Patent Publication Number: US-10778117-B2

Title: Inverter module 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. 16/110,425, filed Aug. 23, 2018 and titled “INVERTER MODULE OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE,” which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 62/659,092, filed on Apr. 17, 2018, titled “INVERTER MODULE OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Batteries can include electrochemical materials to supply electrical power to various electrical components connected thereto. Such batteries can provide electrical energy to various electrical systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     Systems and methods described herein relate to a multiple phase inverter module formed having three power modules (which can also be referred to as half-bridge modules, half-bridge inverter modules or sub-modules) arranged, for example, 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 can provide three phase voltages to the drive train unit. For example, each of the power 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 to power an electric vehicle. The inverter module can include a power module. The power module can include a capacitor. The power module can include a heat sink coupled with a first surface of the capacitor. The power module can include a first ceramic plate coupled with a first surface of the heat sink. The power module can include a second ceramic plate coupled with the first surface of the heat sink. The power module can include a locator having a plurality of slots. The power module can include a plurality of transistors disposed within the plurality of slots. The locator and the plurality of transistors can be disposed over a first surface of the first ceramic plate and a first surface of the second ceramic plate. The power module can include a laminated bus bar disposed over a first surface of the locator. The power module can include a gate drive printed circuit board coupled with a first surface of the laminated bus bar. The power module can include a dielectric gel tray disposed over a first surface of the gate drive printed circuit board. 
     At least one aspect is directed to a method to provide electrical power via an inverter module to power an electric vehicle. The method can include providing a capacitor. The method can include coupling a heat sink with a first surface of the capacitor. The method can include disposing a first ceramic plate with a first surface of the heat sink. The method can include disposing a second ceramic plate with the first surface of the heat sink. The method can include providing a locator having a plurality of slots. The method can include disposing a plurality of transistors within the plurality of slots. The locator and the plurality of transistors can be disposed over a first surface of the first ceramic plate and a first surface of the second ceramic plate. The method can include providing a laminated bus bar over a first surface of the locator. The method can include coupling a gate drive printed circuit board with a first surface of the laminated bus bar. The method can include disposing a dielectric gel tray over a first surface of the gate drive printed circuit board. 
     At least one aspect is directed to a method. The method can provide an inverter module to power an electric vehicle. The inverter module can include a power module. The power module can include a capacitor. The power module can include a heat sink coupled with a first surface of the capacitor. The power module can include a first ceramic plate coupled with a first surface of the heat sink. The power module can include a second ceramic plate coupled with the first surface of the heat sink. The power module can include a locator having a plurality of slots. The power module can include a plurality of transistors disposed within the plurality of slots. The locator and the plurality of transistors can be disposed over a first surface of the first ceramic plate and a first surface of the second ceramic plate. The power module can include a laminated bus bar disposed over a first surface of the locator. The power module can include a gate drive printed circuit board coupled with a first surface of the laminated bus bar. The power module can include a dielectric gel tray disposed over a first surface of the gate drive printed circuit board. 
     At least one aspect is directed to an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle can include an inverter module to power the electric vehicle. The inverter module can include a power module. The power module can include a capacitor. The power module can include a heat sink coupled with a first surface of the capacitor. The power module can include a first ceramic plate coupled with a first surface of the heat sink. The power module can include a second ceramic plate coupled with the first surface of the heat sink. The power module can include a locator having a plurality of slots. The power module can include a plurality of transistors disposed within the plurality of slots. The locator and the plurality of transistors can be disposed over a first surface of the first ceramic plate and a first surface of the second ceramic plate. The power module can include a laminated bus bar disposed over a first surface of the locator. The power module can include a gate drive printed circuit board coupled with a first surface of the laminated bus bar. The power module can include a dielectric gel tray disposed over a first surface of the gate drive printed circuit board. 
     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 can be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is an example exploded view of a single phase power module of a multiple phase inverter module of a drive unit of an electric vehicle; according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 2  depicts an example exploded view of a subassembly having positive and negative link bus bars of a multiple phase inverter module of a drive unit of an electric vehicle, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 3  depicts example exploded view of an inverter house assembly of a multiple phase inverter module of a drive unit of an electric vehicle, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 4  depicts an example exploded view of a multiple phase inverter module of a drive unit of an electric vehicle, according to an illustrative implementation; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram depicting a cross-sectional view of an example electric vehicle installed with a battery pack; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram depicting an example method of providing battery cells for battery packs for electric vehicles; and 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram depicting an example method of providing battery cells for battery packs for electric vehicles. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of battery cells for battery packs in electric vehicles. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below can be implemented in any of numerous ways. 
     Systems and methods described herein relate to an inverter module that can be formed from one or more power modules to power an electric vehicle. Each of the power modules can generate or provide a single phase power. Multiple power modules can couple together to form a multiple phase inverter module. For example, three power modules  100  can couple together in a triplet configuration to form a three phase power module that provides three phase power to electrical components within an electrical vehicle. 
       FIG. 1 , among others, depicts a cross-sectional view of a power module  100 . The power module  100  can be one power module of a multiple phase inverter module (e.g., inverter module  400  of  FIG. 4 ) disposed within a drive train unit of an electric vehicle to power the respective electric vehicle. For example, the power module  100  can couple with two other power modules  100  in a triplet configuration to form a three-phase inverter module (e.g., inverter module  400  of  FIG. 4 ). Each of the power modules  100  can be formed having the same components and dimensions to provide inverter functionality based at least in part on the modular design (e.g., ease of assembly) and ability to be adapted for a variety of different inverter applications. 
     The power modules  100  described herein can be formed and arranged within an inverter module (e.g., inverter module  400  of  FIG. 4 ) in a triplet configuration to provide a compact design. For example, a power module  100  can be formed having a length in a range from 220 mm to 230 mm. The power module  100  can be formed having a width in a range from 80 mm to 90 mm. The power module  100  can be formed having a height in a range from 60 mm to 70 mm. The dimensions and size of the power modules  100  described herein can vary outside these ranges. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the power module  100  includes at least one capacitor  105  having a first surface (e.g., top surface) and a second surface (e.g., bottom surface). The capacitor  105  can include DC-Link, Single-Phase Capacitors (“DCLSP Capacitors”) used as X capacitors, DC-Link filtering capacitors or automotive, industrial, or commercial inverters. The capacitor  105  can include a housing or outer surface that can be formed from a variety of different materials, including but not limited to, plastic material or non-conductive material. The dimensions of the capacitor  105  can vary and can be selected based at least in part on the dimensions of the power module  100 . For example, the capacitor  105  can have a length in a range from 140 mm to 155 mm (e.g., 150 mm). The capacitor  105  can have a width in a range from 60 mm to 70 mm (e.g., 66 mm). The capacitor  105  can have a height in a range from 30 mm to 40 mm (e.g., 32 mm). 
     The capacitor  105  can include terminals  107 ,  109  and a divider  110 . The terminals  107 ,  109  can include positive terminals  107  and negative terminals  109 . For example, positive terminals  107  can extend from or be coupled with a first side surface of the divider  110  and negative terminals  109  can extend from or be coupled with a second side surface of the divider  110 . Thus, the divider  110  can be disposed or otherwise positioned to separate the positive terminals  107  from the negative terminals  109  of the capacitor  105 . The capacitor  105  can include one or more capacitor elements disposed within the capacitor  105 . For example, the capacitor  105  can house a single capacitor film roll or multiple capacitor film rolls (e.g., three to four capacitor film rolls). The capacitor film rolls can be coupled with the positive terminals  107  and the negative terminals  109  through one or more tabs. The capacitor film rolls and thus the capacitor  105  can have a capacitance value of 200-400 nanofarads (nF), e.g., 300 nF. The capacitance value can vary within or outside this range. 
     The positive terminals  107  can correspond to leads or terminals of a positive bus bar of the capacitor  105 . The negative terminals  109  can correspond to leads or terminals of a negative bus bar of the capacitor  105 . For example, the capacitor  105  can include a positive bus bar and a negative bus bar, for example, disposed within the housing of the capacitor  105 . The positive terminals  107  can include leads, terminals or extensions of the positive bus bar that extend out of the capacitor  105  to couple with leads of other components of the power module  100 , such as but not limited to, transistors (e.g., leads  130  of transistors  125 ) of the power module  100 . The negative terminals  109  can include leads, terminals or extensions of the negative bus bar that extend out of the capacitor  105  to couple with leads of other components of the power module  100 , such as but not limited to, transistors (e.g., leads  130  of transistors  125 ) of the power module  100 . 
     The divider  110  can be disposed between the positive terminals  107  and the negative terminals  109  to electrically isolate or electrically insulate the positive terminals  107  and the negative terminals  109 . The shape and dimensions of the divider  110  can vary and can be selected based at least in part on the shape and dimensions of the positive terminals  107  and the negative terminals  109 . For example, a thickness or width of the divider  110  can be in a range from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. A length of the divider  110  can be in a range from 130 mm to 145 mm (e.g., 140 mm). A height of the divider  110  can be in a range from 20 mm to 30 mm (e.g., 25 mm). The thickness, width, length or height of the divider  110  can vary within or outside these ranges. 
