Patent Publication Number: US-10779445-B2

Title: Inverter module having multiple half-bridge modules for a power converter of an electric vehicle

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/051,193, filed Jul. 31, 2018 and titled “INVERTER MODULE HAVING MULTIPLE HALF-BRIDGE MODULES FOR A POWER CONVERTER OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE,” which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 62/647,612, titled “INVERTER MODULE HAVING MULTIPLE HALF-BRIDGE MODULES FOR A POWER CONVERTER OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE”, filed on Mar. 23, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Vehicles such as automobiles have power requirements to operate the vehicle and associated or peripheral systems. The power source can include onboard batteries or fuel cells, gasoline or other fossil fuel or plant based fuels, as well as combinations thereof. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed a power converter component to power a drive unit of an electric vehicle drive system. The power converter component includes an inverter module formed having three half-bridge modules (which can also be referred to herein as a half-bridge inverter module or a sub-module) arranged in a triplet configuration for electric vehicle drive systems. The inverter module can be coupled with a drive train unit of the electric vehicle and be configured to provide three phase voltages to the drive train unit. For example, each of the half bridge modules can generate a single phase voltage and thus, the three half-bridge modules arranged in a triplet configuration can provide three phase voltages. 
     At least one aspect is directed to an inverter module. The inverter module includes first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules coupled with each other in a triplet configuration. The first, second, and third positive inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules, respectively, are aligned with each other and first, second, and third negative inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules, respectively, are aligned with respect to each other. The first, second, and third output terminals of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules, respectively, are aligned with respect to each other. The inverter module includes a positive bus-bar coupled with the first, second, and third positive inputs of the first second and third half-bridge inverter modules, and a negative bus-bar coupled with the first, second, and third negative inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules. The positive bus-bar is positioned adjacent to and parallel with the negative bus-bar. 
     At least one aspect is directed to a method including forming a first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules, coupling the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules with each other in a triplet configuration, aligning first, second, and third positive inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules, respectively, with each other, and aligning first, second, and third negative inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules, respectively, with each other. The method further includes coupling a positive bus-bar with the first, second, and third positive inputs of the first second and third half-bridge inverter modules, and coupling a negative bus-bar with the first, second, and third negative inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules such that the positive bus-bar is positioned adjacent to and parallel with the negative bus-bar. 
     At least one aspect is directed to a method of providing an inverter module. The inverter module having first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules coupled with each other in a triplet configuration. The first, second, and third positive inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules, respectively, can be aligned with each other. The first, second, and third negative inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules, respectively, can be aligned with respect to each other. The first, second, and third output terminals of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules, respectively, can be aligned with respect to each other. The inverter module can include a positive bus-bar coupled with the first, second, and third positive inputs of the first second and third half-bridge inverter module. The inverter module can include a negative bus-bar coupled with the first, second, and third negative inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules. The positive bus-bar can be positioned adjacent to and parallel with the negative bus-bar. 
     At least one aspect is directed to a half-bridge module. The half-bridge module having a cold plate, a ceramic layer disposed over a first surface of the cold plate, a plurality of transistors disposed within slots of a locator, the locator and the plurality of transistors disposed over a first surface of the ceramic layer, and a plurality of clips having gull wings that extend over the transistors to secure the plurality of transistors to the locator. The half-bridge module includes a first plurality of fasteners disposed through the locator and cold plate to secure the plurality of clips to the locator, a first printed circuit board (PCB) disposed between the plurality of clips and the locator, a capacitor disposed over a first surface of the plurality of the transistors, and a gel tray disposed over the capacitor, the first PCB and the plurality of transistors. 
     At least one aspect is directed to a method of forming a half-bridge module. The method including providing a cold plate on a pick and place fixture. The cold plate having two shallow regions and a hump region, and the hump region disposed between the two shallow regions. The method includes dispensing a lubricant over a first surface of the cold plate, disposing a ceramic layer over the first surface of the cold plate, dispensing the lubricant over a first surface of the ceramic layer, and installing a locator over the first surface of the ceramic layer. The method includes coupling a plurality of transistors within a plurality of slots formed in the locator using a plurality of clips and fasteners. Each of the plurality of clips including at least two gull wings that extend out and over at least one of the plurality of transistors, and the plurality of fasteners coupling the plurality of clips to the locator. The method includes providing a capacitor over a first surface of the plurality of transistors and disposing a gel tray over the capacitor, the hump region of the cold plate is configured to raise the capacitor and the plurality of transistors into the gel tray. 
     At least one aspect is directed to a method of providing a half-bridge module. The half-bridge module having a cold plate, a ceramic layer disposed over a first surface of the cold plate, and a plurality of transistors disposed within slots of a locator. The locator and the plurality of transistors can be disposed over a first surface of the ceramic layer. The half-bridge module can include a plurality of clips having gull wings that extend over the transistors to secure the plurality of transistors to the locator, a first plurality of fasteners disposed through the locator and cold plate to secure the plurality of clips to the locator, and a first printed circuit board (PCB) disposed between the plurality of clips and the locator. The half-bridge module can include a capacitor disposed over a first surface of the plurality of the transistors, and a gel tray disposed over the capacitor, the first PCB and the plurality of transistors. 
     At least one aspect is directed to a half-bridge module. The half-bridge module including a cold plate having a first surface and a second, opposing surface. The cold plate including a first region having a first height, a second region having the first height, and a third region having a third height. The second height greater than the first height. The cold plate includes a plurality of cooling channels formed within the second region. One or more of the plurality of cooling channels fluidly coupled with one or more other cooling channels. The cold plate includes a coolant input fluidly coupled with at least one first cooling channel of the plurality of cooling channels, and a coolant output fluidly coupled with at least one second cooling channel of the plurality of cooling channels. 
     At least one aspect is directed to a method of providing a half-bridge module. The method includes providing a cold plate having a first surface and a second, opposing surface, forming a first region of the cold plate having a first height, forming a second region of the cold plate having the first height, and forming a third region of the cold plate having a third height. The second height greater than the first height. The method includes disposing a plurality of cooling channels within the second region. One or more of the plurality of cooling channels fluidly coupled with one or more other cooling channels. The method includes fluidly coupling a coolant input with at least one first cooling channel of the plurality of cooling channels, and fluidly coupling a coolant output with at least one second cooling channel of the plurality of cooling channels. 
     At least one aspect is directed to a method of providing a half-bridge module. The half-bridge module having a cold plate having a first surface and a second, opposing surface. The cold plate including a first region having a first height, a second region having the first height, and a third region having a third height. The second height greater than the first height. The cold plate can include a plurality of cooling channels formed within the second region. One or more of the plurality of cooling channels fluidly coupled with one or more other cooling channels. The cold plate can include a coolant input fluidly coupled with at least one first cooling channel of the plurality of cooling channels and a coolant output fluidly coupled with at least one second cooling channel of the plurality of cooling channels. 
     At least one aspect is directed towards an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle can include an inverter module disposed in a drive train unit of an electric vehicle. The inverter module can include first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules coupled with each other in a triplet configuration. The first, second, and third positive inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules, respectively, are aligned with each other and first, second, and third negative inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules, respectively, are aligned with respect to each other. The first, second, and third output terminals of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules, respectively, are aligned with respect to each other. The inverter module includes a positive bus-bar coupled with the first, second, and third positive inputs of the first second and third half-bridge inverter modules, and a negative bus-bar coupled with the first, second, and third negative inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules. The positive bus-bar is positioned adjacent to and parallel with the negative bus-bar. 
     At least one aspect is directed towards an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle can include a half-bridge module disposed in a battery pack of an electric vehicle. The half bridge module can include a cold plate, a ceramic layer disposed over a first surface of the cold plate, a plurality of transistors disposed within slots of a locator, the locator and the plurality of transistors disposed over a first surface of the ceramic layer, and a plurality of clips having gull wings that extend over the transistors to secure the plurality of transistors to the locator. The half-bridge module includes a first plurality of fasteners disposed through the locator and cold plate to secure the plurality of clips to the locator, a first printed circuit board (PCB) disposed between the plurality of clips and the locator, a capacitor disposed over a first surface of the plurality of the transistors, and a gel tray disposed over the capacitor, the first PCB and the plurality of transistors. 
     At least one aspect is directed towards an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle can include a half-bridge module disposed in a drive train unit of an electric vehicle. The half bridge module can include a cold plate having a first surface and a second, opposing surface. The cold plate can include a first region having a first height, a second region having the first height, and a third region having a third height. The second height can be greater than the first height. The cold plate includes a plurality of cooling channels formed within the second region. One or more of the plurality of cooling channels fluidly coupled with one or more other cooling channels. The cold plate includes a coolant input fluidly coupled with at least one first cooling channel of the plurality of cooling channels, and a coolant output fluidly coupled with at least one second cooling channel of the plurality of cooling channels. 
     These and other aspects and implementations are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of various aspects and implementations, and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and implementations. The drawings provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and implementations, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  depicts an example schematic of a half-bridge inverter circuit of a half-bridge module having a capacitor coupled with at least two transistors; 
         FIG. 2  depicts an example transistor (TO-247) used in a half-bridge module, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 3  depicts an example cross-sectional top view of an inverter module having three half-bridge modules, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 4  depicts an example cross-sectional side view of an inverter module having three half-bridge modules, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 5  depicts an example cross-sectional front view of an inverter module having three half-bridge modules, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 6  depicts an example isometric view of an inverter module having a housing and a high-voltage connector coupled with at least one side of the inverter module, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 7  depicts an example isometric view of the inverter module having at least one surface removed to expose three half-bridge modules disposed within the inverter module, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 8  depicts an example isometric view of an inverter module having a triplet half-bridge module arrangement, with each of the half-bridge modules coupled having an output terminal coupled with a phase bus-bar, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 9  depicts an example isometric view of the inverter module of  FIG. 8  rotated to illustrate the coupling between the inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge modules and the positive and negative bus-bars, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 10  depicts an example isometric view of the inverter module of  FIG. 8  rotated to illustrate the coupling between the first, second and third half-bridge modules and a printed circuit board coupled with one surface of each of the first, second and third half-bridge modules, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 11  depicts an example top view of a gel tray to be disposed over different components of a half-bridge module, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 12  depicts an example bottom view of a gel tray to be disposed over different components of a half-bridge module, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 13  depicts an example isometric view of a half-bridge module illustrating the positive and negative inputs, thermal pad and cold plate interface, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 14  depicts an example isometric view of the half-bridge module of  FIG. 13  rotated to show a phase output terminal, thermal pad and cold plate interface, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 15  depicts an example isometric view of the half-bridge module of  FIG. 13  rotated to show a cold plate coupled with a gel tray, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 16  depicts an example cross-sectional views of a section of a half-bridge module to illustrate the spatial arrangement of the different components of the half-bridge module, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 17  depicts an example exploded view of a section of a half-bridge module to illustrate the interface between the clips, transistors, PCB, locator, ceramic layer and cold plate, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 18  depicts an example sectional view of a half-bridge module circuit formed within a half-bridge module using the lead frame of a capacitor as a bus-bar, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 19  depicts an example cut-away view of a half-bridge module to illustrate the different components and layers of the half-layer bridge module with respect to each other, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 20  depicts an example exploded view of a section of a half-bridge module to illustrate the interface between the clips, transistors, PCB, locator, ceramic layer and cold plate, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 21  depicts an example exploded view of a section of a half-bridge module to illustrate the interface ends of the gel tray, capacitor conductors, the thermal pad, and cold plate, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 22  depicts an example view of a plurality of transistors coupled with a locator through a plurality of clips, with each of the clips having gull wing portions to hold the transistors in place within the locator, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 23  depicts an example view of a thermal interface of a half-bridge module showing the spatial relationship between a cold pate, ceramic layer, locator and transistors, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 24  depicts an example locator having a plurality of slots to couple with different components of a half-bridge module, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 25  depicts an example bottom view of a cold plate showing at least two cooling ports to receive or release coolant, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 26  depicts an example top view of a cold plate, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 27  depicts an example side view of a cold plate having at least two shallow regions and a hump region, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 28  depicts an example cut-away view to show a plurality of cooling channels formed within a cold plate, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 29  depicts example transistor having straight leads that are coupled with a printed circuit board, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 30  depicts an example transistor having bent leads, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 31  depicts an exploded view of a half-bridge inverter module, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIGS. 32-33  depict a flow diagram of a method of assembling and manufacturing an inverter module having three half-bridge modules, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIGS. 34-40  depict a flow diagram of a method of assembling and manufacturing a half-bridge module, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 41  depicts a flow diagram of a method of assembling and manufacturing an inverter module having three half-bridge modules, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 42  depicts a flow diagram of a method of wiring and harnesses an inverter module, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 43  depicts a flow diagram of a method of forming an inverter module, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIGS. 44-45  depict a flow diagram of a method of forming a half-bridge module, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 46  is a block diagram depicting a cross-sectional view of an example electric vehicle installed with a battery pack; 
         FIG. 47  depicts a flow diagram of a method of forming a half-bridge module, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 48  provides a method of providing an inverter module; and 
         FIG. 49  provides a method of providing a half-bridge module. 
     
    
    
     Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems of providing inverter/capacitor packages for electric vehicle. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Systems and methods described herein relate to an inverter module formed having three half-bridge modules (which can also be referred to herein as a half-bridge inverter module or sub-module) arranged in a triplet configuration for electric vehicle drive systems. The inverter module can be coupled with a drive train unit of an electric vehicle and be configured to provide three phase voltages to the drive train unit. For example, each of the half bridge modules can generate a single phase voltage and thus, the three half-bridge modules arranged in a triplet configuration can provide three phase voltages. 
     During development and manufacturing of a half-bridge module, technological or physical compromises with respect to the different components of the half-bridge module can be made to meet one or more needs or requirements of a particular electrical drive system. For example, compromises can be made between cost, engineering flexibility, manufacturing, packaging design, thermal design or electrical design of one or more components of the respective half-bridge module. These compromises may result in undesirable design changes that can impact a performance of the half-bridge module. The half-bridge modules described herein can alleviate the issues associated with these compromises and provide a half-bridge module having a half-bridge inverter based on TO-247 transistors, a cold plate, and sensing/control electronic hardware. Thus, the half-bridge modules described herein can strike a balance between high performance (e.g., low electrical parasitics, high current capacity, low component temperatures), high power density, low volume, low cost and having properties that allow them to be compatible for mass production. 
     The half-bridge modules described herein can be formed and arranged within an inverter module in a triplet configuration to provide a compact design. For example, a half-bridge module can be formed having a length of about 220 mm to about 230 mm, a width of about 80 mm to about 90 mm and a height of about 60 mm to about 70 mm. The dimensions and size of the half-bridge modules described herein can vary outside these ranges. The half-bridge modules can be positioned such that their respective input terminals and output terminals are aligned. The alignment of the input terminals and output terminals can allow one or more bus-bars coupled with each of the half-bridge modules to be disposed adjacent and parallel to each other. 
