Experimental investigations for thermal mutual valuation in multi-chip modules

Abstract

The thermal behavior of power modules is an important criterion for the design of cooling systems and optimum thermal structure of these modules. An important consideration for high power and high frequency design is the spacing between semiconductor devices, substrate structure and influence of the boundary condition in the case. This study focuses on the thermal behavior of hybrid power modules to establish a simplified method that allows temperature estimation in different module components without decapsulation. This study resulted in a correction of the junction temperature values estimated from the transient thermal impedance of each component operating alone. The corrections depend on mutual thermal coupling between different chips of the hybrid structure. A new experimental technique for thermal mutual evaluation is presented. Notably, the classic analysis of thermal phenomena in these structures, which was independent of dissipated power magnitude and boundary conditions in the case, is incorrect.