Application Note

VISHAY SEMICONDUCTORS
www.vishay.com
Power Modules
Application Note
Mounting Instructions for Modules
EMIPAK-1B, EMIPAK-2B Series
By Kevin Liu
This application note introduces Vishay’s EMIPAK modules
and discusses the assembly and PCB issues involved in
their use.
EMIPAK modules are designed to provide reliable
performance in rugged 15 A to 150 A applications. A single
housing is used to integrate power components, providing
higher power density. Various die selections are available in
several configurations. An integrated thermal sensor is also
included.
INTRODUCTION
are
Fig. 1 - Example of EMIPAK-1B Module
Recommendations for each of these items and
requirements for mounting EMIPAK modules to the PCB are
discussed in the following sections.
Fig. 2 - Example of EMIPAK-2B Module
Vishay’s EMIPAK-1B and EMIPAK-2B
distinguished by these key features:
modules
• Fully isolated
• Compact and easy to mount
• Low profile package suitable for assembly on PCB
• Low junction-to-case thermal resistance
Important factors in the assembly process are:
• Heat sink design
• PCB design
• Power leads size/area
• Distance from adjacent heating parts
• Protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD)
ESD PROTECTION
HEATSINK SPECIFICATION
The contact surface of the heat sink must be flat, with a recommended tolerance of < 0.03 mm (< 1.18 mils) and a levelling depth
of < 0.02 mm (< 0.79 mils), according to DIN/ISO 1302. In general, a milled or machined surface is satisfactory if prepared with
tools in good working condition. The heat sink mounting surface must be clean, with no dirt, corrosion, or surface oxide. It is
very important to keep the mounting surface free from particles exceeding 0.05 mm (2 mils) in thickness.
Revision: 14-Dec-15
Document Number: 95580
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APPLICATION NOTE
IGBT, MOSFET, and diode modules are sensitive to ESD. All EMIPAK modules are ESD-protected during shipment with an
antistatic tube. Anyone handling or working with the modules during the assembly process must wear a conductive grounded
wristband.
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Mounting Instructions for EMIPAK-1B and EMIPAK-2B Modules
MODULE MOUNTING SURFACE
The mounting surface of EMIPAK modules must be with no particles. Discolorations or polished copper layer can be present
as results of overall assembly process of the device; they do not have impact on thermal dissipation and on device
performances in final applications, therefore are considered just as cosmetic imperfection (see below figures as examples).
Fig. 3 - Example of discoloration
Fig. 4 - Example of discoloration
Fig. 5 - Example of discoloration
Slightly scratch also do not have impact on thermal dissipation and on device performances (Fig. 6 as example).
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Document Number: 95580
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APPLICATION NOTE
Fig. 6 - Example of scratch
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Mounting Instructions for EMIPAK-1B and EMIPAK-2B Modules
MOUNTING OPERATIONS
Inspect the module to ensure that the contact surface of the base is clean, and that there are no lumps or bulges on the
baseplate that could damage the base or reduce heat transfer across the surfaces.
Make a uniform coat on the heat sink mounting surfaces or on module baseplate with a good quality thermal compound, or
direct application with screen printing technique is recommended. The test conditions for thermal resistance values on the
datasheet specify a uniform layer of thermal compound with a thickness in the range of 0.08 mm (3.1 mils) to 0.1 mm (4 mils).
The thermal conductivity of the compound should not be less than 0.7 W/mK.
Bolt the module to the heat sink using the two fixing holes. An even amount of torque should be applied for each individual
mounting screw. An M4 screw should be used with lock washers. A torque wrench, accurate in the specified range, must be
used to achieve optimum results when mounting the module. The first mounting screw should be tightened to one third of the
recommended torque; the second screw should then be tightened to the same torque. Full tightening of both screws can then
be completed applying the recommended torque (see data in bulletins). Over-tightening the mounting screw may result in
deformation of the package, which would increase the thermal resistance and damage the semiconductors. After a period of
three hours, check the torque with a final tightening in opposite sequence to allow the spread of the compound.
Due to the limited distance between the screw head and the top side of the device, it is suggested to design the PCB with the
conductive tracks and / or components in position to achieve the required level of clearance / creepage required by the
customer's application, and maybe also adding an extra insulation coating.
If the module needs to be removed from the PCB, the first step is to unscrew it from the heat sink, followed by gentle movement
of the module to separate it from the heatsink. Thermal grease will remain both on the heatsink surface and the bottom
baseplate surface.
