PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10601335-B1
Application Number: US-201715406046-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Low inductance power inverter

Abstract:
A power inverter circuit includes a capacitor and a power module. The capacitor includes a positive plate and a negative plate that are spaced apart along opposing sides of the capacitor and extend toward each other along a common side of the capacitor. The power module includes a positive connector and a negative connector that are connected to the positive plate and the negative plate, respectively, and are spaced apart and extend parallel across from each other.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A power inverter circuit comprising:
 a capacitor having a positive plate and a negative plate that are spaced apart along opposing sides of the capacitor and extend toward each other along a common side of the capacitor; 
 a power module comprising a positive connector and a negative connector that are connected to the positive plate and the negative plate respectively, wherein the positive connector and the negative connector are spaced apart and extend parallel across each other; 
 wherein the module further includes a circuit board between and extending parallel with the positive connector and the negative connector. 
 
     
     
       2. The power inverter circuit according to  claim 1 , wherein the positive plate and the negative plate are spaced apart over a substantial majority of a height of the capacitor and are bent toward each other along the common side. 
     
     
       3. The power inverter circuit according to  claim 1 , wherein the power module includes *-the circuit board having a connection system, wherein the connection system includes the positive connector and the negative connector that are substantially planar, that are spaced apart, and that extend away from the circuit board toward the capacitor. 
     
     
       4. The power inverter circuit according to  claim 3 , wherein the positive connector and the negative connector extend substantially parallel across from each other in different planes in a direction of elongation of the capacitor. 
     
     
       5. The power inverter circuit according to  claim 3 , wherein the power module incudes another connection system having another positive connector and another negative connector that are substantially planar, that are spaced apart, and that extend away from the circuit board, wherein the positive connector and the other positive connector are arranged in a plane, and the negative connector and the other negative connector are arranged in another plane that is spaced apart from the plane. 
     
     
       6. The power inverter circuit to  claim 1 , wherein the power module includes a positive substrate having a positive inner copper layer and a positive ceramic layer, the positive inner copper layer extending beyond the positive ceramic layer to form the positive connector as a positive flange that is coupled substantially continuously to the positive plate over a majority of a length of the power module; and
 wherein the power module includes a negative substrate having a negative inner copper layer and a negative ceramic layer, the negative inner copper layer extending beyond the negative ceramic layer to form the negative connector as a negative flange that is coupled substantially continuously to the negative plate over a majority of the length of the power module, wherein the positive flange and the negative flange extend from a common edge of the power module; 
 wherein the positive substrate and the negative substrate face each other, and the power module further includes the circuit board and circuit components arranged in apertures of the flexible circuit board, the circuit board and the circuit components being arranged between and electrically insulating the positive substrate and the negative substrate. 
 
     
     
       7. A power inverter circuit comprising:
 a capacitor having a positive plate and a negative plate that are spaced apart along opposing sides of the capacitor and extend toward each other along a common side of the capacitor; 
 a power module comprising a positive connector and a negative connector that are connected to the positive plate and the negative plate respectively, wherein the positive connector and the negative connector are spaced apart and extend parallel across each other; 
 wherein the power module includes a positive substrate having a positive inner copper layer and a positive ceramic layer, the positive inner copper layer extending beyond the positive ceramic layer to form the positive connector as a positive flange that extends along the common side and is coupled to the positive plate over a majority of a length of the power module; and 
 wherein the power module includes a negative substrate having a negative inner copper layer and a negative ceramic layer, the negative inner copper layer extending beyond the negative ceramic layer to form the negative connector as a negative flange that extends along the common side is coupled to the negative plate over a majority of the length of the power module. 
 
     
     
       8. The power inverter circuit according to  claim 7 , wherein the positive flange is coupled substantially continuously to the positive plate, and the negative flange is coupled substantially continuously to the negative plate. 
     
     
       9. The power inverter circuit to  claim 7 , wherein the positive flange and the negative flange extend from a common side of the power module. 
     
     
       10. The power inverter circuit to  claim 7 , wherein the positive substrate and the negative substrate face each other, and the power module further includes a flexible circuit board and circuit components arranged between the positive substrate and the negative substrate. 
     
     
       11. The power inverter circuit to  claim 10 , wherein the flexible circuit board and the circuit components electrically insulate the positive substrate from the negative substrate. 
     
     
       12. The power inverter circuit to  claim 11 , wherein the circuit components are arranged in apertures of the flexible circuit board, and insulating material spans gaps between the flexible circuit board and the circuit components to insulate the positive substrate from the negative substrate. 
     
     
       13. The power inverter circuit according to  claim 10 , wherein the positive inner copper layer and the negative inner copper layer conduct power between the capacitor and the circuit components, and the flexible circuit board communicates control signals to the circuit components. 
     
     
       14. The power inverter circuit to  claim 7 , wherein the power module extends substantially perpendicular to the common side of the capacitor. 
     
     
       15. The power inverter circuit according to  claim 7 , wherein the power module extends substantially parallel with the common side of the capacitor, and a cooler is arranged between the capacitor and the power module. 
     
     
       16. The power inverter circuit to  claim 7 , further comprising another capacitor connected to the power module, wherein the power module is positioned between the capacitor and the other capacitor. 
     
     
       17. A power module for an inverter circuit comprising:
 a first substrate that is a copper-ceramic substrate having a first outer copper layer, a first inner copper layer, and a first ceramic layer arranged between the first outer copper layer and the first inner copper layer, wherein the first inner copper layer extends past the first ceramic layer to form a first extension for coupling to a first plate of a capacitor; 
 a second substrate that is another copper-ceramic substrate having a second outer copper layer, a second inner copper layer, and a second ceramic layer arranged between the second outer copper layer and the second inner copper layer, wherein the second inner copper layer extends past the second ceramic layer to form a second extension for coupling to a second plate of the capacitor, wherein the second inner copper layer faces and extends substantially parallel with the first inner copper layer of the first substrate; 
 a circuit board positioned between the first copper layer and the second copper layer; and circuit components positioned between the first inner copper layer and the second inner copper layer. 
 
     
     
       18. The power module according to  claim 17 , wherein the first inner copper layer and the second inner copper layer extend from a common side of the power module to form the first extension and the second extension, respectively; and
 wherein the circuit components are arranged in apertures of the circuit board which are larger than the circuit components, the circuit board and the circuit components electrically insulate the first inner copper layer from the second inner copper layer, and insulating material further insulates the first inner copper layer and the second inner copper layer in gaps between the circuit board and the circuit components formed by the apertures. 
 