     The power module  100  can include at least one heat sink  115  having a first surface (e.g., top surface) and a second surface (e.g., bottom surface). The second surface of the heat sink  115  can be coupled with, disposed over or otherwise in contact with the first surface of the capacitor  105 . The heat sink  115  can include a variety of different materials, such as but not limited to, conductive material, metal material, metallic material or aluminum. The heat sink  115  can provide active cooling to the capacitor  105 . For example, the heat sink  115  can be disposed proximate to at least one surface, here the first surface (e.g., top surface) of the capacitor  105  and the heat sink  115  can provide active cooling to the first surface of the capacitor  105 . For example, the heat sink  115  can have a shape that defines one or more cooling channels formed within the heat sink  115 . The cooling channels can receive and be shaped to allow coolant to flow through the heat sink  115  such that the heat sink  115  can provide active cooling to components and electronics (e.g., capacitor  105 , transistors  125 ) disposed proximate to surfaces of the heat sink  115 . 
     The heat sink  115  can have a length in a range from 200 mm to 225 mm (e.g., 215 mm). The heat sink  115  can have a height (e.g., thickness) in a range from 5 mm to 20 mm (e.g., 10 mm). The heat sink  115  can have a width in a range from 45 mm to 65 mm (e.g., 52 mm). The length, height, and width of the heat sink  115  can vary within and outside these ranges. The heat sink  115  can be disposed within the power module  100  such that the heat sink  115  surrounds, is disposed about, or disposed around a portion of terminals  107 ,  109  of the capacitor  105  that couple with transistors (e.g., transistors  125 ) of the power module  100 . For example, the heat sink  115  can include an aperture  117  (e.g., hole, orifice) formed in a middle portion of the heat sink  115 . The capacitor  105  can couple with the heat sink  115  such that the divider  110 , positive terminals  107 , and negative terminals  109  extend through the aperture  117  of the heat sink  115 . Thus, the heat sink  115  can be positioned such that it surrounds surfaces of the divider  110 , positive terminals  107 , and negative terminals  109  to provide active cooling to the divider  110 , positive terminals  107 , negative terminals  109 , and transistors  125 . The heat sink  115  can be positioned such that cool surfaces and coolant flowing through the heat sink  115  are disposed closer to these electrical components. Thus, the heat sink  115  can provide active cooling to each of the capacitor  105 , the positive terminals  107 , the negative terminals  109 , and transistors of the power module  100  to reduce inductance value in the power module  100  and reduce EMI noise in the inverter module. The heat sink aperture  117  can have a width in a range from 10 mm to 20 mm (e.g., 12 mm). The heat sink aperture  117  can have a length in a range from 140 mm to 120 mm (e.g., 150 mm). The heat sink aperture  117  can have a height (or depth) in a range from 3 mm to 15 mm (e.g., 4 mm, 8 mm). The width, length, or height of the heat sink aperture  117  can vary within or outside these ranges. 
     The power module  100  can include one or more ceramic plates  120  coupled to, disposed over or otherwise in contact with the first surface of the heat sink  115 . For example, and as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the power module  100  can include first and second ceramic plates  120 . Each of the first and second ceramic plates  120  can include a first surface (e.g., top surface) and a second surface (e.g., bottom surface). Each of the second surfaces of the first and second ceramic plates  120  can couple with, be disposed over or otherwise in contact with the first surface of the heat sink  115 . The ceramic plates  120  can insulate the heat sink  115  from one or transistors (e.g., transistors  125 ) disposed within the power module  100 . The ceramic plates  120  may include ceramic based material and can electrically insulate the heat sink  115  from transistors (e.g., transistors  125 ) disposed within the power module  100 . For example, the ceramic plates  120  can prevent a short circuit condition between the heat sink  115  and the transistors (e.g., transistors  125 ) disposed within the power module  100 . The ceramic plates  120  can have a length in a range from 100 mm to 250 mm. The ceramic plates  120  can have a width in a range from 40 mm to 55 mm. The ceramic plates  120  have a height (or thickness) in a range from 2 mm to 10 mm. 
     The power module  100  can include a plurality of transistors  125 . The plurality of transistors  125  can couple with or be disposed over or otherwise in contact with the first surface of the ceramic plates  120 . Each of the transistors  125  can include a plurality of leads  130 . The transistors  125  can include discrete insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBT&#39;s), IGBT semiconductor dies, TO-247 transistors, or TO-247 discreet IGBT packages (e.g., TO-247 transistors, switches). Each of the transistors  125  can include one or more leads  130 . For example, each of the transistors  125  may include three leads  130 . Each of the three leads  130  can corresponds to at least one of the terminals of the transistor  125 . For example, a first lead  130  can correspond to the base terminal or base lead. A second lead  130  can correspond to the collector terminal or collector lead. A third lead  130  can correspond to the emitter terminal or emitter lead. The leads  130  can have a generally straight or unbent shape. When the transistors  125  are fully coupled within the power module  100 , the leads  130  can be bent, shaped or otherwise manipulated to couple with a respective one or more components (e.g., gate drive PCB  160 , capacitor  105 ) within the power module  100 . For example, the leads  130  can be formed such that they extend perpendicular with respect to a first surface (e.g., top surface) of the transistors  125 . For example, the leads  130  can be formed such that they have a bent shape and extend up with respect to a first surface (e.g., top surface) of the transistors  125 . 
     The plurality of transistors  125  can be organized in a predetermined arrangement. For example, the plurality of transistors  125  can be disposed in one or more rows having multiple transistors  125  and the rows can be disposed such that the leads  130  of each of the transistors  125  are proximate to or adjacent to each other to allow for ease of coupling with components (e.g., gate drive PCB  160 ) of the power module  100 . For example, a first plurality of transistors  125  can be arranged in a first row and a second plurality of transistors  125  can be arranged in a second row. Each of the rows of transistors  125  may include the same number of transistors or the rows of transistors  125  may include a different number of transistors  125 . The transistors  125  in the same row can be positioned such that one or more side edges are in contact with a side edge of a single transistor  125  or two transistors  125  of the same row (e.g., one transistor  125  on each side). Thus, the transistors  125  can be arranged in a uniformed row along the first surface of the ceramic plates  120 . The first plurality of transistors  125  can be spaced from the second plurality of transistors  125 . The first plurality of transistors  125  can be evenly spaced or symmetrically from the second plurality of transistors  125  with respect to the first surface of the ceramic plates  120 . For example, each of the transistors  125  in the first plurality of transistors  125  can be spaced the same distance from a corresponding transistor  125  of the second plurality of transistors  125 . The first plurality of transistors  125  can be asymmetrically spaced from the second plurality of transistors  125  with respect to the first surface of the ceramic plates  120 . For example, one or more of the transistors  125  in the first plurality of transistors  125  can be spaced different distances from corresponding transistors  125  of the second plurality of transistors  125 . The one or more of the transistors  125  in the first plurality of transistors  125  can be spaced with respect to each other with a pitch (e.g., center to center spacing) in a range from 15 mm to 20 mm (e.g., 17.5 mm). The one or more of the transistors  125  in the second plurality of transistors  125  can be spaced with respect to each other with a pitch (e.g., center to center spacing) in a range from 15 mm to 20 mm (e.g., 17.5 mm). The one or more of the transistors  125  in the first plurality of transistors  125  can be spaced with respect to the one or more transistors  125  in the second plurality of transistors  125  in a range from 10 mm to 20 mm (e.g., 14 mm). 
     The power module  100  can include at least one temperature sensor  135  such as a transistor temperature sensing printed circuit board (PCB)  135 . The transistor temperature sensing PCB  135  (or other temperature sensor) can include control electronics to communicate or monitor temperatures of different components of the power module  100 , such as but not limited to transistors  125 . For example, the transistor temperature sensing PCB  135  can be disposed proximate to the plurality of transistors  125  to provide temperature data corresponding to the plurality of transistors  125 . For example, the transistor temperature sensing PCB  135  can be disposed between the ceramic plates  120  and the plurality of transistors  125  or between the heat sink  115  and the ceramic plates  120 . The transistor temperature sensing PCB  135  can collect or retrieve temperature data corresponding to the plurality of transistors  125 . The transistor temperature sensing PCB  135  can collect or retrieve temperature data corresponding to individual transistors  125 , groups of transistors  125  or all of the plurality of transistors  125  collectively. For example, the temperature sensing can be extrapolated to predict IGBT junction temperatures. The transistor temperature sensing PCB  135  may be positioned such that it is compressed and sealed against a pocket of grease on the ceramic, adjacent to the transistors  125 . For example, the transistor temperature sensing PCB  135  can be disposed a distance from the transistors  125  that ranges from 0 mm (e.g., in contact) to 2 mm. The distance between the transistor temperature sensing PCB  135  can vary outside these ranges. 
