Patent Publication Number: US-2020304037-A1

Title: High Power Multilayer Module Having Low Inductance and Fast Switching for Paralleling Power Devices

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/266,771, filed Feb. 4, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein; which application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/405,520, filed Jan. 13, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/790,965 filed on Jan. 10, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     This disclosure is directed to a high power multilayer module having low inductance and fast switching for paralleling power devices. Moreover, the disclosure is directed to a process of configuring a high power multilayer module having low inductance and fast switching for paralleling power devices. 
     2. Related Art 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, power modules are known in various forms. Power modules provide a physical containment for power components, usually power semiconductor devices. These power semiconductors are typically soldered or sintered on a power electronic substrate. The power module typically carries the power semiconductors, provides electrical and thermal contact, and includes electrical insulation. 
     Parasitic impedances in the power module, however, limit the practical implementation of these devices in current technologies. Specifically, the loop inductance during switching events can result in a voltage overshoot and ringing. This reduces stability, increases switching losses, creates Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), and stresses system components. Ultimately, these factors may limit the maximum switching frequency, which is desirable to reduce the size of external filters in a power conversion system. 
     Accordingly, what is needed is a power module configured to address parasitic impedances, such as loop inductance, to increase stability, decrease switching losses, reduce EMI, and/or limit stresses on system components. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure a power module includes at least one power substrate, a housing arranged on the at least one power substrate, a first terminal electrically connected to the at least one power substrate, the first terminal comprising a contact surface located above the housing at a first elevation, a second terminal comprising a contact surface located above the housing at a second elevation different from the first elevation, a third terminal electrically connected to the at least one power substrate, and a plurality of power devices electrically connected to the at least one power substrate. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure a system that includes a power module includes at least one power substrate, a housing arranged on the at least one power substrate, a first terminal electrically connected to the at least one power substrate, the first terminal comprising a contact surface located above the housing, a second terminal comprising a contact surface located above the housing, a third terminal electrically connected to the at least one power substrate, a plurality of power devices electrically connected to the at least one power substrate, a first planar buss bar electrically connected to the first terminal, and a second planar buss bar electrically connected to the second terminal, where the first planar buss bar and the second planar buss bar are arranged one above the other. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure a power module includes at least one power substrate, a housing arranged on the at least one power substrate, a first terminal electrically connected to the at least one power substrate, the first terminal comprising a contact surface located above the housing, a second terminal comprising a contact surface located above the housing, a third terminal electrically connected to the at least one power substrate, and a plurality of power devices electrically connected to the at least one power substrate, where current flows in a first direction from the first terminal across the at least one power substrate, and wherein the current flows in a second direction from the at least one power substrate to the second terminal to reduce impedance. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure a process of configuring a power module includes providing at least one power substrate, providing a housing on the at least one power substrate, connecting a first terminal electrically to the at least one power substrate, providing the first terminal with a contact surface located above the housing at a first elevation, providing a second terminal comprising a contact surface located above the housing at a second elevation different from the first elevation, providing a third terminal electrically connected to the at least one power substrate, and providing a plurality of power devices electrically connected to the at least one power substrate. 
     Additional features, advantages, and aspects of the disclosure may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the disclosure and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of the disclosure and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. No attempt is made to show structural details of the disclosure in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure and the various ways in which it may be practiced. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1A  schematically illustrates a half-bridge based topology of a power module according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a current loop between the DC link capacitors and switch positions inside of the power module of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  illustrates various interconnections and associated impedances according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates various interconnections and associated impedances of a switch position according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a perspective schematic view of a power module according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a top schematic view of a power module according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a plurality of single phase modules in a paralleled configuration according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a first power module configuration according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a second power module configuration according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a plurality of power modules in a full bridge configuration according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a plurality of power modules in a three-phase configuration according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a single power module having a full bridge configuration according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an exploded view of the power module according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a partial view of the power module of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12A  illustrates a top view of the phase leg of the power module constructed according to the disclosure, with each node identified in a half-bridge topology. 
         FIG. 12B  illustrates a schematic of the phase leg of the power module constructed according to the disclosure, with each node identified in a half-bridge topology according to  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a cross section view of the phase leg of  FIG. 12A  and  FIG. 12B . 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a cross section view of the phase leg of  FIG. 12A  and  FIG. 12B  that includes a current path. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates contact surfaces of the power module together with bussing according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C  illustrate various aspects of a terminal of the power module according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  schematically illustrates a plurality of devices in parallel according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a perspective view of the effective gate switching loop according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a top view of the effective gate switching loop according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a partial exemplary implementation that includes a power module according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates an exemplary laminated buss bar according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates one portion of the exemplary laminated buss bar according to  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 23  illustrates another portion of the exemplary laminated buss bar according to  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a phase output buss bar according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a perspective view an exemplary implementation that includes a power module and laminated buss bar according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a first cross-sectional view of an exemplary implementation that includes a power module and laminated buss bar according to  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a second cross-sectional view of an exemplary implementation that includes a power module and laminated buss bar according to  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 28  and  FIG. 29  illustrate an exemplary single module gate driver according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a current sensing component according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a current sensing component arranged with phase output buss bars according to  FIG. 30 . 
         FIG. 32  illustrates an exemplary three phase motor drive power according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 33  schematically illustrates a plurality of power devices in parallel according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 34  illustrates a top view of the effective gate switching loop and a power module according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 35  illustrates a perspective view of a configuration that includes power modules and a housing in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 36  illustrates a side view of the configuration of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 37  illustrates a partial perspective view of the configuration of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 38  illustrates another partial perspective view of the configuration of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 39  illustrates another partial perspective view of the configuration of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 40  illustrates another partial perspective view of the configuration of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 41  illustrates another partial perspective view of the configuration of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 42  illustrates a process of implementing and operating a configuration that includes a power module. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The aspects of the disclosure and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting aspects and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one aspect may be employed with other aspects as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the aspects of the disclosure. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the disclosure may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, the examples and aspects herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     This disclosure describes a power module that may include structure optimized for state-of-the-art wide band gap power semiconductor devices such as Gallium Nitride (GaN), Silicon Carbide (SiC), and the like, which are capable of carrying high amounts of currents and voltages and switching at increasingly faster speeds in comparison with established technologies. Conventional power electronic packages are limited in their functionality for these semiconductors, having internal layouts intended for silicon (Si) device technologies. 
     The disclosed power module may be configured to evenly distribute current between large arrays of paralleled devices with a significantly lower loop inductance than standard packaging approaches. A multi-level current path with terraced power terminals simplify an external connection with a bussing system, reducing inductance between the power module and filtering capacitors. The layout of the power module is highly configurable and may be configured to adopt most power circuit topologies common in the power electronics industry. 
     The disclosed power module makes significant improvements to the internal module performance, system level implementation, manufacturability, and ease of use through the addition of a tighter power loop and logical external terminal placement. 
     In this regard, the disclosed power module may be configured to provide at least one or more of the following:
         Highly optimized low inductance power module structure.   Modular, scalable, and flexible layout and power flow.   Equalized paralleling of many power semiconductors to form a high current switch position.   Optimized gate and sense signal structure for paralleling of many power semiconductors.   Sense connectors for temperature sensing and over current protection.   Form factor suitable for high voltage operation up to about 1700V or more.   Scalable height to exceed 1700V operation.   Multi-layer internal conductor layout for optimized external system interconnection.   Modular internal structure designed to accommodate a variety of state-of-the-art materials, attaches, isolation and interconnection techniques.   Heavily optimized for high performance system level integration.   Easy to parallel, facilitating a direct scale up to higher currents.   Configurable in a wide variety of power topologies, including half-bridge, full-bridge, three phase, booster, chopper, and like arrangements.   Scalable system implementation to meet a variety of power processing needs.       

     In essence, the disclosed power module configuration may allow for full utilization of the capabilities of advanced power semiconductors, providing significant improvements to power density, switching, efficiency, and the like. 
     The power devices of the power module range in structure and purpose. The term ‘power device’ refers to various forms of transistors and diodes designed for high voltages and currents. The transistors may be controllable switches allowing for unidirectional or bidirectional current flow (depending on device type) while the diodes may allow for current flow in one direction and may not controllable. The transistor types may include but are not limited to Metal Oxide Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET), a Junction Field Effect Transistor (JFET), Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT), Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT), and the like. 
     The power devices may include Wide Band Gap (WBG) semiconductors, including Gallium Nitride (GaN), Silicon Carbide (SiC), and the like, and offer numerous advantages over conventional Silicon (Si) as a material for the power devices. Nevertheless, various aspects of the disclosure may utilize Si type power devices and achieve a number of the benefits described herein. The key metrics of the WBG semiconductors may include one or more of the following non-limiting aspects:
         Higher voltage blocking.   Higher current density.   Higher temperature operation.   Faster switching.   Improved thermal performance.   Lower on-resistance (reduced conduction losses).       

     Lower turn-on and turn-off energies (reduced switching losses). It should be appreciated that these above-noted key metrics of the WBG semiconductors are not required and may not be the implemented in some aspects of the disclosure. 
     To effectively utilize the WBG semiconductor devices, a power module (also referred to as a power package) is employed. The power module may serve a number of functions including one or more of the following non-limiting aspects:
         Provides electrical interconnection of power semiconductor devices into useful topologies.   Protects the sensitive devices from moisture, vibration, contamination, and the like   Produces an effective and efficient means for the removal of waste heat generated from the devices as a result of conduction and switching losses.   Facilitates system level implementation with robust power and signal electrical connections to the internal layout. The power and signal electrical connections may be bolt-on, crimp-on, solder, plug and receptacle, and the like implementations.   Provides voltage safety with internal dielectric encapsulation and external voltage creepage and clearance distances according to industry adopted standards.       

     It should be appreciated that these above-noted functions are not required and may not be the implemented in some aspects of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 1A  schematically illustrates a half-bridge based topology of a power module according to aspects of the disclosure. A half-bridge based topology is a fundamental building block in many switching power converters. For motor drives, inverters, and DC-DC converters, these topologies are typically connected to a DC supply  112 , with a bank of DC link capacitors  102  as an intermediate connection between them. This is presented schematically in  FIG. 1A . The DC link capacitors  102  may act to filter ripple on the line and counter the effects of inductance in the current path. Two half-bridges in parallel may form a full-bridge, while three in parallel may form a three phase topology. The three phase topology is also often referred to as a six pack, signifying the six switch positions among the three phase legs. Moreover, other topologies are contemplated for the power module including common source, common drain, and neutral point clamp. 
       FIG. 1A  further illustrates a power module  100  having one or more switch positions  104 . The power module  100  may include a first terminal  106 , a second terminal  108 , and a third terminal  110 . 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a current loop between the DC link capacitors and switch positions inside of the power module of  FIG. 1A . The current loop  114  between the DC link capacitors  102  and the switch positions  104  inside of the power module  100  is crucially important in the system, having a significant influence in the switching performance of the semiconductors. 
     No system is perfect; for example, undesirable parasitic resistances, capacitances, and inductances are present in any electrical system. These impedances introduce detrimental effects on the performance and reliability unless they are reduced or mitigated. While a resistance and capacitance may be associated with each interconnection, the most influential for switching power devices may be the parasitic inductance. Higher inductances result in higher stored energy in the magnetic field, which causes voltage overshoots and ringing during switching transitions. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates various interconnections and associated impedances according to aspects of the disclosure. For a power conversion system, such as the half-bridge configuration of the power module  100  presented in  FIG. 1A , there are impedances  204  within each component including the DC link capacitors  102 , a bussing system  202 , and the power module  100 , and the like and in the physical interconnections between them. This is depicted in  FIG. 2  for the inductance. More functional elements and associated impedances are often present in power converters; however, for switching performance this loop may be the most significant. 
     In most power converters, these inductances must be carefully accounted for in the system design. Often, this requires adding more DC link capacitors  102  or slowing down the switching speed to counter the parasitic effects. While effective, it results in a bulkier system (more large and heavy capacitors) with higher losses (due to a slower switching event where both high currents and voltages are present). 
     In power packages intended for Si devices, the turn-on and turn-off times typical of a Si IGBT are inherently slow enough that the inductances encountered in the internal power loop are sufficiently low. However, for extremely fast switching of wide band gap devices, such as SiC MOSFETs, the inductances in conventional packages can result in voltage overshoots of hundreds of volts. 
     These issues are further amplified due to the need to parallel many SiC devices together to reach high current levels in a power module  100 . A paralleled array of power switches and diodes in a variety of combinations (all switches, all diodes, interleaved diodes, edge diodes, etc.) is referred to as a ‘position’ or ‘switch position’. Each switch in the switch position  104  acts together as a single effective switch, increasing the amount of current the circuit can process or reducing the overall loss by lowering the effective resistance. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates various interconnections and associated impedances of a switch position according to aspects of the disclosure. In a switch position  104 , each switch or power device  302  has its own individual current path in the structure. Each interconnection has an associated impedance  204 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . As further shown in  FIG. 3 , the switch position  104  may include any number of power devices  302  as indicated by the symbology shown at arrow  304 . Care must be taken to ensure that the effective current paths are equalized between the power devices  302 , such that they each see matched inductances. Otherwise, the current and voltages encountered during switching transitions may not be equivalently shared between the power devices  302  across a switch position  104 , unevenly stressing the components and increasing switching losses. This is exacerbated by thermal effects—uneven current loading and switching events create uneven heat rise, which results in a drift in semiconductor properties and more instability across a paralleled switch position  104 . 
     Conventional power packages are typically designed for a single Si IGBT, or a small array of these devices (usually 4 or less). Consequently, they are not suitable for paralleling large numbers of SiC MOSFETs and diodes (or similar wide band gap devices) in a manner which results in clean, well-controlled switching. 
     The disclosed power module  100  provides a solution for the power devices  302 , such as wide band gap devices, that may include one or more of the following non-limiting aspects:
         Reduces the internal inductance of the power module  100 .   Facilitates equalized current paths between paralleled power devices  302  in a switch position  104 .   Equally shares heat between power devices  302  across a switch position  104 .   Has an external structure that allows for low inductance interconnection with the DC link capacitors  102 .   Is capable of safely carrying high currents (hundreds of amps) at high voltages (≥1700V).       

