Power semiconductor device module

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.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

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).

2. Description of the Background Art

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 1is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module100of a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention, andFIG. 2is a side view as viewed from the side of a direct-current high-voltage terminal2. In both drawings, a mold resin8is omitted.FIG. 3is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module100.

As shown inFIG. 3, the power semiconductor device module100includes six semiconductor chip groups11a,11b,11c,11d,11e, and11fincluding IGBT chips9a,9b,9c,9d,9e, and9fhaving a temperature detection function; and diode chips10a,10b,10c,10d,10e, and10fwhich are connected in anti-parallel with the IGBT chips9ato9f, respectively.

The semiconductor chip groups11aand11bin a set, the semiconductor chip groups11cand11din a set, and the semiconductor chip groups11eand11fin a set each are connected in series with each other, and output terminals4,5, and6are connected to the respective connection nodes.

The collector sides of the IGBT chips9a,9c, and9e(the cathode sides of the diode chips10a,10c, and10e) included in the semiconductor chip groups11a,11c, and11eare connected in parallel with one another, and the direct-current high-voltage terminal2is connected to the connection node therebetween.

The emitter sides of the IGBT chips9b,9d, and9f(the anode sides of the diode chips10b,10d, and10f) included in the semiconductor chip groups11b,11d, and11fare connected in parallel with one another, and a direct-current low-voltage terminal3is connected to the connection node therebetween.

Control terminal groups7a,7b,7c,7d,7e, and7fare connected to the IGBT chips9ato9f, respectively.

By the above-described configuration, it can be said that the semiconductor chip groups11aand11bare a single inverter composed of transistors and free wheeling diodes which are inserted in series between the direct-current high-voltage terminal2(which provides a first potential) and the direct-current low-voltage terminal3(which provides a second potential) and which operate complementarily.

In addition, the semiconductor chip groups11cand11dcan 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 terminal2and the direct-current low-voltage terminal3and which operate complementarily.

In addition, the semiconductor chip groups11eand11fcan 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 terminal2and the direct-current low-voltage terminal3and which operate complementarily.

The control terminal group7aincludes a gate terminal711that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip9a; an emitter sense terminal712that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal713for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip9a.

The control terminal group7bincludes a gate terminal721that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip9b; an emitter sense terminal722that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal723for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip9b.

The control terminal group7cincludes a gate terminal731that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip9c; an emitter sense terminal732that detects an output from an emitter; a current sense terminal733for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip9c; and an anode terminal734and a cathode terminal735of a temperature sense diode51for detecting a temperature of the IGBT chip9c.

The control terminal group7dincludes a gate terminal741that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip9d; an emitter sense terminal742that detects an output from an emitter; a current sense terminal743for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip9d; and an anode terminal744and a cathode terminal745of a temperature sense diode52for detecting a temperature of the IGBT chip9d.

Note that the temperature sense diodes51and52are provided within the IGBT chips9cand9d, 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 inFIG. 3.

The control terminal group7eincludes a gate terminal751that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip9e; an emitter sense terminal752that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal753for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip9e.

The control terminal group7fincludes a gate terminal761that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip9f; an emitter sense terminal762that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal763for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip9f.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the gate terminals711,721,731,741,751, and761are electrically connected to gate pads (not shown) of the IGBT chips9ato9f, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum, and the emitter sense terminals712,722,732,742,752, and762are electrically connected to emitter electrodes (not shown) of the IGBT chips9ato9f, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum.

In addition, the current sense terminals713,723,733,743,753, and763are electrically connected to current sense pads (not shown) of the IGBT chips9ato9f, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum.

The anode terminal734and the cathode terminal735are electrically connected to an anode pad (not shown) and a cathode pad (not shown) of the temperature sense diode51, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum, and the anode terminal744and the cathode terminal745are electrically connected to an anode pad (not shown) and a cathode pad (not shown) of the temperature sense diode52, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum.

As such, the power semiconductor device module100is 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.

As shown inFIG. 1, the IGBT chips9a,9c, and9eand the diode chips10a,10c, and10ewhich serve as the high-voltage side are provided on an electrode pattern12asuch that the IGBT chips9a,9c, and9eare provided in a line in this order and the diode chips10a,10c, and10eare provided in a line in this order in parallel with the IGBT chips9a,9c, and9e. Note that the IGBT chips9a,9c, and9eare arranged at a location near the outer side of the power semiconductor device module100, and the diode chips10a,10c, and10eare arranged at a location near the center of the power semiconductor device module100.

