POWER MODULE HAVING A LEAD FRAME THAT PROVIDES SUBSTRATE SUPPORT AND FORMS TERMINALS OF THE POWER MODULE

A power module includes: a lead frame having a base region and leads; a plurality of substrates each having a first metallized side attached to the base region of the lead frame, a second metallized side opposite the first metallized side, and an insulating body that electrically isolates the first and second metallized sides from one another; at least one semiconductor die attached to the second metallized side of each substrate; and a mold compound encapsulating the semiconductor dies and part of the lead frame. The semiconductor dies are electrically interconnected within the power module to form part of a power electronics circuit. The base region of the lead frame is electrically isolated from the power electronics circuit by the insulating body of the substrates. The leads of the lead frame protrude from one or more side faces of the mold compound and form terminals of the power module.

BACKGROUND

Molded power modules face several technical challenges, including high material and process costs. A major cost driver for molded power modules is high performance ceramics used for isolation and die (chip) attach processes. Also, insufficient heat spreading arises within molded power modules due to insufficient space between dies and sub-optimal heat spreading through the ceramic substrates. The ceramic substrates included in molded power modules are typically exposed at the module backside. The ceramic material is mechanically delicate and has a high CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion) mismatch when sintered or soldered to an aluminum or copper cooler, causing thermo-mechanical reliability issues. The mechanical tolerances of molded power modules add up such that the exposed surface of the ceramic substrates are poorly defined, causing mold flash and variable gaps to the cooler which have to be compensated by a thick interlayer material such as solder paste. Changes to the module functionality (e.g., power output, pin configuration, etc.) require changes to the design and production concept and drive major investment.

Hence, there is a need form an improved molded power module design.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of a power module, the power module comprises: a lead frame having a base region and a plurality of leads; a plurality of substrates each having a first metallized side attached to the base region of the lead frame, a second metallized side opposite the first metallized side, and an insulating body that electrically isolates the first and second metallized sides from one another; at least one semiconductor die attached to the second metallized side of each substrate; and a mold compound encapsulating the semiconductor dies and part of the lead frame, wherein the semiconductor dies are electrically interconnected within the power module to form part of a power electronics circuit, wherein the base region of the lead frame is electrically isolated from the power electronics circuit by the insulating body of the substrates, wherein the leads of the lead frame protrude from one or more side faces of the mold compound and form terminals of the power module.

According to another embodiment of a power module, the power module comprises: a lead frame having a base region and a plurality of leads; an organic electrically insulative material applied to the base region of the lead frame; a metallization applied to the organic electrically insulative material; a plurality of semiconductor dies attached to the metallization; and a mold compound encapsulating the semiconductor dies and part of the lead frame, wherein the semiconductor dies are electrically interconnected within the power module to form part of a power electronics circuit, wherein the base region of the lead frame is electrically isolated from the power electronics circuit by the organic electrically insulative material, wherein the leads of the lead frame protrude from one or more side faces of the mold compound and form terminals of the power module.

According to an embodiment of a power module, the power module comprises: a lead frame having a base region and a plurality of leads; a plurality of power semiconductor dies supported by the base region of the lead frame; and a mold compound encapsulating the power semiconductor dies and part of the lead frame, wherein the power semiconductor dies are electrically interconnected within the power module to form part of a power electronics circuit, wherein the base region of the lead frame is electrically isolated from the power semiconductor dies, wherein the leads of the lead frame protrude from one or more side faces of the mold compound and form terminals of the power module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described herein provide a molded power module that includes a lead frame that has a base region for supporting substrates (die carriers) included in the module and leads which form terminals of the power module. The size of the substrates supported by the base region of the lead frame may be minimized since the substrates do not have to be used for current routing, thus lowering the overall cost of the module. Changes can be made to the module functionality (e.g., power output, pin configuration, etc.) without requiring a redesign of the substrates. The molded power module may be single-sided cooled or double-sided cooled. Instead of substrates (die carriers), an organic electrically insulative material may be applied to the base region of the lead frame with a metallization applied to the organic electrically insulative material. The semiconductor dies included in the module are attached to the metallization instead of substrates in this example. In either case (substrates or no substrates), the semiconductor dies included in the module are directly supported (no intermediary substrates) or indirectly supported (intermediary substrates included) by the base region of the lead frame.

Described next, with reference to the figures, are exemplary embodiments of the molded power module and methods of producing such a molded power module. Any of the molded power module embodiments described herein may be used interchangeably unless otherwise expressly stated.