       FIG. 1  shows a half-bridge inverter circuit  100  having at least one positive terminal  105  (which can also be referred to herein as a positive input, positive input terminal), at least one negative terminal  110  (which can also be referred to herein as a negative input, negative input terminal) forming a loop. The half-bridge inverter circuit includes at least one capacitor  115  coupled between the positive terminal  105  and the negative terminal  110 . The half-bridge inverter circuit  100  includes a first transistor  120  and a second terminal  120  coupled between the positive terminal  105 , the negative terminal  110  and a phase terminal  130 . The first transistor  120  includes a base terminal, a collector terminal, and an emitter terminal. The collector terminal can couple with the positive terminal  105 . The emitter terminal can couple with a phase terminal  130  and a collector terminal of the second transistor  120 . The second transistor  120  includes a base terminal, a collector terminal, and an emitter terminal. The emitter terminal of the second transistor  120  can couple with the negative terminal  110 . The first transistor  120  and the second transistor  120  can be configured to operate as switches and provide a phase voltage through the phase terminal  130 , for example, to a three phase motor or motor drive unit of an electrical vehicle. 
     The half-bridge inverter circuit  100  provides a closed inductance loop between the capacitor  115  (e.g., a DCLSP capacitor) and first and second transistors  120  (e.g., TO-247 transistors, switches), where the capacitor  115  lead frame can make electrical connections directly to the first and second transistors  120 . The leads of the first and second transistors  120  can be unbent, and terminated to or otherwise coupled with the capacitor  115  through resistive welding. Thus, the lead length of the first and second transistors  120  before the weld termination can be minimized. For example, the straight and unbent leads of first and second transistors  120  that can be short in length theoretically minimizes parasitic inductance effects, relative to alternative designs where more of the transistor lead is utilized or the leads are bent to reach their target connections. 
     The half-bridge circuit  100  can be formed such that a distance between first and second transistors  120  (e.g., IGBT semiconductor die) and the capacitor  115  (e.g., filtering capacitor film elements) is minimized. For example, by coupling the lead frame of the capacitor  115  with the lead frame of the first and second transistors  120 , the inductance loop present in the half-bridge circuit  100  can have a reduced size. The lead frame of the capacitor  115  can couple directly with the lead frame of the first transistor  120  or the second transistor  120  such that a distance between them is zero. A distance between a lead or finger portion of the lead frame of the capacitor  115  and a body portion of the first transistor  120  or the second transistor  120  can be in a range from 5 mm to 20 mm. The distance between a lead or finger portion of the lead frame of the capacitor  115  and a body portion of the first transistor  120  or the second transistor  120  can be in a range from 0 mm (e.g., in contact) to 15 mm. For example, a physical distance between a lead or finger portion of the lead frame of the capacitor  115  and a body portion of the first transistor  120  or the second transistor  120  can be in a range from 0 mm to 5 mm. A distance an electrical signal may travel between a lead or finger portion of the lead frame of the capacitor  115  and a body portion of the first transistor  120  or the second transistor  120  can be in a range from 10 mm to 15 mm. 
     This arrangement of capacitor elements and conductors minimizes distance and maintains equidistance between the capacitor elements and transistor dies, on both the high side and low side. Electrical loss is in this example minimal and uniform across all insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). The capacitor and the previously intermediate bus-bars can be one homogenous part, sharing structure, insulation, mounting points, and heat dissipation surfaces. The mechanical tolerance stack-up between the X capacitor and laminated bus-bar can be eliminated. The capacitor case can provide the bus-bars with the structural backing or support needed to compress thermal pads against heat dissipation surfaces in a single assembly step, in contrast with a technique that uses separate plastic brackets/clips to this fulfill this roll. Part count is thus further reduced in the context of the assembly. Further, cost is reduced for purchased component as well as in-house assembly/labor. This assembly also accomplishes weight reduction. For example, approximately 30% less copper can be used when the capacitor and laminated bus-bar are combined. Several fasteners and layers of insulation film can also be eliminated. The capacitor  115  can include DC-Link, Single-Phase Capacitors (“DCLSP Capacitors”) used as X capacitors/DC-Link filtering capacitors or automotive/industrial/commercial inverters. The bus-bars in the capacitor can serve as the conducting paths indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a front and a back view of the transistor  120 . The transistor  120  may include a TO-247 transistor or a TO-247 discreet IGBT package. The transistors can include a variety of different transistors. The transistor  120  can include a semiconductor device having one or more connections. For example, and as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the transistor  120  can include a base terminal, a collector terminal, and an emitter terminal. Each of the transistors  120  can include one or more leads  205 . For example, each of the transistors  120  may include three leads  205 . Each of the three leads  205  can corresponds to at least one of the terminals of the transistor  120 . For example, a first lead  205  can correspond to the base terminal or base lead. A second lead  205  can correspond to the collector terminal or collector lead. A third lead  205  can correspond to the emitter terminal or emitter lead. The leads  205  can receive or provide a voltage signal or a current signal. The transistor  120  can be incorporated into the half-bridge modules described herein. 
       FIGS. 3-5  show cross-sectional views of an inverter module  300  having three half-bridge modules  305 . In  FIG. 3 , a top view of first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  disposed in a triplet configuration within an enclosure  310  of the inverter module  300  is provided. The first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  are disposed adjacent with respect to each other. For example, the half-bridge modules  305  can be positioned such that a second side surface  315  of the first half-bridge module  305  is adjacent to a first side surface  315  of the second half-bridge module  305  and a second side surface  315  of the second half-bridge module  305  is adjacent to a first side surface  315  of the third half-bridge module  305 . The half-bridge modules  305  can be disposed in other arrangements within the inverter module  300 . The half-bridge modules  305  can be disposed in a triplet configuration to provide a compact size of the inverter module  300 . The first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  can be formed having a length ranging from 200 mm to 240 mm, a width ranging from 70 mm to 100 mm, and a height ranging from 50 mm to 80 mm. The dimensions and size of the half-bridge modules  305  described herein can vary outside these ranges. 
     The half-bridge modules  305  can be formed in a variety of different shapes. For example, and as depicted in  FIG. 3 , the half-bridge modules can have rectangular shapes. The half-bridge modules  305  can be formed to be modular units having similar shapes, sizes, and dimensions such that they can interchangeable within an inverter module  300 . Thus, individual half-bridge modules  305  can be replaced, serviced or otherwise repaired without replacing an entire inverter module  300 . Each of the half-bridge modules  305  in a common inverter module  300  may have the same shape, size, and dimensions or one or more of the half-bridge modules  305  in a common inverter module  300  may have a different shape, size, or dimensions. The half-bridge modules  305  can be formed to be modular units having similar shapes, sizes, and dimensions such that they can interchangeable within an inverter module  300 . 
       FIG. 4  provides a side view of the inverter module  300  showing a cross-sectional view of one of the half-bridge modules  305 . The half-bridge module  305  includes a power printed circuit board (PCB)  420 , a control PCB  425 , and an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield  430  disposed between the power PCB  420  and the control PCB  425 . The power PCB  420  can be configured to provide power to the half-bridge modules  305  forming the inverter module  300 . For example, each of the half-bridge modules  305  may include a power PCB  420 . Thus, the inverter module  300  can include multiple power PCBs  420  with each power PCB  420  configured to provide power signals to at least one of the respective half-bridge modules  305  to power the respective half-bridge modules  305 . The control PCB  425  can provide control signals to the half-bridge modules  305  forming the inverter module  300  to control operation of the half-bridge modules  305 . For example, the control PCB  425  can use the control signals to activate (e.g., turn-on) or deactivate (e.g., turn-off) one or more of the half-bridge modules  305 . The EMI shield  430  can be disposed between the control PCB  425  and each of the power PCBs  425  to electrically isolate the control PCB  425  from the power PCBs  425 . 
     The inverter module  300  includes an inlet coolant manifold  435 , an outlet coolant manifold  440  and a coolant temperature sensor  445  disposed adjacent to, proximate to, or within a predetermined distance from the outlet coolant manifold  440 . The inlet coolant manifold  435  can include an orifice or hole configured to receive coolant fluid and provide the coolant fluid to the inverter module  300  to provide cooling for the half-bridge modules  305  disposed within the inverter module. The coolant temperature sensor  445  can be posited to measure a temperature of the coolant fluid as it is released or removed from the inverter module  300 . The inverter module  300  may include a coolant temperature sensor  445  disposed adjacent to, proximate to, or within a predetermined distance from the inlet coolant manifold  435  to measure a temperature of coolant fluid provided to the inverter module  300 . 
     The inlet coolant manifold  435  and the outlet coolant manifold  440  can be fluidly coupled such that coolant fluid provided to the inlet coolant manifold  435  can flow through the inverter module  300  to provide cooling to the components of the half-bridge modules  305  forming the inverter module  300  and exit the inverter module  300  through the outlet coolant manifold  440 . For example, a tube, conduit, or hollow layer can couple the inlet coolant manifold  435  to the outlet coolant manifold  440  and the tube, conduit or hollow layer can run or extend through a length of the inverter module  300  such that it is positioned next to, adjacent to, or proximate to portion of one or more half-bridge modules  305  forming the inverter module  300  to provide cooling to the components of the half-bridge modules  305 . The hollow layer may include a wall structure of the inverter module  300  formed having a hollow inner portion to receive coolant fluid. 
     The inverter module  300  includes a positive bus-bar  455 , a negative bus-bar  460  and a phase bus-bar  465 . The positive bus-bar  455  and the negative bus-bar  460  can be positioned adjacent to and parallel with respect to each other. For example, the positive bus-bar  455  can be disposed at a first level or height along a first side of the half-bridge modules  305  and the negative bus-bar  460  can be disposed at a second, different level or height along the first side of the half-bridge modules  305 . The positive bus-bar  455  and the negative bus-bar  460  can be disposed along a first side of the half-bridge modules  305  and the phase bus-bar  465  can be disposed along a second, different side of the half-bridge modules  305 . Positioning the positive bus-bar  455  and the negative bus-bar  460  at different heights provides spacing for the positive bus-bar  455  and negative bus-bar  460  to be disposed along the same side of the half-bridge module  305 . Thus, multiple half-bridge modules  305  can couple with the same the positive bus-bar  455  and negative bus-bar  460  and be aligned with respect to each other. 
     The half-bridge modules  305  can be positioned such that their respective input terminals and output terminals are aligned. For example, each of the half-bridges modules  305  can include a positive input coupled with the positive bus-bar  455  along a first side of the half-bridge modules  305  and a negative input coupled with the negative bus-bar  460  along the first side of the half-bridge modules  305 . Each of the half-bridge modules  305  can include an output terminal coupled with the phase bus-bar  465  along a second, different side of the half-bridge modules. The alignment of the input terminals and output terminals can allow one or more bus-bars coupled with each of the half-bridge modules to be disposed adjacent and parallel to each other. An enclosure lid  440  can be disposed over each the half-bridge modules  305  disposed within the enclosure  310  of the inverter module  300 . For example, the enclosure lid  440  can seal the enclosure  310  and be configured to protect the half-bridge modules  305  from an environment the inverter module  300  and the half-bridge modules  305  forming the inverter module  305  are disposed. 
       FIG. 5  provides a front view of the inverter module  300  showing a cross-sectional view of one of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  disposed adjacent to each other in a triplet configuration. For example, the half bridge modules are disposed side by side with the second half-bridge module  305  disposed between the first half-bridge module  305  and the third half-bridge module  305 . The half-bridge modules  305  can be aligned with respect to each other such that a top surface of each of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  are aligned with respect to each other and a bottom surface of each of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  are aligned with respect to each other. The side surfaces of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  can be aligned with respect to each other to form the triplet configuration. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  are disposed within the enclosure  310  (e.g., housing) of the inverter module  300 . The enclosure  310  includes the enclosure lid  450  to seal or close the enclosure such that the half-bridge modules  305  are protected from an environment around the inverter module  300 . The enclosure  310  includes a gearbox mounting flange  570  extending from a side surface of the enclosure  310 . For example, the gearbox mounting flange  570  can be formed such that it is perpendicular to the side surface of the enclosure  310 . The gearbox mounting flange  570  can be configured to mount or position the inverter module  300  in a drive train unit of an electric vehicle. 
     The spatial relationship between the power PCB  420 , the EMI shield  430  and the control PCB  425  is depicted in  FIG. 5 . For example, the power PCB  420  is disposed at a first distance from a surface (e.g., top surface, bottom surface) of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305 . The EMI shield  430  is disposed at a second distance from a surface (e.g., top surface, bottom surface) of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305 . The control PCB  425  is disposed at a third distance from a surface (e.g., top surface, bottom surface) of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305 . The first distance can be less than the second and third distances. The second distance can be less than the third distance. The power PCB  420  can be disposed a smaller distance (e.g., closer) from the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  than the control PCB  425  and the EMI shield  430 . The control PCB  425  can be disposed a greater distance from the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  than the power PCB  420  and the EMI shield  430 . Although  FIGS. 3-5  illustrate three half-bridge modules  305  disposed within the inverter module  300 , the inverter module  300  can include less than three half-bridge modules  305  or more than three half-bridge modules  305 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a top view of the enclosure  310  of the inverter module  300 . The enclosure  310  can be formed from a variety of different material including, but not limited to, plastic material. The enclosure  310  includes the enclosure lid  450  (or cover), a high-voltage (HV) connector  605  (e.g., DC connection) formed on or otherwise coupled with a first side surface of the enclosure  310  and a low-voltage (LV) connector  615  formed on a second, different side surface (e.g., opposite end) of the enclosure  310 . The enclosure lid  450  can be coupled with the enclosure through a plurality of fasteners  630  (e.g., screws, bolts). The HV connector  605  can be configured to couple with a high voltage power source to provide power in a first voltage range (e.g., high voltage range) to the inverter module  300 . The LV connector  615  can be configured to couple with a low voltage power source to provide power in a second voltage range (e.g., low voltage range) to the inverter module  300 . 
