Quality Assessment and Reliability Analysis of Semiconductor Power Modules

The main aim of this project is to assess the lifecycle emission, quality and reliability of a DC-DC converter, considering various topologies and semiconductor devices such as MOSFET, IGBT in such designs. A MATLAB based model to answer the hypothesis of an optimized design will also be developed. Different end of life scenarios for power electronics components will be considered and specific tests will be proposed to investigate the end of life of power electronics components. Lifecycle assessment of components and comverters will be done using special LCA software like Gabi or Simapro. At the end of research, a new prototype of DC-DC converter with new topologies and specific semiconductor components to ensure optimal sustainability, reliability and quality will be produced. Y1: Undertaking taught modules in Newcastle university and Nottingham university to gain some practical knowledge and understanding of power electronics (especially the various types of DC-DC converters) and also experience in the design, simulation, life cycle assessment, construction and testing of a power converter.

Key Milestone: Successful completion of selected modules and familiarity with various simulation software such as PSIM, Simulink, PLECS, Gabi etc. Also good exposure to electronic components such as MOSFET,IGBT, Resistors, Inductors, Capacitors, Diodes and the purposes they serve in power converters.
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Y2: Continuation of Y1 objectives, while narrowing the focus on a specific DC-DC converter. Exploring existing literature pertaining to LCA, reliability and quality of various topologies in such designs. Understanding the use of semiconductors such as MOSFET in controlling the switching mechanism of such power converters. Understanding the manufacturing and end of life determination for different components.
Key Milestone: Formulating and finalizing the research objective, including any hypothesis . Publish the first journal paper.
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Y3: Continuation of Y2 objectives. Most of the focus on the execution of the research plan and continuous personal development. Design and optimized DC-DC converter. Construction of a DC-DC converter prototype. In-depth analysis of the potential failure modes and practical experimentation to understand the reliability models and end of life of this converter.
Key Milestone: Delivery of DC-DC power converter prototype with experimental results on reliability and quality. Publish second journal paper.

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Y4: Continuation of Y3 objectives with a focus on completion of all deliverables as outlined in the CDT structure. Summarizing the results. Optimizing the MATLAB design optimization model with various results and performance data on the quality and reliability of the DC-DC converter prototype build. Writing up the dissertation.
Key Milestone: Thesis delivery, viva voce. Publish third journal paper.

Note: As this research is on part time basis; a year in this case covers 24 months period.