     
     
       19. The power module according to  claim 17 , wherein the first inner copper layer and the second inner copper layer extend from a common side of the power module to form the first extension and the second extension. 
     
     
       20. The power module according to  claim 7 , wherein the first inner copper layer and the second inner copper layer extended from another common side of the power module to form another first extension and another second extension for coupling to another first plate and another second plate of another capacitor. 
     
     
       21. The power module according to  claim 17 , wherein the circuit components are arranged in apertures of the circuit board. 
     
     
       22. The power module according to  claim 21 , wherein the circuit board and the circuit components electrically insulate the first inner copper layer from the second inner copper layer. 
     
     
       23. The power module according to  claim 22 , wherein the apertures are larger than the circuit components, and insulating material insulates the first inner copper layer from the second copper layer in gaps between the circuit board and the circuit components formed by the apertures. 
     
     
       24. A power converter comprising:
 a capacitor that is elongated in a lengthwise direction; and 
 three power modules, wherein each power module has a length in a lengthwise direction and includes a positive board and a negative board; 
 wherein the positive board of each of the three power modules is electrically coupled to the capacitor in the lengthwise direction for a distance that is a majority of the length of the respective power module, and the negative board of each of the three power modules is electrically coupled to the capacitor in the lengthwise direction for a distance that is a majority of the length of the respective power module. 
 
     
     
       25. The power converter according to  claim 24 , wherein the positive boards and the negative boards of the three power modules are electrically coupled to the capacitor over a majority of a length of the capacitor. 
     
     
       26. The power converter according to  claim 24 , wherein the positive board includes a positive inner layer that extends from the positive board and is coupled to the capacitor, and includes a negative board having a negative inner layer that extends from the negative board and is coupled cooperatively to the capacitor. 
     
