Thermomechanical behavior of power modules has always been an issue regarding reliability improvement. Silver sintering technology is one of the few alternatives for dieattachment, which could bring longer operating lifetime. Finite Elements Modeling (FEM) is as much critical as experimental development for such a new technology. In this paper, we present a lifetime evaluation approach for power modules used in automotive applications thanks to thermal characterizations, thermal ageing and thermomechanical FEM analyzes. Lower Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) mismatch with silver sintering technology than with soldering, increases the thermomechanical resistance to thermal swings (about 6 times). FEM analyzes of accumulation of strain energy density helps to understand and locate the high stress area in silver sintered power module. Finally, this study leads us to estimate the operating lifetime of silver sintered assemblies for a specific mission profile by considering the thermomechanical behavior.
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