     The enclosure  310  includes a coolant input hose connection  620  (e.g., coolant input hose bard) than can receive a hose, tube, or conduit such that coolant can be provided to the enclosure  310  through the coolant input hose connection  620 . For example, the coolant input hose connection  620  can include an orifice, a hole, or a threaded hole to receive or couple with a hose, tube or conduit. The enclosure  310  includes a mounting flange  625 . The mounting flange  625  can be formed to aid in coupling the enclosure  310  within a drive train unit of an electric vehicle. The enclosure  310  can include a single mounting flange  625  or multiple mounting flanges  625 . For example, the enclosure  310  may include a mounting flange  625  formed on each side or end surface of the enclosure  310 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the inverter module  300  having three half-bridge modules  305  disposed within the enclosure  310  (e.g., housing) of the inverter module  300 . In  FIG. 7 , the enclosure lid is removed to show the arrangement of the first, second and third half-bridge modules  305  (or sub-modules) disposed within the inverter module  300  in a triplet configuration. The first, second and third half-bridge modules  305  are coupled with a positive bus-bar  455 , a negative bus-bar  460  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ), and first, second and third phase bus-bars  465  (e.g., output terminals). The positive bus-bar  455  can be disposed parallel to the negative bus-bar  460  such that the positive and negative bus-bars couple with positive input terminals and negative input terminals, respectively of each of the first, second and third half-bridge modules  305 . Each of the first, second and third half-bridge modules  305  may include an output terminal coupled with at least one of the first, second and third phase bus-bars  465 . For example, the first half-bridge module  305  can include a first output terminal coupled with a first phase bus-bar  465 , the second half-bridge module  305  can include a second output terminal coupled with a second bus-bar  465 , and the third half-bridge module  305  can include a third output terminal coupled with a third phase bus-bar  465 . 
     The enclosure  310  includes a DC connector  705 . The DC connector  75  can correspond to a high voltage connector and be configured to receive a voltage (e.g., DC voltage) to provide power to the inverter module  300  and to the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  forming the inverter module  300 . A coolant input  735  can be formed on a first side surface of the enclosure  310  and a coolant output  740  can be formed on a second side surface of the enclosure  310 . The coolant input  735  can include an input hose barb and be configured to receive or couple with a hose, tube, or conduit to receive coolant and provide the coolant to the inverter module  300 . The coolant output  740  can include an output hose barb and be configured to receive or couple with a hose, tube, or conduit to release coolant from the inverter module  300 . 
     The coolant input  735  can be coupled with a coolant inlet manifold  435  of the inverter module  300  and the coolant output  740  can be coupled with a coolant outlet manifold  440  of the inverter module  300 . The coolant input  735  and the coolant output  740  can be formed on the same surface of the enclosure or the coolant input  735  and the coolant output  740  can be formed on different surfaces of the enclosure  310 . The enclosure  310  includes a vent  710  to vent the inverter module  300  and the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  forming the inverter module  300 . The vent  710  can include or be formed as a hole or opening in a side surface of the enclosure  310 . For example, the vent  710  can provide air to an inner region of the enclosure  310  to provide cooling to the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  forming the inverter module  300 . The enclosure  710  includes a gearbox harness  715  and a gearbox mounting flange  720 . The harness  715  can be configured to couple one or more of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  with different power systems of a drive train unit. For example, the gearbox harness  715  can electrically couple the half-bridge module  305  or the inverter module  300  with different power systems of a drive train unit to convey or transmit electrical signals between the half-bridge module  305  or the inverter module  300  and the power systems of the drive train unit. The mounting flange  720  can be formed along one or more surfaces or edges of the enclosure  310  to aid in coupling the inverter module  300  within a drive train unit of an electric vehicle. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 7 , the enclosure  310  can be formed having a rectangular shape. However, the enclosure  310  can be formed in a variety of different shapes or having different dimensions. The particular shape or dimensions of the enclosure  310  can be selected based at least in part on the shape and dimensions of the half-bridge modules  305  or the shape and dimensions of a space within a drive train unit of an electric vehicle that the enclosure  310  is to be disposed within. The enclosure  310  can have a length in a range from 270 mm to 290 mm (e.g., 280 mm). The enclosure  310  can have a width in a range from 280 mm to 300 mm (e.g., 290 mm). The enclosure  310  can have a height in a range from 120 mm to 132 mm (e.g., 127 mm). 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the first, second and third half-bridge modules  305  coupled with the positive bus-bar  455  and the negative bus-bar  460 . The positive bus-bar  455  and the negative bus-bar  460  can be formed or disposed along a common side surface of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  to reduce the dimensions of the inverter module  300  and provide a compact design. As depicted in  FIG. 8 , the positive bus-bar  455  is positioned along first sides  810  of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  at a first level or height and the negative bus-bar  460  is positioned along first sides  810  of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  at a second level or height (e.g., different from the first level or height). For example, the positive bus-bar  455  is positioned parallel to and adjacent to the negative bus-bar  460  along the first sides  810 . The positive bus-bar  455  can be positioned parallel to and above the negative bus-bar  460  along the first sides  810  or the positive bus-bar  455  can be positioned parallel to and below the negative bus-bar  460  along the first sides  810 . 
     The first, second and third half-bridge modules  305  include an output terminals  805  formed on second side surfaces  820  of the half-bridge modules  305 . The second side surfaces  820  can correspond to an opposite side or opposite end of the half-bridge modules  305  as compared with the first side surfaces  810 . For example, the first half-bridge module  305  includes a first output terminal  805  formed on the second side surface  820  of the first half-bridge module  305 . The second first half-bridge module  305  includes a second output terminal  805  formed on the second side surface  820  of the second half-bridge module  305 . The third half-bridge module  305  includes a third output terminal  805  formed on the second side surface  820  of the third half-bridge module  305 . 
     The output terminals  805  of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  can be aligned with respect to each other. For example, the output terminals  805  can be formed at a same height or level along the second side surfaces  820  of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305 . The output terminals  805  of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  can couple with phase bus-bars  465  to provide an output from the half-bridge modules  305 . The first output terminal  805  of the first half-bridge module  305  can couple with a first phase bus-bar  465 , the second output terminal  805  of the second half-bridge module  305  can couple with a second phase bus-bar  465 , and the third output terminal  805  of the third half-bridge module  305  can couple with a third phase bus-bar  465 . 
     The first, second, and third phase bus-bars  465  extending from the first, second, and third half-bridge inverter modules  305  can be formed or disposed along the second side surfaces  820  such that they are aligned or parallel with respect to each other. The first, second, and third phase bus-bars  465  can include first, second, and third phase outputs  825 , respectively, that are formed or disposed at a common or same level with respect to a top surface  830  of each of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305 . The first, second, and third phase outputs  825  can form connection points to couple with different systems within a drive train unit of an electric vehicle. For example, each of the first, second, and third phase outputs  825  can be configured to provide a single phase voltage such the first, second, and third phase outputs  825  in combination can provide a three phase voltage. The DC connector  705  (e.g., HV connector) is coupled with the positive bus-bar  455  and the negative bus-bar  460 . The DC connector  705  can be coupled with a power supply (e.g., DC power supply) and be configured to provide power to the positive bus-bar  455  and the negative bus-bar  460  and thus power the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305 . 
       FIG. 9  shows the first, second and third half-bridge modules  305 , of  FIGS. 8 and 9  rotated to further illustrate the coupling between the first, second and third half-bridge modules  305  and the positive and negative bus-bars  455 ,  460 . The first half-bridge module  305  includes a first positive input  905  and a first negative input  910 . The first positive input  905  is coupled with the positive bus-bar  455  and the first negative input  910  is coupled with the negative bus-bar  460 . The second half-bridge module  305  includes a second positive input  905  and a second negative input  910 . The second positive input  905  is coupled with the positive bus-bar  455  and the second negative input  910  is coupled with the negative bus-bar  460 . The third half-bridge module  305  includes a third positive input  905  and a third negative input  910 . The third positive input  905  is coupled with the positive bus-bar  455  and the third negative input  910  is coupled with the negative bus-bar  460 . 
     The first, second and third half-bridge modules  305  are positioned adjacent to each other in a triplet configuration having each of their respective positive inputs  905  and negative inputs  910  aligned with each other. Thus, the positive bus-bar  455  and the negative bus-bar  460  can be disposed adjacent to each other and parallel to each other along the same side surface  810  of each of the first, second and third half-bridge modules  305 . For example, the each of the first, second, third positive inputs  905  can be positioned or formed such that they are at a first level or first height along the first side surfaces  810  of the half-bridge modules  305 . Each of the first, second, third negative inputs  910  can be positioned such that they are at a second level or second height along the first side surfaces  810  of the half-bridge modules  305 . 
     The positive inputs  905  can be positioned at a different level or height (e.g., above, below) with respect to the negative inputs  910  along the first side surfaces  810  of the half-bridge modules  305 . The positive inputs  905  and the negative inputs  910  can be disposed at different levels so that the positive bus-bar  455  is spaced from the negative bus-bar  460 . The spacing of the positive inputs  905  and the negative inputs  910  can be selected and formed to meet clearance needs or requirements between the positive bus-bar  455  and the negative bus-bar  460 . For example, the positive inputs  905  can be positioned above the negative inputs  910  or the positive inputs  905  can be positioned below the negative inputs  910 . The first positive input  905  can be positioned such that it is directly aligned (e.g., directly over, directly under) or offset with respect to the negative input  910 . For example, and as depicted in  FIG. 9 , the positive inputs  905  are offset with respect to the corresponding negative inputs  910 . 
     The positive bus-bar  455  and negative bus-bar  460  can be positioned such that they couple with each of the half-bridge modules  305  in a relatively straight arrangement. The straight and parallel arrangement allows the positive bus-bar  455  and negative bus-bar  460  to occupy less room within the inverter module  300 . Thus, the inverter module  300  can be formed having a compact design. The straight and parallel arrangement can increase an efficiency of the manufacture as the positive and negative bus-bars  455 ,  460  can be coupled with the same side surfaces  810  of each of the half-bridge modules  305  in a relatively straight fashion. The first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  can be aligned such their side surfaces, ends, top surfaces, and bottom surfaces are aligned with respect to each other. For example, and as depicted in  FIG. 9 , the first side surfaces  810  of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  are aligned with respect to each other. The second side surfaces  820  of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  are aligned with respect to each other. The top surfaces  830  of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  are aligned with respect to each other. 
       FIG. 10  shows a bottom view of the first, second and third half-bridge modules  305  to illustrate different circuitry components coupled with the first, second and third half-bridge modules  305 . For example, the control PCB  425  is coupled with each of the first, second and third half-bridge modules  305 . Further, multiple power PCBs  420  are coupled with the first, second and third half-bridge modules  305 . The control PCB  425  and the power PCBs  420  can include control electronics and power electronics to control operation of the half-bridge modules  305 . The control PCB  425  can be coupled with each of the first, second and third half-bridge modules  305  to provide controls signals to the first, second and third half-bridge modules  305 . For example, the control PCB  425  can generate control signals to activate (e.g., turn-on) or deactivate (e.g., turn-off) one or more of the first, second and third half-bridge modules  305 . 
     Each of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305  can couple with at least one power PCB  420 . For example, and as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a first power PCB  420  couples with the first half-bridge module  305  through a first cold plate of the first half-bridge module  305 . A second power PCB  420  couples with the second half-bridge module  305  through a second cold plate of the second half-bridge module  305 . A third power PCB  420  couples with the third half-bridge module  305  through a third cold plate of the first half-bridge module  305 . The power PCBs can couple with a first surface (e.g., bottom surface, top surface) of the cold plates within the half-bridge modules  305  such that power PCBs are coupled with an opposite surface of the cold plate as compared to a second surface of the cold plate (e.g., top surface, bottom surface) that is positioned adjacent to or proximate to a capacitor or transistors within the half-bridge modules  305 . The power PCBs  420  can correspond to power supply PCBs and generate power signals for the half-bridge modules  305 . The power PCBs  420  can provide the power signals to control a power level or output level of one or more of the first, second and third half-bridge modules  305 . 
     The half-bridge modules  305  can include low voltage PCB wires  1015  and high voltage PCB wires  1020 . The low voltage PCB wires  1015  can couple the control PCB  425  to the first, second, and third half-bridge modules  305 . For example, the low voltage PCB wires  1015  can loop through or couple different portions of the control PCB  425  with the half-bridge modules  305 . The high voltage PCB wires  1020  can couple the power PCBs  420  to the half-bridge modules  305 . The high voltage PCB wires  1020  can through or couple different portions of the power PCBs  420  with the half-bridge modules  305 . 
     A DC connector  705  (e.g., HV connector) couples with the positive bus-bar  455  and the negative bus-bar  460 . The DC connector  705  can be formed on or coupled with a first end surface  1030  of the inverter module  300 . The DC connector  705  can provide a high voltage power source corresponding to a first voltage range (e.g., high voltage range) to the positive bus-bar  455  and the negative bus-bar  460 . An LV connector  1005  couples with a second end surface  1035  (e.g., opposite end from first end  1830 ) of the inverter module  300 . The LV connector  1005  can provide a low voltage power source corresponding to a second voltage range (e.g., low voltage range) to the inverter module  300 . 
       FIGS. 11-12  show various views of a gel tray  1105 . The gel tray  1105  (e.g., potting compound container) can include poly carbon material, or other forms of high temperature plastic. The gel tray  1105  can be formed using various injection molded techniques. The gel tray  1105  can be disposed over one or more components of a half-bridge module  305  or inverter module  300  and operate as an insulator for the components (e.g., electronics) of the half bridge module  305  or inverter module  300 . The gel tray  1105  can include or be formed having an inner region  1210  that covers, submerges, or can be disposed about multiple components of a half-bridge module  305  or inverter module  300 . For example, components such as but not limited to a capacitor, transistors, or PCBs can be submerged by or otherwise disposed within the inner region  1210  to provide cooling to the respective components. 
     The gel tray  1105  includes one or more capacitive orifices  1120 . The capacitive orifices  1120  can be used as inputs or outputs for a half-bridge module  305  or inverter module  300 . For example, the capacitive orifices  1120  can be formed as a hole or an access point to couple a power supply with DC connector, positive bus-bar, or negative bus-bar disposed within the gel tray  1105 . The capacitive orifices  1120  can be formed as a hole or an access point to provide a power (e.g., voltage) generated by a half-bridge module  305  or inverter module  300  to other systems, such as a drive train unit of an electric vehicle. 
     The gel tray  1105  includes one or more connection points  1225 . The connection points  1225  can include threaded inserts, holes, or receptacles. The connection points  1225  can be used to couple the gel tray  1105  to other components of a half-bridge module  305  or inverter module  300 . For example, the connection points  1225  can receive a fastener (e.g., screw, bolt) to couple the gel tray  1105  to one or more shallow regions of a cold plate. The gel tray  1105  can be formed in a variety of different shapes and having different dimensions. As depicted in the  FIGS. 11-12 , the gel tray  1105  can be formed having a rectangular shape. The shape and dimensions of the gel tray  1105  can be selected based in part on the shape and dimensions of a half-bridge module  305  or inverter module  305  the gel tray  1105  is coupled with. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a half-bridge module  305  having a positive phase input  905 , a negative phase input  910 , a thermal pad  1350 , and a cold plate  1340 . The positive phase input  905  and negative phase input  910  are coupled or disposed on a first side surface  1320  of the half-bridge module  305  (e.g., on the same side). By having the positive phase input  905  and negative phase input  910  on the same first side surface  1320 , positive and negative bus-bars to be arranged in a straight and parallel fashion with respect to each other. The positive phase input  905  can be disposed at a different height or level with respect to the negative phase input  910 . For example, the positive phase input  905  can be disposed higher or lower than the negative phase input  910  along the first side surface  1320  of the half-bridge module  305 . The positive phase input  905  can be disposed offset as compared to the negative phase input  910  in one or more directions (e.g., horizontally, vertically) along the first side surface  13205  of the half-bridge module  305 . 