     
       27. A power converter comprising:
 a capacitor; and 
 three power modules, wherein each power module includes a positive board and a negative board, wherein the positive board is electrically coupled to the capacitor along a majority of a length of the power module, and the negative board is electrically coupled to the capacitor along a majority of a length of the power module; 
 wherein the positive boards and the negative boards of the three power modules are electrically coupled to the capacitor over a majority of a length of the capacitor; 
 wherein the positive board includes a positive inner layer that extends from the positive board and is coupled to the capacitor, and includes a negative board having a negative inner layer that extends from the negative board and is coupled cooperatively to the capacitor; and 
 wherein in each power module, the positive board faces the negative board, and the positive inner layer is parallel with the negative inner layer and is electrically insulated therefrom by a circuit board, and the positive inner layer and the negative inner layer extend away from the positive board and the negative board, respectively, away from each other.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/279,510, which was filed on Jan. 15, 2016. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally high power inverter systems and, more specifically, power inverter systems having a direct current (DC) capacitor and a power inverter module that are cooperatively configured to produce low inductance. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Power converters (e.g., converters, inverters, devices, systems, or circuits) are used in many electrical systems, such as uninterruptible power supplies to electric motors. In general, a power converter is an electronic device that converts electric energy from one form to another. A power inverter is a type of power converter that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) for use by an electrical system. For example, in an uninterruptible power supply, batteries and a power inverter supply AC power when a main power supply is unavailable. Similarly, electric motors may utilize power inverters to produce a variable output voltage range as is often used within motor speed controllers. Regardless of the purpose, power inverters typically include a capacitor on the DC link. However, electrical connections between the capacitor and other inverter components can introduce inductance into the power inverter, negatively affecting the performance of the power converter. Reducing the inductance introduced by the connection or configuration of the DC link capacitor in the power inverter may improve the efficiency and operation of the power inverter. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein are implementations of a power inverter circuit. In one implementation, a power inverter circuit includes a capacitor and a power module. The capacitor includes a positive plate and a negative plate that are spaced apart along opposing sides of the capacitor and extend toward each other along a common side of the capacitor. The power module includes a positive connector and a negative connector that are connected to the positive plate and the negative plate, respectively, and are spaced apart and extend parallel across from each other. 
     The positive plate and the negative plate may be spaced apart over a substantial majority of a height of the capacitor and may be bent toward each other along the common side. Ends of the positive plate and the negative plate may form a positive terminal and a negative terminal, respectively. The positive terminal and the negative terminal may be substantially planar, may extend substantially parallel across from each other in different planes, may extend in a direction of elongation of the capacitor, may be separated by a dielectric material, and/or may form a blade that extends away from the common side for connection to the power module. 
     The power module may include a circuit board that may be parallel with the common side of the capacitor and may include a connection system. The connection system may include the positive connector and the negative connector, which may be substantially planar, may extend away from the circuit board toward the capacitor, may extend substantially parallel across from each other in different planes in the direction of elongation of the capacitor, and/or may be spaced apart to receive and compress therebetween the blade to connect the positive connector to the positive plate and the negative connector to the negative plate. 
     The power module may include a positive substrate having a positive inner copper layer and a positive ceramic layer. The positive inner copper layer may extend beyond the positive ceramic layer to form the positive connector as a positive flange. The positive flange may be coupled to the positive plate substantially continuously and/or over a majority of a length of the power module. The power module may also include a negative substrate having a negative inner copper layer and a negative ceramic layer. The negative inner copper layer may extend beyond the negative ceramic layer to form the negative connector as a negative flange. The negative flange may be coupled to the negative plate substantially continuously and/or over a majority of the length of the power module. The positive flange and the negative flange may extend from a common edge of the power module. The positive substrate and the negative substrate may face each other. The power module may further include a flexible circuit board and/or circuit components that may be arranged in apertures of the flexible circuit board. The flexible circuit board and the circuit components may be arranged between and may electrically insulate the positive substrate and the negative substrate. 
     A power module for an inverter circuit includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a circuit board, and circuit components. The first substrate is a copper-ceramic substrate having a first outer copper layer, a first inner copper layer, and a first ceramic layer arranged between the first outer copper layer and the first inner copper layer. The first inner copper layer extends past the first ceramic layer to form a first extension for coupling to a first plate of a capacitor. The second substrate is another copper-ceramic substrate having a second outer copper layer, a second inner copper layer, and a second ceramic layer arranged between the second outer copper layer and the second inner copper layer. The second inner copper layer extends past the second ceramic layer to form a second extension for coupling to a second plate of the capacitor. The second inner copper layer faces and extends substantially parallel with the first inner copper layer of the first substrate. The circuit board is positioned between the first copper layer and the second copper layer. The circuit components are positioned between the first inner copper layer and the second inner copper layer. 
     The first inner copper layer and the second inner copper layer may extend from a common side of the power module to form the first extension and the second extension, respectively. The circuit components may be arranged in apertures of the circuit board which may be larger than the circuit components. The circuit board and the circuit components may electrically insulate the first inner copper layer from the second inner copper layer. Insulating material may further insulate the first inner copper layer and the second inner copper layer in gaps between the circuit board and the circuit components formed by the apertures. 
     A power converter includes a capacitor and at least three power modules. Each power module includes a positive board and a negative board that are electrically coupled to the capacitor along a majority of a length of the power module. Each positive board may have a positive inner layer that extends from the positive board and is coupled to the capacitor. Each negative board may have a negative inner layer that extends from the negative board and is coupled to the capacitor. The positive inner layers and the negative inner layers of the at least three power modules be electrically coupled to the capacitor cooperatively over a majority of a length of the capacitor. 
     In each power module, the positive board may face the negative board. The positive inner layer may be parallel with the negative inner layer and may be electrically insulated therefrom by a circuit board. The positive inner layer and the negative inner layer may extend away from the positive board and the negative board, respectively, away from each other. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. 
       Figure  FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an overhead view of a first embodiment of a power inverter circuit. 
       Figure  FIG. 2A  is a diagram illustrating an upper perspective view of another embodiment of a power inverter circuit. 
         FIG. 2B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the power inverter circuit of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is a cross-sectional view of the power inverter circuit of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2D  is an overhead view of a power module of the power inverter circuit of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2E  is a detail cross-sectional view of the power inverter circuit of  FIG. 2A  as indicated in  FIG. 2C . 
