Phase change cooled electrical connections for power electronic devices
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A power electronic device comprising:
- an electrical connection point;
an electrical conductor mechanically and electrically coupled to the connection point for conducting current to or from power electronic circuitry; and
a phase change heat spreader disposed adjacent to the electrical connection point and configured to draw heat from the connection point during operation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A technique is disclosed for cooling connections points in power electronic circuits, such as points at which wire bonding connections are made. A phase change heat spreader is thermally coupled at or near the connection point and a continuous phase change takes place in the heat spreader to extract heat from the connection point during operation. The heat spreader may extend over a area larger than the connection point to enhance cooling and to dissipate heat over a larger area. Small, specifically directed applications are possible in which specific points are cooled together or individually.
18 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A power electronic device comprising:
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an electrical connection point; an electrical conductor mechanically and electrically coupled to the connection point for conducting current to or from power electronic circuitry; and a phase change heat spreader disposed adjacent to the electrical connection point and configured to draw heat from the connection point during operation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A power electronic device comprising:
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a support structure; a power electronic circuit disposed on a first side of the support structure; a connection point; an electrical conductor mechanically and electrically coupled to the connection point for conducting current to or from power electronic circuit; and a phase change heat spreader disposed on a second side of the support opposite the first side and configured to draw heat from the connection point during operation. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A power electronic device comprising:
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a support structure; a power electronic circuit disposed on a first side of the support structure, the power electronic circuit including a connection pad; a connection point disposed adjacent to the power electronic circuit; a wire bond connection between the connection pad and the connection point; and a phase change heat spreader disposed on adjacent to at least one of the connection pad and the connection point and configured to draw heat from the connection pad or the connection point during operation. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for making a power electronic device comprising:
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establishing an electrical connection between a power electronic circuit and a connection point; and disposing a phase change heat spreader adjacent to the connection point to draw heat from the connection point during operation of the power electronic circuit.
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Specification