     The power module  100  can include a locator  140  (which can also be referred to herein as a locator guide or locator frame). The locator  140  can include a first surface (e.g., top surface) and a second surface (e.g., bottom surface). The second surface of the locator  140  can couple with, be disposed over or in contact with the first surface of the ceramic plates  120  or the heat sink  115 . The locator  140  can include non-conductive material or plastic material. The locator  140  can have a length in a range from 200 mm to 225 mm (e.g., 215 mm). The locator  140  can have a height (e.g., thickness) in a range from 5 mm to 20 mm (e.g., 10 mm). The locator  140  can have a width in a range from 45 mm to 65 mm (e.g., 52 mm). The length, height, and width of the locator  140  can vary within and outside these ranges. The locator  140  can includes a plurality of slots  142  (e.g., apertures, holes, recesses) formed in a frame of the locator  140  to hold or couple various components of the power module  100  in place. The locator  140  can include the plurality of slots  142  to hold or couple with the transistors  125 . At least on transistor  125  of the plurality of transistors  125  can be disposed or coupled with at least one slot  142  of the locator  140 . 
     A plurality of clips  145  can couple the transistors  125  with the locator  140  (e.g., hold the transistors  125  in the slots  142  of the locator  140 ). For example, each of the plurality of transistors  125  can be disposed within at least one slot  142  of the locator  140  and the clips  145  can include spring clips that couple onto a side portion of the locator  140  and the transistors  125  to hold or compress the transistors  125  within a respective slot  142  to hold the transistors  125  in place and in contact with the locator  140 . Fasteners  167  may be used to couple the transistors  125  with the locator  140 . The locator  140  can include a plastic locator or plastic material. 
     The slots  142  of the locator  140  can include apertures, holes, recesses formed in a frame of the locator  140 . The slots  142  can have varying shapes, sizes and dimensions and the shapes, sizes and dimensions of a particular slot  142  can be selected based at least in part on the shape, size or dimension of a component of the power module  100 . For example, the locator  140  may include slots  142  for transistors  125 , fasteners, clips, thermistors or thermal pads. The transistors slots have a generally rectangular shape which can be selected based on the particular transistor  125  to be used in the power module  100 . The fastener slots 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 can have a generally round shape. The power module  100  may include only one thermistor, thus only one thermistor slot may be used. However, two thermistor slots can be formed to provided symmetry and ease of manufacture. For example, having two thermistor slots can allow for the locator  140  to be rotated and a thermistor of the power module  100  can be disposed within either thermistor slot. The locator  140  can be formed having any number of slots  142 , and the number of slots  142  can be selected based at least on the type of components of the power module  100 . For example, the total number of slots  142  formed in the locator  140  can range from eight slots  142  to twenty four slots  142 . 
     The locator  140  can operate as a guide or frame for a manufacture process of the power module  100 , such as during a pick and place automation process, to increase an efficiency of the manufacture process. For example, the locator  140  can keep different components or parts of the power module  100  from 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 power module  100  can be formed faster and more efficiently using the locator  140  as a guide for an automation device (e.g., pick and place automation machinery). The locator  140  can reduce the amount of human interaction with a particular manufacture process and therefore, the power module  100  can be formed using just the pick and place machinery and a grease dispenser device (or other form of fluid device). 
     The power module  100  can include a laminated bus bar  150 . The laminated bus bar  150  can include a first surface (e.g., top surface) and a second surface (e.g., bottom surface). The second surface of the laminated bus bar  150  can couple with, be disposed over or in contact with the first surface of the locator  140  and portions of the first surface of the transistors  125  disposed in the slots  142  of the locator  140 . The leads  130  of the transistors  125  can couple with portions of the laminated bus bar  150 . For example, the laminated bus bar  150  can include a plurality of leads  157 . Each of the plurality of leads  157  of the laminated bus bar  150  can couple with at least one lead  130  of the plurality of transistors  125 . For example, at least two leads  157  of the laminated bus bar  150  can couple with at least two leads of a transistor  125  of the plurality of transistors  125 . but three are two leads that are coupled between laminated bus bar and each transistor. The laminated bus bar  150  can have a length in a range from 200 mm to 225 mm. The laminated bus bar  150  can have a height (e.g., thickness) in a range from 5 mm to 20 mm. The laminated bus bar  150  can have a width in a range from 45 mm to 65 mm. The length, height, and width of the laminated bus bar  150  can vary within and outside these ranges. The laminated bus bar  150  can include or conductive material, such as but not limited to copper. 
     The laminated bus bar  150  can include includes two input terminals  152 ,  154  (e.g., positive input terminal and negative input terminal) disposed at or along a first side and an output terminal  155  disposed at a second, different side of the laminated bus bar  150 . For example, the two input terminals  152 ,  154  can be disposed at an opposite or opposing side as compared to the output terminal  155 . The first and second input terminals  152 ,  154  can include conductive material, such as but not limited to copper. The first and second input terminals  152 ,  154  can be formed in a variety of different shapes to accommodate coupling with an inverter bus bar (e.g., positive bus bar, negative bus bar). The first and second input terminals  152 ,  154  can have or include a straight shape, or a curved or bent shape. For example, the first and second input terminals  152 ,  154  can include a first portion that is parallel with respect to a first surface (e.g., top surface) of the laminated bus bar  150  and a second portion that is perpendicular with respect to the first surface of the laminated bus bar  150 . The first input terminal  152  can couple with a positive inverter bus-bar (not shown) to receive a positive voltage and provide the positive voltage to the power module  100 . The second input terminal  154  can couple with a negative bus-bar (not shown) to receive a negative voltage and provide the negative voltage to the power module  100 . The first input terminal  152  can be disposed at a different level or height with respect to the side surface of the laminated bus bar  150  as compared with the second input terminal  154 . For example, the first input terminal  152  can be disposed at first level or first height and the second input terminal  154  can be disposed at a second level or second height. The first level or first height can be greater than the second level or the second height. The first level or first height can be less than the second level or the second height. 
     The output terminal  155  can include conductive material, such as but not limited to copper. The output terminal  155  can be formed in a variety of different shapes to accommodate coupling with an inverter phase bus bar. The output terminal  155  can be formed having a straight shape, or a curved or bent shape. For example, the output terminal  155  can include a first portion that is parallel with respect to a first surface (e.g., top surface) of the laminated bus bar  150  and a second portion that is perpendicular with respect to the first surface of the laminated bus bar  150 . The output terminal  155  can couple with a phase bus-bar to provide power generated by the power module  100  to other electrical components of an electric vehicle. 
     The power module  100  can include a gate drive printed circuit board (PCB)  160 . The gate drive PCB  160  can include a first surface (e.g., top surface) and a second surface (e.g., bottom surface). The second surface of gate drive PCB  160  can couple with or be disposed over or in contact with the first surface of the laminated bus bar  150 . The gate drive PCB  160  can include control electronics to control one or more components of the power module  100  or communication electronics to communicate with and receive from or transmit signals to a control board of an inverter module. The gate drive PCB  160  can include control electronics and can generate and provide control signals to the transistors  125 . For example, the leads  130  of the transistors  125  can extend through the locator  140  and the laminated bus bar  150  to couple with a portion or surface of the gate drive PCB  160 . The gate drive PCB  160  can generate control signals, for example, to turn one or more of transistors  125  on or off, open or close. The gate drive PCB  160  can have a length in a range from 140 mm to 220 mm. The gate drive PCB  160  can have a height (e.g., thickness) in a range from 5 mm to 10 mm. The gate drive PCB  160  can have a width in a range from 60 mm to 100 mm. The length, height, and width of the gate drive PCB  160  can vary within and outside these ranges. 
     The power module  100  can include a dielectric gel tray  165 . The dielectric gel tray  165  can include a first surface (e.g., top surface), a second surface (e.g., bottom surface) and can define an inner region that includes the second surface. The second surface of the dielectric gel tray  165  can couple with or be disposed over or contact the gate drive PCB  160 . The dielectric gel tray  165  can couple with the capacitor  105  though one or more fasteners  167 . For example, the dielectric gel tray  165  can form a housing that is disposed over the gate drive PCB  160 , laminated bus bar  150 , locator  140 , transistors  125 , transistor temperature sensing PCB  135 , the ceramic plates  120 , the heat sink  115  such that that each of the gate drive PCB  160 , laminated bus bar  150 , locator  140 , transistors  125 , transistor temperature sensing PCB  135 , the ceramic plates  120 , and the heat sink  115  are disposed within the inner region defined by the dielectric gel tray  165  and thus covered by the dielectric gel tray  165  when the dielectric gel tray  165  is coupled with the capacitor  105 . For example, the dielectric gel tray  165  can include or be formed having an inner region that covers, submerges, or can be disposed about multiple components of the power module  100 . 