Note that, as shown inFIG. 2, the IGBT chip9eand the diode chip10eare mounted on the electrode pattern12awith solder layers14aand14brespectively provided therebetween, and the same applies to the IGBT chips9aand9cand the diode chips10aand10c.

The IGBT chip9band the diode chip10bwhich serve as the low-voltage side are provided in parallel with each other on an electrode pattern12b. On the electrode pattern12b, the diode chip10bis arranged at a location near the center of the power semiconductor device module100, and the IGBT chip9bis arranged at a location near the outer side of the power semiconductor device module100.

The IGBT chip9dand the diode chip10dwhich serve as the low-voltage side are provided in parallel with each other on an electrode pattern12c. On the electrode pattern12c, the diode chip10dis arranged at a location near the center of the power semiconductor device module100, and the IGBT chip9dis arranged at a location near the outer side of the power semiconductor device module100.

The IGBT chip9fand the diode chip10fwhich serve as the low-voltage side are provided in parallel with each other on an electrode pattern12d. On the electrode pattern12d, the diode chip10fis arranged at a location near the center of the power semiconductor device module100, and the IGBT chip9fis arranged at a location near the outer side of the power semiconductor device module100.

Note that, as shown inFIG. 2, the IGBT chip9fand the diode chip10fare mounted on the electrode pattern12dwith solder layers14cand14drespectively provided therebetween, and the same applies to the IGBT chips9band9dand the diode chips10band10dexcept that the electrode patterns to which they are mounted are different from the electrode pattern12d.

Note that the electrode patterns12ato12dare formed of a metal such as copper, and are arranged on an insulating substrate13formed of a filler-filled epoxy resin, ceramic, etc., and the electrode patterns12bto12dare provided in a line in the order of the electrode patterns12bto12dso as to be adjacent to the electrode pattern12a.

As described above, since the IGBT chip9cis sandwiched between the IGBT chips9aand9e, the IGBT chip9chas a lower cooling capability than the IGBT chips9aand9eand thus there is a possibility that the temperature of the IGBT chip9cbecomes higher than those of the IGBT chips9aand9edue to heat generation caused by passage of current. Likewise, since the IGBT chip9dis sandwiched between the IGBT chips9band9f, the IGBT chip9dhas a lower cooling capability than the IGBT chips9band9fand thus there is a possibility that the temperature of the IGBT chip9dbecomes higher than those of the IGBT chips9band9fdue to heat generation caused by passage of current.

Therefore, locations where temperature is monitored for overheat protection operation of the IGBT chips are only the IGBT chips9cand9dwhich have the highest possibility of increasing in temperature.

One end of each of the output terminals4to6and one end of each of the control terminal groups7a,7c, and7eof the respective IGBT chips9a,9c, and9eprotrude in the same direction outwardly from one side of the mold resin8whose top-view shape is rectangular. The output terminal4and the control terminal group7a, the output terminal5and the control terminal group7c, and the output terminal6and the control terminal group7eprotrude outwardly so as to be close to each other.

Note that the one end of the output terminal4is connected to an emitter pad (not shown) and an anode pad (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chip9aand the diode chip10a, and the other end is connected to the electrode pattern12b.

The one end of the output terminal5is connected to an emitter pad (not shown) and an anode pad (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chip9cand the diode chip10c, and the other end is connected to the electrode pattern12c.

The one end of the output terminal6is connected to an emitter pad (not shown) and an anode pad (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chip9eand the diode chip10e, and the other end is connected to the electrode pattern12d.

One end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal2is connected to a portion of the electrode pattern12aadjacent to the diode chip10e, and the other end protrudes outwardly from a side of the mold resin8that is on the opposite side from the direction in which the output terminals4to6and the control terminal groups7a,7c, and7eprotrude.

On the other hand, the direct-current low-voltage terminal3is connected in a shared manner to emitter pads (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chips9b,9d, and9fand to anode pads (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective diode chips10b,10d, and10f. One end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal3and one end of each of the control terminal groups7b,7d, and7fof the respective IGBT chips9b,9d, and9fprotrude in the same direction outwardly from the side that is on the opposite side from the direction in which the output terminals4to6and the control terminal groups7a,7c, and7eprotrude. Note that the one end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal3protrudes from a location adjacent to the control terminal group7f, and the other end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal2protrudes so as to be adjacent to the direct-current low-voltage terminal3on the side opposite to the control terminal group7f.

In the power semiconductor device module100described 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 groups7ato7fconnected 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.

