Vibrational resistance investigation of an IGBT gate driver utilizing Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) and Highly Accelerated Life Test (HALT)

This work presents a methodology to determine the vibrational resistance of electrical components in power electronic systems. The procedure is exemplified by an IGBT gate driver that is mechano-dynamically characterized applying Laser- Doppler-Vibrometry. The experimental reference is used to validate a finite element model for predicting frequency response functions. Knowing the stress configuration of the gate driver for different automotive design spaces, statistical measures are applied to assess high cycle fatigue. Based on the thesis of linear damage calculation, critical devices are identified and time to failures calculated. As predicted lifetimes significantly exceed reasonable laboratory times, a modified HALT test is introduced that validates the lifetime model.