         FIG. 3  is an overhead view of a power module for use in a variation of the power inverter circuit of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a power inverter circuit having three power modules in successive states of assembly. 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of the power inverter circuit shown in  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a power inverter circuit. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a power inverter circuit. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a power inverter circuit. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a power inverter circuit. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of the present disclosure involve a power inverter or other-type of high power circuit. Generally speaking, a power inverter includes a capacitor and one or more power modules that are connected to reduce inductance. More particularly, in various embodiments, the capacitor is connected to the one or more power modules with positive and negative connectors that extend parallel with each other along at least a portion of a length of the capacitor and/or the power module in interrupted or continuous fashions, which may reduce inductance and increase operating efficiency as compared to other power inverters. 
     In one example, a power inverter utilizes one or more connection systems configured as spring contact connection systems, which connect a capacitor (e.g., DC link capacitor) with a power module. The capacitor includes blade terminals that are received by the connection systems of the power module. The connection systems generally include a positive connector and a negative connector that are arranged across from each other and that connect near the switching devices or components of the inverter module. By utilizing the blade terminals of the capacitor for the spring contact connection system located near the switching devices of the inverter, the inductance within the power inverter circuit is reduced compared to other capacitor connection systems, thereby increasing the operating efficiency of the power inverter. The power inverter may include multiple connection systems which may be arranged along a length of the power module, for example, with the positive connector and the negative connector of each connection system being positioned in close proximity across from each other and the multiple connection systems being separated (e.g., interrupted) by circuit components therebetween. 
     In another example, a power inverter includes a capacitor having positive and negative lead frames that extend parallel with and across from each other along a length of the capacitor, and one or more power modules having positive and negative connectors that extend in parallel with each other along a length of the power module. The positive and negative connectors of the power modules are electrically coupled to the positive and negative lead frames substantially continuously along the length of the power module, which may reduce inductance as compared to other power inverters. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an overhead view of a first embodiment of a power inverter circuit  100 . The power inverter circuit  100  may also be referred to as a power converter, power inverter, or such circuit, device, or system. The power inverter circuit  100  includes a power module  102  (e.g., power converter or inverter module) and a capacitor  104  (e.g., a DC link capacitor). The power inverter circuit  100  converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) for use by an electrical system. The power module  102  includes a circuit board  106  (e.g., power module circuit board) on which several circuit components  108  (e.g., switching or electronic components, such as MOSFET components) may be interconnected. In one particular embodiment, the circuit components  108  include one or more switching components for use by the power inverter circuit  100 , among other components. Those of skill in the art will understand the various circuit components and interconnections between the components that may be used in a high power inverter circuit. As such, the types of components used and connections between the components through the circuit board  106  are not described herein. 
     The power inverter circuit  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is a three-phase power inverter. A housing  110  of the power inverter circuit  100  houses the circuit board  106  and includes several connectors  112 - 116  (e.g., connections or terminals) for connecting to the three-phases of the power inverter circuit  100 . In particular, the power inverter circuit  100  includes three positive connectors  112  (e.g., positive DC input connectors), three negative connectors  114  (e.g., negative DC input connectors), and three phase output connectors  116 . More or fewer connectors  112 - 116  may be included in the housing  110  of the power inverter circuit  100  depending on the configuration of the power inverter circuit  100 . For example, a single phase inverter circuit may include one positive connector  112 , one negative connector  114 , and one phase output connector  116 . Through the connectors  112 - 116 , a DC input is provided to the power inverter circuit  100  and an AC output is received. In some embodiments, the connectors  112 - 116  may be bolted joint connectors, pressed terminal connectors, or soldered pin connectors. 
     Many high power inverter circuits utilize the capacitor  104  at the input of the DC signal. Thus, the capacitor  104  typically connects to the circuit components  108  of the power inverter circuit  100  through the DC input connectors  112 - 114 . For example, the capacitor  104  of  FIG. 1  may include three capacitors that each connect to the power module  102  through one of the positive connectors  112  and one of the negative connectors  114 . In this embodiment, a conducting component may connect an output of the capacitor  104  to the positive connectors  112  of the power module  102  through a bolted joint connector such that the power module  102  and the capacitor  104  are side-by-side when connected. However, the side-by-side connection of the capacitor  104  to the power module  102  may negatively affect the performance of the power inverter circuit  100  for several reasons. For example, the positive connectors  112  and the negative connectors  114 , by being provided by the housing  110 , are located far from the circuit components  108  of the power inverter circuit  100 . The transmission of the DC input from the capacitor  104  to the circuit components  108  introduces an inductance into the circuit which may negatively affect the inverter performance. In addition, the distance between the lead frame terminals of the capacitor  104  connecting the capacitor to the power module  102  introduces an inductance loop that also may negatively affect the performance of the power inverter circuit  100 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the positive connector  112  and the negative connector  114  (and corresponding lead frame terminals of the capacitor  104 ) may be substantially planar and spaced apart in a common plane to be side-by-side (e.g., the positive connectors  112  and the negative connectors  114  of the three sets shown are arranged in alternating fashion). Thus, a connection system that minimizes or reduces the distance between the connection of the capacitor  104  to the power module  102  and the circuit components  108  of the circuit may improve the performance of the power inverter circuit  100 . Additionally, reducing the space between the lead frame terminals of the capacitor  104  and/or between the positive connector  112  and negative connector  114  may further reduce the inductance introduced through the capacitor  104  connection. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2E , another embodiment of a power inverter circuit  200  has low inductance (e.g., reduced or lower inductance) as compared to the power inverter circuit  100 . The power inverter circuit  200  includes a capacitor  203  and a power module  202  (e.g., power converter or inverter module) that are provided in cooperative configurations that introduce relatively low inductance. More particularly, reduced inductance may be provided by connections between the capacitor  203  and the power module  202  being in close proximity to the circuit components  108  of the power module  202  and/or close proximity of positive and negative connectors of the capacitor  203  and/or the power modules  202 . These configurations may be provided by connection systems  204  of the power module  202  and capacitor blades  224  of the capacitor  203 , which are received by the connection systems  204 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A-2C , the power inverter circuit  200  includes three phase outputs  232 , similar to the embodiment discussed above with reference to  FIG. 1 . The capacitor  203  is mounted on top of a circuit board  205  of the power module  202  and is connected thereto with a plurality of connection systems  204  (described in further detail below). The capacitor  203  is elongated in a direction of elongation, for example, having a length extending rearward as shown in  FIG. 2A  and that is greater than a width thereof. The capacitor  203  may be configured as a capacitor unit having more than one capacitor. In one particular embodiment, the capacitor  203  may be attached to a housing  230  around the circuit board  205  of the power module  202  to provide stability to the power inverter circuit  200 . For example, the capacitor  203  may be bolted to the housing  230  through a series of bolted joints. However, the capacitor  203  may be attached to the housing  230  in any manner or may not be attached to the housing at all. While the power inverter circuit  200  may be configured as a three-phase power inverter or in any other desired manner with any suitable number of connection systems  204 . 