     It should be appreciated that these above-noted characteristics of the power module  100  are not required and may not be the implemented in some aspects of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a perspective schematic view of a power module according to an aspect of the disclosure; and  FIG. 4B  illustrates a top schematic view of a power module according to an aspect of the disclosure. In particular, a half-bridge configuration of the power module  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B . The disclosed power module  100  addresses each of the previously listed concerns with a custom designed power layout and associated structure to facilitate most common bridge topologies with each switch position  104  possessing an equalized, low inductance current path. The terminals  106 ,  108 ,  110  may be arranged such that the path to the external filtering DC link capacitors  102  may have a correspondingly low inductance as well, with uncomplicated laminated buss bars requiring no bends or special design features as described in greater detail below. 
     A power terminal pin-out of a single half-bridge configuration of the power module  100  is depicted in  FIG. 4A . The V+ terminal  106  and V-terminal  108  may be placed intentionally close together (with enough space for voltage clearances) to physically minimize the external current loop to the DC link capacitors  102 . 
     The power module  100  may include signal terminals  502 ,  504 ,  506 ,  508 . The specific pin-out of the signal terminals  502 ,  504 ,  506 ,  508  may be modular and may be modified as necessary. The configuration is illustrated in  FIG. 4A . As shown, there are four pairs of signal pins for the signal terminals  502 ,  504 ,  506 ,  508  for differential signal transfer. Of course, any number of signal pins and any number of signal terminals may be implemented to provide the functionality as described in conjunction with the disclosure. Each switch position  104  may utilize a pair of pins with the terminals  502 ,  504  for the gate signal and a source kelvin for optimal control. The other pin pairs of the signal terminals  506 ,  508  may be used for an internal temperature sensor, overcurrent sensing, or for other diagnostic signals. It is contemplated that more pins and/or more signal terminals may also be added to any of the rows if necessary, as long as they do not result in voltage isolation issues. In some aspects, the other diagnostic signals may be generated from diagnostic sensors that may include strain gauges sensing vibration, and the like. The diagnostic sensors can also determine humidity. Moreover, the diagnostic sensors may sense any environmental or device characteristic. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a plurality of single phase modules in a paralleled configuration according to aspects of the disclosure. Modularity is fundamental to the disclosed power module  100 . A single phase configuration of the power module  100  may be easily paralleled to reach higher currents. As is illustrated in  FIG. 5  there are three power modules  100  illustrated, but there is no limit to how many could be configured in this manner. In this regard, arrow  510  shows that additional power modules  100  may be arranged in parallel. When paralleled, each of the corresponding terminals  106 ,  108 ,  110  may be electrically connected between each of the power modules  100 . 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a first power module configuration according to aspects of the disclosure; and  FIG. 6B  illustrates a second power module configuration according to aspects of the disclosure. Scalability of the disclosed power modules  100  may be another defining feature. This is depicted in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . As shown in  FIG. 6B , the power module  100  width may be extended to accommodate more paralleled devices for each switch position  104  in comparison to the power module  100  shown in  FIG. 6A . Additional fastener holes  512  may be added to the power contacts of the terminals  106 ,  108 ,  110  due to the increased current of the power module  100 . It is important to note that the power modules  100  may be paralleled as shown in  FIG. 5  or may be scaled as shown in  FIG. 6B  to match most power levels without sacrificing the benefits of this disclosure including, for example, low inductance, clean switching, high power density, and the like. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates power modules in a full bridge configuration according to aspects of the disclosure;  FIG. 8  illustrates a power module in a three-phase configuration according to aspects of the disclosure; and  FIG. 9  illustrates a single power module having a full bridge configuration according to aspects of the disclosure. In some aspects, modularity may also be found in the formation of various electrical topologies, such as  FIG. 7  for a full-bridge configuration of two power modules  100  and  FIG. 8  for a three-phase configuration of three power modules  100 . For these topologies, the V+ terminal  106  and V− terminal  108  may be interconnected while the phase output terminals  110  may remain separate. The configuration of  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  may also be placed in a single housing and may be configured with a shared base plate as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , which may increase power density with the tradeoff of higher unit complexity and cost. 
     While the various arrangements, configurations, and scaled width version of the power module  100  cover a range of applications and power levels, the core internal components and layouts may remain identical. This reinforces the modular nature of the disclosed power module  100 . This structure encompasses a family of modules showcasing a high level of performance while being easy to use and to grow with a range of customer specific systems. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an exploded view of the power module according to aspects of the disclosure; and  FIG. 11  illustrates a partial view of the power module of  FIG. 10 . In particular,  FIG. 10  illustrates a number of elements in the power module  100 . These elements include one or more of a base plate  602 , a gasket  604 , one or more power substrates  606 , one or more edge power contacts  608 , one or more switch positions  104 , one or more temperature sensors  610 , housing sidewalls  612 , a center power contact  614 , a signal interconnection assembly  616 , a housing lid  618 , fasteners  620 , captive fasteners  622 , and the like. Moreover, it is contemplated that the power module  100  may include fewer or different elements than those described herein. 
     The power module  100  may include the base plate  602 . The base plate  602  may provide structural support to the power module  100  as well as facilitating heat spreading for thermal management of the power module  100 . The base plate  602  may include a base metal, such as copper, aluminum, or the like, or a metal matrix composite (MMC) which may provide coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matching to reduce thermally generated stress. In one aspect, the MMC material may be a composite of a high conductivity metal such as copper, aluminum, and the like, and either a low CTE metal such as molybdenum, beryllium, tungsten, and/or a nonmetal such as diamond, silicon carbide, beryllium oxide, graphite, embedded pyrolytic graphite, or the like. Depending on the material, the base plate  602  may be formed by machining, casting, stamping, or the like. The base plate  602  may have a metal plating, such as nickel, silver, gold and/or the like, to protect surfaces of the base plate  602  and improve solder-ability. In one aspect, the base plate  602  may have a flat backside. In one aspect, the base plate  602  may have a convex profile to improve planarity after reflow. In one aspect, the base plate  602  may have pin fins for direct cooling. 
     The power module  100  may include the gasket  604 . The gasket  604  may improve an encapsulation process by providing a liquid tight seal. In this regard, the power module  100  may include dielectric encapsulation within. The gasket  604  may be injection molded, dispensed, or the like, and may be applied in a groove in the housing sidewalls  612  and compressed between the housing sidewalls  612  and the base plate  602 . 
     The power module  100  may include one or more power substrates  606 . The one or more power substrates  606  may provide electrical interconnection, voltage isolation, heat transfer, and the like for the power devices  302 . The one or more power substrates  606  may be constructed as a direct bond copper (DBC), an active metal braze (AMB), an insulated metal substrate (IMS), or the like. In the case of the IMS structure, the one or more power substrates  606  and the base plate  602  may be integrated as the same element. In some aspects, the one or more power substrates  606  may be attached to the base plate  602  with solder, thermally conductive epoxy, silver sintering or the like. In one aspect there may be two power substrates  606 , one for each switch position  104 . 
     The power module  100  may include one or more edge power contacts  608 . A surface of one of the one or more edge power contacts  608  may form the V+ terminal or first terminal  106 . A surface of one of the one or more edge power contacts  608  may form the phase terminal or third terminal  110 . The one or more edge power contacts  608  may create a high current path between an external system and the one or more power substrates  606 . The one or more edge power contacts  608  may be fabricated from sheet metal through an etching process, a stamping operation, or the like. The one or more edge power contacts  608  may have a partial thickness bend assist line  624  to facilitate bending of the one or more edge power contacts  608  to aid in final assembly. In one aspect, the one or more edge power contacts  608  may be folded over the captive fastener  622 . In one aspect, the one or more edge power contacts  608  may be soldered, ultrasonically welded, or the like directly to the power substrate  606 . The one or more edge power contacts  608  may have a metal plating, such as nickel, silver, gold, and/or the like to protect the surfaces and improve solder-ability. 
     In one aspect, a base  636  of the edge power contact  608  may be split into feet to aid in the attach process. The base  636  may have a metal plating, such as nickel, silver, and/or gold to protect the surfaces and improve solder-ability. 
     The power module  100  may further include one or more switch positions  104 . The one or more switch positions  104  may include the power devices  302  that may include any combination of controllable switches and diodes placed in parallel to meet requirements for current, voltage, and efficiency. The power devices  302  may be attached with solder, conductive epoxy, a silver sintering material, or the like. The upper pads on the power devices  302 , including the gate and the source, may be wire bonded to their respective locations with power wire bonds  628 . The power wire bonds  628  may include aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or the like wires, which may be ultrasonically welded, or the like at both feet, forming a conductive arch between two metal pads. Signal bonds  626  may be formed in a similar manner and may be aluminum, gold, copper, or the like. In some aspects, the diameter of the wire of the power wire bonds at  626  may be smaller than the wire of the power wire bonds  628 . 
     The power module  100  may further include one or more temperature sensors  610 . The one or more temperature sensors  610  may be implemented with resistive temperature sensor elements attached directly to the power substrate  606 . Other types of temperature sensors are contemplated as well including resistance temperature detectors (RDTs) type sensors, Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) type sensors, optical type sensors, thermistors, thermocouples, and the like. The one or more temperature sensors  610  may be attached with solder, conductive epoxy, a silver sintering material, or the like, and then may be wire bonded to the signal interconnection assembly  616 . The power module  100  may further include one or more diagnostic sensors that may include strain gauges sensing vibration, and the like. The diagnostic sensors can also determine humidity. Moreover, the diagnostic sensors may sense any environmental or device characteristic. 
     The power module  100  may further include housing sidewalls  612 . The housing sidewalls  612  may be formed of a synthetic material. In one aspect, the housing sidewalls  612  may be an injection molded plastic element. The housing sidewalls  612  may provide electrical insulation, voltage creepage and clearance, structural support, and cavities for holding a voltage and moisture blocking encapsulation. In one aspect, the housing sidewalls  612  may be formed in an injection molding process with reinforced high temperature plastic. 
     The power module  100  may further include the center power contact  614 . A surface of the center contact  614  may form the V− terminal or second terminal  108 . The center power contact  614  may create a high current path between an external system and the power devices  302 . The center power contact  614  may be fabricated from sheet metal through an etching process, a stamping operation, or the like. The center power contact  614  may be isolated from the underlying power substrate  606  by being embedded in the housing sidewalls  612  (as illustrated) or may be soldered or welded to a secondary power substrate as described below. The center power contact  614  may include one or more apertures  632  as shown in  FIG. 11  for receiving a corresponding fastener  634  that fastens the center power contact  614  to the housing sidewalls  612 . 
     The low side switch position power devices  302  may be wire bonded  640  directly from their terminals to the center power contact  614  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The center power contact  614  may have a partial thickness bend assist line  624  to aid in folding at the final assembly stage. The center power contact  614  may have a metal plating, such as nickel, silver, gold, and/or the like to protect the surfaces and improve bond-ability. 
     The power module  100  may further include the signal interconnection assembly  616 . The signal interconnection assembly may be a gate-source board. The signal interconnection assembly  616  may be a small signal circuit board facilitating electrical connection from the signal contacts to the power devices  302 . The signal interconnection assembly  616  may allow for gate and source kelvin connection, as well as connection to additional nodes or internal sensing elements. The signal interconnection assembly  616  may allow for individual gate resistors for each of the power devices  302 . The signal interconnection assembly  616  may be a printed circuit board, ceramic circuit board, flex circuit board, embedded metal strips, or the like arranged in the housing sidewalls  612 . In one aspect, the signal interconnection assembly  616  may include a plurality assemblies. In one aspect, the signal interconnection assembly  616  may include a plurality assemblies, one for each switch position  104 . 
     The power module  100  may further include the housing lid  618 . The housing lid  618  may be a synthetic element. In one aspect, the housing lid  618  may be an injection molded plastic element. The housing lid  618  may provide electrical insulation, voltage creepage and clearance, and structural support. In this regard, the housing lid  618  together with the housing sidewalls  612  may form a closed assembly. The closed assembly may prevent the ingress of foreign materials from entering the interior of the power module  100 . In one aspect, the housing lid  618  may be formed in an injection molding process with reinforced high temperature plastic. 
     The power module  100  may further include the fasteners  620 . The fasteners  620  may be thread forming screws. Other types of fasteners are contemplated as well. The fasteners  620  may be used to screw directly into the housing sidewalls  612  to fasten down multiple elements in the power module  100 . The fasteners  620  may be used for housing lid  618  attachment, signal interconnection assembly  616  attachment, embedding the center power contact  614  (if it is not embedded through another means), for fastening the housing sidewalls  612  to the base plate  602 , and the like. 
     The power module  100  may further include the captive fasteners  622 . The captive fasteners  622  may be hex nuts placed in the housing sidewalls  612  and housing lid  618  and may be held captive underneath the edge power contacts  608  and the center power contact  614  after they are folded over. Other types of fasteners or connectors are contemplated to implement the captive fasteners  622 . The captive fasteners  622  may facilitate electrical connection to external buss bars or cables. The captive fasteners  622  may be arranged such that when the power module  100  is bolted to buss bars, the captive fasteners  622  and the edge power contacts  608  are pulled upwards into the bussing, forming a better quality electrical connection. If the captive fasteners  622  were affixed to the housing, they could act to pull the bussing down into the power module  100 , which could form a poor connection due to the stiffness of the buss bars. 
     In one aspect, the housing lid  618  may include an aperture having a shape consistent with the external shape of the captive fasteners  622  to prevent the captive fasteners  622  from rotating. A corresponding fastener (shown in  FIG. 26 ) may be received by the captive fasteners  622 . The corresponding fastener extending through a fastener hole  512  in the center power contact  614  to facilitate electrical connection to external buss bars or cables. 
     In one aspect, the housing sidewalls  612  may include an aperture having a shape consistent with the external shape of the captive fasteners  622  to prevent the captive fasteners  622  from rotating. A corresponding fastener (shown in  FIG. 26 ) may be received by the captive fasteners  622 . The corresponding fastener extending through a fastener hole  512  in the one or more edge power contacts  608  to facilitate electrical connection to external buss bars or cables. 
     To achieve a low internal inductance, current paths of the power module  100  may be wide, short in length, and overlap whenever possible to achieve flux cancellation. Flux cancellation occurs when the current traveling through the loop moves in opposing directions in close proximity, effectively counteracting their associated magnetic fields. A principal benefit of this module approach is that the entire width of the footprint is utilized for conduction. Module height may be minimized to reduce a length the current must travel through the structure. 
     The power loop for a half-bridge phase leg is illustrated in  FIG. 11 , with the edge power contacts  608  and center power contact  614  folded up to show detail. The wide, low profile edge power contact  608  and center power contact  614  brings in the current directly to the power devices  302 . The effective current path from the terminal surfaces to individual power devices  302  may be functionally equivalent. Additionally, the power devices  302  may be placed in close proximity, minimizing imbalances in their relative loop inductances and ensuring excellent thermal coupling. 
       FIG. 12A  illustrates a top view of the phase leg of the power module constructed according to the disclosure, with each node identified in a half-bridge topology; and  FIG. 12B  illustrates a schematic of the phase leg of the power module constructed according to the disclosure, with each node identified in a half-bridge topology according to  FIG. 12A . The power module  100  may include one or more diodes. In one aspect, the diode in the schematic may be a discrete diode placed in antiparallel (not illustrated). In one aspect, the diode in the schematic may be a representation of the body diode of the power device  302  implemented as a MOSFET (as illustrated). 
     In one aspect, the current path may begin at the V+ node terminal  608 , which may be attached to the power substrate  630  and drains D 1  of the upper one of the power devices  302 . The sources S 1  of the upper one of the power devices  302  may then wire bonded  628  to a lower power substrate pad  630 , which is attached to the drains D 2  of the low side power devices  302 , as well as the phase power terminal  608 . Finally, the sources S 2  of the low side power devices  302  may be wire bonded  628  to the V− power contact terminal  614 , which may be above the lower power substrate  630  providing some overlap and may be sufficiently voltage isolated from the underlying substrate  630 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a cross section view of the phase leg of  FIG. 12A  and  FIG. 12B ; and  FIG. 14  illustrates a cross section view of the phase leg of  FIG. 12A  and  FIG. 12B  that includes a current path. As shown in  FIG. 13 , tabs of the power contacts or terminals  106 ,  108 ,  110  are folded over as they are in the final configuration of the power module  100  structure. Layer thicknesses are exaggerated to show detail. All elements in this figure can be considered to be conductors when visualizing current flow. 
       FIG. 13  further illustrates the terraced, multiple height, or multiple elevation configuration of the power module  100 . In this regard, a vertical position of the terminal  614  is shown higher than the vertical position of the terminal  608 . The height difference is indicated by arrow  702 . This multiple height configuration may provide the critical loop described in greater detail below. Moreover, the multiple height configuration may assist in providing a buss connection, which is further described below as well. 
       FIG. 14  presents an overlay of the current path from the V+ terminal to the V− terminal, representing the critical loop for clean switching according to aspects of the disclosure. Inductance is proportional to a path length, lessens with increased cross-sectional area of the conductors, and is reduced with flux cancellation in the magnetic field. The identified path starts at terminal  608  and flows through the power substrate  630  across the power devices  302  on to a second substrate  630  through power device  302  and output by the terminal  614 . The identified path is low inductance, owing to the following factors:
         Low height of the module.   Close proximity of the power device  302  to the terminals  608 ,  614 .   Tight packing of all functional elements.   Wide cross-sectional area of the conductors.   Optimized paralleled wire bonds  628  for each power device  302 .   Even current sharing between the power devices  302 .   Flux cancellation when the current direction reverses in the low side switch position.   Flux cancellation in the external V+/V− buss bars.       