     The positive phase input  905  can be coupled with a thermal pad  1350  by a clearance layer  1325 . The clearance layer  1325  can include copper or to other forms of sheet metal and can be disposed to provide clearance for the positive phase input  905  from a negative bus-bar when the half-bridge module  305  is coupled within an inverter module  300  having multiple half-bridge modules  305 . The thermal pad  1350  can be disposed between the positive phase input  905 , the negative phase input  910  and the cold plate  1340 . The thermal pad  1350  is disposed over or in at least one slot of a locator  1360 . The locator  1360  is disposed over the cold plate  1340 . The thermal pad  1350  can be disposed within a slot of the locator  1360  such that a portion of the thermal pad  1350  is in contact with a portion of the cold plate  1340 . The thermal pad  1350  and the cold plate  1340  can provide active cooling to the positive phase input  905  and the negative phase input  910 . For example, the thermal pad  1350  an the cool plate  1340  can provide heat dissipation or heat rejection for heat generated at or by the positive phase input  905  and the negative phase input  910 . 
     A PCB  1310  can be coupled with a side surface  1315  of the half-bridge module  305 . The PCB  1310  may be coupled with a different surface  1315  than the first side surface  1320  the positive phase input  905  and the negative phase input  910  are coupled with. The half-bridge module  305  can include a gel tray  1105  disposed over different components of the half-bridge module  305 . The half-bridge module  305  can include one or more mounting tabs  1330 . The mounting tabs  1330  can couple with different surfaces within an inverter module  300  to couple the half-bridge module  305  within the inverter module  300 . The half-bridge module  305  can include a receptacle  1370  (e.g., assembly dowel receptacle) formed on the first side surface  1320 . The receptacle can include an orifice or hole and be used during a manufacture process to grab or position the half-bridge module  305  such that the half-bridge module  305  can be disposed within an inverter module  300 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a half-bridge module  305  of  FIG. 13  with a rotated view to show a phase output terminal  805  coupled with a second side surface  1450  of the half-bridge module  305 . The phase output terminal  805  can be coupled with an opposite side surface  1450  as compared to the first side surface  1320  the positive phase input  905  and the negative phase input  910  are coupled with. The phase output terminal  805  includes an orifice  1405 . For example, the orifice  1405  can have a square, round or circular shape and include a threaded inner region to receive a threaded connection from a phase bus-bar. The orifice  1405  may include or couple with a captive nut or a cage nut to form a connection between the phase output terminal  805  and the phase bus-bar. 
     A thermal pad  1350  is disposed between the phase output terminal  805  and a cold plate  1340 . The thermal pad  1350  is disposed over or in at least one slot of a locator  1360 . The locator  1360  is disposed over the cold plate  1340 . The thermal pad  1350  can be disposed within a slot of the locator  1360  such that a portion of the thermal pad  1350  is in contact with a portion of the cold plate  1340 . The thermal pad  1350 , in combination with the cold plate  1340 , can provide active cooling to the phase output terminal  805 . For example, the thermal pad  1350  and cold plate  1340  can provide heat dissipation or heat rejection for heat generated at or by the phase output terminal  805 . The thermal pad  1350  can be in contact with a surface or portion of the phase output terminal  805  or the thermal pad  1350  may be spaced a predetermined distance from the phase output terminal  805 . The thermal pad  1340  can include non-conductive material, such as but not limited to, aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, silicon material or a silicon aluminum blend material. 
     The half-bridge module  305  includes a HV connector  1410  and a LV connector  1420 . The HV connector  1410  and the LV connector  1420  can be coupled with or disposed on a common side surface, here surface  1440 . The HV connector  1410  and the LV connector  1420  may be coupled with or disposed on different side surfaces of the half-bridge module  305 . The HV connector  1410  may extend a first distance from the side surface  1440  and the LV connector  1420  may extend a second, different distance from the side surface  1440 . The first distance may be less than or greater than the second distance. The HV connector  1410  and the LV connector  1420  can extend from the side surface  1440  to provide a more accessible connection point to couple with a power source or to provide power to different components of an inverter module  300  or a drive train unit of an electric vehicle. For example, the HV connector  1410  can couple with a high voltage power source to receive voltage in a first voltage range for the half-bridge module  305 . The LV connector  1420  can couple with a low voltage power source to receive voltage in a second voltage range for the half-bridge module  305 . 
     A PCB  1430  can couple the LV connector  1420  to the side surface  1440  of the half-bridge module  305 . The PCB  1430  can extend from the side surface  1440  to electrically couple the LV connector  1420  to different components, electronics or circuitry within the half-bridge module  305 . The PCB  1430  can include circuitry to transfer power provided to the LV connector  1420  to different components, electronics or circuitry within the half-bridge module  305 . A gel tray  1105  can be coupled with or disposed over components of the half-bridge module  305 . The gel tray  1105  can be positioned such that it covers multiple sides of components (e.g., capacitor, transistor, PCBs) within the half-bridge module  305 . 
       FIG. 15  shows the half-bridge module  305  rotated to show a bottom view and in particular, a view of a bottom surface  1505  of the cold plate  1340 . The cold plate  1340  is coupled with the gel tray  1105  through a plurality of fasteners  1520 . For example, a surface  1505  (e.g., bottom surface, top surface) of the cold plate  1340  can include a plurality of holes (e.g., threaded holes) to receive the plurality of fasteners  1520 . The fasteners  1520  can extend through the cold plate  805  and couple with threaded holes formed in the gel tray  1105 . In this arrangement, the fasteners  1520  can be coupled away from electronics or other conductive components, conductive surfaces (e.g., input terminals  905 ,  910 , output terminals, capacitor) of the half-bridge module  305 . The fasteners  1520  may be spaced a predetermined distance from electronics or other conductive components, or conductive surfaces of the half-bridge module  305 . 
     For example, and as illustrated in the  FIG. 15 , the positive input  905  and the negative input  910  are spaced from the fasteners  1520  to, for example, avoid an electrical short between the positive input  905 , the negative input  910  and the fasteners  1520 . Thus, the half-bridge module  305  can be formed having adequate clearances/isolation between high voltage conductors and ground (cold plate, fasteners, clips). For example, non-conductive materials, surfaces (e.g., plastic, thermal pad) may disposed next to or adjacent to the conductive materials, surfaces of the half-bridge module  305 . 
     The fasteners  1520  can include fasteners of different sizes and dimensions. For example, the half-bridge module  305  may include four first fasteners  1520  and four second fasteners  1520  with at least one first fastener  1520  and at least one second fastener  1520  coupled at each corner of the cold plate  1340 . The first fasteners  1520  can be smaller in size than the second fasteners  1520 . The first fasteners  1520  can correspond to gel tray fasteners to couple the gel tray  1105  with the cold plate  1340 . The second fasteners  1520  can correspond to capacitor fasteners to couple the capacitor or capacitor frame to the cold plate  1340 . 
     A first PCB  1430  can couple with and extend from a first side surface  1550  of the half-bridge module  305  and a second PCB  1430  can couple with and extend from a second side surface  1560  of the half-bridge module  305 . The PCBs  1430  can couple with at least one LV connector  1420 . For example, and as depicted in  FIG. 15 , the first PCB  1430  couples with a first LV connector  1420  and the second PCB  1430  couples with a second LV connector  1420 . The PCBs  1430  can include circuitry to transfer power provided to the LV connectors  1420  to different components, electronics or circuitry within the half-bridge module  305 . The LV connectors  1410  can couple with a power source to provide power in a second voltage range (e.g., low voltage) to the half-bridge module  305 . A first HV connector  1410  is coupled with and extends from the first side surface  1550  of the half-bridge module  305  and a second HV connector  1410  is coupled with and extends from the second side surface  1560  of the half-bridge module  305 . The HV connectors  1410  can couple with a power source to provide power in a first voltage range (e.g., high voltage) to the half-bridge module  305 . 
     The cold plate  1340  includes one or more coolant ports  1510 . For example, and as depicted in  FIG. 15 , the a first coolant port  1510  can be formed through the surface  1505  of the cold plate  1340  at a first end and a second coolant port  1510  can be formed through the surface  1505  of the cold plate  1340  at a second, different end. The coolant ports  1510  can be formed as orifices or holes formed through the surface  1505  of the cold plate  1340 . The coolant ports  1510  can be fluidly coupled with each other through a tube or conduit disposed within the cold plate  1340  or a half-bridge module  305  that the cold plate  1340  is disposed within. The coolant ports  1510  can be fluidly coupled with one or more cooling passages or cooling channels formed within the cold plate  1340  such that coolant can be provided to the cooling channels within the cold plate  1340  through the coolant ports  1510 . 
     The half-bridge module  305  can include one or more mounting tabs  1540 . The mounting tabs  1540  can include holes, tabs, or flanges formed at ends or side surfaces of the half-bridge module  305 . For example, and as depicted in  FIG. 15 , the mounting tabs  1540  can be formed at each corner of the half-bridge module  305  such that the half-bridge module  305  includes four mounting tabs  1540 . The mounting tabs  1540  can receive or couple with connection points within an inverter module  300  to couple the half-bridge module  305  with the inverter module  300  or with other half-bridge modules within the inverter module  300 . 
       FIGS. 16-17  provides a cut away view of a half-bridge module  305  having a capacitor  115 , first and second transistors  120 , and a cold plate  1605  disposed within the half-bridge module  305 . The capacitor  115  is disposed over first and second transistors  120  and a clip  1620  is disposed between the first and second transistors  120 . The clip  1620  includes two gull wings  1625 . For example, a first gull wing  1625  extends out and over the first transistor and a second gull wing  1625  extends out and over the second transistor  120 . The gull wings  1625  of the clip  1620  can compress or otherwise hold the first and second transistors  120  in place and against a ceramic layer  1630  disposed between the first and second transistors  120  and the cold plate  1605 . For example, the gull wings  1625  can be positioned to compress the first and second transistors  120  towards the cold plate  1605  to increase the cooling provided by the cold plate  1605 . 
     A third PCB or temperature sensing PCB  1650  can be disposed between the clip  1620  and a first surface (e.g., top surface) of a locator  1640 . The third PCB  1650  can include a temperature sensor and be configured to provide temperature data (e.g., temperature readings) corresponding to the first and second transistors  120 . For example, the temperature sensor (e.g., thermistor) can operate to provide temperature sensing capability within the half-bridge module. The third PCB  1650  can be configured to determine or predict transistor junction temperatures (e.g., IGBT junction temperatures) within the half-bridge module  305 . The locator  1640  can include a plurality of slots to hold or couple with the first and second transistors  120 , the clip  1620 , and the third PCB  1650 . 
     The locator  1640  can be disposed over or on the ceramic layer  1630 . The ceramic layer  1630  may include ceramic based material and be configured to electrically insulate the cold plate  1605  from the first and second transistors  120 . For example, the ceramic layer  1630  can be configured to prevent a short circuit condition between the cold plate  1605  and the first and second transistors  120 . 
     The cold plate  1605  includes the plurality of cooling passages  1610  in which coolant can by pumped or otherwise provided through. The cooling channels  1610  can be formed within the cold plate  1605  such that they are positioned proximate to or within a predetermined distance from the plurality of transistors  120 , here the first and second transistors  120 . The cold plate  1605  can include aluminum or an aluminum heat sink. The cold plate  1605  can include one or more different layers or one or more different materials. The different layers of the cold plate  1605  can be formed into a single layer during manufacture, such as by friction stir weld construction. 
     The first transistor  120  includes a first set of leads  1675  coupled with a first PCB  1680  and the second transistor  120  includes a second set of leads  1675  coupled with a second PCB  1680 . The first set of leads  1675  can extend through an orifice or hole formed in the first PCB  1680  to couple the first transistor  120  with the first PCB  1680 . The first PCB  1680  can include control circuitry to generate and provide control signals to the first transistor  120  to activate (e.g., turn-on) or de-activate (e.g., turn-off) the first transistor  120 . The second set of leads  1675  can extend through an orifice or hole formed in the second PCB  1680  to couple the second transistor  120  with the second PCB  1680 . The second PCB  1680  can include control circuitry to generate and provide control signals to the second transistor  120  to activate (e.g., turn-on) or de-activate (e.g., turn-off) the first transistor  120 . 
     The capacitor  115  includes a first set of leads  1670  coupled with the first PCB  1680  and a second set of leads  1670  coupled with the second PCB  1680 . The first set of leads  1670  and the second set of leads  1670  can include or be formed having a curved or bent shape to accommodate coupling with the first and second PCBs  1680 . The first set of leads  1670  and the second set of leads  1670  can extend through an orifice or hole formed in the first and second PCB&#39;s  1680  to couple the capacitor  115  with the first and second PCB&#39;s  1680 . The first and second PCB&#39;s  1680  can include or be coupled with control circuitry (e.g., IGBT control circuitry) and can be configured to provide control signals to the capacitor  115  to control operation of the capacitor  115 . The first and second PCBs  1680  can be oriented vertically with respect to the capacitor  115  and have minimal conductor length between the transistors  120  (e.g., IGBT dies) and control circuitry of the first and second PCBs  1680 . 
       FIG. 17  provides a cut-away view of the spatial relationship between the clip  1620 , the first transistor  120 , the ceramic layer  1630 , the locator  1640 , and the cold plate  1605 . For example, the first gull wing  1625  of the clip  1620  can contact a first surface (e.g., top surface) of the first transistor  120  can compress the first transistor towards the ceramic layer  1630  and the cold plate  1605  to increase a cooling provided by the cold plate  1605 . A first thermal grease layer or bondline  1705  can be disposed between a second surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the first transistor  120  and a first surface (e.g., top surface) of the ceramic layer  1630 . A second thermal grease layer or bondline  1705  can be disposed between a second surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the ceramic layer  1630  and a first surface (e.g., top surface) of the cold plate  1605 . 
     In  FIG. 18 , the half-bridge module  305  of  FIG. 17  is provided showing a half-bridge module circuit  100  formed by the components of the half-bridge module  305 . The circuit  100  can be formed between components of the half-bridge module  305 , such as the capacitor  115  and first and second transistors  120 . For example, the circuit  100  includes a positive terminal  105  coupled with at least one terminal of the capacitor  115  and a negative terminal  110  coupled with a second terminal of the capacitor  115 . The positive terminal  105  is coupled between the capacitor  115  and the first transistor  120 . The negative terminal  110  is coupled between the capacitor  115  and the second transistor  120 . 