     The dielectric gel tray  165  (e.g., potting compound container) can include poly carbon material, or other forms of high temperature plastic. The dielectric gel tray  165  can be formed using various injection molded techniques. The dielectric gel tray  165  can be disposed over one or more components of the power module  100  and operate as an insulator for the components (e.g., electronics) of the power module  100 . The gel tray  165  can be formed having a length in a range from 160 mm to 240 mm. The gel tray  165  can be formed having a width in a range from 80 mm to 90 mm. The gel tray  165  can be formed having a height in a range from 40 mm to 60 mm. The dimensions and size of the gel tray  165  can vary within or outside these ranges. 
     The gel tray  165  includes one or more capacitive orifices  170 . The capacitive orifices  170  can be used as inputs or outputs for the power module  100 . For example, the capacitive orifices  170  can be formed as a hole or an access point to couple a power supply (e.g., DC power supply) to the power module  100 . The gel tray  165  can include a first capacitive orifice  170  that couples the first input terminal  152  of the laminated bus bar  150  with a positive bus bar to provide a positive power supply to the power module  100 . The gel tray  165  can include a second capacitive orifice  170  that couples the second input terminal  154  of the laminated bus bar  150  with a negative bus bar to provide a negative power supply to the power module  100 . The gel tray  165  can include a third capacitive orifice  170  that couples the output terminal  155  of the laminated bus bar  150  with a phase bus bar to provide an output voltage generated by the power module  100  to other components of an electric vehicle. For example, capacitive orifices  170  can be formed as a hole or an access point to provide a power (e.g., voltage) generated by the power module  100  to other systems, such as a drive train unit of an electric vehicle. 
     During development and manufacturing of a power module  100 , technological or physical compromises with respect to the different components of the power module  100  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 power module  100 . These compromises may result in undesirable design changes that can impact a performance of the power module  100 . The power modules  100  described herein can alleviate the issues associated with these compromises and provide a power module  100  including IGBT transistors  125 , the IGBT temperature sensing PCB  135 , a coolant temperature sensor (e.g., coolant temperature sensor  310  of  FIG. 3 ), thermal pads (e.g., thermal pads  320  of  FIG. 3 ) and an EMI shield (e.g., EMI shield  410  of  FIG. 4 ) to reduce or lessen EMI noise within an inverter module (e.g., inverter module  400  of  FIG. 4 ). Thus, the power modules  100  described herein can strike a balance between high performance (e.g., low electrical parasitics, high current capacity, low component temperatures, etc.), high power density, low volume, low cost and having properties that allow them to be compatible for mass production. 
       FIG. 2 , among others, depicts a subassembly  200 . The subassembly  200  can transfer power (e.g., direct current, direct voltage) from a battery box or junction box to each phase of a power module (e.g., power module  100  of  FIG. 1 ). The subassembly can filter the power using the positive and negative bus bars and provide high voltage sensing to a control board (e.g., control board  415  of  FIG. 4 ) of an inverter module (inverter module  400  of  FIG. 4 ) or a control board (e.g., gate drive PCB  160  of  FIG. 1 ) of a power module  100  within the inverter module (inverter module  400  of  FIG. 4 ). For example, the subassembly  200  can couple with the power module  100  to transfer power to the power module  100  through one or more conducting paths formed by the positive and negative bus bars of the subassembly  200 . The subassembly  200  can couple with a single power module  100  or multiple power modules  100 . The subassembly  200  can include one or more positive input orifices  205  to couple with positive inputs  152  of each power module  100  and one or more negative input orifices  210  to couple with negative inputs  154  of each power module  100 . For example, and as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the subassembly  200  can include three positive input orifices  205  and three negative input orifices  210 . Thus, the subassembly  200  can transfer power to three power modules  100  coupled in a triplet configuration to form a three phase power module (e.g., three phase power module  405  of  FIG. 4 ). 
     The subassembly  200  can include a positive DC link bus bar  215 . The positive DC link bus bar  215  can couple with a positive input or positive input terminal (e.g., positive input  152 ) of the power module  100 . The positive DC link bus bar  215  can provide or transfer a positive direct current from a battery box or junction box to the positive input of the respective power module  100 . The positive DC link bus bar  215  can include conductive material, metal material or metallic material (e.g., copper). The positive DC link bus bar  215  can include can operate as or serve as conducting paths within the subassembly  200 . 
     The subassembly  200  can include a negative DC link bus bar  220 . The negative DC link bus bar  220  can couple with a negative input or negative input terminal (e.g., negative input terminal  154 ) of a power module  100 . The negative DC link bus bar  220  can provide or transfer a negative direct current from a battery box or junction box to the negative input of the respective power module  100 . The negative DC link bus bar  220  can include conductive material, metal material or metallic material (e.g., copper). The negative DC link bus bar  220  can include can operate as or serve as conducting paths within the subassembly  200 . 
     The subassembly  200  can include a positive Y-capacitor bus bar  225 . The positive Y-capacitor bus bar  225  can couple the positive input terminal  152  of the power module  100  with the positive DC link bus bar  215 . The positive Y-capacitor bus bar  225  can filter direct current as the direct current is provided to the input terminal of the power module  100 . The positive Y-capacitor bus bar  225  may include line filter capacitors. For example, the positive Y-capacitor bus bar  225  can filter positive direct current provided to a positive input terminal (e.g., positive input terminal  152 ) of the power module  100  to reduce or lessen noise, such as but not limited to, common mode noise. The positive Y-capacitor bus bar  225  can include conductive material, metal material or metallic material (e.g., copper). The positive Y-capacitor bus bar  225  can include can operate as or serve as conducting paths within the subassembly  200 . 
     The subassembly  200  can include a negative Y-capacitor bus bar  230 . The negative Y-capacitor bus bar  230  can couple the negative input terminal  154  of the power module  100  with the negative DC link bus bar  220 . The negative Y-capacitor bus bar  230  can filter direct current as the direct current is provided to the input terminal of the power module  100 . The negative Y-capacitor bus bar  230  may include line filter capacitors. For example, the negative Y-capacitor bus bar  230  can filter negative direct current provided to a negative input terminal of the power module  100  to reduce or lessen noise, such as but not limited to, common mode noise. The negative Y-capacitor bus bar  230  can include conductive material, metal material or metallic material (e.g., copper). The negative Y-capacitor bus bar  230  can include can operate as or serve as conducting paths within the subassembly  200 . 
     The subassembly  200  can include a ground Y-capacitor bus bar  235 . The ground Y-capacitor bus bar  235  can filter direct current as the direct current is provided to an input terminal of the power module  100 . The ground Y-capacitor bus bar  235  may include line filter capacitors. The ground Y-capacitor bus bar  235  can filter direct current on a ground terminal of the power module  100  to reduce or lessen noise, such as but not limited to, common mode noise. The ground Y-capacitor bus bar  235  can include conductive material, metal material or metallic material (e.g., copper). The ground Y-capacitor bus bar  235  can include can operate as or serve as conducting paths within the subassembly  200 . 
     The subassembly  200  can include a holder  240 . The holder  240  can include a plastic holder, plastic material, or dielectric material. The holder  240  can hold or align each of the positive DC link bus bar  215 , the negative DC link bus bar  220 , the positive Y-capacitor bus bar  225 , the negative Y-capacitor DC link bus bar  210  and the ground Y-capacitor  235  such that they can couple with the appropriate components of a power module  100 . For example, each of the positive DC link bus bar  215 , the negative DC link bus bar  220 , the positive Y-capacitor bus bar  225 , the negative Y-capacitor DC link bus bar  210  and the ground Y-capacitor  235  can couple with the power module  100  though the holder  240 . The holder  240  can couple with at least one side surface or edge surface of the power module  100 . 
       FIG. 3 , among others, depicts an inverter housing assembly  300 . The inverter housing assembly  300  can correspond to a base unit or base component for an inverter module (e.g., inverter module  400  of  FIG. 4 ). For example, each of the different components of an inverter housing  300  can be disposed within the inverter housing assembly  300  to provide a compact inverter module. The inverter housing assembly  300  can be formed having a rectangular shape, square shape, octagonal shape, or circular shape. The particular shape or dimensions of the inverter housing assembly  300  can be selected based at least in part on the shape and dimensions of the power module  100  or the shape and dimensions of a space within a drive train unit of an electric vehicle that the inverter housing assembly  300  is to be disposed within. The inverter housing assembly  300  can have a length in a range from 270 mm to 320 mm (e.g., 280 mm). The inverter housing assembly  300  can have a width in a range from 280 mm to 360 mm (e.g., 290 mm). The inverter housing assembly  300  can have a height in a range from 120 mm to 132 mm (e.g., 127 mm). The dimensions and size of the inverter housing assembly  300  described herein can vary within or outside these ranges. 