       FIG. 15  illustrates contact surfaces of the power module together with bussing according to an aspect of the disclosure. The contact surfaces of the V+ terminal  608  and phase terminal  608  may be planar, while the top of the V− terminal  614  is offset from the others. This feature allows for the external V+/V− laminated bussing  802 ,  804  to contact both terminals  608 ,  614 , without requiring a bend in the laminated bussing  802 ,  804 , as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . The offset distance  702  (illustrated in  FIG. 13 ) may be adjusted to match the thickness of the buss bar metal and an associated dielectric isolation film. 
     The low internal module inductance combined with the minimized external inductance in the bussing  802 ,  804 ,  806  to the DC link capacitors  102  bank results in an optimized structure of the power module  100  for clean, rapid switching events with low voltage overshoot and stable performance. Less loop inductance results in a reduced total capacitance required on the DC link capacitors  102 . 
     These benefits, altogether, allow for lower switching losses, higher switching frequencies, improved controllability, and reduced EMI. Ultimately, this helps system designers achieve more power dense and robust power conversion systems. 
       FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C  illustrate various aspects of a terminal of the power module according to aspects of the disclosure. A multilayer layout where the V− terminal  614  is in the middle of the power module  100  may be essential to this design. Suitable voltage isolation of this terminal  614 , which lays directly over an output trace on the power substrate  630 , may be realized through a variety of constructions that form an isolation structure. This power module  100  design is compatible with each of the following: 
       FIG. 16A  illustrates one aspect of the isolation of the V− terminal  614 . In this aspect, the power module  100  may include an embedded isolation  810  of the V− terminal  614 . The embedded isolation  810  may be formed with a plastic or other synthetic material. The embedded isolation  810  may be located in the housing sidewalls  612  as a strip  810  bridging a center region. In one aspect, the strip  810  may be formed of plastic. The power contact  614  may be embedded in the strip  810  through a number of methods, including mechanical fastening such as with a thread forming screw, direct integration such as through a plastic over-molding process, riveted in place with a plastic heat staking operation, or the like. 
       FIG. 16B  illustrates another aspect of the isolation of the V− terminal  614 . In this aspect, the power module  100  may form the isolation of the V− terminal  614  by a power substrate isolation. In this regard, a secondary power substrate  812  may be utilized to provide the isolation through its layer of dielectric material, such as a ceramic or the like. This secondary power substrate  812  made be soldered, sintered, or epoxied to the power substrate  630 , while the power contact  614  may be soldered or welded to the upper metal pad on the secondary substrate. A benefit of this approach is the improved heat transfer of the center power contact  614 , as the secondary power substrate  812  is highly conductive and would facilitate heat removal from the power contact  614  to a cold plate or heat sink. 
       FIG. 16C  illustrates another aspect of the isolation of the V− terminal  614 . In this regard, a thick film isolation  814  may be utilized. The thick film isolation  814  may utilize a printed thick film dielectric directly on the power substrate  630  and may provide voltage blocking. The center contact  614  may be attached to the thick film isolation  814  through an epoxy, directly soldered to a thin layer of metal thick film printed on top of the dielectric film, or the like. 
     In other aspects, the isolation of the V− terminal  614  may include suspension isolation (not shown). In this aspect, the central power contact  614  may be suspended a sufficient distance over the power substrate  630  and attached to the housing sidewalls  612  in a similar manner to the embedded approach. In this regard, gel encapsulation filling the power module  100  may provide dielectric isolation. The center contact  614  may need to utilize a high stiffness material, however, to not hinder the formation of power wire bonds  628  between the low side devices and the contact. 
       FIG. 17  schematically illustrates a plurality of devices in parallel according to aspects of the disclosure. In particular,  FIG. 17  shows three power devices  302 . This is merely exemplary and for ease of illustration and understanding. The power module  100  of the disclosure may include any number of power devices  302 . 
     The gate control and sense signals factor prominently into switching performance of the power module  100  and may be of particular importance in a paralleled switch position  104 . The signal loops may be optimized in the power module  100  for high performance, robustness, and uniform current sharing. Similar to the power loops, the paths may be configured to be limited in length, wide in cross section, and the associated external components may be placed as physically close as possible to the signal terminals  502 ,  504 . 
     For a paralleled array of power devices  302  such as transistors, particularly MOSFETs, the timing and magnitude of the gate currents must be balanced to result in consistent turn-on and turn-off conditions. The power module  100  may utilize individual ballasting resistors R G1 , R G2 , R G3  that may be placed in close proximity to the gate of the power devices  302 , only separated by the gate wire bond. These components are of a low resistance and aid in buffering a current flowing to each individual power device  302 . These components act to decouple the gates of the power devices  302 , preventing oscillations and helping to ensure an equalized turn on signal for the paralleled power devices  302 . A singular external resistor R DRIVER  may be utilized and connected to these paralleled resistors R G1 , R G2 , R G3  for controlling the turn on speed of the effective switch position  104 . 
     The gate resistors R G1 , R G2 , R G3  may be a surface mount package, an integrated thick film layer, printed thick film, a wire bondable chip, or the like depending on the application. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a perspective view of the effective gate switching loop according to an aspect of the disclosure; and  FIG. 19  illustrates a top view of the effective gate switching loop according to an aspect of the disclosure. The signal substrate or signal interconnection assembly  616  may have rails  816 ,  818  connecting to the gate and source kelvin connector terminals  502 ,  504  on the edge of the board of the signal interconnection assembly  616 . The upper rail  818  may connect to gate wire bond pads through individual gate resistors  820 , while the lower rail  816  may directly wire bond to the source pad of the power device  302 . This may be considered a true kelvin connection, as the source kelvin bond is not in the current path of the power source bonds. A kelvin connection may be important for clean and efficient control, reducing the influence of the high drain to source current on the signal loop. 
       FIG. 18  and  FIG. 19  further illustrate optional signal connections  506 ,  508  on the left hand side of the signal interconnection assembly  616 . These connections may be used for temperature measurement or other forms of internal sensing. In some aspects, the internal sensing may include diagnostic sensing that includes diagnostic signals that may be generated from diagnostic sensors that may include strain gauges sensing vibration, sensors sensing humidity, and the like. Moreover, the diagnostic sensors may sense any environmental or device characteristic. In one aspect, the temperature sensor  610  may be placed on the low side position. Of course other locations and arrangements for the temperature sensor  610  are contemplated as well. In one aspect, a wire bond may be placed on the upper pad next to the drain trace (e.g., next to a power device  302 ) for overcurrent measurement (also referred to as desaturation protection in the case of IGBTs). Of course other locations and arrangements for overcurrent measurement are contemplated as well. In some aspects, an overcurrent sensor or desaturation sensor may sense the voltage drop as determined by connections to the drain of the power devices  302 . In some aspects, current can also be sensed by voltage drop across the power devices  302 . 
     This implementation of this signal loop or the signal interconnection assembly  616  may ensure quality control and measurements across any combination of paralleled power devices  302  in the switch position  104 . Standard PCB board-to-board connectors may allow for a straightforward connection to external gate driver and control circuitry. 
     This gate distribution network, as shown, may be implemented with a PCB. It may also be formed as a thick film circuit directly on the primary power substrate  630 , directly on the base plate  602 , or the like. This has the benefit of reducing the part count of the power module  100  as well as the option to print the gate resistors  820 . The gate resistors  820  may be much smaller than the size of the surface mount parts on a PCB, as there may be no need for solder terminals and the gate resistors  820  may be actively cooled from the cold plate, minimizing thermal sizing constraints of the component. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a partial exemplary implementation that includes a power module according to aspects of the disclosure. In this regard,  FIG. 20  is a representative exemplary structure implementing the power module  100  of the disclosure in a high performance system. This general approach applies to many other configurations and topologies, serving as a useful example of how to utilize the power module  100  in a converter. This specific example is for a three phase motor drive. In this aspect, there are three power modules  100 . 
     The disclosed power modules  100  may be configured in an array of half-bridge phase legs (three, as illustrated). Additional power modules  100  may be included in parallel to increase the current as needed for the application. 
     The  FIG. 20  implementation may further include a cold plate  902 . The cold plate  902  may be high performance liquid cold plate, heat sink, or the like, serving to transfer waste heat away from the power modules  100  to another source (liquid, air, etc.). 
     The  FIG. 20  implementation may further include the DC link capacitors  102 . The DC link capacitors  102  may be implemented as filtering capacitors interfacing a source of DC power and the power module  100 . In one aspect, the DC link capacitors  102  may be implemented as a single capacitor. In another aspect, the DC link capacitors  102  may be implemented as multiple components forming a ‘bank’ of capacitors, depending on the power demands of the load and/or the particular application. 
     The  FIG. 20  implementation may further include cold plate standoffs  904 . The cold plate standoffs  904  may provide structural support to the cold plate  902 . The cold plate standoffs  904  may be configured as shown, elevating and placing the power module  100  terminals  106 ,  108  in-plane with capacitor contacts  906 . In this aspect, flat buss bars with no bends can interconnect the components. For higher power density or for different types of capacitors, the height of the cold plate standoffs  904  may be adjusted to best utilize the form factor available for the elements of the converter. This may have a corresponding tradeoff of increasing the electrical loop length as transition bends could be necessary, and will depend on system specific requirements. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates an exemplary laminated buss bar according to the disclosure;  FIG. 22  illustrates one portion of the exemplary laminated buss bar according to  FIG. 21 ; and  FIG. 23  illustrates another portion of the exemplary laminated buss bar according to  FIG. 21 . The power terminal layout may be designed to facilitate simple and effective buss bar interconnection. To minimize inductance between the DC link capacitors  102  and the terminals  106 ,  108  of the power module  100 , buss bars  900  may have thick conductors  910 ,  912  and the thick conductors  910 ,  912  of the buss bars  900  may overlap. The thick conductors  910 ,  912  may be separated by a thin dielectric film  914 . Current travels through each sheet of the thick conductors  910 ,  912  in opposing directions, acting to greatly reduce the effective inductance between the power devices  302  and the filtering DC link capacitors  102 . The upper layers of the thick conductor  910  may be embossed to form co-planar contacts  918  at the mating surface to the DC link capacitors  102  eliminating the need for washers or spacers, which can interfere with electrical performance. 
     An example laminated buss bar  900 , matching the system level layout presented above may include one or more of a conductor V+ plane  912 , a conductor V− plane  910 , and a dielectric film  914 . 
     The conductor V+ plane  912  may connect the V+ terminal  106  of the power module  100  through contacts  926  to the V+ terminal of the DC link capacitor(s)  102  through contacts  928 , as well as having terminals  920  for external connection. 
     The conductor V− plane  910  may connect the V− terminal  108  of the power module  100  through contacts  924  to the V− terminal of the DC link capacitor(s)  102  through contacts  918 , as well as having terminals for external connection  922 . The contacts  918 ,  924 ,  926 ,  928  and the terminals  920 ,  922  may each be implemented with a fastener aperture configured to receive a fastener to form an electrical connection. Other electrical connection implementations are contemplated as well. The conductors  910 ,  912  may include apertures  940 . The apertures  940  in one of the conductors  910 ,  912  allow for access to the contacts in another one of the conductors  910 ,  912 . 
     The dielectric film  914  may be implemented as a thin electrical insulator placed between the overlapping metal layers of the conductors  910 ,  912 . The dielectric film  914  may provide dielectric insulation according to electrical safety standards. The dielectric film  914  may be kept as thin as possible to minimize inductance. A film may also cover the tops and bottoms of the laminated buss bar  900  in all areas that do not require an electrical connection. The edges  916  of the laminated buss bar  900  may be sealed through a variety of methods, including a pinch seal lamination, epoxy seal, a dielectric insert, or the like, depending on geometry and available space. In some aspects, the dielectric film  914  material may be adhered to the laminated buss bar  900  with an acrylic adhesive. In some aspects, the laminated buss bar  900  may include a pinch seal with a polymer material. In some aspects, the laminated buss bar  900  may be subsequently subjected to pressure, heat, and time to form the laminate. 
