IGBT Power Modules Evaluation for GM Electrified Vehicles

John Czubay; Sung Chung; Prakash H. Desai

doi:10.4271/2018-01-0460

GM has recently developed two types of plug-in electric vehicles. First is an extended range electric vehicle such as the Volt, and the second is a battery electric vehicle such as the Bolt.

An overview, of traction inverter and power module used in GM battery electric vehicles, is presented. IGBT power modules are critical components used in traction inverters for driving GM Electrified Vehicles. IGBT power modules are also described in a benchmarking study using key metrics based on horizontal die configuration, layout and vertical thermal stack.

Power Module evaluation test set up, procedure and instrumentation used in GM Power Module Lab, Pontiac, Michigan are described. GM Electrification development journey depends on IGBT power module passive test benches; turn on/off energy loss tester, thermal resistance tester, and slow/fast power cycles testers (fast junction temperature change, in seconds, and slow baseplate temperature change, in minutes).

IGBT power module development & validation test benches are preferred and necessary, in conjunction with dyne test cells, which are used for inverter software/hardware integration. Specific test results of IGBT module loss and thermal resistance are presented and compared.

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IGBT Power Modules Evaluation for GM Electrified Vehicles 2018-01-0460

SAE MOBILUS