     The inverter housing assembly  300  can include an inverter housing  305 . The inverter housing  305  can house one or more power modules  100  of  FIG. 1  to form an inverter module of a drive train unit of an electric vehicle. For example, the inverter housing  305  can house three single phase power modules  100  of  FIG. 1  to form a three phase inverter module of a drive train unit of an electric vehicle. The inverter housing  305  can form the outer surface or shell of the inverter housing assembly  300 . The inverter housing  305  can include or define an inner region  307  that components of an inverter module are disposed within or submerged within. For example, the inverter housing  305  can contain, house or define an inner region  307  that houses a coolant temperature sensor (e.g., coolant temperature sensor  310 ), a spring clip (e.g., spring clip  315 ), a thermal pad (e.g., thermal pad  320 ), an active discharge board (e.g., active discharge board  325 ), a plastic holder (e.g., plastic holder  330 ) and high voltage connectors (e.g., high voltage connectors  335 ). The inverter housing  305  can be formed having a rectangular shape, square shape, octagonal shape, or circular shape. The shape and dimensions of the inverter housing  305  can be selected based in part on the shape and dimensions of the power modules  100  to be disposed within the respective inverter housing  305 . The inverter housing  305  can have a length in a range from 270 mm to 290 mm (e.g., 280 mm). The inverter housing  305  can have a width in a range from 280 mm to 300 mm (e.g., 290 mm). The inverter housing  305  can have a height in a range from 120 mm to 132 mm (e.g., 127 mm). The dimensions and size of the inverter housing  305  described herein can vary within or outside these ranges. 
     The inverter housing assembly  300  can include a coolant temperature sensor  310 . The coolant temperature sensor  310  can be positioned to measure a temperature within the inner region  307  of the inverter housing assembly  300 . For example, the coolant temperature sensor  310  can measure a temperature of coolant fluid as it is provided to or removed from the inverter housing assembly  300 . The inverter housing assembly  300  can include a single coolant temperature sensor  310  or multiple coolant temperature sensors  310 . The coolant temperature sensor  310  can be disposed adjacent to, proximate to, or within a predetermined distance (e.g., less than 1 mm) from an inlet coolant manifold to measure a temperature of coolant fluid provided to the inverter housing assembly  300  or an outlet coolant manifold to measure a temperature of coolant fluid released from the inverter housing assembly  300 . For example, the inverter housing  305  can include at least two coolant temperature sensors  310  with a first coolant temperature sensor  310  coupled with or disposed at an inlet of the inverter housing  305  and a second coolant temperature sensor  310  coupled with or disposed at an outlet of the inverter housing  305 . The coolant temperature sensor  310  can include a temperature sensor. The coolant temperature sensor  310  can measure, record and transmit temperature data corresponding to cooling (e.g., active cooling) or coolant flow within the inverter housing  305 . For example, the coolant temperature sensor  310  can provide temperature data (e.g., temperature readings) corresponding to coolant fluid as it is provided to or removed from the inverter housing assembly  300 . 
     The inverter housing assembly  300  can include a spring clip  315 . The spring clip  315  can include a clip or a fastener. The spring clip  315  can include metal material, plastic material, or alloy material. The spring clip  315  can couple different components disposed within the inverter housing assembly  300  together. The spring clip  315  can couple with an active discharge board (e.g., active discharge board  325 ) to couple different components disposed within the inverter housing assembly  300  together. For example, the spring clip  315  can couple at least one of the coolant temperature sensors  310  and a plastic holder (e.g., plastic holder  330 ) with an active discharge board (e.g., active discharge board  325 ) such that the at least one of the coolant temperature sensors  310  and the plastic holder  330  are disposed between the spring clip  315  and the active discharge board. 
     The inverter housing assembly  300  can include a thermal pad  320 . The thermal pad  320  can include non-conductive material, such as but not limited to, aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, silicon material or a silicon aluminum blend material. The thermal pad  320  can provide cooling, heat dissipation, or heat rejection for different components disposed within the inverter housing assembly  300 . For example, the thermal pad  320  can include conductive material and can aid in the conduction of heat away from components within the inverter housing  305  that are being cooled, such as but not limited to, for cooling active resistors of a power module  100  or inverter module  400 . The thermal pad  320  can be coupled with or in contact with an active discharge board (e.g., active discharge board  325 ) to provide cooling, heat dissipation, or heat rejection for the active discharge board. The thermal pad  320  can be couple with the active discharge board to provide heat dissipation or heat rejection for heat generated at or by the active discharge board. 
     The inverter housing assembly  300  can include an active discharge board  325 . The active discharge board  325  can include an active discharge circuit or a circuit board. For example, the active discharge board  325  can include a circuit having at least one capacitor, at least one resistor, or at least one switching element. The active discharge board  325  can discharge a voltage or a current during a shutdown of one or more power modules  100  of an inverter module (e.g., inverter module  400  of  FIG. 4 ). The active discharge board  325  can be disposed between the thermal pad  320  and a plastic holder (e.g., plastic holder  330 ). 
     The inverter housing assembly  300  can include a holder  330 . The holder  330  can include plastic material. The holder  330  can be disposed between a coolant temperature sensor  310  and the active discharge board  325 . The holder  330  can be positioned to couple different components disposed within the inverter housing assembly  300  together. For example, the holder  330  can couple the spring clip  315  with at least one coolant temperature sensor  310 . The holder  330  can couple the thermal pad  320  with the active discharge board  325 . 
     The inverter housing  300  can include a high voltage (HV) connector  335 . The inverter housing  300  can include a single HV connector  335  or multiple HV connectors  335  (e.g., two HV connectors). Each HV connector  335  can couple with at least one input terminal of the inverter housing  305 . The HV connector  335  can include a DC connector, a wire, or electrical connection to provide voltage to one or more electrical components within an inverter module. For example, the HV connector  335  can provide a voltage in a first voltage range to the inverter module assembly  300 . For example, the HV connector  335  can provide a voltage in a range from 0 V to 1000 V. The HV connector  335  can couple with at least one positive bus bar or at least one negative bus bar to provide a single phase voltage to each of the power modules  100  through their respective positive inputs  152  or negative inputs  154 . For example, and as depicted in  FIG. 3 , the inverter housing assembly  300  can include a positive HV connector  335  and a negative HV connector  335 . The positive HV connector  335  can couple with a positive bus bar (not shown) that couples with positive inputs  152  of power modules  100  disposed within the inverter housing assembly  300 . The negative HV connector  335  can couple with a negative bus bar (not shown) that couples with negative inputs  154  of power modules  100  disposed within the inverter housing assembly  300 . 
     The inverter housing assembly  300  can include input connection  340 . For example, the input connection  340  can include a coolant input hose connection that can receive a hose, tube, or conduit such that coolant can be provided to the inverter housing assembly  305 . For example, the input connection  340  can include an orifice, a hole, or a threaded hole to receive or couple with a hose, tube or conduit. The inverter housing assembly  300  can include an output connection  345  (or an output). The output connection  345  can include a coolant output hose connection that can receive a hose, tube, or conduit such that coolant can be removed from the inverter housing assembly  305 . For example, the output connection  345  can include an orifice, a hole, or a threaded hole to receive or couple with a hose, tube or conduit. The output connection  345  can include an output hose barb and can receive or couple with a hose, tube, or conduit to release coolant from the inverter housing assembly  300 . 
     The inverter housing assembly  300  can include one or more connection points  350 . The connection points  350  can include threaded inserts, holes, or receptacles. The connection points  350  can be formed on various surface of the inverter housing  305 . For example, the connection points  350  can be formed in the inner region  307  of the inverter housing  305 . The connection points  350  can be formed along one or more edge or side surfaces of the inverter housing  305 . The connection points  350  can be used to couple one or more power modules  100  within the inverter housing  305 . For example, a three phase power module (e.g., three phase power module  405  of  FIG. 4 ) can couple with the inverter housing  305  using one or more of the connection points  350 . The connection points  350  can couple the inverter housing  305  within a drive train unit of an electric vehicle. The connection points  350  can couple a lid or top surface with the inverter housing  305  to seal the inverter housing assembly  300 . For example, the connection points  350  can receive a fastener (e.g., screw, bolt) to couple a lid or top surface with the inverter housing  305  to seal the inverter housing assembly  300 . 
       FIG. 4 , among others, depicts an inverter module  400 . The inverter module  400  can be formed having three power modules  100  coupled or arranged in a triplet configuration for electric vehicle drive systems. The inverter module  400  can couple with a drive train unit of the electric vehicle and can provide single phase voltage or multiple phase voltages (e.g., three phase voltages) to the drive train unit. For example, each of the power modules  100  can generate a single phase voltage and thus, the three power modules  100  coupled or arranged in a triplet configuration can provide three phase voltages. 
