Automotive Inverter Design Employing Parallel Discrete SiC MOSFETs

The electrification of the automotive sector demands efficient, compact, and reliable power electronics. Electric vehicles (EVs) impose strict requirements on traction inverters in terms of power density, efficiency, thermal management, robustness, and scalability. This thesis presents the design of a high-power automotive inverter, developed as a case study to consolidate competences in inverter hardware engineering. The methodology follows five phases. First, a feasibility analysis defines operating requirements such as voltage, current, switching frequency, and thermal limits. Then, simplified PLECS simulations compare topologies, estimate conduction and switching losses, and validate DC-link sizing. Based on these results and industrial constraints, suitable components are selected, with emphasis on wide-bandgap devices like SiC MOSFETs, which allow higher switching frequencies and reduced losses. The design includes datasheet analysis, schematic implementation in KiCad, and PCB layout optimization for reduced parasitics and balanced current sharing. Particular attention is given to DC-link capacitor choice, heatsink-based thermal management, and MOSFET parallelization to satisfy current demands. Industrial aspects such as manufacturability, modularity, and cost are integrated to ensure automotive applicability. The thesis highlights how modeling, simulation, and design converge to achieve a compact and efficient inverter. Beyond technical results, the project serves as a framework for developing multidisciplinary skills in power electronics, thermal engineering, and industrial design, key for next-generation EVs.