In addition, the output terminal4corresponds to the emitter electrode of the IGBT chip9a, the output terminal5corresponds to the emitter electrode of the IGBT chip9c, and the output terminal6corresponds to the emitter electrode of the IGBT chip9e. Hence, since voltages applied between the output terminal4and the control terminal group7aof the IGBT chip9a, between the output terminal5and the control terminal group7cof the IGBT chip9c, and between the output terminal6and the control terminal group7eof the IGBT chip9eare also very small, the insulation distance therebetween can be reduced and thus they can be disposed so as to be close to each other.

In addition, since the direct-current low-voltage terminal3corresponds to the emitter electrodes of the IGBT chips9b,9d, and9f, a voltage applied between the direct-current low-voltage terminal3and the control terminal groups7b,7d, and7fof the IGBT chips9b,9d, and9fis 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 groups7b,7d, and7fis also very small, the insulation distance therebetween can be reduced and thus they can be disposed so as to be close to each other.

By thus using the temperature sense diodes51and52only in the IGBT chips9cand9dwhich have the highest possibility of increasing in temperature, and connecting the anode terminal734and the cathode terminal735to the temperature sense diode51and connecting the anode terminal744and the cathode terminal745to the temperature sense diode52, temperature control can be performed, and the power semiconductor device module100can be miniaturized by reducing the number of control terminals.

In addition, by allowing the direct-current high-voltage terminal2and the direct-current low-voltage terminal3to protrude outwardly so as to be adjacent and close to each other, the wiring inductance between the direct-current high-voltage terminal2and the direct-current low-voltage terminal3can be reduced.

Second Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 4is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module200of a second preferred embodiment according to the present invention, andFIG. 5is a side view as viewed from the side of a direct-current high-voltage terminal21. In both drawings, a mold resin25is omitted.FIG. 6is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module200.

As shown inFIG. 6, the power semiconductor device module200includes four semiconductor chip groups28a,28b,28c, and28dincluding IGBT chips26a,26b,26c, and26dhaving a temperature detection function; and diode chips27a,27b,27c, and27dwhich are connected in anti-parallel with the IGBT chips26ato26d, respectively.

The semiconductor chip groups28aand28bin a set and the semiconductor chip groups28cand28din a set each are connected in parallel with each other, and the set of the semiconductor chip groups28aand28band the set of the semiconductor chip groups28cand28dare connected in series with each other.

An output terminal23is connected to a connection node where the sets of semiconductor chip groups are connected in series with each other. The direct-current high-voltage terminal21is connected to a connection node between the collector sides of the IGBT chips26aand26b(the cathode sides of the diode chips27aand27b) included in the semiconductor chip groups28aand28b.

A direct-current low-voltage terminal22is connected to a connection node between the emitter sides of the IGBT chips26cand26d(the anode sides of the diode chips27cand27d) included in the semiconductor chip groups28cand28d.

With the above-described configuration, it can be said that the semiconductor chip groups28aand28care a single inverter composed of transistors and free wheeling diodes which are inserted in series between the direct-current high-voltage terminal21(which provides a first potential) and the direct-current low-voltage terminal22(which provides a second potential) and which operate complementarily, and it can be said that the semiconductor chip groups28band28dare a single inverter composed of transistors and free wheeling diodes which are inserted in series between the direct-current high-voltage terminal21and the direct-current low-voltage terminal22and which operate complementarily.

The two inverters share a common output terminal, and the IGBT chips26aand26bin a set included in the semiconductor chip groups28aand28boperate in a common manner, the IGBT chips26cand26din a set included in the semiconductor chip groups28cand28doperate in a common manner, and the set of the IGBT chips26aand26band the set of the IGBT chips26cand26doperate complementarily, whereby a half-bridge circuit is formed.

In addition, control terminal groups24a,24b,24c, and24dare connected to the IGBT chips26ato26d, respectively.

The control terminal group24aincludes a gate terminal2411that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip26a; an emitter sense terminal2412that detects an output from an emitter; a current sense terminal2413for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip26a; and an anode terminal2414and a cathode terminal2415of a temperature sense diode61for detecting a temperature of the IGBT chip26a.

The control terminal group24bincludes a gate terminal2421that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip26b; an emitter sense terminal2422that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal2423for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip26b.

The control terminal group24cincludes a gate terminal2431that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip26c; an emitter sense terminal2432that detects an output from an emitter; a current sense terminal2433for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip26c; and an anode terminal2434and a cathode terminal2435of a temperature sense diode62for detecting a temperature of the IGBT chip26c.

The control terminal group24dincludes a gate terminal2441that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip26d; an emitter sense terminal2442that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal2443for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip26d.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the gate terminals2411,2421,2431, and2441are electrically connected to gate pads (not shown) of the IGBT chips26ato26d, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum, and the emitter sense terminals2412,2422,2432, and2442are electrically connected to emitter electrodes (not shown) of the IGBT chips26ato26d, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum.