     In some aspects, the buss bar  900  and the conductors  910 ,  912  have a generally planar construction. More specifically, the buss bar  900  may have a generally flat upper surface and a generally flat lower surface as shown in  FIG. 15 . In some aspects, the thickness of one of the conductors  910 ,  912  along with the dielectric film  914  defines the offset distance  702  illustrated in  FIG. 13 . In one aspect, the thickness of one of the conductors  910 ,  912  along with the dielectric film  914  may be 0.5 mm to 10 mm, which corresponds to the offset distance  702 . In one aspect, the thickness of one of the conductors  910 ,  912  along with the dielectric film  914  may be 1 mm to 2 mm, which corresponds to the offset distance  702 . In one aspect, the thickness of one of the conductors  910 ,  912  along with the dielectric film  914  may be 0.5 mm to 1 mm, which corresponds to the offset distance  702 . In one aspect, the thickness of one of the conductors  910 ,  912  along with the dielectric film  914  may be 2 mm to 3 mm, which corresponds to the offset distance  702 . In one aspect, the thickness of one of the conductors  910 ,  912  along with the dielectric film  914  may be 3 mm to 4 mm, which corresponds to the offset distance  702 . In one aspect, the thickness of one of the conductors  910 ,  912  along with the dielectric film  914  may be 4 mm to 5 mm, which corresponds to the offset distance  702 . In one aspect, the thickness of one of the conductors  910 ,  912  along with the dielectric film  914  may be 5 mm to 6 mm, which corresponds to the offset distance  702 . In one aspect, the thickness of one of the conductors  910 ,  912  along with the dielectric film  914  may be 6 mm to 7 mm, which corresponds to the offset distance  702 . In one aspect, the thickness of one of the conductors  910 ,  912  along with the dielectric film  914  may be 7 mm to 8 mm, which corresponds to the offset distance  702 . In one aspect, the thickness of one of the conductors  910 ,  912  along with the dielectric film  914  may be 8 mm to 9 mm, which corresponds to the offset distance  702 . In one aspect, the thickness of one of the conductors  910 ,  912  along with the dielectric film  914  may be 9 mm to 10 mm, which corresponds to the offset distance  702 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a phase output buss bar according to the disclosure. For a three phase motor drive, as in this example, the phase outputs  930  may not require lamination or overlapping to minimize inductance. This is due to the fact that the phase output buss bars  930  are driving inductive loads, which limits the need to reduce inductance on the output paths. Accordingly, the phase output buss bars  930  may be standalone elements and may be much less complex than the laminated DC link structure. The phase output buss bars  930  may include apertures  934  for receiving a fastener to form an electrical connection. 
     It is highly desirable to measure the output current from each phase. This can be performed through a number of methods, such as adding in a low resistance series resistor (called a shunt) and measuring the voltage drop across it, including a sensor that measures the magnetic field generated by the current and providing a proportional signal to a controller, or the like.  FIG. 24  illustrates one of the output buss bars  930  for this system as well as a configuration to improve measurement accuracy by adding a ferrous shield  932  to focus the magnetic field in a region where the sensor may be located. 
     The phase output buss bar  930  or conductor may be configured to provide transitions from the phase output terminal  110  of each power module  100  to an external terminal connection. The form and arrangement of the phase output buss bar  930  or conductor may vary and depend on the specific topology or arrangement of the power modules  100 . 
     The ferrous shield  932  or magnetic field concentrator may be configured to focus the magnetic field generated by current flow in a target region where a sensor may be placed. This may not be required for operation but is a highly advantageous arrangement to extract output current measurements in most converter systems. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a perspective view an exemplary implementation that includes a power module and laminated buss bar according to aspects of the disclosure;  FIG. 26  illustrates a first cross-sectional view of an exemplary implementation that includes a power module and laminated buss bar according to  FIG. 25 ; and  FIG. 27  illustrates a second cross-sectional view of an exemplary implementation that includes a power module and laminated buss bar according to  FIG. 25 .  FIGS. 25-27  illustrate the motor drive system layout with the laminated buss bar  900  structures described above. As shown in  FIGS. 25-27 , the system may include the power module  100  array, cold plate  902  assembly, the DC link capacitor  102 , the DC link laminated buss bar  900  assembly, and the output contact buss bars  930 . 
     A cross-section of the terminals of the DC link capacitors is illustrated in  FIG. 26 .  FIG. 26  illustrates the embossed co-planar connections  918  featured in the buss bars  900 , as well as the high degree of metal lamination in every feasible location. The only separation between the plates  910 ,  912  may be the minimum area required for the sheet metal fabrication processes (emboss tools, work holding, tolerances, etc.) and for dielectric isolation  914  (edge seals, creepage, clearance). 
     The cross section across the power module  100  shown in  FIG. 27  illustrates the optimized overlapping critical loop from the bank of the DC link capacitors  102  to the terminals  106 ,  108  of the power module  100 . This reinforces the concept discussed in  FIG. 15  with actual representative components and physical design restraints. 
     In all, this low inductance, high current interconnection structure may be necessary for and enabled by the disclosed power module design. Together, they form an effective and highly integrated low inductance path between the bank of the DC link capacitors  102  and the switch positions  104 . This structure allows for efficient, stable, and very high frequency switching of the power devices  302  such as wide band gap semiconductors. 
       FIG. 28  illustrates an exemplary single module gate driver according to the disclosure. The gate driver acts as a power amplifier delivering drive current to the switch positions  104  while providing voltage isolation between a controller and high voltage power stages. Isolation may also be maintained between driver blocks between switch positions  104 . For high frequency switching, the output stage of the drivers may be physically located close to the switch positions  104 . 
     Additional features may be included for safety, such as under voltage, over voltage, and over current protection. A gate driver circuit may be configured to ensure the power module  100  is always functioning in a safe operating region and will shut down carefully in the event of a failure. 
     With this power module design, the gate drivers may be seated directly above the laminated power bussing  900 . They may be formed as a single PCB and racked up or scaled in the same modular fashion as the power modules  100 . Alternatively, the drivers may also be integrated on a single PCB across an array of power modules  100 , saving size but increasing complexity due to the multiple high voltage nodes on the board. The output stage of the drivers may be located directly next to the board to board connector making contact with the module signal pins. 
     An example single module gate driver  400  is presented in  FIG. 28 . The single module gate driver  400  elements may be duplicated for each switch position  104 . The arrangement and specific layout of each block may be system dependent and are configured in this drawing as a generalized example. 
     The single module gate driver  400  elements may include one or more of control signal connector  410 , isolated power supply  420 , signal isolation and conditioning component  430 , amplifier stage  440 , bulk gate resistor and local current filter  450 , sensors and protection components  460 , power module signal connector  470 , and creepage extension slots  480 . The single module gate driver  400  may be arranged on a printed circuit board (PCB  402 ). 
     The control signal connector  410  may be configured to interface the controller and the gate driver such that the differential control and sensor signals may be transferred between the two through a cable, board to board connector, or similar mechanism. 
     The isolated power supply  420  may be implemented as a DC-DC converter providing the required positive and negative voltages for turn-on and turn-off of the power devices  302 . The isolated power supply  420  may be high enough power to source the current needed by the power devices  302 . Isolation between the control and power stages may be a vital function of this block. 
     The signal isolation and conditioning component  430  may include circuitry to provide isolation of the control signals between the low voltage control and the high voltage power, as well as conditioning the control signals for the amplifier stage  440  of the driver. 
     The amplifier stage  440  may be formed of discrete or integrated components. The amplifier stage  440  may transform the isolated low power control signals into the currents and voltages required by the switch position  104  to operate. This should be as physically close to the module signal terminals as possible for clean switching. 
     The bulk gate resistor and local current filter  450  may be the final stage before transition to the output pins, the bulk gate resistor and local current filter  450  and may be used to tune the turn-on and turn-off times of the switch position  104  to match the needs of a particular system. These may be a single set of passive elements, or as part of a network with different resistance values for turn-on and turn-off if different switching characteristics are desired. A local filter may also be used to ensure a quality source of current is maintained during switching events. 
     The sensors and protection components  460  may include circuitry, which may include under and over voltage protections, over current protections, temperature sensing, and mechanisms for a safe shut down in the event of a failure. 
     The power module signal connector  470  may be located on the underside of the PCB  402 . The power module signal connector  470  may interface the gate driver and the power module  100 , providing a direct connection to the gate distribution network internal to the power module  100 . This may be typically facilitated with a board to board connector, a direct solder connection, or the like. A wire to board connection is also possible, but may need the driver to be physically close to the power module  100 . 
     The creepage extension slots  480  may be configured to improve voltage isolation between driver stages, allowing for a more compact packing of the components. Voltage isolation is an increasing challenge as the size of high voltage power modules continues to shrink. Cutting a slot in the PCB  402  may be one option to increase the voltage creepage distance without adding board size. Other options include local potting of critical nodes and fully covering the entire assembly with a conformal dielectric coating. More specifically, the various components of the power module  100  including the PCB  402  may include discrete and/or local potting of one or more components; and the various components of the power module  100  including the PCB  402  may include conformal dielectric coating on one or more components, the entire PCB  402 , and/or other assemblies of the power module  100 . 
     When integrated together as shown in  FIG. 29 , the gate driver  400  and power module  100  form a compact single unit with an optimized low inductance signal flow from the control source, through isolation, amplified, and then distributed through the gate resistor network directly to the gates of the paralleled power devices  302 . 
       FIG. 30  illustrates a current sensing component according to aspects of the disclosure; and  FIG. 31  illustrates a current sensing component arranged with phase output buss bars according to  FIG. 30 . There are multiple methods to sense current. In one aspect of the disclosure illustrated in  FIGS. 30 and 31 , sensors  980  such as a non-contact magnetic sensors may be utilized. The sensors  980  may be utilized with a ferrous shield  932  to focus the magnetic field. The sensors  980  may utilize a small sensor chip placed in this region which produces a proportional signal to the output current. An example of the sensors on a single PCB  936  for all three phases is illustrated in  FIG. 30 , and the full output buss bar structure with the magnetic shields is illustrated in  FIG. 31 . 
       FIG. 32  illustrates an exemplary three phase motor drive power stack-up according to an aspect of the disclosure. In particular,  FIG. 32  illustrates an exemplary three phase motor drive power stack-up with all of functional components described previously. The  FIG. 32  system is highly integrated and heavily optimized for peak electrical performance. Additional features such as voltage sensing of the capacitor bank and EMI shielding enclosures are contemplated and would integrate well within this high performance core. 
       FIG. 33  schematically illustrates a plurality of power devices in parallel according to aspects of the disclosure. In particular,  FIG. 33  shows four power devices  302 . This number of the power devices  302  is merely exemplary and for ease of illustration and understanding. The power module  100  of the disclosure may include any number of the power devices  302 . 
     The gate control and sense signals factor prominently into switching performance of the power module  100  and may be of particular importance in a paralleled switch position  104 . The signal loops may be optimized in the power module  100  for high performance, robustness, and uniform current sharing. In some aspects, a multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) for the signal loop may be utilized. In these aspects, parallel planes may be used for flux cancellation and further inductance reduction. Hence, the wide, short paths can double back on themselves to cancel out the magnetic field. This helps provide the best signal loop possible given the geometrical constraints of the power module  100 . Similar to the power loops, the paths may be configured to be limited in length, wide in cross section, and the associated external components may be placed as physically close as possible to the signal terminals  502 ,  504 . 
     For a paralleled array of power devices  302  such as transistors, particularly MOSFETs, the timing and magnitude of the gate currents must be balanced to result in consistent turn-on and turn-off conditions. The power module  100  may utilize individual ballasting resistors  820  (R G1 , R G2 , R G3 , R G4 ) that may be placed in close proximity to the gate of the power devices  302 , only separated by the gate wire bond. The individual ballasting resistors  820  (R G1 , R G2 , R G3 , R G4 ) may be of low resistance and aid in buffering a current flowing to each individual power device  302 . The individual ballasting resistors  820  (R G1 , R G2 , R G3 , R G4 ) act to decouple the gates of the power devices  302 , preventing oscillations and helping to ensure an equalized turn on signal for the paralleled power devices  302 . A singular external resistor R DRIVER  may be utilized and connected to these paralleled resistors  820  (R G1 , R G2 , R G3 , R G4 ) for controlling the turn on speed of the effective switch position  104 . In one aspect, a ballasting resistor  820  may be associated with each power device  302 . In one aspect, an individual ballasting resistor  820  may be associated with each individual power device  302 . 
