Influence of temperature and humidity on power cycling capability of power modules. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wuest, Felix; Wittler, Olaf; Schneider-Ramelow, Martin
• Is Part Of: Microelectronics and reliability. Volume 114(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Electronic apparatus and appliances -- Reliability -- Periodicals; Miniature electronic equipment -- Periodicals; Appareils électroniques -- Fiabilité -- Périodiques; Équipement électronique miniaturisé -- Périodiques; Electronic apparatus and appliances -- Reliability; Miniature electronic equipment; Periodicals; 621.3815
• DOI: 10.1016/j.microrel.2020.113880
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0026-2714

Abstract

Abstract: Since power electronics becomes more and more important for harsh environments, its power cycling capability under these conditions needs to be known. The goal of this research is to identify how high temperature and humid environments contribute to the damage of power modules during power cycling. Therefore, IGBT modules are tested with power cycling in cold environment, hot, dry environment and hot, humid environment. Additionally, High Humidity High Temperature Reverse Bias testing is done for comparison of different failure mechanisms. Power modules under warm, humid conditions fail significantly earlier than in warm, dry, or even cold, dry environment. This is mainly attributed to two effects. Firstly to the moisture swelling and thermal expansion of the housing material at higher temperatures and humidity which have an influence on the pressure on the thermal interface and secondly the moisture uptake capability of the thermal interface material. Highlights: Humidity may have an influence on power cycling capability of soft gel power modules. Moisture uptake of thermal interface material as well as thermal expansion and moisture swelling of the housing material may influence lifetime. High Humidity High Temperature Power Cycling (H 3 TPC) test described to test against humidity influence High Temperature Power Cycling (HTPC) test described to test against influence of high temperature.