     The first transistor  120  can include at least one terminal (e.g., emitter terminal) coupled with a phase output terminal  130  and the second transistor  120  can include at least one terminal (e.g., collector terminal) coupled with the phase terminal  130 . The first and second transistors  120  can operate as switches within the half-bridge module  305 . The positive terminal  105  can be coupled with a positive input terminal of the half-bridge module  305  and the negative terminal  110  can be coupled with a negative input terminal of the half-bridge module  305 . The phase terminal  130  can be coupled with a phase output of the half-bridge module  305  to provide a single phase output voltage generated by the half-bridge module  305  for a drive unit of an electric vehicle. 
       FIGS. 19-21 , provide cut-away views of a half-bridge module  305  illustrating the spatial relationship between the different components of the half-bridge module  305 . The half-bridge module  305  includes a gel tray  1105  disposed about or over a capacitor  115 . The half-bridge module  305  includes a positive phase input  905 , a negative phase input (not shown), and a phase output terminal  805 . The positive phase input  905 , the negative phase input (not shown), and the phase output terminal  805  can be coupled with the capacitor  115 . For example, a first conductor  1915  can couple the capacitor  115  with the positive input  905 , a second conductor  1915  can couple the capacitor  115  with the negative input (not shown), and a third conductor  1915  can couple the capacitor  115  with the phase output terminal  805 . The conductors  1915  can include conductive material (e.g., copper). The conductors  1915  can be formed having a bent shape, curved shape or a U-shape to couple at least one of the positive phase input  905 , the negative phase input (not shown), or the phase output terminal  805  with the capacitor  115 . 
     The positive phase input  905 , the negative phase input (not shown), and the phase output terminal  805  may include conductive materials, such as but not limited to, copper. The gel tray  1105  can be disposed such that it is disposed over the capacitor  115  and includes orifices (e.g., holes) to provide a connection between the positive phase input  905 , the negative phase input (not shown), the phase output terminal  805 , and the capacitor  115 . 
     The half-bridge module  305  includes a plurality of transistors  120  coupled with a locator  1640  using a plurality of clips  1620 . The clips  1620  can couple with the locator  1640  through threaded inserts formed in the locator  1640 . The clips  1620  can include gull wings  1625  to extend out and over the transistors  120  such that the gull wings  1625  compress and hold the transistors  120  in place in slots formed in the locator  1640 . The locator  1640  is disposed over a ceramic layer  1630 . The ceramic layer  1630  is disposed over a cold plate  1605  having a plurality of cooling channels  1610 . The cooling channels  1610  can be formed such that they are aligned (here under) the capacitor  115  and transistors  120  to provide cooling to the capacitor  115  and the transistors  120 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 20 , a PCB  1650  can be coupled with the locator  1640  by the clips  1620 . The PCB  1650  can include at least one temperature sensor  2015  (e.g., thermistor) coupled with or formed within the PCB  1650 . The temperature sensor  2015  can measure temperatures for one or more transistors and the PCB  1650  can generate temperature data corresponding to the one or more transistors. Further, and as depicted in  FIG. 20 , the PCB  1650  is disposed between the transistors  120  and the locator  1640 . The ceramic layer  1630  is disposed between the locator  1640  and the cold plate  1605 . The ceramic layer  1630  can operate as an electrical insulator between the locator  1640  and the cold plate  1605 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 19 , at opposing ends of the half-bridge module  305 , thermal pads  1940  can be disposed between a portion of the cold plate  1605  and a portion of the capacitor  115 . The thermal pads  1940  can operate as a thermal interface between the electronics of the half-bridge module  305 , here the capacitor  115  and the cold plate  605 . For example, the thermal pads  1940  can provide active cooling for inputs  905  and outputs  805  of the half-bridge module  305 . As depicted in the  FIG. 19 , a first thermal pad  1940  is disposed proximate to and aligned with (e.g., positioned under) the positive input  905  (and the negative input) and a second thermal pad  1940  is disposed proximate to and aligned with (e.g., positioned under) the phase output terminal  805 . Further, a first portion of the cold plate  1605  can be aligned with (e.g., positioned under) the positive input  905  (and negative input) and a second portion of the cold plate  1605  can be aligned with (e.g., positioned under) the phase output terminal  805 . The thermal pads  1940  and cool plate  1605  can provide active cooling to conductors in the half-bridge module  305 . For example, and depending on the specifications, dimensions (e.g., thickness) and temperature gradients within the capacitor  115 , the thermal pads  1940  and cool plate  1605  may provide heat dissipation or heat rejection in a range from 50 watts to 100 watts for a single half-bridge module  305 . The thermal pads  1940  can include aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, silicon material or a silicon aluminum blend material. 
     The cold plate  1605  can be formed having a shape based on the design of the half-bridge module  305 . For example, the cold plate  1605  can include two shallow regions  1990  and a hump region  1995  formed between the two shallow regions  1990 . The geometry of the cold plate  1605  can operate to raise the electronics (e.g., high-voltage conductors within capacitor  115 , transistors  120 , PCB  1650 ) into an inner area defined by the gel tray  1105  such that the electronics of the half-bridge module  305  are effectively submerged or otherwise covered by the gel tray  1105  on multiple sides, here at least three sides. The shape, size and dimensions of the hump region  1995  can vary and be selected at least based in part on the shape, size and dimensions of one or more components of the half-bridge module  305 . For example, a height of the hump region  1995  can be selected such that the transistors  120  or IGBT components of the half-bridge module  305  are submerged within the gel tray  1105 . 
       FIG. 21  illustrates the shallow regions  1990  that are formed such that outer edges  2105  of the gel tray  1105  extend down and are in contact with the conductors  1915  (e.g., positive conductors, negative conductors, phase bar, lead-frame of capacitor  115 ). The edges  2105  of the gel tray  1105  can be in contact with a portion of the conductor  1915 . The conductor  1915  can be disposed over the thermal pad  1940  and the thermal pad  1940  is disposed over a portion of the cold plate  1605 . Thus, the edges  2105  of the gel tray  1105  can extend down to be within a predetermined distance from the thermal pad  1940  and the cold plate  1605 . The hump region  1995  of the cold plate  1605  can extend or raise the electronics of the half-bridge module  305  into the inner region formed by the gel tray  1105  and the edges  2105  can extend down such that the gel tray  1105  submerges the electronics of the half-bridge module  305 . The outer edges  2105  may couple with the shallow regions  1990  of the cold plate  1605 . 
       FIG. 22  shows a plurality of transistors  120  coupled with or otherwise disposed in slots  2205  of a locator  1640  (which can also be referred to herein as a locator guide, locator frame). In  FIG. 22 , the transistors  120  have leads  205  having a generally straight or unbent shape. When the transistors  120  are fully coupled with a half-bridge module  305 , the leads  205  can be bent, shaped or otherwise manipulated to couple with a respective one or more components (e.g., PCB) within the half-bridge module  305 . 
     A PCB  2215  is coupled with the locator  1640 . The PCB  2215  may include control electronics for a temperature sensor (e.g., thermistor) disposed on an opposite side of the locator  1640  (e.g., opposite with respect to the surface of the locator  1640  that the transistors  120  are disposed on). The temperature sensor can operate to provide temperature sensing capability within the half-bridge module. For example, the temperature sensing can be extrapolated to predict IGBT junction temperatures. The temperature sensor (e.g., board-level thermistor) can be compressed and sealed against a pocket of grease on a ceramic layer, adjacent to the transistors  120 . 
     A first thermal pad  1940  is coupled with the locator  1640  at a first end  2230  of the locator  1910  and a second thermal pad  1940  is coupled with the locator  1640  at a second end  2235  of the locator  1640 . The first and second thermal pads  1940  can be coupled with the same side or surface of the locator  1640  and be disposed on opposite ends, here the first end  2230  and second end  2235 , of the locator  1640  such that the transistors  120  are disposed between the first and second thermal pads  1940 . 
     A plurality of clips  1620  can couple the transistors  120  with the locator  1640 . Each of the clips  1620  includes at least two gull wing portions  1625  extending out from a center portion of the respective clip  1620  and over at least one of the plurality of transistors  120 . For example, the gull wing portions  1625  can compress and hold the transistors  120  in place and in contact with the locator  1640 . For example, and now referring to  FIG. 23 , an exploded view of clips  1620  compressing transistors  120  towards a cold plate  1605  is provided. The clips  1620  include gull wing portions  1625  that extend out and over a surface (e.g., top surface) of the transistors  120  to secure the transistors  120  and compress the transistors  120  towards a thermal interface formed between a ceramic layer  1630  and the cold plate  1605 . For example, the cold plate  1605  includes a plurality of cooling channels  1610  having coolant flowing through, and the gull wings  1625  can compress the transistors  120  closer to the cooling channels  1610  to increase the cooling provided by the cooling channels  1610  and the cold plate  1605 . The ceramic layer  1630  is disposed between the transistors  120  and the cold plate  1605  to electrically insulate the transistors  120  from the cold plate  1605 . 
     The transistors  120  are coupled with the locator  1640  using the clips  1620 . For example, the clips  1620  can include a threaded portion that can couple with a threaded receiving portion of the locator  1640  and cold plate  1605  to secure the transistors  120  in place. Further, and as depicted in  FIG. 23 , the PCB  1650  is disposed between the clips  1620  and a top surface of the locator  1640 . The PCB  1650  can be secured in place against the locator  1640  by the clips  1620 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 23 , portions of the locator  1640  can extend around the cold plate  1605  such that the cold plate  1605  can be formed or otherwise disposed within an inner region or inner recess of the locator  1640 . The shape of the locator  1640  can position the cold plate  1605  to a closer distance (e.g., proximity) or within a predetermined distance to components within a half-bridge module  305 . For example, the cold plate  1605  can be spaced from the transistors  120  a distance in a range from 0.25 mm to 1 mm (e.g., less than 1 mm). The cold plate  1605  can be separated from the transistors  120  by a sheet of ceramic material having a thickness or width of less than 1 mm. For example, the plurality of cooling passages  1610  having coolant fluid provided to or flowing through can be positioned in a closer proximity to cool the different electronics (e.g., transistors  120 ) or other components of a half-bridge module  305 . 
       FIG. 24  shows the locator  1640  with the components of a half-bridge module  305  removed from the frame. The locator  1640  includes a plurality of slots (e.g., apertures, holes, recesses) formed in a frame of the locator  1640  to hold or couple various components of the half-bridge module  305  in place. The slots can have varying shapes, sizes and dimensions and the shapes, sizes and dimensions of a particular slot can be selected based at least in part on the shape, size or dimension of a component of a half-bridge module  305 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 24 , the locator  1640  includes two thermal pad slots  2405  formed at opposite ends of the locator  1640 , sixteen transistor slots  2410  (or IGBT slots), eight fastener slots  2415  and two thermistor slots  2420 . The thermal pad slots  2405  have a generally rectangular shape which can be selected based on the shape of the particular thermal pad to be used in the half-bridge module  305 . The transistors slots  2410  have a generally rectangular shape which can be selected based on the shape of the particular transistors to be used in the half-bridge module  305 . The fastener slots  2415  can have a generally round shape and may include a threaded inner surface to couple with a threaded portion of a fastener. The thermistor slots  2420  can have a generally round shape. 
     A half-bridge module  305  may include only one thermistor, thus only one thermistor slot  2420  may be used. However, two thermistor slots  2420  can be formed to provided symmetry and ease of manufacture. For example, having two thermistor slots  2420  allows for the locator  1640  to be rotated and a thermistor of a half-bridge module  305  can be disposed within either thermistor slot  2420 . 
     The locator  1640  can be formed having any number of slots, including a greater number of slots than described above with respect to  FIG. 24  or less than the number of slots described above with respect to  FIG. 24 . The locator  1640  can operate as a guide or frame for a manufacture process of a half-bridge module  305 , such as during a pick and place automation process, to increase an efficiency of the manufacture process. For example, the locator  1640  can keep different components or parts of the half-bridge module  305  form moving around during manufacture resulting in a reducing an amount of fixturing (e.g., identifying and moving parts to correct locations) during the manufacture process. The half-bridge module  305  can be formed faster and more efficiently using the locator  1640  as a guide for an automation device (e.g., pick and place automation machinery). The locator  1640  can reduce the amount of human interaction with a particular manufacture process and therefore, a half-bridge module  305  can be formed using just the pick and place machinery and a grease dispenser device (or other form of fluid device). 
       FIGS. 25-28  show cut-away views of a cold plate  1605 . For example, and referring to  FIG. 25 , a view of a bottom surface  2515  of the cold plate  1605  is provided showing a first coolant port  2510  and a second coolant port  2510 , each formed through the surface  2515  (e.g., bottom surface, top surface) of the cold plate  1605 . The first coolant port  210  may correspond to an inlet port to receive coolant or an outlet port to release coolant. The second coolant port  210  may correspond to an inlet port to receive coolant or an outlet port to release coolant. The coolant ports  2510  can be formed orifices or holes formed through the surface  2515  of the cold plate  1605 . The coolant ports  2510  can be fluidly coupled with each other through a tube, conduit, or cooling channels formed in or disposed within the cold plate  1605  or a half-bridge module  305  that the cold plate  1605  is disposed within. The coolant ports  2510  can be fluidly coupled with one or more cooling passages or cooling channels  1610  (as shown in  FIG. 16 ) formed within the cold plate  1605  such that coolant can be provided to the cooling channels  1610  within the cold plate  1605  through the coolant ports  2510 . 
     The cold plate  1605  can include multiple coolant ports  2510 . For example, the first coolant port  2510  can correspond to a coolant input port or manifold configured to receive a liquid coolant and provide the liquid coolant to the cooling channels  1610 . The second coolant port  2510  can correspond to a coolant output port or manifold configured to release the liquid coolant from the cooling channels  1610 . The coolant ports  2510  can be formed at opposing ends of the cold plate  1605  (as depicted in  FIG. 16 ) or the coolant ports  2510  can be formed at the same end of the cold plate  1605 . 
       FIG. 26  shows a top view of a top surface  2615  of the cold plate  1605 . The top surface  1615  of the cold plate does not include coolant ports  2510 . Thus, the liquid coolant provided to the coolant ports  2510  flows through the cold plate  1605  and is sealed or maintained within the cold plate  1605  in part by the top surface  2615  such that the cold plate  1605  can provide cooling to electronics of a half-bridge module  305  the cold plate  1605  is disposed within. The cold plate  1605  may include at least one surface (e.g., bottom surface  2515  or top surface  2615 ) having one or more coolant ports  2510  formed thereon. 
       FIG. 27  shows a side view of the cold plate  1605 . The side view shows the cold plate  1605  having a first shallow region  1690  formed at a first end of the cold plate  1605 , a second shallow region  1690  formed at a second end (e.g., different from the first end) of the cold plate  1605 , and a hump region  1695  formed or disposed between the first shallow region  1690  and the second shallow region  1690 . The hump region  1695  can have a greater height or thickness with respect to the first and second shallow regions  1690 . The first and second shallow regions  1690  can have the same height or thickness with respect to each other. 