     In additional aspects, the power module  100  may utilize individual ballasting source Kelvin resistors  822  (R S1 , R S2 , R S3 , R S4 ) that may be placed in close proximity to the source Kelvin connection of the power devices  302 . In one aspect, the source Kelvin resistors  822  (R S1 , R S2 , R S3 , R S4 ) may only be separated by the source Kelvin wire bond. In one aspect, a source Kelvin resistor  822  may be associated with each power device  302 . In one aspect, an individual source Kelvin resistor  822  may be associated with each individual power device  302 . The source Kelvin resistors  822  (R S1 , R S2 , R S3 , R S4 ) may be of a low resistance and aid in buffering a current flowing to the source Kelvin connection of each of the individual power device  302 . The source Kelvin resistors  822  (R S1 , R S2 , R S3 , R S4 ) may act to decouple the source Kelvin connections of the power devices  302 , preventing oscillations and helping to ensure an equalized signal for the paralleled power devices  302 . In particular aspects, the source Kelvin resistors  822  (R S1 , R S2 , R S3 , R S4 ) may be configured and implemented to address any mismatch of the individual power devices  302 , a layout of the individual power devices  302 , and the like. 
     In particular aspects, the source Kelvin resistors  822  (R S1 , R S2 , R S3 , R S4 ) may be configured and implemented to prevent or reduce feedback oscillation between the individual power devices  302 , dampen feedback oscillation between the individual power devices  302 , decouple the source Kelvin signals between the individual power devices  302 , inhibit current flowing between the source Kelvin signals for the individual power devices  302 , equalize current flowing between the source Kelvin signals for the individual power devices  302 , force current flowing through the individual power devices  302  to flow through a current path, and the like. Moreover, the source Kelvin resistors  822  (R S1 , R S2 , R S3 , R S4 ) may reduce signaling inductance, ensure gate operation of the power devices  302  is not slowed, minimize gate/source over-voltage in the power devices  302 , and the like. 
     The source Kelvin resistors  822  (R S1 , R S2 , R S3 , R S4 ) may be a surface mount package, an integrated thick film layer, printed thick film, a wire bondable chip, a “natural” resistance path (material/structure interface that inherently adds resistance), or the like depending on the application. In one or more aspects, the resistance value of the source Kelvin resistors  822  (R S1 , R S2 , R S3 , R S4 ) and the resistors  820  (R G1 , R G2 , R G3 , R G4 ) may be equivalent. In one or more aspects, the resistance value of the source Kelvin resistors  822  (R S1 , R S2 , R S3 , R S4 ) and the resistors  820  (R G1 , R G2 , R G3 , R G4 ) may be different. In one or more aspects, the resistance value of the source Kelvin resistors  822  (R S1 , R S2 , R S3 , R S4 ) may be in the range of 0.5 ohms-1.5 ohms. In one or more aspects, the resistance value of the source Kelvin resistors  822  (R S1 , R S2 , R S3 , R S4 ) may be in the range of 0.5 ohms-2 ohms. In one or more aspects, the resistance value of the source Kelvin resistors  822  (R S1 , R S2 , R S3 , R S4 ) may be in the range of 0.5 ohms-5 ohms. In one or more aspects, the resistance value of the source Kelvin resistors  822  (R S1 , R S2 , R S3 , R S4 ) may be in the range of 0.5 ohms-20 ohms. In one or more aspects, the resistance value of the resistors  820  (R G1 , R G2 , R G3 , R G4 ) may be in the range of 1 ohms-20 ohms. In one or more aspects, the resistance value of the resistors  820  (R G1 , R G2 , R G3 , R G4 ) may be in the range of 1 ohms-5 ohms. In one or more aspects, the resistance value of the resistors  820  (R G1 , R G2 , R G3 , R G4 ) may be in the range of 1 ohms-10 ohms. In one or more aspects, the resistance value of the resistors  820  (R G1 , R G2 , R G3 , R G4 ) may be in the range of 1.5 ohms-6 ohms. 
       FIG. 34  illustrates a top view of the effective gate switching loop and a power module according to an aspect of the disclosure. In particular,  FIG. 34  illustrates that the signal substrate or signal interconnection assembly  616  may have rails  816 ,  818  connecting to the gate and source kelvin connector terminals  502 ,  504  on the edge of the board of the signal interconnection assembly  616 . The rail  818  may connect to gate wire bond pads through individual gate resistors  820  (resistors R G1 , R G2 , . . . R GN ), while the rail  816  may connect through individual resistors  822  (resistors R S1 , R S2 , R S3 , . . . R SN ) to the source pad of the power device  302 . This may be considered a true kelvin connection, as the source kelvin bond is not in the current path of the power source bonds. A kelvin connection may be important for clean and efficient control, reducing the influence of the high drain to source current on the signal loop. 
       FIG. 34  further illustrates optional signal connections  506 ,  508  on the signal interconnection assembly  616 . The connections  506 ,  508  may be used for temperature measurement or other forms of internal sensing. In some aspects, the internal sensing may include diagnostic sensing that includes diagnostic signals that may be generated from diagnostic sensors that may include strain gauges sensing vibration, sensors sensing humidity, and the like. Moreover, the diagnostic sensors may sense any environmental or device characteristic. 
     In one aspect, the sensor may be a temperature sensor  610  that may be placed on the power substrate  606  or the base plate  602 . In one aspect, the power substrate  606  or the base plate  602  may have a metal surface and/or conductive surface supporting the power devices  302 . In one aspect, a portion  850  of the surface of the power substrate  606  or the base plate  602  may be different from the surface supporting the power devices  302 . In one aspect, the portion  850  may be a portion having the metal surface and/or conductive surface removed, etched, nonexistent, or the like. In one aspect, the temperature sensor  610  may be placed on the power substrate  606  or the base plate  602  in an area where a metal surface of the power substrate  606  or the base plate  602  has been removed or is nonexistent. In these aspects, the temperature sensor  610  may be isolated and provide a more accurate temperature reading. Of course, other locations and arrangements for the temperature sensor  610  are contemplated as well. 
     This implementation of this signal loop or the signal interconnection assembly  616  may ensure quality control and measurements across any combination of paralleled power devices  302  in the switch position  104 . Standard PCB board-to-board connectors may allow for a straightforward connection to external gate driver and control circuitry. 
     This gate distribution network, as shown, may be implemented with a PCB. It may also be formed as a thick film circuit directly on the primary power substrate  630 , directly on the base plate  602 , or the like. This has the benefit of reducing the part count of the power module  100  as well as the option to print the resistors  820 ,  822 . In aspects, a thick film or deposited and patterned metal implementation may be utilized on the housing  612 ,  618  itself. The resistors  820 ,  822  may be much smaller than the size of the surface mount parts on a PCB, as there may be no need for solder terminals and the resistors  820 ,  822  may be actively cooled from the cold plate, minimizing thermal sizing constraints of the component. 
       FIG. 35  illustrates a perspective view of a configuration that includes power modules and a housing in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure;  FIG. 36  illustrates a side view of the configuration of  FIG. 35 ;  FIG. 37  illustrates a partial perspective view of the configuration of  FIG. 35 ;  FIG. 38  illustrates another partial perspective view of the configuration of  FIG. 35 ;  FIG. 39  illustrates another partial perspective view of the configuration of  FIG. 35 ;  FIG. 40  illustrates another partial perspective view of the configuration of  FIG. 35 ; and  FIG. 41  illustrates another partial perspective view of the configuration of  FIG. 35 . 
     In particular,  FIGS. 35-40  illustrate a configuration  3500  that may be utilized to implement one or more of the power modules  100 , the buss bars  900 , the driver  400 , a controller for the power modules  100  and the driver  400 , the capacitors  102 , the sensors  980 , and the like. In one aspect, the configuration  3500  may utilize one or more of the power modules  100 , the buss bars  900 , the driver  400 , a controller for the power modules  100  and the driver  400 , the capacitors  102 , the sensors  980 , and the like as described herein. In one aspect, the configuration  3500  may utilize one or more other types of power modules, buss bars, drivers, a controller for the power modules and the driver, capacitors, sensors, and the like. 
     In one aspect, the configuration  3500  may be implemented in a wide variety of power topologies, including half-bridge, full-bridge, three phase, booster, chopper, DC-DC converters, and like arrangements and/or topologies. In the aspect shown in  FIGS. 35-40 , the configuration  3500  is illustrated as implementing a three-phase topology. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 35 , the configuration  3500  may include a housing  3502 . The housing  3502  may include a top portion  3504 , a middle portion  3506 , and a bottom portion  3508 . However, the housing  3502  may be implemented in fewer or greater number of housing portions. In one aspect, the housing  3502  may be constructed of a synthetic material, a plastic material, a metallic material, or the like. In one aspect, the housing  3502  may be constructed of a plastic material. In one aspect, the housing  3502  may be constructed of a plastic material that may be injection molded. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 35 , in one aspect the top portion  3504  may be mechanically fastened to the configuration  3500  with mechanical fasteners  3512 . In other aspects, the top portion  3504  may be fastened to the configuration  3500  utilizing other assemblies and/or configurations. In one aspect, the top portion  3504  may include cooling slots  3510  to allow air within the configuration  3500  to flow therethrough for cooling purposes. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 35 , in one aspect, the middle portion  3506  may be arranged between the top portion  3504  and the bottom portion  3508 . The bottom portion  3508  may be configured to receive the top portion  3504  and the middle portion  3506  to provide an enclosure of the various components of the configuration  3500 . In one aspect, the middle portion  3506  and/or the bottom portion  3508  may be further configured to allow the phase outputs  930  to extend therethrough. In other aspects implementing other topologies, the middle portion  3506  and/or the bottom portion  3508  may be further configured to allow the other types of outputs to extend therethrough. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 35 , in one aspect the bottom portion  3508  may support the middle portion  3506 . In one aspect, the bottom portion  3508  may include supports  3514  to support the phase outputs  930 . In another aspect, the bottom portion  3508  may include supports  3514  to support other types of outputs when implementing other topologies. 
     In one or more aspects, the bottom portion  3508  may further include an aperture  3528  configured to allow fluid connections  3516  to a cold plate  902  to extend therefrom. In one aspect, the fluid connections  3516  may receive a fluid source and/or deliver fluid for cooling purposes in association with the cold plate  902 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 36 , in one aspect the configuration  3500  may include the conductors  910 ,  912 . In one aspect, the conductors  910 ,  912  may be arranged on an opposite side of the configuration  3500  to that of the phase outputs  930 . In one aspect, the conductors  910 ,  912  may be arranged on an opposite side of the configuration  3500  to that of the other types of outputs for other types of topologies. 
     In one aspect, the configuration  3500  may include a cooling fan  3518 . The cooling fan  3518  may be configured to move air through the housing  3502  of the configuration  3500  for cooling the various components of the configuration  3500 . In one aspect, the cooling fan  3518  may be positioned in an opening on the side of the configuration  3500  such that the cooling fan  3518  moves air through the opening and likewise moves air through the cooling slots  3510  illustrated in  FIG. 35 . 
     In one aspect, the configuration  3500  may include an electrical interface  3520 . In one aspect, the electrical interface  3520  may connect and exchange data with one or more of the power modules  100 , the buss bars  900 , the driver  400 , the controller for the power modules  100  and the driver  400 , the capacitors  102 , the sensors  980 , and the like. In one aspect, the data may be control signals, sensor signals, drive signals, signals to load, remove, or modify software, and the like. In one aspect, the electrical interface  3520  (or other connectors along this wall) may alternatively or additionally provide low voltage (12-24V) power for the controller and drivers  400 . In a particular aspect, the configuration  3500  may be configured to be connected to a power source at the conductors  910 ,  912 , be fully operated, controlled, and analyzed through the electrical interface  3520 , and provide output from the phase outputs  930 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 37 , the configuration  3500  is shown with the top portion  3504  removed for ease of illustration and understanding. In one aspect, as shown by  FIG. 37 , the middle portion  3506  may include portions  3526  for receiving the mechanical fasteners  3512 .  FIG. 37  further illustrates the controller  3522 , the drivers  400 , and the wired connections  3524  between the controller  3522  and the drivers  400 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 38 , the configuration  3500  is shown with the controller  3522 , the drivers  400 , and the wired connections  3524  removed from the middle portion  3506  for ease of illustration and understanding. In particular,  FIG. 38  illustrates a surface for supporting the controller  3522 , the drivers  400 , the wired connections  3524 , and the like. 
       FIG. 39  illustrates the configuration  3500  with the middle portion  3506  removed for ease of illustration and understanding. In particular,  FIG. 39  illustrates the arrangement configuration of the buss bars  900 , the power modules  100 , the cold plate  902 , and the sensors  980 . In particular,  FIG. 39  illustrates the arrangement and configuration of the buss bars  900 , the power modules  100 , the cold plate  902 , and the sensors  980  supported by the bottom portion  3508 . 
       FIG. 40  illustrates the configuration  3500  with the middle portion  3506  and the buss bars  900  removed for ease of illustration and understanding. As shown in  FIG. 40 , the arrangement of the power modules  100 , the cold plate  902 , and the sensors  980  is shown for the configuration  3500 . In particular,  FIG. 40  illustrates components  3530  for securing attachment of input and output connections to the phase outputs  930  and the conductors  910 . In one aspect, the components  3530  for securing attachment may be a mechanical fastener. In one aspect, the mechanical fastener may be a female threaded component configured to receive the corresponding threaded male component. In one aspect, mechanical fastener may be a hex nut. 
       FIG. 41  illustrates the configuration  3500  with the middle portion  3506 , the buss bars  900 , the power modules  100 , the cold plate  902 , and the sensors  980  removed for ease of illustration and understanding. As shown in  FIG. 41 , the bottom portion  3508  of the configuration  3500  may include structures  3540  for connecting to the middle portion  3506 . As shown in  FIG. 41 , the bottom portion  3508  of the configuration  3500  may include structures  3542  for holding at least the power modules  100  and the cold plate  902 . As shown in  FIG. 41 , the bottom portion  3508  of the configuration  3500  may include structures  3544  for at least holding the capacitors  102 . In some aspects, the structures may be ribs, reinforcement portions, mechanical fastener receiving portions, and the like. 