In addition, the current sense terminals2413,2423,2433, and2443are electrically connected to current sense pads (not shown) of the IGBT chips26ato26d, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum.

The anode terminal2414and the cathode terminal2415are electrically connected to an anode pad (not shown) and a cathode pad (not shown) of the temperature sense diode61, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum, and the anode terminal2434and the cathode terminal2435are electrically connected to an anode pad (not shown) and a cathode pad (not shown) of the temperature sense diode62, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum.

As such, the power semiconductor device module200forms 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.

As shown inFIG. 4, the IGBT chips26aand26band the diode chips27aand27bwhich serve as the high-voltage side are provided on an electrode pattern29ain a line in the order of the IGBT chips26aand26b, and the diode chips27aand27bare provided in a line in this order in parallel with the IGBT chips26aand26b. Note that one end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal21is connected to a portion of the electrode pattern29aadjacent to the diode chip27b, and the other end protrudes from a side of the mold resin25so as to pass through over an edge portion of an electrode pattern29bon the side of the IGBT chip26dand the diode chip27d.

Note that, as shown inFIG. 5, the IGBT chip26band the diode chip27bare mounted on the electrode pattern29awith solder layers14aand14brespectively provided therebetween, and the same applies to the IGBT chip26aand the diode chip27a.

Note also that the IGBT chip26dand the diode chip27dare mounted on the electrode pattern29bwith solder layers14cand14drespectively provided therebetween, and the same applies to the IGBT chip26cand the diode chip27c.

The electrode patterns29aand29bare formed of a metal such as copper, and are arranged on an insulating substrate33formed of a filler-filled epoxy resin, ceramic, etc.

The IGBT chips26aand26band the diode chips27aand27bare connected to a location shifted in an upper direction from the center of the electrode pattern29ain order to secure the location of connection of the direct-current high-voltage terminal21to the electrode pattern29a. Hence, the IGBT chip26aconnected to a location closer to an edge of the electrode pattern29ahas a lower cooling capability than the IGBT chip26band thus there is a possibility that the temperature of the IGBT chip26abecomes higher than that of the IGBT chip26bdue to heat generation caused by passage of current. This is due to the fact that since the IGBT chip26ais located near the edge of the electrode pattern29a, the heating surface area is reduced.

The IGBT chips26cand26dand the diode chips27cand27dwhich serve as the low-voltage side are provided on the electrode pattern29bwhich is provided in parallel with the electrode pattern29a, such that the IGBT chips26cand26dare provided in a line in this order and the diode chips27cand27dare provided in a line in this order in parallel with the IGBT chips26cand26d.

Note that the IGBT chips26cand26dand the diode chips27cand27dare also connected to a location shifted in an upper direction from the center of the electrode pattern29bin order to secure a route where the direct-current high-voltage terminal21is provided. Hence, the IGBT chip26cconnected to a location closer to an edge of the electrode pattern29bhas a lower cooling capability than the IGBT chip26dand thus there is a possibility that the temperature of the IGBT chip26cbecomes higher than that of the IGBT chip26ddue to heat generation caused by passage of current. This is due to the fact that since the IGBT chip26cis located near the edge of the electrode pattern29b, the heating surface area is reduced.

Therefore, locations where temperature is monitored for overheat protection operation of the IGBT chips are only the IGBT chips26aand26cwhich have the highest possibility of increasing in temperature.

One end of the output terminal23and one end of each of the control terminal groups24aand24bof the respective IGBT chips26aand26bprotrude in the same direction outwardly from one side of the mold resin25whose top-view shape is rectangular. Note that the output terminal23and the control terminal groups24aand24bprotrude outwardly so as to be close to each other.

Note that the one end of the output terminal23is connected in a shared manner to emitter pads (not shown) and anode pads (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chips26aand26band the respective diode chips27aand27b, and the other end is connected to the electrode pattern29b.

On the other hand, one end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal22is connected in a shared manner to emitter pads (not shown) and anode pads (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chips26cand26dand the respective diode chips27cand27d, and the other end together with the control terminal groups24cand24dof the IGBT chips26cand26dprotrudes in the same direction outwardly from a side of the mold resin25that is on the opposite side from the direction in which the output terminal23and the control terminal groups24aand24bprotrude, such that the other end and the control terminal groups24cand24dare close to one another.

