Ceramic power module for drive inverter at PCIM Europe

As a strong partner for the automotive industry, CeramTec drives solutions in e-mobility and offers comprehensive and long-standing automotive expertise in the field of technical ceramics. At this year's PCIM Europe, the company is showcasing a new ceramics-based power module (power semiconductor module) that plays an important role in cooling power electronics in the powertrain. 

Thermal management essential in driver inverters 

To drive electric motors in the powertrain, drive inverters convert energy from the vehicle battery. During this process, inverters are exposed to high thermal loads. Inverters should be made of components that are as light, compact and resistant to high temperatures as possible in order to achieve optimum efficiency and generate maximum electrical power. 

Semiconductors based on silicon carbide (SiC) optimally combine these properties and ensure an improved power spectrum with higher switching frequency while simultaneous saving energy. CeramTec has now developed a ceramic cooler with applied metallisation for the thermal management of the drive inverter. The metallisation allows the semiconductor chips to be applied directly to the ceramic cooler (chip-on-heatsink). CeramTec's power module ensures the efficient cooling of the SiC chip so that its surface area can be optimally utilised. 

Advanced ceramics enabling innovative e-mobility solutions 

Lightweight technical ceramics are resistant to corrosion, temperature changes and chemicals. They have low friction properties, excellent thermal conductivity as well as electrical insulation. Thus, advanced ceramics are true all-round talents and can be used in many ways in e-mobility. This includes the management of power electronics, for brake control systems and transmission control in sensor technology or the regulation and control of fluids. 

"Advanced ceramics is a very innovative material that can be used in numerous areas of e-mobility. As a strong partner, we aim at helping our customers master the challenges of electromobility. We want to make an active contribution to securing the expansion and future of e-mobility through environmentally friendly, sustainable and at the same time economical technologies. The development of a ceramic cooling power module is an important step in this direction," said Richard Boulter, President Industrial of the CeramTec Group. 

The ceramic power module for drive inverters in e-mobility was developed in the context of a joint project with the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology (IISB).