     In one aspect, the configuration  3500  may be implemented as an evaluation system, an evaluation kit, a test system, or the like. This implementation being defined broadly as an evaluation kit for brevity. In a particular aspect, the evaluation kit implementation of the configuration  3500  may be configured to be connected to a power source at the conductors  910 ,  912 , be fully operated, controlled, and analyzed through the electrical interface  3520 , and provide output from the phase outputs  930 . In this regard, a user may implement the evaluation kit implementation of the configuration  3500  in order to perform tests, mockups, and the like prior to implementing and manufacturing a system implementing the power module  100  of the disclosure. In one aspect, a user may implement the evaluation kit implementation of the configuration  3500  in order to perform tests, mockups, and the like with respect to a particular application of the power module  100 . In one aspect, the application may be a power system, a motor system, an automotive motor system, a charging system, an automotive charging system, a vehicle system, an industrial motor drive, an embedded motor drive, an uninterruptible power supply, an AC-DC power supply, a welder power supply, military systems, an inverter for renewable energies such as wind turbines, solar power panels, tidal power plants, and electric vehicles (EVs), and the like. 
       FIG. 42  illustrates a process of implementing and operating a configuration that includes a power module. In particular,  FIG. 42  illustrates a process  4200  of implementing and operating a configuration. In one aspect, the process  4200  may be implemented utilizing the configuration  3500  disclosed herein. 
     The process  4200  may further include assembling a power module  100  and associated components in a housing  3502  to form a configuration  3500  as illustrated in box  4202 . In one aspect, the configuration  3500  may be assembled to include one or more of the power modules  100 , the buss bars  900 , the driver  400 , a controller for the power modules  100  and the driver  400 , the capacitors  102 , the sensors  980 , and the like. In one aspect, the configuration  3500  may be assembled with one or more of the power modules  100 , the buss bars  900 , the driver  400 , a controller for the power modules  100  and the driver  400 , the capacitors  102 , the sensors  980 , and the like as described herein. In one aspect, the configuration  3500  may be assembled to include one or more other types of power modules, buss bars, drivers, a controller for the power modules and the driver, capacitors, sensors, and the like. 
     The process  4200  may further include connecting the configuration to a power source  4204 . In one aspect, the conductors  910 ,  912  of the configuration  3500  may be connected to a power source. In one aspect, the conductors  910 ,  912  of the configuration  3500  may be connected to a DC power source. 
     The process  4200  may further include operating  4206  the configuration  3500 . In one aspect, the configuration  3500  may be operated such that one or more of the power modules  100 , the buss bars  900 , the driver  400 , a controller for the power modules  100  and the driver  400 , the capacitors  102 , the sensors  980 , and the like provide output. In one aspect, the configuration  3500  may be programmed to implement the aspect of operating  4206  the configuration  3500 . In one aspect, the controller of the configuration  3500  may be programmed to implement the aspect of operating the configuration  3500 . In one aspect, the driver  400  of the configuration  3500  may be programmed to implement the aspect of operating the configuration. 
     The process  4200  may further include measuring various operating parameters  4208  of the configuration  3500  including the power module  100  and associated components. In one aspect, the configuration  3500  may be operated such that the various internal sensors output sensor data. In one aspect, the configuration  3500  may be operated and connected to external sensors that output sensor data such as oscilloscopes, computer systems, and the like. In one aspect, the various sensor data may be collected by a computer system. The computer system may include a processor, memory, operating system, and the like. In one or more aspects, the output sensor data may be based on and/or include switching losses, temperatures, inductances, switching speed, overshoot, waveform analysis, and the like related to the power module  100  or other components implemented by the configuration  3500 . In one aspect, measuring various operating parameters  4208  of the configuration  3500  may be with respect to a particular application of the power module  100 . In one aspect, the application may be a power system, a motor system, an automotive motor system, a charging system, an automotive charging system, a vehicle system, an industrial motor drive, an embedded motor drive, an uninterruptible power supply, an AC-DC power supply, a welder power supply, military systems, an inverter for renewable energies such as wind turbines, solar power panels, tidal power plants, and electric vehicles (EVs), and the like. 
     The process  4200  may further include outputting  4210  the operating parameters to a man machine interface. In one aspect, the operating parameters may be analyzed by the computer system. In one aspect, the computer system may analyze the operating parameters including the sensor data to generate an output. In one aspect, the output may be provided to a man machine interface. In one aspect, the man machine interface may include one or more of a display, a print out, an analysis file, and the like. 
     The process  4200  may further include modifying aspects of the configuration  4212  and repeating the process  4200 . In one aspect, the configuration  3500  may be modified to include additional components consistent with the disclosure. In one aspect, the configuration  3500  may be modified to include fewer components consistent with the disclosure. In one aspect, the controller program of the configuration  3500  may be modified. In one aspect, the driver  400  program of the configuration  3500  may be modified. In one aspect, operating voltages or currents for the configuration  3500  may be modified. 
     In one or more aspects, the power module  100  of the disclosure may be configured to operate with various performance characteristics. However, the performance characteristics may not necessarily be limited to the particular implementations and aspects set forth in the disclosure. The various performance characteristics are described below as well as exemplary details of an exemplary construction and implementation that may provide in part the performance characteristics. However, the various performance characteristics should not be limited to the particular disclosed aspects of the power module  100 . In certain aspects, the various performance characteristics and exemplary construction implementations may be associated with lower voltage implementations. In one aspect, lower voltage implementations may be defined to include implementations operating less than 3.4 Kv. In one aspect, lower voltage implementations may be defined to include implementations operating less than 3.3 Kv. In one aspect, lower voltage implementations may be defined to include implementations operating less than 3.0 Kv. In one aspect, the lower voltage implementations include implementations operating in a range of 100 v-3400 v, 100 v-3300 v, 100 v-3000 v, 100 v-2500 v, 100 v-2000 v, and 100 v-1700 v. In one aspect, higher voltage implementations may be defined to include implementations operating greater than 3.4 Kv. In one aspect, higher voltage implementations may be defined to include implementations operating greater than 3.3 Kv. In one aspect, higher voltage implementations may be defined to include implementations operating greater than 3.0 Kv. In one aspect, the higher voltage implementations include implementations operating in a range of 3400 v-5000 v, 3300 v-5000 v, 3000 v-5000 v, 3400 v-10000 v, 3300 v-10000 v, 3000 v-10000 v. In this regard, aspects of the disclosure implementing lower voltage implementations as defined herein may be distinguished from higher voltage implementations as defined herein. For example, in some aspects lower voltage implementations may be distinguished from higher voltage implementations based on one or more of the following: a spacing between conductors and/or terminals of the power module  100 , configurations of power loops within the power module  100 , a fundamental layout of the power module  100 , a current carrying capacity and/or current carrying capabilities of the power module  100 , a substrate thickness of the power module  100 , a terminal layout of the power module  100 , thermal performance of the power module  100 , configurations for addressing creepage issues of the power module  100 , configurations for addressing clearance issues of the power module  100 , insulation configurations of the power module  100 , bus bar configurations of the power module  100 , and/or the like. In this regard, at least one or more of the above noted aspects may distinguish the low-voltage implementation from the high-voltage implementation. 
     In one or more aspects, the power module  100  of the disclosure may be configured to operate with the following parasitic stray inductance. In one aspect, a total stray inductance value of the critical power switch in loop  114  illustrated in  FIG. 1B  of the power module  100  may be less than 12 (nH). In one aspect, a total stray inductance value of the critical power switch in loop  114  illustrated in  FIG. 1B  of the power module  100  may be less than 11 (nH). In one aspect, a total stray inductance value of the critical power switch in loop  114  illustrated in  FIG. 1B  of the power module  100  may be less than 7 (nH). In one aspect, a total stray inductance value of the critical power switch in loop  114  illustrated in  FIG. 1B  of the power module  100  may be less than 4 (nH). In one aspect, a total stray inductance value of the critical power switch in loop  114  illustrated in  FIG. 1B  of the power module  100  may be less than 3 (nH). 
     In one aspect, a total stray inductance value of the critical power switch in loop  114  illustrated in  FIG. 1B  of the power module  100  may have a range of 12 (nH) to 2 (nH), 10 (nH) to 2 (nH), and 4 (nH) to 2 (nH). 
     In one aspect, a total stray inductance value of the critical power switch in loop  114  illustrated in  FIG. 1B  of the power module  100  may be less than 4 (nH) for a power module  100  having particular loop lengths and/or cross-sectional areas. In one aspect, a total stray inductance value of the critical power switch in loop  114  illustrated in  FIG. 1B  of the power module  100  may be less than 8 (nH) for a power module  100  having particular loop lengths and/or cross-sectional areas. In one aspect, a total stray inductance value of the critical power switch in loop  114  illustrated in  FIG. 1B  of the power module  100  may be less than 12 (nH) for a power module  100  having particular loop lengths and/or cross-sectional areas. In one aspect, a total stray inductance value of the critical power switch in loop  114  illustrated in  FIG. 1B  of the power module  100  may have a range of 4 (nH) to 2 (nH) for a power module  100  having particular loop lengths and/or cross-sectional areas. In one aspect, a total stray inductance value of the critical power switch in loop  114  illustrated in  FIG. 1B  of the power module  100  may have a range of 8 (nH) to 4 (nH) for a power module  100  having particular loop lengths and/or cross-sectional areas. In one aspect, a total stray inductance value of the critical power switch in loop  114  illustrated in  FIG. 1B  of the power module  100  may have a range of 12 (nH) to 8 (nH) for a power module  100  having particular loop lengths and/or cross-sectional areas. 
     In one or more aspects, the power module  100  of the disclosure may be configured to operate with the following switching speed. 
     In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may be less than 100 (A/ns) di/dt. In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may be less than 90 (A/ns) di/dt. In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may be less than 80 (A/ns) di/dt. In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may be less than 50 (A/ns) di/dt. In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may be less than 35 (A/ns) di/dt. 
     In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may have a range of 30 to 100 (A/ns) di/dt. In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may have a range of 30 to 70 (A/ns) di/dt. In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may have a range of 40 to 90 (A/ns) di/dt. In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may have a range of 30 to 40 (A/ns) di/dt. 
     In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may be less than 120 (V/ns) dv/dt. In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may be less than 100 (V/ns) dv/dt. In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may have a range of 20 (V/ns) dv/dt to 100 (V/ns) dv/dt. In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may have a range of 40 (V/ns) dv/dt to 100 (V/ns) dv/dt. In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may have a range of 60 (V/ns) dv/dt to 100 (V/ns) dv/dt. In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may have a range of 80 (V/ns) dv/dt to 100 (V/ns) dv/dt. In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may have a range of 60 (V/ns) dv/dt to 80 (V/ns) dv/dt. In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may have a range of 40 (V/ns) dv/dt to 60 (V/ns) dv/dt. In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may have a range of 20 (V/ns) dv/dt to 40 (V/ns) dv/dt. In one aspect, the switching speed of the power module  100  may have a range of 60 (V/ns) to 80 (V/ns), 40 (V/ns) to 60 (V/ns), 20 (V/ns) to 40 (V/ns). 
     In one or more aspects, the power module  100  of the disclosure may be configured to operate with the following switching losses. 
     In one aspect, the switching losses of the power module  100  may be less than 0.05 (mJ/A) milli-joules per amp. In one aspect, the switching losses of the power module  100  may be less than 0.04 (mJ/A) milli-joules per amp. In one aspect, the switching losses of the power module  100  may be less than 0.025 (mJ/A) milli-joules per amp. In one aspect, the switching losses of the power module  100  may have a range of 0.05 (mJ/A) milli-joules per amp to 0.025 (mJ/A) milli-joules per amp. In one aspect, the switching losses of the power module  100  may have a range of 0.025 (mJ/A) milli-joules per amp to 0.04 (mJ/A) milli-joules per amp. 
     In aspects of the disclosure, the power module  100  width and length may be scalable such that the power module  100  may be configured wider (more power devices  302 , less inductance) or smaller (smaller size, lower cost). The following table shows a various range implementations, including a minimum practical width and maximum expected size (roughly a square footprint). The power device utilization may be defined as a percentage calculated by a ratio of the power device area to the total power module area. In one aspect, the area utilized in this disclosure is calculated by multiplying width times length. In this regard, the width may be defined along an axis extending across the power module  100  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 ; and the length may be defined along an axis perpendicular to the width as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The table below provides a particular set of non-limiting specifications. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 # of 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Device 
               
