Lifetime modeling and simulation of power modules for hybrid electrical/electrical vehicles

In hybrid electrical vehicles (HEV) and electric vehicles (EV) power semiconductors, packaged in a module, are used. Packaging technologies are suffering several wear out mechanisms, that are typically induced by thermal or power cycling. The type of wear out mechanism is affected by the connection technology but also by the load type. In the design of the inverter the mission profile simulation of the power module is an important step to ensure operation of the power module over the complete vehicle lifetime. Influences of application parameters are presented. Physics of failure based FEM simulation can help to develop appropriate lifetime models which are basis for the mission profile simulation. Available power module technology achieves the lifetime requirement for hybrid electric vehicles/electric vehicles, if the described method is applied in the design phase of the inverter.