Effect of load sequence interaction on bond-wire lifetime due to power cycling

Abstract

Experimental investigations on the effects of load sequence on degradations of bond-wire contacts of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors power modules are reported in this paper. Both the junction temperature swing ($$\Delta T_{j}$$ Δ T j ) and the heating duration ($$t_{ON}$$ t ON ) are investigated. First, power cycling tests with single conditions (in $$\Delta T_{j}$$ Δ T j and $$t_{ON}$$ t ON ), are performed in order to serve as test references. Then, combined power cycling tests with two-level stress conditions have been done sequentially. These tests are carried-out in the two sequences: low stress/high stress (LH) and high stress/low stress (HL) for both $$\Delta T_{j}$$ Δ T j and $$t_{ON}$$ t ON . The tests conducted show that a sequencing in $$\Delta T_{j}$$ Δ T j regardless of the direction “high-low” or “low–high” leads to an acceleration of degradations and so, to shorter lifetimes. This is more pronounced when the difference between the stress levels is large. With regard to the heating duration ($$t_{ON}$$ t ON ), the effect seems insignificant. However, it is necessary to confirm the effect of this last parameter by additional tests.

Influence of Power Cycling Test Methodology on the Applicability of the Linear Damage Accumulation Rule for the Lifetime Estimation in Power Devices

“…In [25] under the assumption of a single degradation mechanism, combined power cycling stresses verified the applicability of LDA rule. In [26], combined experimental tests at different ΔTj values did not verify the linearity of the Miner's rule, particularly in the case of a combined stress with significantly different ΔTj values (varying between 110°C and 70°C). In [27], [28], the impact of combined vibrating and thermal cycling stresses was analyzed.…”

The operating life of a wide-bandgap power device over a wide temperature range

“…In practical applications, power devices are often subjected to a wide temperature range, 4 such as the high-temperature weather of up to 45℃ on the ground in summer. The power device's ambient temperature can even exceed 100℃ when coupled with limited space inside the converter.…”