FIG.1Aillustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a molded power module100.FIG.1Billustrates a cross-sectional view of the molded power module100along the line labelled A-A′ inFIG.1A. The molded power module100may form part of a power electronics circuit for use in various power applications such as in a DC/AC inverter, a DC/DC converter, an AC/DC converter, a DC/AC converter, an AC/AC converter, a multi-phase inverter, an H-bridge, etc.

The molded power module100includes a lead frame102having a base region104and leads106. The lead frame102is a metallic frame (e.g., copper, copper-alloy, iron-nickel alloy, etc.) that is formed by stamping, punching, etching, etc. and that provides external electrical connection to the semiconductor dies (chips)108included in the molded power module100via the leads106. The base region104of the lead frame102supports the semiconductor dies108.

InFIGS.1A and1B, the base region104of the lead frame102indirectly supports the semiconductor dies108since each semiconductor die108is attached to a substrate (power electronics carrier)110. More than one (1) substrate110may be included in the molded power module100and one or more semiconductor dies108may be attached to each substrate110, e.g., as shown inFIGS.1A and1B.

Each substrate110has a first metallized side112attached to the base region104of the lead frame102, a second metallized side114opposite the first metallized side112, and an insulating body116such as a ceramic that electrically isolates the first and second metallized sides112,114from one another. The base region104of the lead frame102ensures the substrates110are coplanar or nearly coplanar, reducing the overall tolerance of the molded power module100which is preferential for molding. A reduced module tolerance ensures less mold flash and lower stress on the substrates110.

The substrates110may be, e.g., DCB (direct copper bonded) substrates, AMB (active metal brazed) substrates, IMS (insulated metal substrates), etc. All substrates110may be of the same type, or different types of substrates110may be used. For example, one or more of the substrates110may be a DCB substrate and one or more other ones of the substrates110may be an AMB substrate. This way, different die types (e.g., Si and SiC) may be supported by different types of substrates110. In another example, all substrates110are DCB substrates, AMB substrates, or IMS substrates.

At least one semiconductor die108is attached to the second metallized side114of each substrate110included in the molded power module100, e.g., by sintering, soldering, diffusion soldering, brazing, gluing, etc. Unlike conventional molded power modules, the second metallized side114of each substrate110may be unpatterned (i.e., not patterned) since the substrates110are not used for current routing. Conversely, the substrates included in conventional power modules are patterned to provide current routing. Accordingly, ‘islands’ of the patterned metallization are at different potentials (e.g., DC+, DC−, gate potential, etc.). InFIGS.1A and1B, the second metallized side114of each substrate110is unpatterned. Accordingly, the entire second metallized side114of each substrate110is at a single electric potential, which may be fixed (e.g., ground) or floating. Also, since the substrates110do not provide current routing, the substrate area may be reduced to a minimum which significantly reduces substrate cost. This enables high density for die attach and reduces the cost for batch processes such as sintering, soldering, etc. The substrates110may have the same or different thickness.

A mold compound (plastic)118encapsulates the semiconductor dies108and part of the lead frame102. The mold compound118may include an organic resin such as epoxy resin, a filler such as non-melting inorganic materials, a pigment or colorant, a flame retardant, an adhesion promoter, ion traps, a stress reliever, etc.

As shown inFIG.1B, the backside120of the base region104of the lead frame102opposite the substrates110may be exposed from the mold compound118to provided single-sided cooling of the molded power module100. In one embodiment, the backside120of the base region104of the lead frame102is electroplated which protects the backside120from environmental damage and color change and allows for sinter/solder connections. Only the lower part of the mold compound118is shown inFIG.1A, to provide an unobstructed view of the module components encapsulated by the mold compound118.

The semiconductor dies108are electrically interconnected within the molded power module100to form part of a power electronics circuit such as an AC-to-DC rectifier, a DC-to-AC inverter, a DC-to-DC converter, and AC-to-AC converter, etc. In one embodiment, the semiconductor dies108are electrically interconnected within the molded power module100in a half bridge or full bridge configuration.

InFIGS.1A and1B, the base region104of the lead frame102is electrically isolated from the power electronics circuit by the insulating body116of the substrates110. Accordingly, the base region104of the lead frame102is used for mechanical support only. The leads106of the lead frame102protrude from one or more side faces122of the mold compound118and form terminals of the molded power module100. The terminals formed by the leads106of the lead frame102enable electrical connection of the power electronics circuit formed by the semiconductor dies108included in the molded power module100with another electrical device or interface, such as another module, a printed circuit board, etc.

