P-cell and N-cell based IGBT module: Layout design, parasitic extraction, and experimental verification

This paper proposes a novel packaging method for power electronics modules based on the concepts of P-cell and N-cell. It can reduce the stray inductance in the current commutation path in a phase-leg module and hence improve the switching behavior. Two IGBT phase-leg modules, specifically a P-cell and N-cell based module and a conventional module are designed. Using Ansoft Q3D Extractor, electromagnetic simulation is carried out to extract the stray inductance from the two modules. Switching behavior with different package parasitics is studied based on Saber simulation. Two prototype phase-leg modules based on two different designs are fabricated. The parasitics are measured using a precision impedance analyzer. The measurement results agree with the simulation very well.