               
                   
                 Devices 
                 Width 
                 Length 
                 Height 
                 Area 
                 Volume 
                 Utilization 
               
               
                   
                 (Per Position) 
                 (mm) 
                 (mm) 
                 (mm) 
                 (cm 2 ) 
                 (cm 3 ) 
                 (%) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Aspect 1 
                 3 
                 42.0 
                 74.0 
                 15.75 
                 31.1 
                 49.0 
                 6.1 
               
               
                 Aspect 2 
                 5 
                 53.0 
                 80.0 
                 15.75 
                 42.4 
                 66.8 
                 7.5 
               
               
                 Aspect 3 
                 10 
                 80.5 
                 80.0 
                 15.75 
                 64.4 
                 101.4 
                 9.8 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In one aspect of the disclosure, the power module  100  may have a power device utilization area in the range of 7-10%. In one aspect of the disclosure, the power module  100  may have a power device utilization area in the range of 6-8%. In one aspect of the disclosure, the power module  100  may have a power device utilization area in the range of 5-7%. 
     In various aspects, the power module  100  height may also scalable. In this case, the power module  100  may be configured to be as thin as possible to minimize inductance. The height may be set based on (A) the creepage and clearance specifications required for 1700V operation, (B) the height of the wire bonds, and (C) the type of encapsulation material used. For a lower range voltage module (650V), some design changes may be made to reduce the height. Conversely, the power module  100  may be made taller for higher range voltage devices. In various aspects, the height as utilized in this disclosure is defined as being perpendicular to the width and the length. With reference to  FIG. 4A , an exemplary height of the power module  100  is illustrated. The height of the power module may be in the range of 7 mm to 30 mm, 9 mm to 11 mm, 11 mm to 13 mm, 13 mm to 15 mm, 15 mm to 17 mm, 17 mm to 19 mm, 19 mm to 21 mm, 21 mm to 23 mm, and 23 mm to 27 mm. The table below provides a particular set of non-limiting specifications. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Max. Voltage 
                 Height 
               
               
                   
                 (V) 
                 (mm) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Aspect 1 
                 650 
                 10.00 
               
               
                   
                 Aspect 2 
                 1700 
                 15.75 
               
               
                   
                 Aspect 3 
                 3300 
                 25.00 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Power Contact Parameters 
     The power contacts or terminals  106 ,  108 ,  110  may be configured and constructed to be wide and to fill the maximum percentage of the power module  100  with as possible given practical voltage creepage/clearance limitations. The width ratio compares the width of the contact or terminals  106 ,  108 ,  110  relative to the power module  100  width. In one aspect, the power module  100  width may be a width of the base plate  602 . In one aspect, the power module  100  width may be a width of the one or more substrates  606 . In one aspect, the power module  100  width may be a width between the housing sidewalls  612 . In one aspect, the power module  100  width may be a width of the housing lid  618 . The length ratio takes the contact length of all three contacts or terminals  106 ,  108 ,  110  and compares it to the total power module  100  length. In one aspect, the power module  100  length may be a length of the base plate  602 . In one aspect, the power module  100  length may be a length of the one or more substrates  606 . In one aspect, the power module  100  length may be a length between the housing sidewalls  612 . In one aspect, the power module  100  length may be a length of the housing lid  618 . The area ratio compares the total contact area to the total power module  100  area. In one aspect, the power module  100  area may be an area of the base plate  602 . In one aspect, the power module  100  area may be an area of the one or more substrates  606 . In one aspect, the power module  100  area may be an area between the housing sidewalls  612 . In one aspect, the power module  100  area may be an area of the housing lid  618 . The base ratio compares the total contact base width to the power module  100  width. This assumes a solder fillet around the perimeter of the base. In one aspect, the power module  100  width may be a width of the base plate  602 . In one aspect, the power module  100  width may be a width of the one or more substrates  606 . In one aspect, the power module  100  width may be a width between the housing sidewalls  612 . In one aspect, the power module  100  width may be a width of the housing lid  618 . The table below provides a particular set of non-limiting specifications. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 # of 
                 Tab 
                 Tab 
                   
                 Tab 
                 Section 
                 Width 
                 Length 
                 Area 
                 Base 
               
               
                   
                 Devices 
                 Width 
                 Length 
                 Thickness 
                 Area 
                 Area 
                 Ratio 
                 Ratio 
                 Ratio 
                 Ratio 
               
               
                   
                 (Per Position) 
                 (mm) 
                 (mm) 
                 (mm) 
                 (mm 2 ) 
                 (mm 2 ) 
                 (%) 
                 (%) 
                 (%) 
                 (%) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Aspect 1 
                 3 
                 18.5 
                 12.5 
                 1 
                 231.3 
                 18.5 
                 44.0 
                 50.7 
                 22.3 
                 75.7 
               
               
                 Aspect 2 
                 5 
                 29.5 
                 12.5 
                 1 
                 368.8 
                 29.5 
                 55.7 
                 46.9 
                 26.1 
                 84.7 
               
