0092]    In the power semiconductor device module  200  described above, by using the temperature sense diodes  61  and  62  only in the IGBT chips  26   a  and  26   c  which have the highest possibility of increasing in temperatures, and connecting the anode terminal  2414  and the cathode terminal  2415  to the temperature sense diode  61  and connecting the anode terminal  2434  and the cathode terminal  2435  to the temperature sense diode  62 , temperature control can be performed, and the power semiconductor device module  200  can be miniaturized by reducing the number of control terminals. 
         [0093]    In addition, by allowing the direct-current high-voltage terminal  21  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  22  to protrude outwardly so as to be adjacent and close to each other, the wiring inductance between the direct-current high-voltage terminal  21  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  22  can be reduced. 
       Third Preferred Embodiment 
       [0094]      FIG. 7  is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module  300  of a third preferred embodiment according to the present invention, and  FIG. 8  is a side view as viewed from the side of a direct-current high-voltage terminal  31  and a direct-current low-voltage terminal  32 . In both drawings, a mold resin  8  is omitted. 
         [0095]    Note that the power semiconductor device module  300  has the same circuit configuration as the power semiconductor device module  100  of the first preferred embodiment, and is configured as a three-phase inverter circuit and includes control terminals for detecting currents and temperatures to protect IGBT chips from overcurrent and overheat. Note that the same components as those of the power semiconductor device module  100  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are denoted by the same reference characters and overlapping description is omitted. 
         [0096]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , in the power semiconductor device module  300 , the direct-current high-voltage terminal  31  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  32  are provided instead of the direct-current high-voltage terminal  2  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  3 , and the direct-current high-voltage terminal  31  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  32  are configured to protrude outwardly from a side of the mold resin  8  in a direction differing by 90 degrees from sides of the mold resin  8  from which control terminal groups  7   a  to  7   f  protrude outwardly. 
         [0097]    Namely, one end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal  31  is connected to a portion of an electrode pattern  12   a  adjacent to a diode chip  10   e , and the other end protrudes from a side of the mold resin  8  closest thereto. One end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal  32  protrudes from the side of the mold resin  8  from which the direct-current high-voltage terminal  31  protrudes, so as to be adjacent and close to the direct-current high-voltage terminal  31 . 
         [0098]    In general, in a power semiconductor device module for a three-phase inverter, a direct-current voltage source is connected to a direct-current high-voltage terminal and a direct-current low-voltage terminal, and a load such as a three-phase motor is connected to three-phase output terminals. With such a configuration, by repetition of switching operation (ON/OFF operation) of IGBT chips  9   a  to  9   f  and diode chips  10   a  to  10   f , three-phase alternating currents are supplied to the load. 
         [0099]    Due to the change in current with time (di/dt) caused by the switching operation, there is a possibility that an induced electromotive force caused by electromagnetic induction may be generated in a neighboring electric circuit. If such an induced electromotive force is superimposed on a gate drive circuit of an IGBT chip or a signal circuit of a temperature sensor, etc., then there is a possibility that stable switching operation or secure protection operation may be affected. 
         [0100]    In the power semiconductor device module  300 , since the direct-current high-voltage terminal  31  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  32  protrude outwardly from a side of the mold resin  8  in a direction differing by 90 degrees from sides of the mold resin  8  from which the control terminal groups  7   a  to  7   f  protrude outwardly, a magnetic flux generated between the direct-current high-voltage terminal  31  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  32  does not interlink with the control terminal groups  7   a  to  7   f , enabling to prevent electromagnetic induction. 
         [0101]    In  FIG. 7 , the directions of magnetic fields generated near the direct-current high-voltage terminal  31  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  32  are indicated by symbols. Since the currents (indicated by arrows) flowing through the direct-current high-voltage terminal  31  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  32 , respectively, are in opposite directions, magnetic fields generated around the direct-current high-voltage terminal  31  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  32  by each of the currents are only present between the direct-current high-voltage terminal  31  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  32  and near the direct-current high-voltage terminal  31  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  32 , and cancel each other out at a sufficiently distant location. 
         [0102]    Hence, stable operation of the IGBT chips and protection operation can be obtained without generating an induced electromotive force in the gate drive circuits of the IGBT chips, the temperature sensor circuits, etc. 
       Fourth Preferred Embodiment 
       [0103]      FIG. 9  is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module  400  of a fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention, and  FIG. 10  is a side view as viewed from the side of a direct-current high-voltage terminal  41  and a direct-current low-voltage terminal  42 . In both drawings, a mold resin  25  is omitted. Note that the power semiconductor device module  400  has the same circuit configuration as the power semiconductor device module  200  of the second preferred embodiment, and forms a half-bridge circuit in which two semiconductor chip groups are connected in parallel with each other, and includes control terminals for detecting currents and temperatures to protect IGBT chips from overcurrent and overheat. Note that the same components as those of the power semiconductor device module  200  shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  are denoted by the same reference characters and overlapping description is omitted. 
         [0104]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , in the power semiconductor device module  400 , the direct-current high-voltage terminal  41  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  42  are provided instead of the direct-current high-voltage terminal  21  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  22 , and the direct-current high-voltage terminal  41  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  42  are configured to protrude outwardly from a side of the mold resin  25  in a direction differing by 90 degrees from sides of the mold resin  25  from which control terminal groups  24   a  to  24   d  protrude outwardly. 
         [0105]    One end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal  41  is connected to a portion of an electrode pattern  29   a  adjacent to a diode chip  27   b , and the other end protrudes from a side of the mold resin  25  closest thereto. One end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal  42  protrudes from the side of the mold resin  25  from which the direct-current high-voltage terminal  41  protrudes, so as to be adjacent and close to the direct-current high-voltage terminal  41 . 
         [0106]    With such a configuration, as in the third preferred embodiment, a magnetic flux generated near the direct-current high-voltage terminal  41  and the direct-current low-voltage terminal  42  does not link with the control terminal groups  24   a  to  24   d , enabling to prevent electromagnetic induction. Hence, stable operation of the IGBT chips and protection operation can be obtained without generating an induced electromotive force in the gate drive circuits of the IGBT chips, the temperature sensor circuits, etc. 
         [0107]    Note that the preferred embodiments may be freely combined or may be appropriately modified or omitted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0108]    While the invention has been shown and described in detail, the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It is therefore understood that numerous modifications and variations can be devised without departing from the scope of the invention.