     In general, the connection systems  204  allow the capacitor  203  to connect to the circuit components  108  (such as switching devices) of the power module  202  and, more particularly, allow the capacitor  203  to be nearer to the circuit components  108  as compared to the power inverter circuit  100 . By connecting the capacitor  203  in close proximity to (e.g., near) the circuit components  108 , the inductance due to the transmission of the DC signal through the connection system  204  is reduced compared with the connection system illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Further, the connection systems  204  allow a positive terminal  226  and a negative terminal  228  (e.g., first and second lead frame terminals or leads) of the capacitor  203  to be nearer each other (e.g., in close proximity to each other, such as by being separated by a thin dielectric  214 ) to minimize the inductance loop caused by the positive terminal  226  and the negative terminal  228 . In these manners, inductance may be reduced to increase the performance and efficiency of the power inverter circuit  200  as compared to the power inverter circuit  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2B-2E , the power module  202  includes a circuit board  205  (e.g. power module circuit board). As shown in  FIGS. 2B and 2D , the circuit board  205  includes the circuit components  108  of the power inverter circuit  100  as described above and one or more of the connection systems  204 . However, rather than including connections to the capacitor  104  on the housing  110  of the power inverter circuit  100  as described above, the connection systems  204  are located on the circuit board  205  nearer to the circuit components  108 . Although  FIG. 2D  depicts nine of the connection systems  204  on the circuit board  205 , it should be appreciated that the power inverter circuit  200  may include any number of the connection systems  204 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , another power module  302  includes a circuit board  305  having two of the connection systems  204  thereon. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2B to 2E , each of the connection systems  204  includes a positive connector  206  and a negative connector  208  (e.g., first and second connectors) disposed on the circuit board  205 . The positive connector  206  and the negative connector  208  are positioned adjacent and/or between corresponding or associated ones of the circuit components  108 . As a result, the circuit components  108  may be positioned between the connection systems  204  along a length of the capacitor  203  and/or the power module  202  (e.g., so as to interrupt or form interrupted connections between the capacitor  203  and the power module  202 ). The positive connector  206  includes a base portion  216  (e.g., positive base portion) mounted on the circuit board  205  and a positive terminal  218  (e.g., first or positive terminal portion) extending away from the circuit board  205 . Similarly, the negative connector  208  includes a base portion  220  (e.g., negative base portion) mounted on the circuit board  205  and a negative terminal  222  (e.g., second or negative terminal portion) extending away from the circuit board  205 . In one embodiment, the positive connector  206  and the negative connector  208  are in electrical communication with a portion of the circuit board  205  while being electrically isolated from each other to prevent shorts within the power inverter circuit  200  (e.g., by being spaced apart from each other). 
     As shown, the positive terminal  218  and the negative terminal  222  are substantially planar and are spaced apart from each other in separate planes. The positive terminals  218  of multiple connection systems  204  may be arranged in one plane that is spaced apart from the negative terminals  222  of the multiple connection systems in another plane. 
     In addition, the positive terminal  218  of the positive connector  206  and the negative terminal  222  of the negative connector  208  may be biased towards each other to provide a spring or pinching mechanism when a capacitor blade  224  of the capacitor  203  is placed between the positive terminal  218  and the negative terminal  222 . In one embodiment, a space is present between the positive terminal  218  of the positive connector  206  and the negative terminal  222  of the negative connector  208  that is less than the width of the capacitor blade  224  (discussed in further detail below) when the capacitor  203  is not inserted into the connection systems  204  (e.g., the space being between the planes of the positive terminal  218  and the negative terminal  222 ). Further in some embodiments, ends of the positive terminal  218  and the negative terminal  222  of the positive connector  206  and the negative connector  208  opposite (e.g., distal from) the circuit board  205  may be flared away from each other (e.g., the opposite connector) for easy insertion of the capacitor blade  224  into the connection system  204 . 
     By locating the connection system  204  on the circuit board  205 , so as to be nearer the circuit components  108  of the power module  202 , the distance between the connection system  204  and the circuit components  108  is reduced in comparison with the power inverter circuit  100  described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , which has the positive connector  112  and the negative connector  114  are provided by the housing  110 . As such, inductance introduced into the system through the transmission of the DC signal through the connection system  204  is reduced by connecting the capacitor  203  directly onto the circuit board  205  near the circuit components  108  of the circuit board  205 . Further, as explained in more detail below, the distance between the positive terminal  226  and the negative terminal  228  of the capacitor  203  is lessened which further reduces the inductance loop caused by the positive terminal  218  and the negative terminal  222  (e.g., lead frame terminals) through the connection system  204 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2B, 2C, and 2E , the capacitor  203  may be plugged directly into the connection system  204  on the circuit board  205 . The capacitor  203  may include any number of capacitor blades  224  that extend from a housing of the capacitor  203 . In one embodiment, the capacitor  203  may include the same number of capacitor blades  224  as the connection systems  204  disposed on the circuit board  205  of the power module  202 . 
     Each capacitor blade  224  of the capacitor  203  is configured to connect to one of the connection systems  204 , for example, by being received by (e.g., being inserted into) the connection system  204  between the positive terminal  218  and the negative terminal  222  of the positive connector  206  and the negative connector  208 , respectively. The capacitor blade  224  may include the positive terminal  226  and the negative terminal  228  of the capacitor  203 , which are separated by the thin dielectric  214  that is disposed between the positive terminal  226  and the negative terminal  228  to prevent shorting thereacross. 
     The positive connector  206  and the negative connector  208  of the connection system  204  are configured (e.g., biased) to compress (e.g., pinch) and hold the capacitor blade  224  in place when inserted. Thus, the connection system  204  may be described as a spring or sprung connection system. The width of the capacitor blade  224  may be such as to fit between and connect to (e.g., contact) the positive terminal  218  and the negative terminal  222  of the connection system  204  on the circuit board  205 . The connection between the capacitor blade  224  and the connection system  204  provides electrical communication between the positive terminal  226  of the capacitor blade  224  and the positive terminal  218  of the positive connector  206  of the power module  202 , and between the negative terminal  228  of the capacitor blade  224  and the negative terminal  222  of the negative connector  208  of the power module  202 . Thus, through the connection system  204  and the capacitor blade  224 , the capacitor  203  is in electrical communication with the power module  202 . To connect the capacitor  203  to the power module  202 , an assembler of the power inverter circuit  200  presses the capacitor  203  to insert the capacitor blades  224  of the capacitor  203  between the positive connector  206  (e.g., the positive terminal  218  thereof) and the negative connector  208  (e.g., the negative terminal  222  thereof) of the connection system  204  of the power module  202 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A to 2C and 2E , the capacitor  203  is shown as plugged into (e.g., connected to or received by) the circuit board  205  of the power module  202 . The capacitor  203  includes a negative plate  210  (e.g., first plate) and a positive plate  212  (e.g., second plate). Those of skill in the art will recognize the various types and configurations of capacitors that may be utilized with power inverter circuits such that the details of the capacitor  203  are not described herein. The negative terminal  228  of the capacitor blade  224  is formed from (e.g., continuously with) the negative plate  210  of the capacitor  203  as shown. Similarly, the positive terminal  226  of the capacitor blade  224  is formed from the positive plate  212  of the capacitor  203 . As shown in cross-section, the negative plate  210  and the positive plate  212  are spaced apart a relatively large distance and may be substantially planar over a substantial majority of the capacitor  203  (e.g., a height or body of the capacitor  203 ). The negative plate  210  and the positive plate  212  then bend toward each other at or along a common side of the capacitor  203 . The negative plate  210  and the positive plate  212  then bend outward and extend through the outer housing of the capacitor  203  away from the common side of the capacitor  203  to form the negative terminal  228  and the positive terminal  226 . The negative terminal  228  and the positive terminal  226  are substantially planar members that are spaced apart in separate (e.g., substantially parallel) planes but in close proximity to each other (e.g., being separated by the thin dielectric  214 ). The negative terminal  228  and the positive terminal  226 , thereby, form the capacitor blade  224  to be inserted into the connection system  204  to form the electrical communication between the capacitor  203  and the power module  202 . The negative terminals  228  of multiple capacitor blades  224  of the capacitor  203  may be arranged in one plane and be spaced apart (e.g., by the thin dielectric  214  of each capacitor blade  224 ) from the positive terminals  226  of the multiple capacitor blades  224  arranged in another plane. 