               
                 Aspect 3 
                 10 
                 57.0 
                 12.5 
                 1 
                 712.5 
                 57.0 
                 70.8 
                 46.9 
                 33.2 
                 92.1 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In one aspect, the power module  100  may have a terminal area ratio of greater than 20%. In one aspect, the power module  100  may have a terminal area ratio of greater than 25%. In one aspect, the power module  100  may have a terminal area ratio of greater than 30%. In one aspect, the power module  100  may have a terminal area ratio in a range of 20% to 25%. In one aspect, the power module  100  may have a terminal area ratio in a range of 25% to 30%. In one aspect, the power module  100  may have a terminal area ratio in a range of 30% to 35%. 
     In one aspect, the power module  100  may have a base ratio in a range of 70% to 80%. In one aspect, the power module  100  may have a base ratio in a range of 80% to 90%. In one aspect, the power module  100  may have a base ratio in a range of 90% to 95%. 
     In various aspects, the base  636  may be configured to ‘feather’ or ‘digitate’ the feet of the contact. In some aspects, the split feet of the base  636  may provide more room for solder to fillet around the sides of the connector, adding strength in multiple directions and axes. The split base  636  may break up the stress and may improve reliability. 
     The vertical offset  702  of the V+ and V− power contacts may be used to minimize the total loop inductance of a system by reducing a need for bends or offsets in the external bus bar  900 . In some aspects, the reduced bus bar  900  complexity may also reduce cost. In one aspect, the vertical offset  702  may be 3.25 mm (3 mm for the metal thickness and 0.25 mm for the laminated isolation). In other aspects, the vertical offset  702  may have the following practical ranges 2 mm-3 mm, 3 mm-4 mm, 4 mm-5 mm, and 5 mm-6 mm. The table below provides a particular set of non-limiting specifications. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Bus Bar Thickness 
                 Isolation Thickness 
               
               
                   
                 (mm) 
                 (mm) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 2 
                 0.125 
               
               
                   
                 3 
                 0.25 
               
               
                   
                 4 
                 0.375 
               
               
                   
                 5 
                 0.5 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Substrate Parameters 
     The power substrate  100  may also be configured to be wide and as full of power devices  302  as possible. Aspects of the disclosure include a high device area/substrate area utilization. The power device  302  spacing may be determined by heat spreading, thermal performance, processing design rules for optimal manufacturability, and the like. The power device ratio compares the active device area in comparison to the total power substrate  606  width. In this regard, the width may be defined along an axis extending through a plurality of power devices  302  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . A portion of the power substrate  606  width may be used for the overcurrent and temperature sensor  610 . In some aspects, the power device ratio percentage number may be increased without those features. In one aspect, the power module  100  may have an active device area of greater than 60%. In one aspect, the power module  100  may have an active device area of greater than 65%. In one aspect, the power module  100  may have an active device area of greater than 70%. In one aspect, the power module  100  may have an active device area of 60% to 65%. In one aspect, the power module  100  may have an active device area of 65% to 70%. In one aspect, the power module  100  may have an active device area of 70% to 75%. The table below provides a particular set of non-limiting specifications. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 # of 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Devices 
                 Trace 
                 Trace 
                 Thick- 
                 Section 
                 Device 
               
               
                   
                 (Per 
                 Width 
                 Length 
                 ness 
                 Area 
                 Ratio 
               
               
                   
                 Position) 
                 (mm) 
                 (mm) 
                 (mm) 
                 (mm 2 ) 
                 (%) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Aspect 1 
                 3 
                 20.5 
                 16.5 
                 0.2 
                 4.10 
                 63.8 
               
               
                 Aspect 2 
                 5 
                 31.5 
                 22.5 
                 0.2 
                 6.30 
                 69.2 
               
               
                 Aspect 3 
                 10 
                 59.0 
                 22.5 
                 0.2 
                 11.80 
                 73.9 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In some aspects, the power substrate  606  metal thickness may be configured as follows. In various aspects, the thickness of the metal maybe a tradeoff with thermal performance, package resistance, cost, and the like. In one aspect, the power substrate  606  metal thickness may be less than 0.5 mm. In one aspect, the power substrate  606  metal thickness may be less than 0.3 mm. In one aspect, the power substrate  606  metal thickness may be 0.2 mm. In one aspect, the power substrate  606  metal thickness may be in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm, 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm, 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm, and 0.5 mm to 0.6 mm. 
     Wire Bond Parameters 
     The power wire bonds  628  may be any of the diameters listed in the table below. In one aspect, 12 mil (0.30 mm) diameter aluminum bonds may be utilized. In one aspect, a diameter of the bond bonds may be 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm, 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm, 0.25 mm to 0.35 mm, 0.35 mm to 0.45 mm, and 0.45 mm to 0.55 mm. In other aspects, larger diameter aluminum bonds as well as large diameter copper bonds may be utilized. In further aspects, soldered copper tabs may be utilized for the maximum current capability. In one aspect, a diameter of the power wire bonds  628  may be in the range 0.15 mm to 0.6 mm. In one aspect, a diameter of the power wire bonds  628  may be in the range 0.19 mm to 0.52 mm. In one aspect, a diameter of the power wire bonds  628  may be in the range 0.2 mm to 0.51 mm. The table below provides a particular set of non-limiting specifications. 
     
       
         
           
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Diameter 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 (mil) 
                 (mm) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 8 
                 0.20 
               
               
                   
                 10 
                 0.25 
               
               
                   
                 12 
                 0.30 
               
               
                   
                 15 
                 0.38 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 0.51 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In one aspect, the power wire bonds  628  may include aluminum wire bonds, aluminum ribbon bonds, copper wire bonds, copper ribbon bonds, copper soldered, copper sintered tabs, and the like as illustrated in the table below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Material 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Aluminum 
                 Wire 
               
               
                   
                 Aluminum 
                 Ribbon 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Wire 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Ribbon 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Soldered/Sintered Tab 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In particular aspects, the wire bond  628  may be configured to have loop geometry as listed in the table below. In various aspects, the loop geometry may be configured to be as low profile and as short as possible to minimize resistance. The bond length is determined by the placement of the die of the power device  302  and the power module  100  configuration. In one aspect, the wire bond length may have a range 4 mm to 12 mm. In one aspect, the wire bond length may have a range 5 mm to 11 mm. In one aspect, the wire bond loop height may have a range 0.5 mm to 3 mm. In one aspect, the wire bond loop height may have a range 1 mm to 2.5 mm. The table below provides a particular set of non-limiting specifications. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Bond Length 
                 Loop Height 
               
               
                   
                 (mm) 
                 (mm) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Aspect 1 
                 5.5 
                 1.2 
               
               
                   
                 Aspect 2 
                 10.0 
                 2.0 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In one aspect, the configuration may utilize an increased or maximum number of bonds  628  per power device  302 . The number of bonds  628  may depend on the size of the die, the pad area, and the bond diameter. The table below provides a particular set of non-limiting specifications. In particular, the values listed below are for differing size implementations of MOSFETs. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Bonds Per Power Device 
               
               
                   
                 (#) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Aspect 1 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                 Aspect 2 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In one aspect, each power device  302  may be implemented to have 3 to 12 bonds  628 . In one aspect, each power device  302  may be implemented to have 4 to 10 bonds  628 . In one aspect, each power device  302  may be implemented to have more than 4 bonds  628 . In one aspect, each power device  302  may be implemented to have more than 6 bonds  628 . In one aspect, each power device  302  may be implemented to have more than 8 bonds  628 . In one aspect, each power device  302  may be implemented to have more than 10 bonds  628 . 
     Inductance &amp; Switching Parameters 
     The inductance of the power module  100  may be determined by the total loop length, cross sectional area, flux cancellation, and the like. In various aspects, the power module  100  may be configured to minimize the inductance by configuring the power module  100  to have a low profile, using wide power contacts, and achieving some flux cancellation in the power module  100  as the loop folds back over itself. The width of the power module  100  may have a large influence on the inductance as well. 
     The table below is based on a particular implementation of the power module  100  and provides inductance and other simulation results to determine the inductance of the other configurations. The lowest inductance configuration assumes that the power module  100  may be configured thinner as well (i.e. the 650V thickness listed previously). The dV/dt maximum is not a limitation for the power module  100 . 
     The di/dt value was calculated to be a theoretical maximum assuming a 1200V device and an 800V bus. This may result in a maximum of 400V of possible overshoot. In this regard, the calculations have assumed a 2 nH bus loop inductance, which is added in series with the power module  100 . Assuming this, in one aspect the fastest the power module  100  may switch is listed in the table below. 
     In one or more aspects, loss has been determined from testing a particular implementation using very aggressive switching. In one aspect, the loss may have a range 0.025 to 0.050 mJ/A, 0.025 to 0.040 mJ/A, and 0.025 to 0.35 mJ/A. The table below provides a particular set of non-limiting specifications. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 # of Devices 
                 Inductance 
                 dV/dt max 
                 di/dt max 
                 Loss 
               
               
                   
                 (Per Position) 
                 (nH) 
                 (V/ns) 
                 (A/ns) 
                 (mJ/A) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Aspect 1 
                 3 
                 10.0 
                 &lt;100* 
                 33.33 
                   
               
               
                 Aspect 2 
                 5 
                 6.7 
                 &lt;100* 
                 45.98 
                 0.03 
               
               
                 Aspect 3 
                 10 
                 3.2 
                 &lt;100* 
                 76.92 
               
               
                 Aspect 4 
                 10 
                 2.5 
                 &lt;100* 
                 88.89 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In aspect 1, a total stray inductance value of the power module  100  may have a range of 9 (nH) to 11 (nH). In aspect 2, a total stray inductance value of the power module  100  may have a range of 6 (nH) to 7 (nH). In aspect 3, a total stray inductance value of the power module  100  may have a range of 3 (nH) to 4 (nH). In aspect 4, a total stray inductance value of the power module  100  may have a range of 2 (nH) to 3 (nH). 
     The power module of the disclosure is adaptable for most systems within the power processing needs and size and weight restrictions specific for a given application. The power module design and system level structures described in the disclosure allow for a high level of power density and volumetric utilization to be achieved. 
     Accordingly, the disclosure has set forth an improved power module  100  and associated system configured to address parasitic impedances, such as loop inductance, to increase stability, decrease switching losses, reduce EMI, and limit stresses on system components. In particular, the disclosed power module has the ability with the disclosed arrangement to reduce inductance in some aspects by as much as 10%. Moreover, the disclosed power module  100  may be implemented in numerous typologies including a half-bridge configuration, a full-bridge configuration, a common source configuration, a common drain configuration, a neutral point clamp configuration, and a three phase configuration. Applications of the power module  100  include motor drives, solar inverters, circuit breakers, protection circuits, DC-DC converters, and the like. 
     Aspects of the disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which aspects of the disclosure are shown. It will be appreciated, however, that this disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth above. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Additionally, the various aspects described may be implemented separately. Moreover, one or more the various aspects described may be combined. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are used throughout this specification to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region or substrate is referred to as being “on” or extending “onto” another element, it can be directly on or extend directly onto the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or extending “directly onto” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. 
     Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “top” or “bottom” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, layer or region to another element, layer or region as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. 
     Aspects of the disclosure are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the disclosure. The thickness of layers and regions in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. Additionally, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. 
     In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed typical aspects of the disclosure and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the disclosure being set forth in the following claims. 
     Aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in any type of computing devices, such as, e.g., a desktop computer, personal computer, a laptop/mobile computer, a personal data assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a tablet computer, cloud computing device, and the like, with wired/wireless communications capabilities via the communication channels. 
     Further in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, the methods described herein are intended for operation with dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to, PCs, PDAs, semiconductors, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic arrays, cloud computing devices, and other hardware devices constructed to implement the methods described herein. 
     It should also be noted that the software implementations of the disclosure as described herein are optionally stored on a tangible storage medium, such as: a magnetic medium such as a disk or tape; a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk; or a solid state medium such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile) memories. A digital file attachment to email or other self-contained information archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include a tangible storage medium or distribution medium, as listed herein and including art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations herein are stored. 
     Additionally, the various aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in a non-generic computer implementation. Moreover, the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein improve the functioning of the system as is apparent from the disclosure hereof. Furthermore, the various aspects of the disclosure involve computer hardware that it specifically programmed to solve the complex problem addressed by the disclosure. Accordingly, the various aspects of the disclosure improve the functioning of the system overall in its specific implementation to perform the process set forth by the disclosure and as defined by the claims. 
     While the disclosure has been described in terms of exemplary aspects, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. These examples given above are merely illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs, aspects, applications or modifications of the disclosure. In this regard, the various aspects, features, components, elements, modules, arrangements, circuits, and the like are contemplated to be interchangeable, mixed, matched, combined, and the like. In this regard, the different features of the disclosure are modular and can be mixed and matched with each other.