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Patent for Power Electronics Assembly with Vertically Stacked Transistors Filed by Toyota Researchers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Patent was filed by researchers from Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Inc., specifically Hitoshi Fujioka, Shailesh Joshi, and Danny Lohan, on November 5, 2020. The patent, assigned patent number 12431770, was published online on September 30, 2025.

The patent details a power electronics assembly with vertically stacked transistors. This innovative design aims to improve performance and reduce size while minimizing parasitic inductance. The inventors described the assembly as comprising multiple components, including a first power electronics apparatus with a first transistor, a second transistor stacked on the first transistor, and a busbar that is electrically connected to the first and second transistors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The patent filed by Toyota researchers describes a power electronics assembly with vertically stacked transistors that can be used in various contexts, including automotive applications.
  • The assembly comprises a first power electronics apparatus including a first transistor, a second transistor stacked on the first transistor, at least one electrical conductor, and a busbar that is electrically connected to the first and second transistors.
  • The inventors claim that the relative placement and shape of the power electronic devices, gate drive devices, and capacitors have significant effects on performance and size.
  • The assembly also includes a capacitor that extends across opposite sides of the first power electronics apparatus, electrically connected to the busbar.
  • The power electronics assembly can be used in a vehicle, which includes an electric motor drive, a battery, and a traction inverter package that modifies the current of the battery.
  • The traction inverter package includes the first power electronics apparatus and a second power electronics apparatus, which includes a third transistor, a fourth transistor, a capacitor, and a second busbar.
  • The assembly includes a cooling device, which ensures efficient cooling of the various components, including the capacitors and gate drive devices.

Statistics:

  • The patent was filed on November 5, 2020, and published online on September 30, 2025.
  • The inventors filed the patent for Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Inc.
  • The patent includes 18 claims, describing various aspects of the power electronics assembly with vertically stacked transistors.

Sources:

  • Fujioka, Hitoshi. Power electronics assembly having vertically stacked transistors. U.S. Patent Number 12431770, filed November 5, 2020, and published online on September 30, 2025.
  • Patent URL (for desktop use only): https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/external.html?q=(12431770)&db=USPAT&type=ids

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