The semiconductor dies108may be power Si or SiC power MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor) dies, HEMT (high-electron mobility transistor) dies, IGBT (insulated-gate bipolar transistor) dies, JFET (junction filed-effect transistor) dies, power diode dies, etc. As shown inFIGS.1A and1B, the semiconductor dies108are vertical power transistor dies. For a vertical power transistor die, the primary current flow path is between the front and back sides of the die. The drain terminal is typically disposed at the backside of the die, with the gate and source terminals (and optionally one or more sense terminals) at the frontside of the die. Additional types of semiconductor dies may be included in the molded power module100, such as power diode dies, logic dies, controller dies, gate driver dies, etc. For the vertical die example shown inFIGS.1A and1B, the drain terminal of each semiconductor die108is connected to the second metallized side114of the corresponding substrate110with gate and source terminals (and optionally one or more sense terminals) at the opposite frontside of the dies108.

Subsets of the semiconductor dies108may be attached to separate substrates110, e.g., as shown inFIGS.1A and1B. For example, in the case of a half bridge power converter configuration, one or more semiconductor dies108may be attached to the same substrate110or more than one substrate110to form the high-side switch of the half bridge. Similarly, one or more semiconductor dies108may be attached to the same substrate110or more than one substrate110to form the low-side switch of the half bridge. The number of dies108and substrates110included in the molded power module100depends on several factors, including the type of power electronics circuit being implemented using the molded power module100, the semiconductor die technology (Si and/or SiC and/or GaN, etc.), the substrate technology (DCB and/or AMB and/or IMS, etc.), etc.

For example, inFIG.1A, the semiconductor dies108attached to the lower row (first group) of substrates110may be electrically coupled in parallel to form a low-side switch of a half bridge and the semiconductor dies108attached to the upper row (second group) of substrates110may be electrically coupled in parallel to form a high-side switch of the half bridge. In this example, a first lead106_1of the lead frame102forms a switch node terminal for the molded power module100which is electrically connected to the node between the high-side and low-side switch devices of the half bridge. Second and third leads106_2,106_3of the lead frame102form a DC+ (high-side) power/phase terminal for the high-side switch device of the half bridge. A fourth lead106_4of the lead frame102forms a DC− (low-side) power/phase terminal for the low-side switch device of the half bridge. According to this embodiment, the entire second metallized side114of each substrate100in the lower row (first group) of the substrates110is at the switch node potential of the half bridge and the entire second metallized side114of each substrate110in the upper row (second group) of the substrates110is at the DC+ potential of the half bridge.

The lead frame102may be a single-gauge lead frame such that the base region104has the same thickness as the leads106(T_B=T_L inFIG.1B). In another embodiment, the lead frame102is a dual-gauge lead frame such that the base region104is thinner or thicker than the leads106(T_B≠T_L inFIG.1B). Separately or in combination, the base region104of the lead frame102may lie in a first horizontal plane L1and a distal end124of the leads106of the lead frame102may terminate in a second horizontal plane L2different than the first horizontal plane L1(e.g., L1is lower than L2inFIG.1B). Separately or in combination, the lead frame102may further include one or more tie bars126having a proximal end128that is connected to the base region104of the lead frame102and a severed distal end130that is accessible at a side face122of the mold compound118. The tie bars126stabilize the base region104and leads106during the module manufacturing process and are severed after the molding process. The severed distal end130of a tie bar126may be tested to verify electrical isolation between the substrates110and the base region104of the lead frame, e.g., by probing the tie bar126or contacting a pin attached to the tie bar126.

Internal electrical connections between the module leads106and the semiconductor dies108encased in the mold compound118may be provided by using one or more of wire bonds, wire ribbons, metal clips, a metal frame, etc. For example, inFIGS.1A and1B, electrical connections between gate pads132of the semiconductor dies108and respective patterned sections (islands)134of the lead frame102are provided by bond wires136. InFIGS.1A and1B, electrical connections between the DC+ power/phase leads106_2,106_3of the lead frame102and the second metallized side114of each substrate110in the upper row (second group) of the substrates110are provided by thicker bond wires or ribbons138. InFIGS.1A and1B, electrical connections between the DC− power/phase lead106_4of the lead frame102and source pads140of the semiconductor dies108attached to each substrate110in the lower row (first group) of the substrates110are provided by thicker bond wires or ribbons142. InFIGS.1A and1B, thicker bond wires or ribbons144provide electrical connections between the second metallized side114of each substrate110in the lower row (first group) of the substrates110, source pads146of the semiconductor dies108attached to each substrate110in the upper row (second group) of the substrates110, and the first lead106_1of the lead frame102to provide the half bridge switch node connection.