       FIG. 28  shows a cut away view of the cold plate  1605 . The cut away view shows the plurality of cooling channels  1610  formed within the cold plate  1605 . Coolant can be provided to and flow through the cooling channels  1610  of the cold plate  1605  to provide heat transfer for electronics, conductors and other components within a respective half-bridge module  305 . The geometry of the cold plate  1605  can be selected and formed to enhance heat transfer between the material of the cold plate  1605  (e.g., aluminum) and the fluid flowing through the cooling channels  1610 . 
     The cooling channels  1610  can be formed having a variety of different shapes, different sizes, different dimensions, or different volumes and the particular shape, size, dimensions or volume can be selected based at least in part on a particular application of the cold plate  1605 . For example, the cooling channels  1610  can be formed having a generally round or circular shape. The cooling channels  1610  can hold coolant fluid. The cooling channels  1610  can be formed such that coolant fluid can flow through each of them. For example, the cooling channels  1610  can be fluidly coupled with each other or each of the cooling channels  1610  can be fluidly coupled with at least one other different cooling channel  1610 . Each of the cooling channels  1610  can have the same shape, size, dimensions, or volume or one or more of the cooling channels  1610  can have a different shape, a different size, different dimensions, or a different volume. 
       FIG. 29  illustrates the transistor  120  having leads  205  with the leads  205  having a generally straight shape and coupled with a printed circuit board (PCB)  1680 . In particular, the leads  205  extend through a hole or orifice formed in the PCB  1680  to couple the transistor  120  with the PCB  1680 . The PCB  1680  may include control electronics to communicate and control the transistor  120 , such as, to turn the transistor  120  on or off (e.g., open or close the switch). The leads  205  of the transistor  120  can be unbent, and terminated to or otherwise coupled with the PCB  1680  through a variety of different techniques, including but not limited to, resistive welding. The length and dimensions of the leads  205  of the transistor  120  can be selected based at least in part on a distance between the transistor  120  and the PCB  1680 . For example, the straight and unbent leads  205  of the transistor  120  can be short in length to minimize parasitic inductance effects, relative to alternative designs where more of the transistor lead is utilized or the leads are bent to reach their target connections. 
       FIG. 30  illustrates the transistor  120  having leads  205  with the leads  205  having a generally bent or curved shape. For example, the leads  205  can be curved to form an angle of 90° with respect to a surface of the transistor  120  (or in a range from 45° to 120° with respect to a surface of the transistor  120 ) and coupled with a PCB  3010 . In particular, the leads  205  extend through a hole or orifice formed in the PCB  3010  to couple the transistor  120  with the PCB  3010 . The PCB  3010  may include or provide a power supply to the transistor  120 . For example, the PCB  3010  may provide power signals to the transistor  120 . 
       FIG. 31  shows an exploded view of a half-bridge module  305  illustrating the relationship, order of assembly, or alignment of the different components that form the half-bridge module  305 . For example, the half-bridge module  305  includes a gel tray  1105  disposed over a capacitor housing  115 . First and second PCBs  1680  can couple with at least two side surfaces of the capacitor housing  115 . The capacitor housing  115  can be disposed over a plurality of clips  1620  having gull wings, a third PCB  2215  and a plurality of transistors  120 . The transistors  120  can be coupled with a locator  1640 . For example, each of the transistors  120  can be disposed within at least one slot of the locator  16400 . The clips  1620  can compress and hold the transistors  120  in the slots of the locator  1640  using their respective gull wings which extend out and over a top surface of the transistors  120 . The third PCB  2215  can be disposed between the clips  1620  and a surface (e.g., top surface) of the locator  1640 . 
     The locator  1640  can be coupled with a cold plate  1605  with a ceramic layer  1630  disposed between the locator  1640  and the cold plate  1605 . The cold plate  1605  can be the structural connection between the half-bridge module  305  and the inverter module  300  the half-bridge module  305  is a component of or otherwise disposed within. For example, the cold plate  1605  can include connection points (e.g., mounting flanges, mountings tabs) to couple the cold plate  1605  with other half-bridge modules  305  or couple the cold plate  1605  with connections points within the inverter module  300 . 
     The cold plate  1605  can include a hump region  1995  and two shallow regions  1990 . The hump region  1995  can be formed having a height such that the electronics (e.g., capacitor  115 , transistors  120 , PCBs  1680 ,  2215  of the half-bridge module  305  are raised up and into an inner area formed by the gel tray  1105  when the half-bridge module  305  is fully assembled. The electronics of the half-bridge module  305  can be surrounded by at least three or more side surfaces of the gel tray  1105  when the half-bridge module  305  is fully assembled. 
       FIGS. 32-33  provide a method  3200  for assembling and manufacturing a main inverter. The main inverter can be a component of the half-bridge module, such as the half-bridge module described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-31 . The inverter module may include three half-bridge modules (which can also be referred to herein as a power stage, half-bridge inverter modules, half-bridge inverter sub-modules) disposed in an inner area of the inverter module having a triplet arrangement. Each of the half-bridge modules can include at least one coolant thermistor. 
     Method  3200  can include providing a temperature sensor, such as but not limited to, a coolant thermistor for an inverter module (which can also be referred to herein as a main inverter) (ACT  3205 ). The half-bridge modules can include different components to provide cooling for the electronics of the respective half-bridge module. For example, each half-bridge module can include a cold plate having a plurality of cooling channels. The cold plate can be positioned such that it is within a predetermined distance of the electronics of the respective half-bridge module to provide heat dissipation or heat rejection within the half-bridge module. Thus, each of the half-bridge modules can include at least one coolant thermistor to measure and provide temperature data for an environment within the half-bridge module. 
     Method  3200  can include installing the temperature sensor (e.g., coolant thermistor) into an enclosure (which can also be referring to herein as a housing for the inverter module) (ACT  3210 ). The half-bridge modules can include one temperature sensor or multiple temperature sensors. For example, at least one temperature sensor can be installed next to or adjacent to a coolant inlet manifold, a coolant outlet manifold to measure a temperature of the coolant provided to the half-bridge module. A temperature sensor can be coupled with or embedded within a PCB that is disposed between the electronics of the half-bridge module (e.g., capacitor, transistors) and the cold plate of the half-bridge module. 
     Method  3200  can include installing a control board and electromagnetic interference (EMI) tray (ACT  3215 ). The control board and electromagnetic interference (EMI) tray can be assembled at substantially the same time as the coolant thermistor (e.g., simultaneously), the control board and electromagnetic interference (EMI) tray can be assembled prior to the coolant thermistor being assembled or the control board and electromagnetic interference (EMI) tray can be assembled after the coolant thermistor is assembled. The control board can include a control PCB. The control board can include control circuitry to generate control signals to control operation of the half-bridge modules within an inverter module. For example, an inverter module may include a single control board to control each of the half-bridge modules or an inverter module can include multiple control boards. 
     A power PCB can be assembled and coupled with the half-bridge modules. An inverter module may include a single power PCB to power the electronics of each of the half-bridge modules or an inverter module can include multiple power PCBs such that at least one power PCB is coupled with each half-bridge module. The EMI shield can be disposed within the inverter module such that it is positioned between the control PCB and one or more power PCBs. The EMI shield can block of shield electromagnetic fields between different electronic components of the half-bridge module. The EMI shield can be disposed within the inverter module such that it is positioned between the control PCB and one or more power PCBs. The EMI shield can block of shield electromagnetic fields between different electronic components of the half-bridge module. 
     Method  3200  can include rotating the enclosure (e.g., flipped) along an x-axis, y-axis or z-axis to seal one or more surfaces of the enclosure (ACT  3220 ). For example, the enclosure can be rotated to install face seal O-rings between different edges or surfaces of the enclosure. The enclosure may be flipped relative to a z-plane to expose at least one surface (e.g., top surface, bottom surface) of the enclosure for coupling with face seal O-rings. 
     Method  3200  can include providing a power stack assembly (ACT  3225 ). Providing the power stack assembly can include assembling a high voltage GDB (HV-GDB) harness. The harness can couple different electronic components of the inverter module together, such as but not limited to, different PCBs within the inverter module. The harness can provide a path for control signals to be transmitted between different electronic components of the inverter module. Providing the power stack assembly can include assembling at least one half-bridge module of the inverter module. The half-bridge module can include, but not limited to, a cold plate, ceramic layer, locator, thermal pads, PCBs, transistors, clips, capacitor, and a gel tray. Multiple half-bridge modules may be assembled having the same components, shape, size, and dimensions. The half-bridge module and the HV-GDB harness can be assembled at substantially the same time (e.g., simultaneously), the half-bridge module can be assembled prior to the HV-GDB harness being assembled or after the HV-GDB being assembled. The HV-GDB can be coupled with the half-bridge module. The harness can couple the PCBs within the respective half-bridge module to control circuitry of the inverter module. 
     Method  3200  can include installing the power stack assembly into the enclosure of the inverter module (ACT  3230 ). The power stack assembly or multiple power stacks assembly can be assembled or disposed within the enclosure that forms the housing for the inverter module. The half-bridge modules can be arranged in a triplet configuration such that their respective inputs (e.g., positive, negative) and outlets are aligned with respect to each other. The power stack assembly can be coupled with one or more temperature sensors (e.g., coolant thermistors), the control board (e.g., control PCB), and the EMI tray or EMI shield. 
     Installing the power stack assembly can include assembling a high voltage DC (HVDC) connector. The DC connector can couple with at least one side surface of the enclosure housing the inverter module. The DC connector can couple with a power source to provide a voltage to the half-bridge modules forming the inverter module. For example, the DC connector can couple with positive and negative bus-bars within the inverter module that provide the voltage to each of the inputs of the half-bridge modules. A control unit connector, such as a master control unit (MCU) can be assembled. The MCU connector can be formed on or coupled with at least one side surface of the enclosure. The MCU connector can couple with an external control unit for providing controls signals to the inverter module. The HVDC connector and the MCU connector can be assembled at substantially the same time (e.g., simultaneously), the MCU connector can be assembled prior to the HVDC connector being assembled or the MCU connector can be assembled after the HVDC connector is assembled. 
     Method  3200  can include providing a drive unit (ACT  3235 ). Providing the drive unit can include installing housing mounted connectors within the enclosure of the inverter module. For example, DC terminals can be bolted or otherwise coupled within the enclosure of the inverter module using the housing mounted connectors. The housing mounted connectors may include the MCU connector and the HVDC connector. The high-voltage-low-voltage (HV-LV) harness can be assembled. The LV harness can couple the PCBs in the individual half-bridge modules. For example, the LV harness can provide a low voltage to the different PCBs within the individual half-bridge modules. 
     Providing the drive unit can include assembling an additional high-voltage-low-voltage (HV-LV) harness. The HV-LV harness can couple high voltage and low voltage systems within the inverter module. For example, the HV-LV harness can couple a first PCB of the inverter module to a second PCB of at least one of the half-bridge modules. Providing the drive unit can include assembling a gearbox bundled harness (or drive unit bundled harness). The gearbox harness can couple a power system or power source of a drive train unit to the invert module. For example, the gearbox harness can electrically couple one or more half-bridge modules or the inverter module with different power systems of a drive train unit to convey or transmit electrical signals between the half-bridge modules or the inverter module and the power systems of the drive train unit. 
     Method  3200  installing the inverter into the drive unit harness (ACT  3240 ). For example, installing the inverter into the drive unit harness can include installing the HV-LV harness, gearbox bundled harness and a low-voltage-GDB (LV-GDB) flex cables in the enclosure of the inverter module. The HV-LV harness, gearbox bundled harness and a low-voltage-GDB (LV-GDB) flex cables can be installed using tie-downs or other forms of connectors. Method  3200  can include installing a lid onto the inverter (ACT  3245 ). For example, a lid and a gasket for the inverter module can be installed and the inverter module having three half-bridge modules arranged in a triplet configuration can be sealed. The lid and gasket can couple with the enclosure using a plurality of fasteners. 
       FIGS. 34-40  provide a method  3400  for assembling and manufacturing a half-bridge module. The half-bridge module can be the same as the half-bridge modules described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-31 . Method  3400  can include mounting a cold plate on a pick and place fixture (ACT  3405 ). The pick and place fixture may include or be a component of a pick and place automation system and can be configured to pick up components (e.g., components of a half-bridge module) and place them into a particular location, fixture, enclosure, system or parts nest for an assembly process or pull components out of a particular location, fixture, enclosure, system or parts nest for an assembly process and position the respective component(s) for packaging or the a subsequent stage in the assembly process. 
     Method  3400  can include dispensing grease, liquid paste or other forms of a lubricant on the cold plate (ACT  3410 ). The lubricant can be dispensed by a liquid dispenser positioned proximate to the pick and place fixture. The lubricant can be disposed over at least one surface of the cold plate. Method  3400  can include a ceramic layer or ceramic material (ACT  3415 ). For example, the ceramic layer or ceramic material can be placed on one or more surfaces of the cold plate. The ceramic layer can be disposed over the lubricant such that the lubricant layer is between the ceramic layer and the cold plate. 
     Method  3400  can include placing a locator for the half-bridge module (ACT  3420 ). The locator can include a plurality of slots to hold components of the half-bridge module such that the locator can operate as a guide for the pick and place automation during manufacture of the respective half-bridge module. The locator can be disposed over the ceramic layer such that the ceramic layer is disposed between the cold plate and the locator. 
     Method  3400  can include dispensing grease, liquid paste or other forms of a lubricant on the ceramic layer and between the ceramic layer and the locator or cold plate (ACT  3425 ). The lubricant can be disposed over one or more surfaces of the locator. Method  3400  can include placing or disposing a plurality of transistors within slots of the locator (ACT  3430 ). The transistors may include insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). The transistors can be disposed such that at least one transistor is within at least one slot of the locator. 
     Method  3400  can include trimming leads for the transistors (ACT  3435 ). The leads of the transistors can be trimmed for coupling with one or more circuit elements within the half-bridge module. For example, the leads can be sized and trimmed to couple with at least one PCB. Method  3400  can include mounting a compression plate (ACT  3440 ). The compression plate can be used to hold (e.g., compress) the transistors so that they do not move out of position during manufacture. The compression plate can be temporarily mounted to the transistors during the manufacture process. 
     Method  3400  can include installing one or more fasteners and one or more clips (ACT  3445 ). The clips can include gull wings and can be installed such that their gull wings extend out and over the transistors to hold the transistors in place, securing the transistors to the locator. The fasteners can couple the clips with locator. Method  3400  can include removing the compression plate (ACT  3450 ). For example, with the transistors secured by the clips and the fasteners, the compression plate can be removed. Method  3400  can include placing one or more thermal pads (ACT  3455 ). For example, the one or more thermal pads can be placed such that a tacky side coupled with a surface of the cold plate. The half-bridge module may include two thermal pads with each thermal pad coupled with the cold plate at opposite ends or sides of the half-bridge module. The thermal pads can be disposed within thermal pad slots of the locator. For example, the thermal pads can be disposed at opposing ends of the locator. 