     The inverter module  400  can be formed having a rectangular shape, square shape, octagonal shape, or circular shape. The particular shape or dimensions of the inverter module  400  can be selected based at least in part on the shape and dimensions of the power modules  100  disposed therein or the shape and dimensions of a space within a drive train unit of an electric vehicle that the inverter module  400  is to be disposed within. The inverter module  400  can have a length in a range from 270 mm to 290 mm (e.g., 280 mm). The inverter module  400  can have a width in a range from 280 mm to 300 mm (e.g., 290 mm). The inverter module  400  can have a height in a range from 120 mm to 132 mm (e.g., 127 mm). The dimensions and size of the inverter module  400  described herein can vary within or outside these ranges. 
     The inverter module  400  can include the inverter housing assembly  300  of  FIG. 3 . The inverter module  400  can include a three phase power module  405 . The three phase power module  405  can be disposed within the inverter housing assembly  300 . The three phase module  405  can include multiple power modules  100 . For example, the three phase power module  405  can include three single phase power modules  100  to provide and form the three phase power module  405 . The power modules  100  can be arranged in a triplet configuration such that each of a first, second and third power modules  100  are positioned adjacent to each other in the triplet configuration having each of their respective positive inputs  152  and negative inputs  154  aligned with each other, and their respective output terminals  155  aligned with each other. For example, each of the positive input terminals  152  of the first, second, third power modules  100  can be positioned such that they are at the same level or same height with respect to side surfaces of the power modules  100 . Each of the first, second, third negative input terminals  154  of the first, second, third power modules  100  can be positioned such that they are at the same level or same height with respect to side surfaces of the power modules  100 . The outputs  155  of the each of the first, second and third power modules  100  can be positioned such that they are at the same level or same height with respect to side surfaces of the power modules  100 . The arrangement of the first, second and third power modules  100  in the triplet configuration can provide a compact dimensions for the three phase power module  405  housing each of the first, second and third power modules  100 . For example, the alignment of the input terminals  152 ,  154  and output terminals  155  can allow one or more bus-bars coupled to each of the power modules  100  to be disposed adjacent and parallel to each other to provide a compact inverter module  400 . The power modules  100  can be formed to be modular units having similar shapes, sizes, and dimensions such that they can interchangeable within the three phase power module  405  and inverter module  400 . Thus, individual power modules  100  can be replaced, serviced or otherwise repaired without replacing an entire inverter module  400 . Each of the power modules  100  in a common inverter module  400  may have the same shape, size, and dimensions or one or more of the half-bridge modules  305  in a common inverter module  400  may have a different shape, size, or dimensions. 
     The three phase power module  405  can include a first surface (e.g., top surface) and a second surface (e.g., bottom surface). The three phase power module  405  can be disposed within the inner region  307  of the inverter housing assembly  300  such that the second surface can be in contact with, disposed proximate to, or adjacent to an inner surface of the inverter housing assembly  300  (e.g., disposed on top of the inner surface of the inverter housing assembly  300 ). The three phase power module  405  can be disposed within an inner region of the inverter housing assembly  300  to complete a cooling channel and provide structural rigidity to each of the power modules  100  of the three phase power module  405 . 
     The inverter module  400  can include an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield  410 . The EMI shield  410  may include a current sensor core. The EMI shield  410  can include a first surface (e.g., top surface) and a second surface (e.g., bottom surface). The second surface of the EMI shield  410  can be coupled with, disposed over or in contact with the first surface of the three phase power module  405 . For example, the EMI shield  410  can be coupled with, disposed over, or in contact with the first surfaces of each of the power modules  100  forming the three phase power module  405 . 
     The inverter module  400  can include a control and high voltage circuit board  415  (which can also be referred to herein as a control board). The control board  415  can include a first surface (e.g., top surface) and a second surface (e.g., bottom surface). The second surface of the control board  415  can be coupled with, disposed over or in contact with the first surface of the EMI shield  410 . The control board  415  can include multiple floating connectors or receiving components can couple with connectors of gate drive PCB&#39;s  160  of the three phase power module  405 . For example, the control board  415  can couple with or plug into six floating connectors on the gate drive PCB&#39;s  160  of each of the power modules  100  forming the three phase power module  405 . Each of the three phase power module  405 , the EMI shield  410  and the control board  415  can be disposed within an inner region defined by the inverter housing assembly  300  such that side portions or side edges of the inverter housing assembly  300  extend around or otherwise about each of the three phase power module  405 , the EMI shield  410  and the control board  415  when the three phase power module  405 , the EMI shield  410  and the control board  415  are disposed within the inverter housing assembly  300 . 
     One or more wires or wire harnesses can be coupled with the control board  415  to connect circuitry, such as but not limited to, control circuitry to the control board  415 . The wire or wire harnesses may provide a signal path for the control board to transmit control signals or receive control signals or other forms of signal feedback from components of the inverter module  400  or control circuits external to the inverter module  400 . When the inverter module  400  is assembled, the inverter module  400  can be coupled with, disposed within or mounted to a drive unit of an electric vehicle. 
     In operation, the inverter module  400  can receive high voltage direct current from a battery system or a junction box, and convert the high voltage to a multiple phase alternating current (AC) to drive an AC motor. For example, the inverter module  400  can receive high voltage direct current from a battery system or a junction box, and convert the high voltage to a three phase alternating current (AC) to a three phase AC motor. The transistors  125  in each of the power modules  100  forming the three phase power module  405  can convert the direct current to alternating current power (e.g., convert DC to AC power). The inverter module  400  can provide thermal dissipation to the transistors  125  and high voltage within a predetermined range (e.g., a required or desired voltage for a particular application of the inverter module  400 ) while reducing or otherwise providing low EMI noise. The modular design of the inverter modules  400  described herein can provide high power density, low EMI noise, low cost, ease of manufacturing, a reduce waste or scrap rate during production, effective heat dissipation and provide high voltage insulation. 
       FIG. 5  depicts an example cross-section view  500  of an electric vehicle  505  installed with a battery pack  510 . The battery pack  510  can include an inverter module  400  having three power modules  100  to provide three phase power for the electric vehicle  505  through the battery pack  510 . For example, each of the power modules  100  can generate a single phase power and can be coupled in a triplet configuration within the inverter module  400  to generate three phase power for the electric vehicle  505 . The battery pack  510  can correspond to a drive train unit  510  of the electric vehicle  505 . For example, the battery pack  510  can be disposed within or be a component of a drive train unit  510 . The drive train unit  510  (and the battery pack  510 ) can provide power to the electric vehicle  505 . For example, the drive train unit  510  may include components of the electric vehicle  505  that generate or provide power to drive the wheels or move the electric vehicle  505 . The drive train unit  510  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  505 . For example, the electric vehicle drive train system can transmit power from the battery pack  510  or drive train unit  510  to an axle or wheels of the electric vehicle  505 . 
     The electric vehicle  505  can include an autonomous, semi-autonomous, or non-autonomous human operated vehicle. The electric vehicle  505  can include a hybrid vehicle that operates from on-board electric sources and from gasoline or other power sources. The electric vehicle  505  can include automobiles, cars, trucks, passenger vehicles, industrial vehicles, motorcycles, and other transport vehicles. The electric vehicle  505  can include a chassis  515  (sometimes referred to herein as a frame, internal frame, or support structure). The chassis  515  can support various components of the electric vehicle  505 . The chassis  515  can span a front portion  520  (sometimes referred to herein a hood or bonnet portion), a body portion  525 , and a rear portion  530  (sometimes referred to herein as a trunk portion) of the electric vehicle  505 . The front portion  520  can include the portion of the electric vehicle  505  from the front bumper to the front wheel well of the electric vehicle  505 . The body portion  525  can include the portion of the electric vehicle  505  from the front wheel well to the back wheel well of the electric vehicle  505 . The rear portion  530  can include the portion of the electric vehicle  505  from the back wheel well to the back bumper of the electric vehicle  505 . 
     The battery pack  510  that includes the inverter module  400  having the three power modules  100  can be installed or placed within the electric vehicle  505 . The battery pack  510  can include or couple with a power converter component. For example, the power converter component can include the inverter module  400  having three phase power module  405 . The battery pack  510  can be installed on the chassis  515  of the electric vehicle  505  within the front portion  520 , the body portion  525  (as depicted in the example of  FIG. 5 ), or the rear portion  530 . The battery pack  510  can couple with a first bus bar  535  and a second bus bar  540  that are connected or otherwise electrically coupled with other electrical components of the electric vehicle  505  to provide electrical power from the battery pack  510 . For example, each of the power modules  100  can couple with the first bus-bar  535  and the second bus bar  540  to provide electrical power from the battery pack  510  to other electrical components of the electric vehicle  505 . 