FIGS.2A through2Dillustrate top plan views of the molded power module100shown inFIGS.1A and1B, during different stages of a manufacturing method.

FIG.2Ashows the lead frame102prior to substrate attachment. The lead frame102may be formed from a metallic sheet such as a sheet made of copper, a copper-alloy, an iron-nickel alloy, etc. The metallic sheet is patterned by stamping, punching, etching, etc. to define the features of the lead frame102, including the base region104and the leads106. The tie bars126anchor the base region104and the leads106to a peripheral structure200of the lead frame104that is handled during manufacturing of the molded power module100.

FIG.2Bshows the substrates110attached to the base region104of the lead frame102. The first metallized side112of each substrate110may be attached to the base region104of the lead frame102by sintering, soldering, diffusion soldering, brazing, gluing, etc.

FIG.2Cshows the electrical connections136,138,142,144between the module leads106and the semiconductor dies108. The electrical connections136,138,142,144may be formed by wire bonding and ribbon bonding, for example. The base region104and the leads106remain anchored to the peripheral structure200of the lead frame104by the tie bars126while the electrical connections136,138,142,144are formed.

FIG.2Dshows the semiconductor dies108and part of the lead frame102encapsulated in the mold compound118. The mold compound118may be formed by injection molding, compression molding, film-assisted molding (FAM), reaction injection molding (RIM), resin transfer molding (RTM), blow molding, etc. Only the lower part of the mold compound118is shown inFIG.2D, to provide an unobstructed view of the module components encapsulated by the mold compound118.

The molded power module100is then subjected to a trim and form process during which each connection point between the peripheral structure200of the lead frame102and the tie bars126, leads106, and base region104of the lead frame102is severed outside the permitter of the mold compound118. The exposed leads106and tie bars126may be plated before or after severing the peripheral structure200.

FIG.3illustrates a top perspective view of a molded power module300, according to another embodiment. The molded power module300inFIG.3uses the same lead frame design as the molded power module100inFIGS.1A and1B. However, the molded power module300inFIG.3has fewer semiconductor dies100and fewer substrates110compared to the molded power module100inFIGS.1A and1B, e.g., in the case of a lower power module implementation. Despite this difference, the molded power modules100,300have the same footprint. The excess part of the base region104of the lead frame102which arises inFIG.3due to the use of fewer semiconductor dies100and substrates110may be viewed as wasteful, but using the same lead frame design to support multiple module configurations (low power, mid power, high power, etc.) avoids a costly redesign for each different module configuration. Lead frames are relatively inexpensive compared to other module components, thus justifying the use of the same lead frame design across different module configurations.

FIG.4illustrates a top perspective view of a molded power module400, according to another embodiment. The substrates110inFIG.4include a first group of substrates110_1of a first substrate type and a second group of substrates110_2of a second substrate type different than the first substrate type. In one embodiment, a first type of semiconductor dies108_1are attached to the second metallized side114of the substrates110_1in the first group of substrates110and a second type of semiconductor dies108_2different than the first type of semiconductor dies108_1are attached to the second metallized side114of the substrates110_2in the second group of substrates110. For example, the first substrate type110_1may be AMB, the second substrate type110_2may be DBC, the first type108_1of semiconductor dies108may be SiC dies, and the second type108_2of semiconductor dies108may be Si dies. In one embodiment, the SiC dies108_1are SiC MOSFET dies and the Si dies108_2are Si IGBT dies. SiC dies are more efficient at low load conditions and IGBT dies are more efficient at high load conditions. A power diode die402may be coupled to each Si IGBT die108_2to provide a freewheeling current path when the corresponding Si IGBT die108_2is off (blocking).

In another embodiment, the first group of substrates110_1and the second group of substrates110_2are the same type of substrate (DCB, AMB, IMS, etc.). According to this embodiment, the first type108_1of semiconductor dies108are attached to the second metallized side114of the first group of substrates110_1and the second (different) type108_2of semiconductor dies108are attached to the second metallized side114of the second (same type) group of substrates110_2. Accordingly, different types108_1,108_2of semiconductor dies108may be attached to the same type of substrate110or different types110_1,110_2of substrates110. In one embodiment, the first group108_1of the semiconductor dies108are power transistor dies such as power MOSFET dies, HEMT dies, IGBT dies, JFET dies, etc. and the second group108_2of the semiconductor dies108are logic dies and/or controller dies configured to drive and/or control the power transistor dies.