     Further, as mentioned above, the positive terminal  226  of the capacitor blade  224  and the negative terminal  228  of the capacitor blade  224  are separated by a thin dielectric  214  (e.g., dielectric material). In general, any known or hereafter developed dielectric material may be utilized to separate the terminals of the capacitor blade  224 . In addition to reducing the inherent inductance introduced into the power inverter system by locating the connection between the capacitor  203  and the circuit near the circuit components  108  of the power module  202 , as compared to the configuration of the power inverter circuit  100 , the power inverter circuit  200  of the second embodiment also reduces the inductance loop effect of the system through the connectors (i.e., the positive terminal  226  and the negative terminal  228 ) of the capacitor  203 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  and discussed above, the leads from the capacitor  104  to the power module  102  are spaced apart in a side-by-side manner to connect to the positive connectors  112  and the negative connectors  114  of the power module  102 . By locating the capacitor leads in this side-by-side configuration, a large inductance loop is created that introduces inductance into the power inverter circuit  100  that negatively affects the performance of the power inverter. Conversely, the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-3  utilizes the capacitor blade  224  to connect the capacitor  203  to the power module  202 . In this embodiment, the distance between the positive terminal  226  and the negative terminal  228  of the capacitor blade  224  is kept close together to minimize or reduce the inductance loop introduced into the power inverter circuit  200 . This further reduction of inductance in allows the power inverter circuit  200  to perform more efficiently than the power inverter circuit  100  of the first embodiment. 
     In one particular embodiment, the distance between the connection system  204  and the nearest one of the circuit components  108  on the circuit board  205  is approximately 1 millimeter, although any distance is contemplated. The base portion  216  of the positive connector  206  of the connection system  204  and the base portion  220  of the negative connector  208  of the connection system may include an area of approximately 5 millimeters by 5 millimeters. Further, the positive terminal  218  of the positive connector  206  of the connection system  204  and the negative terminal  222  of the negative connector  208  of the connection system may extend approximately 5 millimeters from the circuit board  205  surface. In general, however, the dimensions of the components of the connection system  204  may be any size as desired by a designer of the power inverter circuit  200 . In addition, although the connection system  204  is described above as a spring contact connection system, the connection system between the capacitor  203  and the power module  202  may be any type of connection (e.g., physical connection), including bolted joints, pressed terminals, soldered pins, and the like. Thus, other embodiments are contemplated in which the positive terminal  226  and the negative terminal  228 , or extensions thereof, extend toward each other and/or are otherwise in close proximity to each other. 
     In addition to reducing the inductance introduced into the power inverter circuit  200 , the connection system  204  may also aid in reducing the overall size of the power inverter circuit  200  as compared to the power inverter circuit  100 . For example, comparing  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 2D , by connecting the capacitor  203  above the power module  202  in the power inverter circuit  200 , the size of the power inverter circuit  200  may be reduced compared to the embodiment where the capacitor  104  and power module  102  are side-by-side. More particularly, because the positive terminal  226  and the negative terminal  228  of each capacitor blade  224  are spaced across from each other in different planes (not side-by-side in a common plane as shown in  FIG. 1  for the power inverter circuit  100 ), more connections between the capacitor  104  and the circuit board  106  may be utilized in the power inverter circuit  200  (e.g., along a length of the capacitor  203 ) to further increase the performance of the power inverter circuit  200  as compared to the power inverter circuit  100 . 
     In the power inverter circuit  200  and variations thereof, the circuit board  205  may include one or more flex circuit layers. In general, flex circuits include mounting the circuit components  108  on flexible, plastic substrates. Such flexible substrates include polyimide or transparent conductive polyester films, among other materials. The flexible circuit configuration allows the circuit board  205  to conform to a desired shape or to flex during use. Utilizing flex circuit technology may reduce the potential damage to the circuit board  205  during connection of the capacitor  203  to the circuit board  205 . In particular, the circuit board  205  may flex when the capacitor blade  224  is inserted in the connection system  204  on the board, preventing damage to the circuit board  205 . Further, through the use of the flex circuit, gate drive components of the power inverter circuit  200  may be located closer to switch components of the power module  202  to improve the efficiency and performance of the power inverter circuit  200 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a third embodiment of a power inverter circuit  400  is shown. The power inverter circuit  400  includes one or more power modules  402  and a capacitor  403 . 
     The capacitor  403  is elongated, for example, along a length and having a substantially constant cross-sectional shape (e.g., being rectilinear with four sides). The length, for example, may be greater than any outer or side dimension of the cross-sectional shape. The capacitor  403  may be configured as a capacitor unit having more than one capacitor. 
     The capacitor  403  includes a negative plate  410  (e.g., first or negative plate, lead, or lead frame) and a positive plate  412  (e.g., second or positive plate, lead, or lead frame). In cross-section, the negative plate  410  and the positive plate  412  extend around adjacent corners of the capacitor  403  toward each other. For example, the negative plate  410  and the positive plate  412  extend along opposite sides  403   a  of the capacitor  403 , and bend around the adjacent corners to extend toward each other along a common side  403   b  of the capacitor  403 . The negative plate  410  and the positive plate  412  are also elongated along a substantial portion (e.g., majority, near entirety, such as 90% or more, or therebetween) of the length of the capacitor  403 . 
     The power inverter circuit  400 , for example, includes three power modules  402 , which may be configured to provide three-phase AC electrical power in manners known in the art. As shown in  FIG. 4A , the three power modules  402  are shown in successive states of assembly. The power modules  402  are configured to each connect to the capacitor  403  along the lengths thereof and/or cooperatively along the length of the capacitor  403 , which may reduce inductance (e.g., as compared to the side-by-side arrangement of the positive connector  112  and the negative connector  114  of the power inverter circuit  100 ). Furthermore, the power modules  402  include positive and negative components that are planar and in close proximity to each other, which may also reduce inductance compared to the power inverter circuit  100  in a similar manner to the planar, spaced-apart relationship of the negative terminal  228  and the positive terminal  226  of the capacitor blade  224  of the power inverter circuit  200 . 
     Each of the power modules  402  is substantially planar and extends substantially perpendicularly from a middle region of the common side  403   b  of the capacitor  403  and along a portion of the length of the capacitor  403  (e.g., being parallel with the opposite sides  403   a  of the capacitor  403 ). Each of the power modules  402  includes a negative substrate  434  (e.g., first or negative board; best shown in the power module  402  in the left-most position in  FIG. 4A ), a positive substrate  436  (e.g., second or positive board; seen in the power module  402  in the right-most position in  FIG. 4A ), and a flexible circuit board  405  (best shown in the power module  402  in the middle position in  FIG. 4A ). The power module  402  also includes a plurality of circuit components  108  (e.g., switches or MOSFET devices), which are configured in manners known in the art for providing a desired power output (see further description of the circuit components  108  above). The negative substrate  434  and the positive substrate  436  face each other with the flexible circuit board  405  and the circuit components  108  arranged therebetween (e.g., forming a layered arrangement or sandwich-type structure). 