PRESSFIT TO PCB
To contact EMIPAK-1B and EMIPAK-2B pins to the PCB, the solder-free PressFit method can be used, which offers the major
advantage is the eliminating solder reflow and its related temperature profile.
The majority of standard FR4 PCB boards can be used with no special requirement in terms of dimension and number of layers.
Vishay tested both FR4 125 and FR4 180 PCB models.
EMIPAK pins have been designed with the size and shape required to fit into the PCB holes during the assembly process. The
typical pin eyelet size is 1.2 mm (47 mils) wide and 0.64 mm (25.2 mils) thick.
1.2 mm
2.2 mm
0.64 mm
Fig. 7 - Example of pins
As per IEC 60352-5 the PCB material should be defined with following specifications;
• PCB hole diameter: 1.12 mm to 1.15 mm (44 mils to 42.9 mils)
• Copper thickness in hole: 25 μm to 50 μm (0.98 mils to 1.96 mils)
• Metallization in hole: < 15 μm (0.59 mils)
• End hole diameter (after hole plating): 0.94 mm to 1.09 mm (37 mils to 42.9 mils)
• Copper thickness of conductors: 35 μm to 400 μm (1.37 mils to 15.74 mils), typical 70 μm to 105 μm (2.75 mils to 4.13 mils)
• Metallization of circuit board: tin (chemical)
• Metallization of pin: tin (galvanic)
Revision: 14-Dec-15
Document Number: 95580
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APPLICATION NOTE
The contact between the pin and PCB hole will result in a very low contact resistance (less than 500 m) Double-sided or
multilayer PCBs according to IEC 60249 can be used.
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Mounting Instructions for EMIPAK-1B and EMIPAK-2B Modules
Due to the wide variety of PCB construction methods and designs available on the market, there are multiple solutions that
might be adopted by EMIPAK module end users. Vishay strongly suggests adhering to the specifications described above,
which have been used to test and qualify EMIPAK press-fit pin solutions. In principle, other methods to get tin plating, like HAL,
might be used if they can guarantee the needed tolerances in layer thickness.
We do not recommend reusing an EMIPAK device after it has been de-mounted from the PCB. However tests conducted during
qualification showed no degradation of the press-fit pin contact or variation of the needed press-in force after three cycles
(mount / de-mount) of the same module on three different PCBs with 25 mm/min insertion speeds. If an EMIPAK module must
be reused, we suggest soldering the connecting pins.
On the other hand it is possible to utilize the same PCB after de-mounting from the EMIPAK module up to three times. The tests
conducted during qualification showed no degradation of the PCB hole contact and variation of the needed press-in and
pull-out forces after three cycles (mount / de-mount) of different modules on the same PCB with 25 mm/min (1 inch/min)
insertion speed. However, special attention must be taken to avoid pin damage and bending during the mount / de-mount
process.
PRESS-IN
Based on the results of the qualification tests we suggest mounting the EMIPAK module on the PCB with the following
conditions:
Insertion speed in the range: 25 mm/min to 50 mm/min (1 inch/min to 2 inch/min) as suggested also in IEC 60352-5
• Minimum force to press-in each pin is 35 N.
• Maximum force to press-in each pin is 90 N.
• Therefore, the press-in force for a 20 pin EMIPAK module should be in the range 0.7 kN to 1.8 kN.
The press-in procedure using a semiautomatic machine is illustrated below.
Alignment column
PCB
Fixing plate
Fig. 8 - Step 1: Put the PCB on the assistant tool
Stand-off
Fig. 9 - Step 2: Put the EMIPAK module on the PCB and make sure the alignment column is aligned into stand-off.
Revision: 14-Dec-15
Document Number: 95580
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APPLICATION NOTE
Alignment column
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Mounting Instructions for EMIPAK-1B and EMIPAK-2B Modules
Fig. 10 - Step 3: Start the semiautomatic machine to press the pressfit module into the PCB,
making sure there is no gap between the stand-off and the PCB.
Fig. 11 - Step 4: Stop the machine and press-in is finished
The force to be applied in order to press-out the single pin is at least 20 N. Therefore, the force needed to press-out a 20-pin
EMIPAK module is 0.4 kN.
To press-out the EMIPAK module from the PCB, we suggest using the tool and pushing directly by contacting the pin’s edge.
It is not recommended to remove the device from the PCB by pulling the baseplate. The press-out setup tool is illustrated below.