FIG.5illustrates a top perspective view of a molded power module500, according to another embodiment. InFIG.5, the internal electrical connections136,138,142,144between the semiconductor dies108, the substrates110, and the respective patterned sections106,134of the lead frame102are provided by a metallic frame502such as an additional lead frame or clip frame positioned above or below the first lead frame102, e.g., by bumps or stamped features at the backside of the metallic frame502, or by solder, electrically conductive adhesive, etc. The metallic frame502may be formed by stamping, punching, etching, etc. to define the interconnect features138,142,144of the metallic frame502.

FIG.6illustrates a cross-sectional view of a molded power module600, according to another embodiment. The molded power module600is similar to the molded power module100inFIGS.1A and1Bbut also includes an additional lead frame602above or below the first lead frame102. The molded power module600inFIG.6also includes additional substrates604each having a first metallized606side attached to the additional lead frame602, a second metallized side608opposite the first metallized side606, and an insulating body610that electrically isolates the first and second metallized sides606,608from one another. The mold compound118encapsulates part of the additional lead frame602and the additional lead frame602is electrically isolated from the power electronics circuit by the insulating body610of the additional substrates604. In one embodiment, the backside120of the base region104of the first lead frame102that faces away from the first substrates110is uncovered by the mold compound118and the backside612of the additional lead frame602that faces away from the additional substrates604is also uncovered by the mold compound118such that the molded power module600inFIG.6has double-sided cooling. In one embodiment, the backside120of the base region104of the lead frame102and the backside612of the additional lead frame602are electroplated which protects both backsides120,612from environmental damage and color change and allows for sinter/solder connections.

FIG.7illustrates a top perspective view of a molded power module700, according to another embodiment. The molded power module700is similar to the molded power module100inFIGS.1A and1B. InFIG.7, the base region104of the lead frame102directly supports the semiconductor dies108in that the semiconductor dies108are not attached to a substrate inFIG.7. Instead, an organic electrically insulative material702is applied to the base region104of the lead frame102, a metallization704is applied to the organic electrically insulative material702, and the semiconductor dies108are attached to the metallization704. The metallization704may be patterned as shown inFIG.7or a single contiguous layer, depending on the number and arrangement of the semiconductor dies108.

InFIG.7, the base region104of the lead frame102is electrically isolated from the power electronics circuit by the organic electrically insulative material702. Accordingly, the base region104of the lead frame102is used for mechanical support only. In one embodiment, the organic electrically insulative material702is an epoxy-based layer such as an FR-4-based dielectric and the metallization704is a layer of copper laminated on the organic electrically insulative material702and having a thickness, e.g., of 35 μm to more than 200 μm. As previously explained herein, one or more of the semiconductor dies108may be power transistor dies and one or more other ones of the semiconductor dies108may be logic dies and/or controller dies configured to drive and/or control the power transistor dies.

