Reliable power electronics for automotive applications

The concept of assuring reliability for power electronics in automotive applications is reviewed. It consists of five parts, two of them are concerned with the input - the description of the mission profile and of the system construction. The next steps are simulative calculations designed to optimise the electrical properties and the heat dissipation. These are followed by the risk analysis aimed at evaluating possible failure mechanisms. Fishbone diagrams help to identify as many risks as possible in the design phase of the electronics. Accelerated reliability tests are used to verify the results of the risk analysis. The example of a compact and high-temperature resistant power electronics module for an integrated starter-generator will be used to demonstrate this concept. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.