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Document Number: 95580
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APPLICATION NOTE
PRESS-OUT
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Mounting Instructions for EMIPAK-1B and EMIPAK-2B Modules
PCB
Module
Remove mold
Fig. 12
MOUNTING A PCB TO THE MODULE (Single Module)
The EMIPAK module housing has been designed with four stand-off lids. They can be used to tighten the PCB to the module
body by adding screws. Fig. 13 shows a schematic of a PCB connected to an EMIPAK through screws tightened into the
module’s stand-offs. Screwing into a plastic cavity is a delicate operation, and care has to be taken to avoid stand-off damage.
We suggest using M2.5 x 10 self-tapping screws, in accordance with the PCB thickness, to avoid touching the bottom surface
of the stand-off cavity. The screws will self-thread into the stand-off cavity. The vertical position of the screw must also be
maintained to prevent lateral insertion. We also suggest mounting the screws in a crosswise sequence. Fox example, if the fixing
holes are 1, 2, 3, and 4 in a clockwise or counter-clockwise sequence, then we suggest mounting the screws by the sequence
1 and 3, then 2 and 4. In addition, the screwdriver used should have a slow rotating speed. Typical mounting torque is
0.45 Nm ± 10 %. Do not exceed 1 Nm to avoid screw / plastic damage.
Screw
PCB
EMIPAK module
Stand-off
Fig. 13
b) Mount the module on the heatsink, and then press-in the PCB to the module. 
In process A, it is suggested to use spacers to keep adequate distance between the PCB and heatsink. The spacers should be
positioned at least 5 cm (2 inches) far from the modules in order to reduce the forces applied to the module pins. 
In process B, the spacers can be closer to the module.
Revision: 14-Dec-15
Document Number: 95580
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APPLICATION NOTE
In applications where one single module is used in each system, the following alternative process flows are both suitable:
a) First press-in the module to the PCB, then mount the module on the heatsink
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Mounting Instructions for EMIPAK-1B and EMIPAK-2B Modules
Fig. 14
PRESS-IN TOOLS
The pin-to-PCB press-in operation has been defined and validated by using the tools shown in Fig. 15. We suggest adopting a
similar approach when selecting the press-in to be installed at the end user manufacturing floor.
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Fig. 15 - The tool for PCB module press-in
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Mounting Instructions for EMIPAK-1B and EMIPAK-2B Modules
Fig. 16 - Photo of the tool for PCB module press-in
The bottom side of the press tool keeps the PCB fixed, while the top side moves and applies force directly onto the module
baseplate. 
MOUNTING A PCB TO THE MODULE (Multiple Modules)
Special settings have to be prepared when simultaneously mounting more than one EMIPAK module on the same PCB.
The following process flow is recommended:
a) Press-in modules to PCB
b) Mount modules to the heatsink
c) Connect the spacers
PRESS-IN TOOLS
The pin-to-PCB press-in operation can be performed adopting a similar approach of that of a single module, but the press-in tool
has to leave an air gap between the PCB and module stand-off and avoid contact between the two parts. In such a way the
press-in tool compensates the modules’ height tolerance, levelling all modules. Therefore a height of 12.4 mm - 0 mm + 0.05 mm
(488 mils - 0 mils + 1.97 mils) is suggested.
Document Number: 95580
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Revision: 14-Dec-15
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Mounting Instructions for EMIPAK-1B and EMIPAK-2B Modules
Fig. 17 - Press-In
MOUNTING TO THE HEATSINK AND CONNECTION OF SPACERS
Thanks to the above press-in method description, the spacers can be placed close to the modules as needed.
Document Number: 95580
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Mounting Instructions for EMIPAK-1B and EMIPAK-2B Modules
Fig. 18 - Module and PCB fixing
SOLDER TO PCB
As an alternative method, the device pins can be soldered to the PCB. The PCB must be designed with appropriate tolerances
on its hole diameters. Soldering operations must be done so as to avoid inducing any mechanical stress from pulling or
tensioning the module pins. The module stand-off can be used to help align the PCB and keep proper distance. EMIPAK
modules can be soldered to the PCB using hand iron or wave soldering processes. To prevent overheating of the device, we
suggest that soldering time not exceed 8 s to 10 s at a temperature of 260 °C. The mounting of the module on the heatsink can
be done either before or after soldering the module pins onto the PCB.
In case of removal of the module from the PCB, the first step involves unscrewing the heatsink and PCB. Gentle movement of
the module will allow for separation from the heatsink, and thermal compound is expected to remain either on the heatsink
surface or on the bottom baseplate surface.
Document Number: 95580
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APPLICATION NOTE
Revision: 14-Dec-15