Abstract
D.Ing.
The necessity of frequency selective interconnects in future integrated power electronic
systems are highlighted. A brief historical background illustrates that such interconnects
have been utilized successfully in other fields of electrical engineering, although based on
different high frequency effects, and configurations. Based on high frequency
characteristics of typical interconnects, it is hypothesized that the required frequency
selectivity could be obtained through utilization of the skin- and proximity effect, and
low conductivity materials, to increase high frequency resistance significantly. Finite
element simulation results for a large number of interconnects, and reference structures,
are presented in an effort to identify relevant parameters and mechanisms. A hybrid
lumped / distributed parameter impedance model is proposed. Parametric analysis is
conducted to determine limitations and constraints of the proposed technique.
Frequency selective damping of turn-off related power electronic switch and interconnect
inductance resonance, is investigated as a possible application of such higher resistance.
A simplified analytical model is proposed, and utilized to calculate turn-off waveforms
and percentages of damping. An approximation of maximum damping possible is
presented. Utilization of enhanced high frequency resistance to realize interconnect based
low pass filters for medium power integrated power electronic modules, is investigated as
a second application. Based on typical parameter influence, a number of structures are
evaluated with finite element simulations. An analytical, lossy transmission line model is
developed. Parametric analysis for a chosen structure is conducted, followed by
discussion of maximum attenuation, and relative effectiveness. As a third application, the
above concepts are applied to 1.5kA nominal current interconnects. A number of
structures are evaluated. Application of consecutive impedance mismatches to increase
attenuation is investigated. Current and voltage capacity constraints are discussed.
Experimental verification of the presented concepts in general, are presented. Technical
difficulties and limitations are identified. An objective oriented discussion completes the
thesis, with the conclusion that the original hypothesis has been validated.