     Method  3400  can include coupling a current assembly with a surface of a capacitor (ACT  3460 ). The capacitor may include a DCLSP cap disposed in the assembly jig. The current assembly can be placed on a surface (e.g., top surface, bottom surface) of the capacitor. Method  3400  can include installing the capacitor in the half-bridge module (ACT  3465 ). For example, a DCLSP capacitor can be installed in the half-bridge module such that it is posited over the transistors. The capacitor can couple with the leads of the transistors to secure the capacitor to the transistors. The capacitor can include a capacitor lead frame. The capacitor lead frame and include leads that couple with one or more PCBs to hold the capacitor in place within the half-bridge module. Method  3400  can include mounting the current assembly onto a weld fixture or a solder fixture (ACT  3470 ). The weld fixture or solder fixture can hold the current assembly in place during the manufacturing process. 
     Method  3400  can include rotating, moving, or otherwise positioning the current assembly such that the current assembly is high side up (ACT  3475 ). For example, the current assembly can be rotated using the solder fixture to position a high side of the current assembly in an accessible position. Method  3400  can include resistive welding the high side of the current assembly (ACT  3480 ). The high side of the current assembly can be resistive welded to prepare the surface for coupling with other components of a half-bridge inverter module, such as but not limited to, PCBs. Method  3400  can include rotating, moving, or otherwise positioning the current assembly such that the current assembly is low side up (ACT  3485 ). For example, the current assembly can be rotated using the solder fixture to position a low side of the current assembly in an accessible position. Method  3400  can include resistive welding the low side of the current assembly (ACT  3490 ). The low side of the current assembly can be resistive welded to prepare the surface for coupling with other components of a half-bridge inverter module, such as but not limited to, PCBs. Method  3400  can include removing the current assembly from the weld fixture or solder fixture (ACT  3495 ). 
     Method  3400  can include installing gate drive boards in the half-bridge module (ACT  3500 ). For example, one or more PCBs can be installed within the half-bridge module. The PCBs can include a control PCB, power PCB, or a temperature PCB. Method  3400  can include mounting the current assembly onto the weld fixture or solder fixture (ACT  3505 ). Method  3400  can include rotating, moving, or otherwise positioning the current assembly such that the current assembly is high side down (ACT  3510 ). Method  3400  can include soldering the high side of the current assembly (ACT  3515 ). For example, the high side can be selectively soldered to couple one or more of the PCBs within the half-bridge module. Method  3400  can include rotating, moving, or otherwise positioning the current assembly such that the current assembly is low side down (ACT  3520 ). Method  3400  can include soldering the low side of the current assembly (ACT  3525 ). For example, the low side can be selectively soldered to couple one or more of the PCBs within the half-bridge module. Method  3400  can include removing the current assembly from the weld fixture or solder fixture (ACT  3530 ). 
     Method  3400  can include placing the current assembly on top of a gel tray in an assembly jig (ACT  3535 ). The current assembly can be disposed within an inner region of the gel tray. Method  3400  can include coupling fasteners with or otherwise on the gel tray (ACT  3540 ). The fasteners can couple the gel tray with the half-bridge module. For example, the fasteners can couple the gel tray with shallow regions of the cold plate of the half-bridge module. Method  3400  can include placing the current assembly on a potting jig (ACT  3545 ). Method  3400  can include dispensing gel into the potting jig to form the gel tray (ACT  3550 ). The gel can be dispensed up to a predetermined line or portion of the gel tray. The amount of gel and the size of the gel tray can correspond to the dimensions of the half-bridge module. Method  3400  can include removing or shelving the current assembly. For example, the current assembly can be removed from the half-bridge module. Method  3400  can include curing the gel of the gel tray in an environment appropriate for curing (ACT  3560 ). 
       FIG. 41  provides a method  4100  for assembling and manufacturing an inverter module (which can also be referred to herein as a power stack). The inverter module can include multiple half-bridge modules, such as the half-bridge modules described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-31 . Method  4100  can include placing three half-bridge modules on an assembly jig (ACT  4105 ). The half-bridge motors can be arranged in a triplet configuration such that the positive and negative phase inputs of each of the half-bridge modules are aligned and the phase output terminals of each of the half-bridge modules are aligned. 
     Method  4100  can include placing an insulation film (ACT  4110 ). For example, the insulation film can be placed on or coupled with one or more portions of the half-bridge modules. Method  4100  can include coupling thermal discharge pads with the half-bridge modules (ACT  4115 ). The thermal discharge pads can couple with different components of the half-bridge module. For example, the thermal discharge pads can couple with a cold plate of the half-bridge module. Method  4100  can include installing PCBs and fasteners on the half-bridge modules (ACT  4120 ). For example, one or more control PCBs can be coupled with the half-bridge modules. One or more power PCBs can be coupled with the half bridge modules. A HV PCB can be coupled with the half-bridge modules. Fasteners can be used to couple different components to the half-bridge modules. For example, a plurality of fasteners can couple the half-bridge modules to connection points within the inverter module. 
     Method  4100  can include coupling bus-bars (e.g., z bus-bars) with the half-bridge module (ACT  4125 ). Method  4100  can include coupling AC bus-bars with the half-bridge modules (ACT  4130 ). Method  4100  can include coupling DC bus-bars with the half-bridge modules (ACT  4135 ). The bus-bars can be arranged such that they are parallel to each other. For example, positive and negative bus-bars can be installed along the same side or surfaces of each of the half-bridge modules and be positioned parallel to each other. The positive bus-bar can couple with positive inputs of the half-bridge modules. The negative bus-bar can couple with negative inputs of the half-bridge modules. The positive bus-bar can be disposed above the negative bus-bar and parallel to the negative bus-bar along the same side surfaces of the half-bridge module or the positive bus-bar can be disposed below the negative bus-bar and parallel to the negative bus-bar along the same side surfaces of the half-bridge module. Phase bus-bars can be disposed along an opposite side surfaces of the half-bridge module as compared to the positive and negative bus-bars. A phase bus-bar may be coupled with an output terminal of each of the half-bridge modules. 
     Method  4100  can include installing HV-GDB harnesses on the half-bridge modules (ACT  4140 ). The harnesses can electrically couple the half-bridge modules to power systems of a drive train unit. For example, the harnesses can convey or transmit signals between the half-bridge modules and the power system of the drive train unit. Method  4100  can include installing a VIBE-POT DC bus on the half-bridge modules (ACT  4145 ). 
       FIG. 42  provides a method  4200  for wiring and harnesses the inverter module. Method  4200  can include cutting or trimming wires of the inverter module to a particular length (ACT  4205 ). The length of each of the wires can be selected based at least in part on dimensions of different components of the inverter module. Method  4200  can include trimming insulation layers of the inverter module (ACT  4210 ). The insulation layers can be trimmed such that one or more edges of the respective insulation layers do not extend out or stick out beyond edges of the surfaces they are disposed between. For example, the insulation layers can be trimmed such that the edges of the insulation layers are flush with the edges of the surfaces they are disposed between. Method  4200  can include installing crimps within the inverter module (ACT  4215 ). For example, one or more surfaces or edges of the inverter module can be crimped, bent, or folded to form a crimped edge. The crimped edges can correspond to flanges. The flanges can couple with other inverter modules or other surfaces within a power converter to aid in coupling the respective inverter module with the power converter. Method  4200  can include inspecting the crimps (ACT  4220 ). The crimps can be inspected to ensure they meet engineering specifications. For example, the dimensions of the crimps can be compared to a schematic of the inverter module to determine if the crimps were produced correctly. Method  4200  can include installing crimp housings (ACT  4225 ). The crimp housings can be disposed around the crimps. The crimp housings can form a protective barrier around the crimps. Method  4200  can include inspecting the wire routing within the inverter module (ACT  4230 ). For example, the wire routing can be inspected and compared to a schematic of the circuitry of the inverter module to make sure the wires within the inverter module are correctly positioned. 
       FIG. 43  provides a method  4300  for forming an inverter module. The method  4300  can include forming one or more half-bridge modules (ACT  4305 ). For example, a first, second, and third half-bridge modules can be formed. The inverter module can include one or more half-bridge modules with each of the half-bridge modules configured to generate and provide a single phase voltage for a drive train unit of an electric vehicle. Therefore, the inverter module can be formed having three half-bridge modules such to provide a three phase voltage for a drive train unit of an electric vehicle. 
     The half-bridge modules can include a capacitor, a plurality of transistors coupled together to form a half-bridge inverter circuit. For example, the capacitor can couple between a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the half-bridge inverter circuit. The transistors can include a base terminal, a collector terminal, and an emitter terminal. A first collector terminal of a first transistor couples with the positive terminal of the half-bridge inverter circuit and a first emitter terminal of the first transistor couples with a phase terminal of the half-bridge inverter circuit. A second emitter terminal of a second transistor couples with the negative terminal of the half-bridge inverter circuit and a second collector terminal of the second transistor couples with the phase terminal of the half-bridge inverter circuit. The first transistor and the second transistor can operate as switches and provide a phase voltage through the phase terminal  130 , for example, to a three phase motor or motor drive unit of an electrical vehicle. 
     Method  4300  can include coupling the half-bridge modules together (ACT  4310 ). The half-bridge modules can be coupled together or disposed within an inverter module in a triplet configuration to provide a compact size. The half-bridge modules can be positioned such that they are side by side or have side surfaces that are positioned adjacent to each other. For example, at least one side surface of a first half-bridge module is adjacent to or next to a first side surface of a second half-bridge module and a second side surface (e.g., opposite the first) of the second half-bridge module is adjacent to or next to at least one side surface of a third half-bridge module. The inverter module can be formed having less than three half-bridge modules or more than three half-bridge modules. 
     The half-bridge modules can couple together or within an enclosure forming a housing for the inverter module using one or more mounting tabs, mounting flanges, harnesses, or fasteners. For example, the half-bridge modules can include mounting tabs that connect to connection points within the enclosure using fasteners and the mounting flanges can connect to receiving flanges formed on an inner surface of the enclosure. The mounting tabs and mounting flanges can provide connections between the different half-bridge modules such that outer surfaces of the half-bridge can structurally or physically couple together. 
     Method  4300  can include aligning positive inputs of the half-bridge modules (ACT  4315 ). Each of the half-bridge modules can include a positive input terminal, and an output terminal. For an inverter module having three half-bridge modules, first, second, and third positive inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge modules, respectively, can be aligned with respect to each other. For example, the positive inputs can be formed, disposed or otherwise coupled with first side surfaces of each of the half-bridge modules at the same height or level. Thus, when the half-bridge modules are positioned in a triplet configuration, the positive inputs are aligned and positioned at the same height or level in a straight or symmetrical arrangement. 
     Method  4300  can include aligning negative inputs of the half-bridge modules (ACT  4320 ). For an inverter module having three half-bridge modules, first, second, and third negative inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge modules, respectively, can be aligned with respect to each other. For example, the negative inputs can be formed, disposed or otherwise coupled with first side surfaces of each of the half-bridge modules at the same height or level. Thus, when the half-bridge modules are positioned in a triplet configuration, the negative inputs are aligned and positioned at the same height or level in a straight or symmetrical arrangement. 
     The positive and negative inputs can be formed, disposed or otherwise coupled with first side surfaces of each of the half-bridge modules at different heights or levels. For example, the positive inputs can be positioned at a first height or first level along the first side surfaces of the half-bridge modules and the negative inputs can be positioned at a second, different height or second, different level along the first side surfaces of the half-bridge modules. The positive inputs may be positioned above and offset with respect to the negative inputs or positioned below and offset with respect to the negative inputs or 
     Method  4300  can include coupling a positive bus-bar with the half-bridge modules (ACT  4325 ). The positive bus-bar couples with the first, second, and third positive inputs of the first second and third half-bridge inverter modules. The positive bus-bar can be disposed along the first side surface of the half-bridge modules in a straight or symmetrical fashion as the positive inputs are aligned with respect to each other. Therefore, the positive bus-bar can extend along the first side surface parallel with respect to a top or bottom surface of the half-bridge modules. The positive bus-bar couples an input terminal of the inverter module (e.g., DC connector) to the positive input terminals of the half-bridge modules. The positive bus-bar can provide a voltage to the positive input terminals of the half-bridge modules. 
     Method  4300  can include coupling a negative bus-bar with the half-bridge module (ACT  4330 ). The negative bus-bar couples with the first, second, and third negative inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules such that the positive bus-bar is positioned adjacent to and parallel with the negative bus-bar. The negative bus-bar can be disposed along the first side surface of the half-bridge modules in a straight or symmetrical fashion as the negative inputs are aligned with respect to each other. Therefore, the negative bus-bar can extend along the first side surface parallel with respect to a top or bottom surface of the half-bridge modules. The negative bus-bar couples an input terminal of the inverter module (e.g., DC connector) to the negative input terminals of the half-bridge modules. The negative bus-bar can provide a voltage to the negative input terminals of the half-bridge modules. 
     The positive and negative bus-bars can be aligned with respect to each other. For example, the positive bus-bar can be positioned at a first height or first level along the first side surfaces of the half-bridge modules and the negative bus-bar can be positioned at a second, different height or second, different level along the first side surfaces of the half-bridge modules. The positive bus-bar can be positioned such that it is parallel with the negative bus-bar along the first side surfaces of the half-bridge modules. The positive bus-bar may be positioned above and parallel with respect to the negative bus-bar or positioned below and parallel with respect to the negative bus-bar. 
     Output terminals of the half-bridge modules can be aligned. For an inverter module having three half-bridge modules, first, second, and third output terminals of the first, second and third half-bridge modules, respectively, can be aligned with respect to each other. For example, the output terminals can be formed, disposed or otherwise coupled with second side surfaces (e.g., different from the first side surfaces) of each of the half-bridge modules at the same height or level. Thus, when the half-bridge modules are positioned in a triplet configuration, the output terminals are aligned and positioned at the same height or level in a straight or symmetrical arrangement. 
     The output terminals can be coupled with phase bus-bars. For example, a first phase bus-bar couples to the first output terminal of the first half-bridge inverter module, a second phase bus-bar couples with the second output terminal of the second half-bridge inverter module, and a third phase bus-bar couples with the third output terminal of the third half-bridge inverter module. The phase terminals can provide a voltage generated by the half-bridge modules to a drive train unit of the electric vehicle. 
