What is a power module and what are its uses?

Usiglobal
2 min readJul 10, 2022

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Several Power module typically power semiconductor devices, are physically contained by a Power module or power electronic module. These power semiconductors, also known as “dies,” are commonly soldered or sintered onto a power electronic substrate, which also acts as a carrier for the power semiconductors and as a source of electrical insulation when necessary. Power packages offer a higher power density and are frequently more dependable when compared to discrete power semiconductors in plastic housings like TO-247 or TO-220.

Uses

Power modules are used in AC-DC power supplies, welder power supplies, uninterruptible power supplies, embedded motor drives, industrial motor drives, and embedded motor drives.

Inverters for renewable energy sources including wind turbines, solar panels, tidal power plants, and electric cars also frequently use power modules (EVs).

Electric vehicles and other electric motor controllers, appliances, power supplies, electroplating machinery, medical equipment, battery chargers, AC to DC inverters and converters, power switches, and welding equipment are just a few examples of the many applications for power modules.

Types

Transistors and diodes are frequent components of power modules. Some of the most typical switching components found in power modules include silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs), insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), and metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). Transistors are combined in some power modules to create widely used designs, such as half-bridge and H-bridge configurations. With these setups, a single voltage power source can simply change the direction of current flowing through a motor. For inverting applications — which convert direct current electricity into alternating current — more sophisticated modules with up to six transistors are also available. These applications are frequently found in renewable or “green” energy systems.

Various options include single, dual, or other configurations for diode power modules. Diodes are frequently used in bridge rectifiers, which transform alternating current into direct current electricity. For single-phase alternating current, a bridge rectifier of four diodes can be used; for three-phase current, a bridge rectifier of six diodes can be used. Power modules conveniently offer single-phase and three-phase bridge rectifiers for quick installation and repair.

Power modules have continued to advance, just like other technologies, in order to more effectively address technical difficulties and make use of them. Some of the most recent advancements in power module technology are intelligent power modules. Typically, these modules have an IGBT with additional control and protection circuitry. The driving circuitry for switching the IGBT and gate drive logic is provided by the control circuitry, enabling quick on and off. High temperatures, excessive current, short circuits, and undervoltage circumstances can all cause issues that can be avoided by using intelligent power module protective circuitry.

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