       FIG. 6 , among others, depicts a flow diagram of a method  600  for providing an inverter module  400  to power an electric vehicle  505 . The inverter module  400  can include a single power module  100  or multiple power modules  100  to provide power for the various electrical components of the electric vehicle  505 . The method  600  can include providing a capacitor  105  (ACT  605 ). The capacitor  105  can be disposed within an inverter module housing assembly  300 . The capacitor  105  can form the base or the bottom portion of a power module  100  of the inverter module  400 . The capacitor  105  can be formed having positive terminals  107  and negative terminal  109 . The positive terminals  107  and the negative terminals  109  can be positioned such that they extend perpendicular with respect to a first surface (e.g., top surface) of the capacitor  105 . Providing the capacitor  105  can include disposing a divider  110  between the positive terminals  107  and the negative terminals  109  to electrically insulate the positive terminals  107  from the negative terminals  109 . One or more capacitor elements (not shown) can be disposed within the capacitor  105 . For example, a single capacitor film roll or multiple capacitor film rolls (e.g., three to four capacitor film rolls) can be disposed within the capacitor  105 . One or more tabs can couple the capacitor film rolls with the positive terminals  107  and the negative terminals  109 . 
     The method  600  can include coupling a heat sink  115  (ACT  610 ). For example, the heat sink  115  can couple with the capacitor  105 . A second surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the heat sink  115  can be disposed over the first surface of the capacitor  105 . One or more mounting feet formed on the second surface of the heat sink  115  can couple with one or more mounting holes formed on the capacitor  105  to couple the heat sink  115  with the capacitor  105 . The heat sink  115  can be positioned such that an aperture  117  (e.g., open inner region) of the heat sink  115  surrounds or is disposed about the positive terminals  107  and the negative terminals  109  of the capacitor  105 . For example, the heat sink  115  can be positioned to provide active cooling to components and electronics (e.g., capacitor  105 , transistors  125 ) disposed proximate to surfaces of the heat sink  115 , such as but not limited to, the positive terminals  107  and the negative terminals  109  of the capacitor  105 . The positive terminals  107  and the negative terminals  109  can extend through the aperture  117  such that the positive terminals  107  and the negative terminals  109  are surrounded on multiple sides by surfaces of the heat sink  115 . The heat sink  115  can provide active cooling to the first surface of the capacitor  105  and the positive terminals  107  and the negative terminals  109  of the capacitor  105 . 
     The method  600  can include disposing a ceramic plate  120  (ACT  615 ). At least one ceramic plate  120  can be disposed over the first surface of the heat sink  115 . For example, a single ceramic plate  120  or multiple ceramic plates  120  (e.g., two or more) can be disposed over the first surface of the heat sink  115 . For example, a first ceramic plate  120  can be disposed over a first portion of the first surface of the heat sink  115  and a second ceramic plate  120  can be disposed over a second portion of the first surface of the heat sink  115 . The ceramic plates  120  can be formed using ceramic based material. The ceramic plates  120  can be positioned to electrically insulate the heat sink  115  from transistors (e.g., transistors  125 ) disposed within the power module  100 . For example, the ceramic plates  120  can positioned over a top surface of the heat sink  115  to prevent a short circuit condition between the heat sink  115  and the transistors (e.g., transistors  125 ) disposed within the power module  100 . 
     The method  600  can include providing a locator  140  (ACT  620 ). The locator  140  can be formed using non-conductive material or plastic material. The locator  140  can be disposed over a first surface of the ceramic plates  120 . A plurality of slots  142  can be formed in the locator  140 . For example, a first row of slots  142  along a first side of the locator  140  and a second row of slots  142  can be formed along a second side of the locator  140 . The rows of slots  142  can include the same number of slots  142  or a different number of slots  142 . The locator  140  can be positioned such that at least one ceramic plate  120  is disposed under the respective row of slots  142 . For example, the first row of slots  142  can be aligned with the first ceramic plate  120  and the second row of slots  142  can be aligned with the second ceramic plate  120 . 
     The method  600  can include disposing one or more transistors  125  (ACT  625 ). At least one transistor  125  can be disposed in at least one of the slots  142  of the locator  140 . For example, each of the transistors  125  can be disposed in or coupled with at least one of the slots  142  of the locator  140 . Thus, the transistors  125  and the locator  140  can be disposed over first surfaces of the ceramic plates  120 . The transistors  125  can be organized or disposed based on the arrangement of the slots  142  of the locator  140 . For example, the transistors  125  can be arranged in a first row and a second row corresponding to the first row of slots  142  and the second row of slots  142 . Each of the transistors  125  can include a plurality of leads  130 . The leads  130  can be bent, shaped or otherwise manipulated to couple with a respective one or more components (e.g., gate drive PCB  160 , capacitor  105 ) within the power module  100 . For example, the leads  130  can be formed or positioned such that they extend perpendicular with respect to a first surface (e.g., top surface) of the transistors  125 . For example, the leads  130  can be formed such that they have a bent shape and extend up with respect to a first surface (e.g., top surface) of the transistors  125  to couple with other components of the power module  100  (e.g., laminated bus bar  150 , gate drive PCB  160 ). Disposing the transistors  125  can include spacing the transistors  125  with respect to each other with a center to center spacing in a range from 15 mm to 20 mm (e.g., 17.5 mm). 
     The method  600  can include providing a bus bar  150  (ACT  630 ). For example, at least one laminated bus bar  150  can be disposed within the power module  100 . The laminated bus bar  150  can be disposed over a first surface of the locator  140  and the plurality of transistors  125 . For example, the second surface of the laminated bus bar  150  can be disposed over or in contact with the first surface of the locator  140  and portions of the first surface of the transistors  125  disposed in the slots  142  of the locator  140 . The leads  130  of the transistors  125  can couple with portions of the laminated bus bar  150 . For example, the laminated bus bar  150  can include a plurality of leads  157 . Each of the plurality of leads  157  of the laminated bus bar  150  can couple with at least one lead  130  of the plurality of transistors  125 . 
     Providing the bus bar  150  can include forming at least two input terminals  152 ,  154  (e.g., positive input terminal and negative input terminal) at or along a first side or first edge of the laminated bus bar  150 . Providing the bus bar  150  can include forming an output terminal  155  at a second, different side or second, different edge (as compared to the first side or first edge) of the laminated bus bar  150 . For example, the two input terminals  152 ,  154  can be formed at an opposite or opposing side as compared to the output terminal  155 . The first and second input terminals  152 ,  154  can be formed using conductive material, such as but not limited to copper. The output terminal  155  can be formed using conductive material, such as but not limited to copper. The first and second input terminals  152 ,  154  can be formed in a variety of different shapes to accommodate coupling with an inverter bus bar (e.g., positive bus bar, negative bus bar). For example, the first and second input terminals  152 ,  154  can be formed having a straight shape, or a curved or bent shape. The first input terminal  152  can be positioned to couple with a positive bus bar to receive a positive voltage and provide the positive voltage to the power module  100 . The second input terminal  154  can be positioned to couple with a negative bus-bar (not shown) to receive a negative voltage and provide the negative voltage to the power module  100 . For example, the first input terminal  152  can be formed at a different level or height with respect to the side surface of the laminated bus bar  150  as compared with the second input terminal  154 . The first input terminal  152  can be formed at a first level or first height and the second input terminal  154  can be formed at a second level or second height. The first level or first height can be greater than the second level or the second height. The first level or first height can be less than the second level or the second height. The output terminal  155  can be formed having a straight shape, or a curved or bent shape. The output terminal  155  can be positioned to couple with a phase bus-bar (not shown) to provide power generated by the power module  100  to other electrical components of an electric vehicle  505 . 
     The method  600  can include coupling a PCB  160  (ACT  635 ). For example, a gate drive PCB  160  can be disposed over a first surface of the laminated bus bar  150 . The gate drive PCB  160  can include control electronics and can generate and provide control signals to the transistors  125 . For example, a second surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the gate drive PCB  160  can be disposed over or in contact with the first surface (e.g., top surface) of the laminated bus bar  150  such that the leads  130  of the transistors  125  can extend through the locator  140  and the laminated bus bar  150  to couple with a portion or surface of the gate drive PCB  160 . The gate drive PCB  160  can generate control signals, for example, to turn one or more of transistors  125  on or off, open or close. 
     The method  600  can include disposing a gel tray  165  (ACT  640 ). For example, a gel tray  165  can be formed using poly carbon material, or other forms of high temperature plastic. The gel tray  165  can be formed having an inner region that covers, submerges, or can be disposed about multiple components of the power module  100 . One or more fasteners  167  can couple the gel tray  165  with the capacitor  105 . The gel tray  165  can be disposed over a first surface of the gate drive PCB  160 . The inner region can have the gate drive PCB  160 , the laminated bus bar  150 , the plurality of transistors  125 , the locator  140 , the first ceramic plate  120 , the second ceramic plate  120  and the heat sink  115  disposed therein. 