     The negative substrate  434  and the positive substrate  436  are each a copper-ceramic substrate (e.g., directed bonded copper or DBC substrate). The negative substrate  434  generally includes an outer copper layer  434   a  (e.g., first outer copper layer or conductive layer), an inner copper layer  434   b  (e.g., first inner copper layer, negative inner copper layer, or first or negative inner layer), and a ceramic layer  434   c  (e.g., first or negative ceramic layer) arranged between outer copper layer  434   a  and the inner copper layer  434   b . In the power module  402 , the inner copper layer  434   b  is positioned adjacent the flexible circuit board  405 . 
     The outer copper layer  434   a  is, for example, substantially continuous on an outer surface of the ceramic layer  434   c.    
     The inner copper layer  434   b  is provided on an inner surface of the ceramic layer  434   c . The inner copper layer  434   b  may provide separate conductive paths (e.g., power conducting paths, lines, or traces) to and/or from each of the circuit components  108  (e.g., connecting to the negative plate  410  of the capacitor  403  and/or for connecting to external electrical systems). A first group  108   a  (e.g., first or inner row) of the circuit components  108  (e.g., a first or inner row) is attached to the negative substrate  434 , such that each one of the circuit components  108  is electrically coupled to associated ones of the conductive paths of the inner copper layer  434   b.    
     The inner copper layer  434   b  additionally extends from the ceramic layer  434   c  to be physically and electrically coupled to the negative plate  410  (e.g., forming a first or negative terminal of the power module  402 ). More particularly, the inner copper layer  434   b  protrudes past an edge of the ceramic layer  434   c  toward the common side  403   b  of the capacitor  403 , and extends substantially continuously along a length of the ceramic layer  434   c  (e.g., parallel with the elongation of the capacitor  403 ). The inner copper layer  434   b  is bent around an edge of the ceramic layer  434   c , so as to form a negative flange  434   b ′ (e.g., connector or extension) that extends along the common side  403   b  of the capacitor  403  toward the negative plate  410 , so as to engage (e.g., overlap) and be physically and electrically coupled to the positive plate  412  in a substantially continuous manner (e.g., via laser welding). 
     The positive substrate  436  is configured substantially similar to the negative substrate  434  with like elements being referred to with like suffixes (e.g., an outer copper layer  436   a  of the positive substrate  436  is configured similar to the outer copper layer  434   a  of the negative substrate  434 ). The positive substrate  436  is a copper-ceramic substrate that includes the outer copper layer  436   a  (e.g., second outer copper layer), an inner copper layer  436   b  (e.g., positive inner copper layer, second inner copper layer, or second or positive inner layer), and a ceramic layer  436   c  (e.g., positive ceramic layer, or second ceramic layer) arranged therebetween. The inner copper layer  436   b  faces and extends parallel with the inner copper layer  434   b  of the negative substrate  434 . The inner copper layer  436   b  also forms separate conductive paths associated with and in electrical contact with a second group  108   b  (e.g., second or outer row) of the circuit components  108  that is attached to the positive substrate  436 . It should be noted that the second group  108   b  of circuit components  108  are not shown depicted in  FIG. 4A  as they are hidden by the positive substrate  436 , but would be positioned in the outer row of apertures  405   a  of the flexible circuit board  405 . Electrical connections between the conductive paths and the circuit components  108  may be provided in any suitable manner. For further details of the positive substrate  436  and its various features or components, refer to the discussion of the negative substrate  434  above. 
     The inner copper layer  436   b  additionally protrudes from the ceramic layer  436   c  to form a positive flange  436   b ′ (e.g., connector or extension) that extends along the common side  403   b  of the capacitor  403 , and is physically and electrically coupled to the positive plate  412  in the manner described above for the negative flange  434   b ′. As a result, the negative flange  434   b ′ and the positive flange  436   b ′ may extend parallel with each other in a direction of elongation of the capacitor  403 . As an additional result, both the negative flange  434   b ′ and the positive flange  436   b ′ may be coupled to the negative plate  410  and the positive plate  412 , respectively, over a significant portion (e.g., majority, near entirety, such as 90% or more, or therebetween) of a length of the power module  402 . Furthermore, multiple power modules  402  may, thereby, be coupled to the negative plate  410  and the positive plate  412  of the capacitor  403  over a significant portion (e.g., majority, near entirety, such as 90% or more, or therebetween) of a length of the capacitor  403 . The resultant electrical couplings or connections (e.g., contact area) may also be substantially continuous between the negative flange  434   b ′ of the power module  402  and the negative plate  410  of the capacitor  403  and between positive flange  436   b ′ of the power module  402  and the positive plate  412  of the capacitor  403 . This substantial continuity and/or significant length of the electrical connection of the power modules  402  and the capacitor  403  reduce inductance as compared to the interrupted and relatively short contact area formed by the positive connectors  112  and the negative connectors  114  of the power inverter circuit  100  discussed above. 
     Furthermore, by having at least one combination of the negative plate  410  and the positive plate  412 , the negative flange  434   b ′ and the positive flange  436   b ′, or both extend along the common side  403   b  of the capacitor  403  toward each other, inductance may be reduced. For example, this arrangement allows the negative substrate  434  and the positive substrate  436  to face and be in close proximity with each other. As a result, the inner copper layer  434   b  of the negative substrate  434  and the inner copper layer  436   b  of the positive substrate  436  extend in parallel and in close proximity with each other (e.g., forming substantially planar positive and negative components that are spaced apart in different planes but in close proximity to each other). This close proximity of the inner copper layer  434   b  of the negative substrate  434  and the inner copper layer  436   b  of the positive substrate  436  (e.g., being spaced apart by a thickness of the circuit components  108  therebetween) reduces inductance as compared to a further distance therebetween. This is similar to the manner in which the positive terminal  218  and the negative terminal  222  of the capacitor blade  224  of the power inverter circuit  200  are arranged across from each other in close proximity to create low inductance. 
     As referenced above, the flexible circuit board  405  (e.g., flex circuit) is arranged between the negative substrate  434  and the positive substrate  436 . The flexible circuit board  405  provides conductive paths (not shown or labeled) to the circuit components  108  for sending control signals to control operation thereof (e.g., gate, switching, or control lines, traces, or paths). Electrical connections between the conductive paths of the flexible circuit board  405  and the circuit components  108  may be formed in any suitable manner. As referenced above, the power conducting paths to/from the circuit components  108  (e.g., to/from the capacitor  203  and/or for connecting to external electrical systems) may be provided by the inner copper layer  434   b  and/or the inner copper layer  436   b  of the negative substrate  434  and the positive substrate  436 , respectively. 
     The flexible circuit board  405  is a substantially continuous substrate (e.g., plastic, such as polyimide), which includes apertures  405   a  (e.g., windows) in each of which is received one of the circuit components  108 . In the resultant structure, the flexible circuit board  405  and the circuit components  108  are substantially coplanar (e.g., a single plane passes through the flexible circuit board  405  and each of the circuit components  108 ) and are arranged between the negative substrate  434  and the positive substrate  436 . 
     Each of the apertures  405   a  of the flexible circuit board  405  are sized so as to receive the associated circuit components  108  therein during assembly processes. For example, the flexible circuit board  405  may be placed on the negative substrate  434 , after which the circuit components  108  are positioned in the apertures  405   a , and finally the positive substrate  436  is positioned on the flexible circuit board  405 . For the circuit components  108  to be reliably received in the apertures  405   a  during the assembly operations, the apertures  405   a  are oversized as compared to the circuit components  108  (e.g., being, for example, 1 mm larger in each dimension). As a result, an air gap (i.e., from an edge of the circuit component  108  to an edge of the aperture  405   a ) is formed between the inner copper layer  434   b  of the negative substrate  434  and the inner copper layer  436   b  of the positive substrate  436 . 