Although the present disclosure is not so limited, the following numbered examples demonstrate one or more aspects of the disclosure.Example 1. A power module, comprising: a lead frame having a base region and a plurality of leads; a plurality of substrates each having a first metallized side attached to the base region of the lead frame, a second metallized side opposite the first metallized side, and an insulating body that electrically isolates the first and second metallized sides from one another; at least one semiconductor die attached to the second metallized side of each substrate; and a mold compound encapsulating the semiconductor dies and part of the lead frame, wherein the semiconductor dies are electrically interconnected within the power module to form part of a power electronics circuit, wherein the base region of the lead frame is electrically isolated from the power electronics circuit by the insulating body of the substrates, wherein the leads of the lead frame protrude from one or more side faces of the mold compound and form terminals of the power module.Example 2. The power module of example 1, wherein the second metallized side of each substrate is unpatterned.Example 3. The power module of example 1 or 2, wherein the entire second metallized side of each substrate is at a single electric potential.Example 4. The power module of any of examples 1 through 3, wherein the plurality of substrates comprises a first group of substrates of a first substrate type and a second group of substrates of a second substrate type different than the first substrate type.Example 5. The power module of example 4, wherein a first type of semiconductor dies are attached to the second metallized side of the substrates in the first group of substrates, and wherein a second type of semiconductor dies different than the first type of semiconductor dies are attached to the second metallized side of the substrates in the second group of substrates.Example 6. The power module of example 5, wherein the first substrate type is active metal brazed (AMB), wherein the second substrate type is direct bonded copper (DBC), wherein the first type of semiconductor dies are SiC dies, and wherein the second type of semiconductor dies are Si dies.Example 7. The power module of example 6, wherein the SiC dies are SiC MOSFET dies, and wherein the Si dies are Si IGBT dies.Example 8. The power module of any of examples 1 through 7, wherein a first type of semiconductor dies are attached to the second metallized side of the substrates in a first group of the substrates, and wherein a second type of semiconductor dies different than the first type of semiconductor dies are attached to the second metallized side of the substrates in a second group of the substrates.Example 9. The power module of example 8, wherein the substrates in the first group of the substrates are a same type of substrate as the substrates in the second group of the substrates.Example 10. The power module of example 8, wherein the substrates in the first group of the substrates are a different type of substrate as the substrates in the second group of the substrates.Example 11. The power module of any of examples 1 through 10, wherein the semiconductor dies are electrically interconnected within the power module in a half bridge configuration, wherein the semiconductor dies attached to the second metallized side of the substrates in a first group of the substrates are electrically coupled in parallel to form a low-side switch of the half bridge, and wherein the semiconductor dies attached to the second metallized side of the substrates in a second group of the substrates are electrically coupled in parallel to form a high-side switch of the half bridge.Example 12. The power module of example 11, wherein the entire second metallized side of each substrate in the first group of the substrates is at a switch node potential of the half bridge, and wherein the entire second metallized side of each substrate in the second group of the substrates is at a DC+ potential of the half bridge.Example 13. The power module of any of examples 1 through 12, wherein the lead frame is a dual-gauge lead frame and the base region is thinner or thicker than the leads.Example 14. The power module of any of examples 1 through 13, wherein the base region of the lead frame lies in a first horizontal plane, and wherein a distal end of the leads of the lead frame terminate in a second horizontal plane different than the first horizontal plane.Example 15. The power module of any of examples 1 through 14, wherein a first group of the semiconductor dies are power transistor dies, and wherein a second group of the semiconductor dies are logic dies and/or controller dies configured to drive and/or control the power transistor dies.Example 16. The power module of any of examples 1 through 15, wherein the lead frame further comprises a tie bar having a proximal end that is connected to the base region of the lead frame and a severed distal end that is accessible at a side face of the mold compound.Example 17. The power module of any of examples 1 through 16, further comprising: an additional lead frame above or below the lead frame; and a plurality of additional substrates each having a first metallized side attached to the additional lead frame, a second metallized side opposite the first metallized side, and an insulating body that electrically isolates the first and second metallized sides from one another, wherein the mold compound encapsulates part of the additional lead frame, wherein the additional lead frame is electrically isolated from the power electronics circuit by the insulating body of the additional substrates.Example 18. The power module of example 17, wherein a surface of the base region of the lead frame that faces away from the substrates is uncovered by the mold compound and a surface of the additional lead frame that faces away from the additional substrates is uncovered by the mold compound such that the power module has double-sided cooling.Example 19. The power module of any of examples 1 through 18, wherein a side of the base region of the lead frame that faces away from the plurality of substrates is electroplated.Example 20. A power module, comprising: a lead frame having a base region and a plurality of leads; an organic electrically insulative material applied to the base region of the lead frame; a metallization applied to the organic electrically insulative material; a plurality of semiconductor dies attached to the metallization; and a mold compound encapsulating the semiconductor dies and part of the lead frame, wherein the semiconductor dies are electrically interconnected within the power module to form part of a power electronics circuit, wherein the base region of the lead frame is electrically isolated from the power electronics circuit by the organic electrically insulative material, wherein the leads of the lead frame protrude from one or more side faces of the mold compound and form terminals of the power module.Example 21. A power module, comprising: a lead frame having a base region and a plurality of leads; a plurality of power semiconductor dies supported by the base region of the lead frame; and a mold compound encapsulating the power semiconductor dies and part of the lead frame, wherein the power semiconductor dies are electrically interconnected within the power module to form part of a power electronics circuit, wherein the base region of the lead frame is electrically isolated from the power semiconductor dies, wherein the leads of the lead frame protrude from one or more side faces of the mold compound and form terminals of the power module.

The expression “and/or” should be interpreted to include all possible conjunctive and disjunctive combinations, unless expressly noted otherwise. For example, the expression “A and/or B” should be interpreted to mean only A, only B, or both A and B. The expression “at least one of” should be interpreted in the same manner as “and/or”, unless expressly noted otherwise. For example, the expression “at least one of A and B” should be interpreted to mean only A, only B, or both A and B.