Phase change cooled electrical connections for power electronic devices

摘要

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.