     The inner copper layer  434   b  of the negative substrate  434  and the inner copper layer  436   b  of the positive substrate  436 , while being in close proximity to each other and having a high voltage potential therebetween, are electrically isolated from each other by the flexible circuit board  405  and the circuit components  108 . In regions of the air gaps (i.e., in the apertures  405   a  between material of the flexible circuit board  405  and the circuit components  108 ), insulating material  438  is provided to complete the electrical isolation in the air gaps that might otherwise extend from the inner copper layer  434   b  of the negative substrate  434  to the inner the inner copper layer  436   b  of the positive substrate  436 . Stated differently, the flexible circuit board  405 , the circuit components  108 , and the insulating material  438  cooperatively electrically isolate or insulate the inner copper layer  434   b  of the negative substrate  434  from the inner copper layer  436   b  of the positive substrate  436 . The insulating material  438 , for example, extends from the material of the flexible circuit board  405  to the circuit component  108  around a periphery thereof. Portions of the insulating material  438  may extend below the flexible circuit board  405  and/or the circuit component  108  (e.g., being between the inner copper layer  434   b  or the inner copper layer  436   b  and one or both of the flexible circuit board  405  and the circuit component  108 ). The insulating material  438  may, or may not, completely fill the air gap and/or extend from both the inner copper layer  434   b  and the inner copper layer  436   b  of the negative substrate  434  and the positive substrate  436 , respectively. 
     In one example, the insulating material  438  is an underfill material (e.g., a polymer, as is known in the art), which is applied as a liquid material (e.g., with an injection-type device) and subsequently cured. In another example, the insulating material is an insulator preform, which is provided as a solid polymer material, positioned relative to the flexible circuit board  405  and the circuit components  108  (e.g., with a pick and place machine), and processed to flow and cure into position (e.g., by heating and cooling). In a still further example, the insulating material  438  may be a coating (e.g., parylene) provided on the inner copper layer  434   b  of the negative substrate  434  and/or the inner copper layer  436   b  of the positive substrate  436 . The coating is not present in regions required for conductive contact (e.g., with the circuit components  108 ), for example, by masking appropriate regions when the coating is applied or subsequently removing the coating in appropriate regions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , another embodiment of a power inverter circuit  500  is configured substantially similar to the power inverter circuit  400  but additionally includes one or more coolers  550 . The one or more coolers  550  are positioned adjacent the power module  402 . More particularly, the one or more coolers  550  are positioned adjacent and/or in contact with the negative substrate  434  (e.g., the outer copper layer  434   a  thereof) and/or the positive substrate  436  (e.g., the outer copper layer  436   a  thereof). The cooler  550  (e.g., cooling device) may be any suitable type of cooler for use with the power inverter circuit  500 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , another embodiment of a power inverter circuit  600  is configured substantially similar to the power inverter circuit  400  or the power inverter circuit  500 , but includes capacitors  603  arranged on each edge of a power module  602 . The power module  602  is arranged relative to the capacitors  603  on each edge thereof in a substantially similar manner to which the power module  402  is arranged relative to the capacitor  403  of the power inverter circuit  400  (e.g., by extending substantially perpendicular from and along a common side or edge thereof). The power module  602  is configured substantially similar to the power module  402  but instead includes negative flanges  634   b ′ (e.g., coupled to or continuously formed with an inner copper layer  634   b ) that extend from both edge of a negative substrate  634  for coupling to negative plates  610  of the capacitors  603  on each edge thereof. Similarly, the power module  602  includes positive flanges  636   b ′ (e.g., coupled to or continuously formed with an inner copper layer  636   b ) that extend from both edges of the positive substrate  636  for coupling to the positive plates  612  of the capacitors  603  on each edge thereof. For further details of the power module  602 , including the substrates and circuit board thereof, refer to discussion of the power module  402  above. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , another embodiment of a power inverter circuit  700  includes a power module  702  and a capacitor  703 . The power module  702  is configured substantially similar to the power module  402 , for example, by having a negative substrate  734  and a positive substrate  736 . However, the inner copper layer  734   a  of the negative substrate  734  and the inner copper layer  736   a  of the positive substrate  736  extend from opposite edge of the power module  702  (as opposed to a common edge, thereof, as with the power module  402 ). Furthermore, the power module  702  is arranged substantially parallel with and spaced apart from the capacitor  703 , as opposed to being substantially perpendicular to and in close proximity to the capacitor  403  as is the power module  402 . For further details of the power module  702 , refer to discussion of the power module  402  above. 
     The inner copper layer  734   b  of the negative substrate  734  extends from the negative substrate  734  to form a negative flange  734   b ′ (e.g., extension) that is coupled to a negative plate  710  of the capacitor  703  (e.g., with laser welding). Similarly, the inner copper layer  736   b  of the positive substrate  736  extends from the positive substrate  736  to form a positive flange  736   b ′ (e.g., extension) that is coupled to a positive plate  712  of the capacitor  703  (e.g., with laser welding). The negative flange  734   b ′ and the positive flange  736   b ′ of the power module  702  are spaced apart from each other (e.g., by the width of the power module  702  and/or the capacitor  703 ) and the power module  702  is spaced apart from the capacitor  703 , so as to form a void therebetween. A cooler  750  is arranged within this void (e.g., between the negative flange  734   b ′, the positive flange  736   b ′, the power module  702 , and the capacitor  703 ) and in close proximity and/or in physical contact with the power module  702  (e.g., the negative substrate  734  or the positive substrate  736 ) and/or the capacitor  703  to provide cooling thereto. For further details of the power module  702 , including the negative substrate  734 , the positive substrate  736 , and a circuit board  738 , refer to discussion of the power module  402  above. 
     Low inductance for the power inverter circuit  700  is achieved, for example, by having each power module  702  be connected to the capacitor  703  over a significant (e.g., nearly entire) length of the power module  702  and/or having the power modules  702  be cooperatively connected to the capacitor  703  over a significant (e.g., nearly entire) length of the capacitor  703 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , another embodiment of a power inverter circuit  800  is configured substantially similar to the power inverter circuit  800  but includes capacitors  803  arranged on each side of a power module  802 . The power module  802  is arranged relative to the capacitors  803  on each side thereof in a substantially similar manner to which the power module  702  is arranged relative to the capacitor  403  (e.g., by extending substantially parallel with and spaced apart from the capacitors  803 ). The power module  802  is configured substantially similar to the power module  702  but instead includes two negative flanges  834   b ′ (e.g., coupled to or formed continuously with an inner copper layer  834   b  of a negative substrate  834 ) that extend from a common edge of the power module  802 , and two positive flanges  836   b ′ (e.g., coupled to or formed continuously with an inner copper layer  836   b  of a positive substrate  836 ) that extend from an opposite edge of the power module  802 . Coolers  850  are arranged between the capacitors  803  and the power module  802  on each side thereof. For further details of the power module  802 , refer above to the discussions of the power module  402  and the power module  702 . 
     All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the presently disclosed technology and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the presently disclosed technology. Furthermore, paired terms or identifiers, such as positive and negative, first and second, and/or other (or another) may be substituted for each other. 
     While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various implementations, it will be understood that these implementations are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, implementations in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of particular implementations. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170113
Publication Date: 20200324
Grant Date: 20200324
Priority Date: 20160115
Inventors: RUIZ, JAVIER
White, Paul M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H02M7/003", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02M7/003", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/028", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/183", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10015", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/028", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/183", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10015", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02M7/003", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/14329", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10015", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/056", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/189", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/181", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 69902445