Power semiconductors

In high-power modules, what is the main purpose of the insulating substrate (such as a ceramic substrate) placed under the power chips?

  1. ATo make the chips glow
  2. BTo electrically insulate the chips from the heat sink while conducting heat well
  3. CTo make the module heavier
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. To electrically insulate the chips from the heat sink while conducting heat well

In a power module, the chips at high voltage must be insulated from the grounded heat sink. Ceramic substrates such as silicon nitride and aluminum nitride do not conduct electricity but conduct heat well, achieving both insulation and heat dissipation.

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More Power semiconductors questions

  1. When SiC or GaN power devices switch at high speed, which problem particularly needs countermeasures?
  2. If the current in a wire with a parasitic inductance of 10 nH changes by 10 A in 10 ns, approximately what voltage is induced?
  3. What is the purpose of a power factor correction (PFC) circuit used in power supplies?
  4. What is the main advantage of using SiC power devices in electric vehicle inverters?
  5. In an ideal step-down chopper (buck converter) with an input voltage of 12 V and a switch duty cycle of 0.25, what is the output voltage?