Note that the other end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal22protrudes from a location adjacent to the control terminal group24d, and the other end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal21protrudes so as to be adjacent to the direct-current low-voltage terminal22on the side opposite to the control terminal group24d.

In the power semiconductor device module200described above, by using the temperature sense diodes61and62only in the IGBT chips26aand26cwhich have the highest possibility of increasing in temperatures, and connecting the anode terminal2414and the cathode terminal2415to the temperature sense diode61and connecting the anode terminal2434and the cathode terminal2435to the temperature sense diode62, temperature control can be performed, and the power semiconductor device module200can be miniaturized by reducing the number of control terminals.

In addition, by allowing the direct-current high-voltage terminal21and the direct-current low-voltage terminal22to protrude outwardly so as to be adjacent and close to each other, the wiring inductance between the direct-current high-voltage terminal21and the direct-current low-voltage terminal22can be reduced.

Third Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 7is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module300of a third preferred embodiment according to the present invention, andFIG. 8is a side view as viewed from the side of a direct-current high-voltage terminal31and a direct-current low-voltage terminal32. In both drawings, a mold resin8is omitted.

Note that the power semiconductor device module300has the same circuit configuration as the power semiconductor device module100of 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 module100shown inFIGS. 1 and 2are denoted by the same reference characters and overlapping description is omitted.

As shown inFIG. 7, in the power semiconductor device module300, the direct-current high-voltage terminal31and the direct-current low-voltage terminal32are provided instead of the direct-current high-voltage terminal2and the direct-current low-voltage terminal3, and the direct-current high-voltage terminal31and the direct-current low-voltage terminal32are configured to protrude outwardly from a side of the mold resin8in a direction differing by 90 degrees from sides of the mold resin8from which control terminal groups7ato7fprotrude outwardly.

Namely, one end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal31is connected to a portion of an electrode pattern12aadjacent to a diode chip10e, and the other end protrudes from a side of the mold resin8closest thereto. One end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal32protrudes from the side of the mold resin8from which the direct-current high-voltage terminal31protrudes, so as to be adjacent and close to the direct-current high-voltage terminal31.

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 chips9ato9fand diode chips10ato10f, three-phase alternating currents are supplied to the load.

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.

In the power semiconductor device module300, since the direct-current high-voltage terminal31and the direct-current low-voltage terminal32protrude outwardly from a side of the mold resin8in a direction differing by 90 degrees from sides of the mold resin8from which the control terminal groups7ato7fprotrude outwardly, a magnetic flux generated between the direct-current high-voltage terminal31and the direct-current low-voltage terminal32does not interlink with the control terminal groups7ato7f, enabling to prevent electromagnetic induction.

InFIG. 7, the directions of magnetic fields generated near the direct-current high-voltage terminal31and the direct-current low-voltage terminal32are indicated by symbols. Since the currents (indicated by arrows) flowing through the direct-current high-voltage terminal31and the direct-current low-voltage terminal32, respectively, are in opposite directions, magnetic fields generated around the direct-current high-voltage terminal31and the direct-current low-voltage terminal32by each of the currents are only present between the direct-current high-voltage terminal31and the direct-current low-voltage terminal32and near the direct-current high-voltage terminal31and the direct-current low-voltage terminal32, and cancel each other out at a sufficiently distant location.

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

FIG. 9is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module400of a fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention, andFIG. 10is a side view as viewed from the side of a direct-current high-voltage terminal41and a direct-current low-voltage terminal42. In both drawings, a mold resin25is omitted. Note that the power semiconductor device module400has the same circuit configuration as the power semiconductor device module200of 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 module200shown inFIGS. 4 and 5are denoted by the same reference characters and overlapping description is omitted.

As shown inFIG. 9, in the power semiconductor device module400, the direct-current high-voltage terminal41and the direct-current low-voltage terminal42are provided instead of the direct-current high-voltage terminal21and the direct-current low-voltage terminal22, and the direct-current high-voltage terminal41and the direct-current low-voltage terminal42are configured to protrude outwardly from a side of the mold resin25in a direction differing by 90 degrees from sides of the mold resin25from which control terminal groups24ato24dprotrude outwardly.

One end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal41is connected to a portion of an electrode pattern29aadjacent to a diode chip27b, and the other end protrudes from a side of the mold resin25closest thereto. One end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal42protrudes from the side of the mold resin25from which the direct-current high-voltage terminal41protrudes, so as to be adjacent and close to the direct-current high-voltage terminal41.

With such a configuration, as in the third preferred embodiment, a magnetic flux generated near the direct-current high-voltage terminal41and the direct-current low-voltage terminal42does not link with the control terminal groups24ato24d, 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.

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.