     One or more capacitive orifices  170  can be formed on at least one side surface of the gel tray  165 . For example, the capacitive orifices  170  can be formed as a hole or an access point to couple a power supply (e.g., DC power supply) to the power module  100 . The capacitive orifices  170  can be used as inputs or outputs for the power module  100 . A first capacitive orifice  170  can be formed that couples the first input terminal  152  of the laminated bus bar  150  with a positive bus bar to provide a positive power supply to the power module  100 . A second capacitive orifice  170  can be formed that couples the second input terminal  154  of the laminated bus bar  150  with a negative bus bar to provide a negative power supply to the power module  100 . A third capacitive orifice  170  can be formed that couples the output terminal  155  of the laminated bus bar  150  with a phase bus bar to provide an output voltage generated by the power module  100  to other components of an electric vehicle. 
     An inverter module  400  can be provided to house or contain the power module  100  or multiple power modules  100 . For example, an inverter housing assembly  300  can be provided defining an inner region  307  of the inverter module  400 . Providing the power module  100  can include disposing the power module  100  within the inner region  307  of the inverter housing assembly  300 . For example, a single power module  100  can be disposed within the inner region  307  of the inverter housing assembly  300  or multiple power modules  100  can be disposed within the inner region  307  of the inverter housing assembly  300 . For example, three power modules  100  can be disposed within the inner region  307  of the inverter housing assembly  300  to form a three phase power module  405  of an inverter module  400 . An electromagnetic interference shield  410  can be disposed over first surfaces of the multiple power modules  100  or the single power module  100 . The electromagnetic interference shield  410  can be disposed within the inner region  307 . A control board  415  can be disposed over a first surface of the electromagnetic interference shield  410 . The control board  415  can be disposed within the inner region  307 . 
     To couple the power modules  100  together, a subassembly  200  can couple with side surfaces of the power modules  100 . For example, the subassembly  200  can couple with the power modules  100  to transfer direct current to the power module  100  through one or more conducting paths formed by the positive bus bar  215  and the negative bus bars  220  of the subassembly  200 . The subassembly  200  can be formed using a holder  240 . The holder  240  can be provided or positioned proximate (e.g., in contact, less than 0.5 mm) to a side surface of the power module  100 . A positive DC bus bar  215  can couple with the side surface of the power modules  100  using the holder  240 . A negative DC bus bar  220  can couple with the side surface of the power module  100  using the holder  240 . Forming the subassembly  200  can include coupling a positive Y-capacitor bus bar  225  with the side surface of the power module using the holder  240 . The positive Y-capacitor bus bar  225  can include a first positive portion extending along a first side surface of the holder  240  and a second positive portion extending along a second side surface of the holder  240 . For example, the positive Y-capacitor bus bar  225  can be positioned such that it wraps around at least one surface of the holder  240  (e.g., clips onto a surface of the holder  240 ). Forming the subassembly  200  can include coupling a negative Y-capacitor bus bar  230  with the side surface of the power module using the holder  240 . The negative Y-capacitor bus bar  230  can have a first negative portion extending along a first side surface of the holder  240  and a second negative portion extending along a second side surface of the holder  240 . For example, the negative Y-capacitor bus bar  230  can be positioned such that it wraps around at least one surface of the holder  240  (e.g., clips onto a surface of the holder  240 ). 
     The subassembly  200  can couple with a single power module  100  or multiple power modules  100 . The subassembly  200  can be formed having one or more positive input orifices  205  to couple with positive inputs  152  of each power module  100  and one or more negative input orifices  210  to couple with negative inputs  154  of each power module  100 . For example, the subassembly  200  can be formed having three positive input orifices  205  and three negative input orifices  210 . Thus, the subassembly  200  can transfer direct current to three power modules  100  coupled in a triplet configuration to form a three phase power module  405  of the inverter module  400 . 
     The inverter module  400  can be formed using components, such as transistors  125 , to provide more design control for every aspect of the inverter module packaging. For example, the inverter module  400  having multiple power module  100  components can be adapted for a variety of different inverter applications, such as for a drive train unit of an electric vehicle drive system (e.g., electric vehicle  505  of  FIG. 5 ). The inverter module  400  can be designed such that the sub-components can be assembled in a top down fashion or assembled individually to provide for streamlined installation and a simpler manufacturing process as compared to other inverter systems of electric vehicles. For example, the components of the inverter modules  400  described herein can be installed in a vertical direction. As each phase of the inverter module  400  corresponds to at least one power module  100  and each power module  100  can be modular, the respective power modules  100  can be produced and tested before moving onto its next step of assembly. 
     The individual sub systems, such as a power module  100  of the inverter module  400 , can be formed to provide a compact design. Thus, when multiple power modules  100  are coupled with each other or otherwise disposed to form a three phase power module  405 , the overall inverter module  400  can have a compact design and maintain clearance for tolerance and electrical insulation. The inverter modules as described herein include a modular design having one or more single phase power modules  100  and thus, can be designed for a variety of different applications, including for different phase or voltage applications. For example, the inverter modules  400  can be used for three phase inverters and three phase inverter applications. The inverter modules  400  can be adopted for multiple phase inverters such as a two phase inverters or more than three phase inverters and two phase inverter applications or more than three phase inverter applications. 
     The modular design can provide for lower scrap rate in production since, for example, one-third of other inverter system may needs to be removed if there is problem in quality check step. The inverter modules  400  can reduce or have less EMI noise as compared to other inverter systems of electric vehicles. For example, the modular design of the inverter modules  400  described here can provide or create effective heat dissipation for transistors  125 , discharge resistors, or capacitors  185  forming the respective power modules  100  via a heat sink  115  to keep these components in their intended operating range. 
     The packaging of the transistors  125 , laminated bus bar  150 , positive DC link bus bar  215  (described below with respect to  FIG. 2 ), negative DC link bus bar  220 , positive Y-capacitor bus bar  225 , negative Y-capacitor bus bar  230 , ground Y-capacitor bus bar  235 , and capacitor  105  can be a challenging problem when designing and creating an inverter module. The location of each of the components relative to each other can be the key or otherwise important to provide adequate thermal dissipation and provide reduced or low EMI noise. The inverter module  400  can include at least one heat sink  115  in each of the power modules  100 . Positive and negative terminals  107 ,  109  of the capacitor  105  in each of the power modules  100  can extend through (e.g., come up through, extend down through) an opening, hole or orifice formed in a middle region of the respective heat sink  115  and coupled with (e.g., directly couple with) the leads  130  of the transistors  125 . The transistors  125  can be arranged such that they are positioned within a predetermined distance from each other (e.g., positioned next to each other, positioned having side portions in contact with each other, positioned closely to each other) to form a small inductance loop. 
     As each phase or each power module  100  of the inverter module  400  is modular, a quality check step in assembly line can be performed after each power module  100  is created or after multiple power modules  100  are created. The capacitor  105  can be positioned within the three phase power module  405  and within the inverter module  400  such that each capacitor  105  can be actively cooled by the air in an environment (e.g., outside the inverter module  400 ) around the inverter module  400 , by the coolant inside the heat sink  115  or by a combination of the air in the environment around the inverter module  400  and by the coolant inside the heat sink  115 . Thus, the capacitors  185  can operate within a predetermined operating temperature (e.g., ideal operating temperature) of the respective capacitor  105 . The predetermined operating temperature can be selected based at least in part on a particular application of the inverter module  400 . For example, the predetermined operating temperature can range from −40° C. to 85° C. 
       FIG. 7 , among others, depicts a method  700  for providing a power module  100 . The power module  100  can couple with one or more other power modules  100  to form an inverter module  400  to power an electric vehicle  505 . The method  700  can include providing a power module  100  (ACT  705 ). The power module  700  can include a capacitor  105 . The power module  700  can include a heat sink  115  coupled with a first surface of the capacitor  105 . The power module  700  can include a first ceramic plate  120  coupled with a first surface of the heat sink  115 . The power module  700  can include a second ceramic plate  120  coupled with the first surface of the heat sink  115 . The power module  700  can include a locator  140  having a plurality of slots  142 . The power module  700  can include a plurality of transistors  125  disposed within the plurality of slots  142 . The locator  140  and the plurality of transistors  125  can be disposed over a first surface of the first ceramic plate  120  and a first surface of the second ceramic plate  120 . The power module  700  can include a laminated bus bar  150  disposed over a first surface of the locator  140 . The power module  700  can include a gate drive PCB  160  coupled with a first surface of the laminated bus bar  150 . The power module  700  can include a dielectric gel tray  165  disposed over a first surface of the gate drive PCB  160 . 
     While acts or operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in a particular order, such operations are not required to be performed in the particular order shown or described, or in sequential order, and all depicted or described operations are not required to be performed. Actions described herein can be performed in different orders. 
     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. 
     The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” “comprising” “having” “containing” “involving” “characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components. 
     Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular can include implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein can include 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 information, act or element may include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any information, act, or element. 
     Any implementation disclosed herein may be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to “an implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation may be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation may be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein. 
     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 to increase 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. 
     Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations can occur without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. For example the voltage across terminals of battery cells can be greater than 5V. The foregoing implementations are illustrative rather than limiting of the described systems and methods. 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. 
     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.