     The phase bus-bars can be disposed parallel with respect to each other. The phase bus-bars can be positioned adjacent to each other or side by side and be spaced the same distance from the second surface of the half-bridge modules. The phase bus-bars include output terminals that extend at the same distance above top surfaces of each of the half-bridge modules. For example, first, second, and third phase outputs can be formed on first, second, and third phase bus-bars, of the first, second, and third half-bridge modules respectively. The first, second, and third phase outputs can be positioned the same level or same distance with respect to top surfaces of the first, second, and third half-bridge inverter modules. 
     A first voltage connector (e.g., HV connector, DC connector) can be formed or coupled with a first side surface of the enclosure housing the half-bridge modules. The first voltage connector can provide a voltage in a first voltage range to the half-bridge modules. For example, the first voltage connector can couple with the positive and negative bus-bars to provide a single phase voltage to each of the inverter modules through the respective positive inputs and negative inputs. 
     A second voltage connector (e.g., LV connector) can be formed or coupled with a first side surface of the enclosure housing the half-bridge modules. The second voltage connector can provide a voltage in a second voltage range (e.g., low voltage) to the half-bridge modules. The second voltage may be used to power different electronics within the respective half-bridge modules. For example, the second voltage connector can provide the second voltage to power the PCBs disposed within the respective half-bridge modules. The second voltage connector can couple with the PCB through one or more PCB wires disposed within the half-bridge modules. The voltage connector can couple with the positive and negative bus-bars to provide a single phase voltage to each of the inverter modules. 
       FIGS. 44-45  provide a method  4400  for forming a half-bridge module. The method  4400  can include providing a cold plate on a pick and place fixture (ACT  4405 ). The cold plate can include two shallow regions and a hump region. The hump region can be disposed between the two shallow regions. The cold plate can form a base for the half-bridge module. The cold plate can include a plurality of cooling channels to provide heat dissipation or heat rejection within the half-bridge module. 
     Method  4400  can include disposing lubricant over a first surface of the cold plate (ACT  4410 ). The lubricant can be disposed over the first surface such that the first surface of the cold plate is coated with the lubricant. Method  4400  can include disposing a ceramic layer over the first surface of the cold plate (ACT  4415 ). The ceramic layer can be disposed over the first surface of the cold plate that is coated with the lubricant. The ceramic layer can operate as an electrical insulator between the cold plate and other components of the half-bridge module, such as a locator. 
     Method  4400  can include dispensing lubricant over a first surface of the ceramic layer (ACT  4420 ). The lubricant can be disposed over the first surface of the ceramic layer such that the first surface of the ceramic layer is coated with the lubricant. Method  4400  can include installing a locator over the first surface of the ceramic layer (ACT  4425 ). The locator can be installed or disposed over the first surface of the ceramic layer coated with lubricant. The locator can be coupled with the cold plate and the ceramic layer using one or more fasteners or one or more clips. 
     Method  4400  can include coupling a plurality of transistors within a plurality of slots formed in the locator (ACT  4430 ). For example, each of the transistors can be coupled with or disposed in at least one of the slots formed in the locator. The slots can be arranged such that the transistors are organized in rows of multiple transistors. The transistors can couple with the locator using a plurality of clips and fasteners. The clips can include at least two gull wings that extend over and contact a top surface of the transistors. The gull wings can compress the transistors towards the cold plate. The fasteners can be used to couple the clips to the locator. The locator and the cold plate may include one or more threaded holes to receive a threaded fastener. For example, a fastener can extend through a hole formed in a clip and insert into a threaded hole formed in the locator and the cold plate to secure the clip to the locator and the cold plate. Thus, the clips and fasteners can couple the locator and the ceramic layer (disposed between the locator and the cold plate) to the cold plate. 
     Method  4400  can include providing or disposing a capacitor over a first surface of the plurality of transistors (ACT  4435 ). The capacitor can include a capacitor frame. The capacitor can be disposed over a first surface (e.g., top surface) of the transistors. The capacitor can include leads that couple with one or more PCBs disposed within the half-bridge module. Method  4400  can include disposing a gel tray over the capacitor (ACT  4440 ). The gel tray can include an inner region that covers, houses or submerges the electronics of the half-bridge module. For example, the hump region of the cold plate can have a predetermined height such that it raises the capacitor and the plurality of transistors into the inner region formed by the gel tray. Thus, the gel tray can cover or surround multiple surfaces of the capacitor and transistors. 
     The method  4400  can include forming an inlet coolant manifold on forming an inlet coolant manifold on a first side surface of the half-bridge module and forming an outlet coolant manifold on a second, different side surface of the half-bridge module. The method  4400  can further include forming a plurality of coolant channels within the cold plate. The plurality of coolant channels can be fluidly coupled with the inlet coolant manifold and the outlet manifold. For example, the inlet coolant manifold and the outlet coolant manifold can be fluidly coupled such that coolant fluid provided to the inlet coolant manifold can flow through the plurality of cooling channels of the cold plate to provide cooling to the components (e.g., capacitor, transistor) of the half-bridge modules and exit the half-bridge module through the outlet coolant manifold. 
     The method  4400  can include coupling a first thermal pad coupled with a first slot of the locator at a first end of the locator. The first thermal pad can be positioned adjacent to or next to the positive input terminal and the negative input terminal of the half-bridge module. For example, the first thermal pad can be in contact with the negative input terminal and a predetermined distance from the positive input terminal. The first thermal pad configured to provide active cooling (e.g., heat rejection, heat dissipation) to the positive input terminal and the negative input terminal. 
     A second thermal pad coupled with a second slot of the locator at a second, different end of the locator. The second thermal pad can be positioned adjacent to or next to the output terminal of the half-bridge module. For example, the second thermal pad can be in contact with the output terminal or a predetermined distance from the output terminal. The second thermal pad configured to provide active cooling (e.g., heat rejection, heat dissipation) to the output terminal. 
       FIG. 46  depicts an example cross-section view  4600  of an electric vehicle  4605  installed with a battery pack  4610 . The battery pack  4610  can correspond to a drive train unit  4610  of the electric vehicle  4605 . For example, the battery pack  4610  can be disposed within or be a component of a drive train unit  4610 . The drive train unit  4610  (and the battery pack  4610 ) can provide power to the electric vehicle  4605 . For example, the drive train unit  4610  may include components of the electric vehicle  4605  that generate or provide power to drive the wheels or move the electric vehicle  4605 . The drive train unit  4610  can be a component of an electric vehicle drive system. The electric vehicle drive system can transmit or provide power to different components of the electric vehicle  4605 . For example, the electric vehicle drive train system can transmit power from the battery pack  4610  or drive train unit  4610  to an axle or wheels of the electric vehicle  4605 . 
     The electric vehicle  4605  can include an autonomous, semi-autonomous, or non-autonomous human operated vehicle. The electric vehicle  4605  can include a hybrid vehicle that operates from on-board electric sources and from gasoline or other power sources. The electric vehicle  4605  can include automobiles, cars, trucks, passenger vehicles, industrial vehicles, motorcycles, and other transport vehicles. The electric vehicle  4605  can include a chassis  4615  (sometimes referred to herein as a frame, internal frame, or support structure). The chassis  4615  can support various components of the electric vehicle  4605 . The chassis  4615  can span a front portion  4620  (sometimes referred to herein a hood or bonnet portion), a body portion  4625 , and a rear portion  4630  (sometimes referred to herein as a trunk portion) of the electric vehicle  2005 . The front portion  4620  can include the portion of the electric vehicle  4605  from the front bumper to the front wheel well of the electric vehicle  4605 . The body portion  4625  can include the portion of the electric vehicle  4605  from the front wheel well to the back wheel well of the electric vehicle  4605 . The rear portion  4630  can include the portion of the electric vehicle  4605  from the back wheel well to the back bumper of the electric vehicle  4605 . 
     The battery pack  4610  can be installed or placed within the electric vehicle  4605 . The battery pack  4610  can include or couple with a power converter component. Power converter component can include an inverter module  300  having three half-bridge modules  305 . The battery pack  4610  can be installed on the chassis  4615  of the electric vehicle  4605  within the front portion  4620 , the body portion  4625  (as depicted in  FIG. 46 ), or the rear portion  4630 . The battery pack  4610  can couple with a first bus-bar  4635  and a second bus-bar  4640  that are connected or otherwise electrically coupled with other electrical components of the electric vehicle  4605  to provide electrical power from the battery pack  4610 . 
       FIG. 47  provides a method  4700  for forming a half-bridge module. The method  4700  can include providing a cold plate (ACT  4705 ). The cold plate can form a base for a half-bridge module. The half-bridge module can include the cold plate to provide active cooling to one or more electronic components within the half-bridge module. For example, the cold plate can be positioned within a half-bridge module such that it is next to or adjacent to electronics such as transistors, capacitors, or PCB&#39;s. The cold plate can provide heat dissipation or heat rejection with the half-bridge module. 
     Method  4700  can include forming regions of the cold plate (ACT  4710 ). The cold plate can include different regions having different dimensions (e.g., height, thickness) to provide the active cooling to electronic components within the half-bridge module. For example, the cold plate can be formed having a first, second, and third region with the second region disposed between the first and third region. The first region and the third region can be formed having the same height. The second region can be formed having a greater height that the first and third regions. The second region can be referred to as a hump region. The first and third regions can be referred to as shallow regions. The second region can be formed such that it is adjacent to or under the one or more electronic components within the half-bridge module. Thus, the second region (or hump region) can have a greater height to raise or push the electronic components into an inner area or inner region formed by a gel tray coupled with the cold plate. By raising the electronic components into the inner region of the gel tray, the electronic components can be surround by cooling surfaces on multiple surfaces. 
     Method  4700  can include forming cooling channels (ACT  4715 ). The cold plate can include a plurality of cooling channels to provide heat dissipation or heat rejection within the half-bridge module. The cooling channels can be formed in the second region or middle region of the cold plate. The cooling channels can be formed or positioned such that they are adjacent to or under the one or more electronic components within the half-bridge module. The cooling channels can form a passageway or conduit for coolant or fluids to flow through the cold plate and provide active cooling to electronic components disposed around the cold plate. For example, the cooling channels can be fluidly coupled with each other such that coolant provided to at least one cooling channel flows through each of the cooling channels. The cooling channels may be grouped such that coolant only flows through particular cooling channels of the plurality of cooling channels. For example, the coolant channels can be formed into zones within the cold plate with each zone having two or more cooling channels. Thus, different levels or amounts of coolant can be provided the different zones of the cold plate. The cooling channels can be formed having a circular shape, square shape or rectangular shape. Each of the cooling channels can have the same shape and dimensions or one or more of the cooling channels can have a different shape or dimensions from one or more other cooling channels. 
     Method  4700  can include coupling a coolant input with the cold plate (ACT  4720 ). The coolant input can be formed through at least one surface of the cold plate. The coolant input can be fluidly coupled with at least one cooling channel to provide coolant or other types of fluid to the cooling channel. The coolant input can be fluidly coupled with multiple cooling channels to provide coolant or other types of fluid to the different cooling channel. The cold plate may include a single coolant input. The cold plate may include multiple coolant inputs. For example, different coolant inputs can be fluidly coupled with different zones of cooling channels or different subsets of the plurality of cooling channels to provide coolant or other types of fluid to the respective cooling channel. The coolant input can be fluidly coupled with a coolant input manifold to receive coolant and provide the coolant to the cooling channels. The coolant input manifold can be formed on or coupled with a second surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the cold plate. The coolant input manifold can receive coolant fluid and provide the coolant fluid to the coolant input. 
     Method  4700  can include coupling a coolant output with the cold plate (ACT  4725 ) The coolant output can be formed through at least one surface of the cold plate. The coolant output can be fluidly coupled with at least one cooling channel to form an exit or release for coolant or other types of fluid disposed within the respective cooling channel. The coolant output can be fluidly coupled with multiple cooling channels to form an exit or release for coolant or other types of fluid disposed within the respective cooling channels. The cold plate may include a single coolant output. The cold plate may include multiple coolant outputs. For example, different coolant outputs can be fluidly coupled with different zones of cooling channels or different subsets of the plurality of cooling channels to form an exit or release for coolant or other types of fluid disposed within the respective cooling channels. 
     The coolant output can be fluidly coupled with a coolant output manifold to release fluid from the cooling channels. For example, the coolant output manifold can be formed on or coupled with a second surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the cold plate. The coolant output manifold can provide an exit for coolant fluid flowing through the cooling channels of the cold plate. 
       FIG. 48  provides a method  4800  for providing an inverter module. The method  4800  can include providing an inverter module (ACT  4805 ). The inverter module can include first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules coupled with each other in a triplet configuration. The first, second, and third positive inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules, respectively, can be aligned with each other. The first, second, and third negative inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules, respectively, can be aligned with respect to each other. The first, second, and third output terminals of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules, respectively, can be aligned with respect to each other. The inverter module can include a positive bus-bar coupled with the first, second, and third positive inputs of the first second and third half-bridge inverter module. The inverter module can include a negative bus-bar coupled with the first, second, and third negative inputs of the first, second and third half-bridge inverter modules. The positive bus-bar can be positioned adjacent to and parallel with the negative bus-bar. 
       FIG. 49  provides a method  4900  for providing a half-bridge module. The method  4900  can include providing a half-bridge module (ACT  4905 ). The half-bridge module can include a cold plate, a ceramic layer disposed over a first surface of the cold plate, and a plurality of transistors disposed within slots of a locator. The locator and the plurality of transistors can be disposed over a first surface of the ceramic layer. The half-bridge module can include a plurality of clips having gull wings that extend over the transistors to secure the plurality of transistors to the locator, a first plurality of fasteners disposed through the locator and cold plate to secure the plurality of clips to the locator, and a first printed circuit board (PCB) disposed between the plurality of clips and the locator. The half-bridge module can include a capacitor disposed over a first surface of the plurality of the transistors, and a gel tray disposed over the capacitor, the first PCB and the plurality of transistors. 
     The half-bridge module can include a cold plate having a first surface and a second, opposing surface. The cold plate can include a first region having a first height, a second region having the first height, and a third region having a third height. The second height can be greater than the first height. The cold plate can include a plurality of cooling channels formed within the second region. One or more of the plurality of cooling channels can be fluidly coupled with one or more other cooling channels. The cold plate can include a coolant input fluidly coupled with at least one first cooling channel of the plurality of cooling channels and a coolant output fluidly coupled with at least one second cooling channel of the plurality of cooling channels. 
     Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example. Features that are described herein in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment or implementation. Features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in various sub-combinations. References to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular may also embrace implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein may also embrace implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations. References to any act or element being based on any act or element may include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any act or element. 
     References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items. 
     Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements. 
     The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. For example, descriptions of positive and negative electrical characteristics may be reversed. For example, elements described as negative elements can instead be configured as positive elements and elements described as positive elements can instead by configured as negative elements. Further relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical or other positioning or orientation descriptions include variations within +/−10% or +/−10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel or perpendicular positioning. References to “approximately,” “about” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of +/−10% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.