Power Electronics: Innovative Testing Method for Initial Approval in PPAP
Freddy Gilbert, Dr. Helmut Schweigart
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Brief Insight
Weaknesses related to moisture and corrosion in power modules often only become apparent during extensive environmental stress testing. This whitepaper introduces the ZESTRON iodine vapour harmful gas test, an accelerated test method that can reveal critical areas prior to design or process validation. Based on specific test results, it shows what conclusions can be drawn regarding the robustness of power modules.
Delivery form: PDF
Article number: EN-2608-06
White paper
Power Electronics: Innovative Testing Method for Initial Approval in PPAP
Abstract
Environmental stress tests such as H3TRB are an essential part of the validation of power modules, but they require considerable time and cost. If weaknesses are only identified during these tests, additional root cause analyses, corrective measures and repeat testing may become necessary.
The ZESTRON iodine vapour harmful gas test was developed as an accelerated test method to assess the moisture and corrosion robustness of power modules prior to the actual design or process validation. Within just a few hours, it can reveal weaknesses, particularly in the encapsulation, as well as resulting areas that are critical with regard to corrosion. This whitepaper describes the test methodology and uses various examples to illustrate what conclusions can be drawn from the visual test results regarding the robustness of power modules.
Key Topics
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Reliability test: resistance to humidity and its limits
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Harmful gas tests and their limitations
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ZESTRON Iodine Vapour Harmful Gas Test – Measurement Principle
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Key benefits of the ZESTRON iodine vapour harmful gas test
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Freddy Gilbert
Senior Technology Analyst
Freddy Gilbert studied material sciences at the Graduate School of engineering of the University of Montpellier and the Technical University of Berlin. In his position as Technology Analyst in the ZESTRON Reliability & Surfaces team, he organises and conducts Technology Coachings focused on failure analysis, surface analysis as well as risk assessment.
Dr. Helmut Schweigart
Head of Reliability & Surfaces
Dr. Helmut Schweigart obtained his doctorate for research into the reliability of electronic sub-assemblies, and he has been employed at ZESTRON Europe since the early days of the company. He is now Head of Reliability & Surfaces Team. He is also a member of the Board of Management at GfKORR (Gesellschaft für Korrosionsschutz - a company specialising in corrosion inhibitors) as well as an active member of GUS (Gesellschaft für Umweltsimulation - an environmental simulation company) and of the IPC. He has already published numerous technical articles.
