Master's Thesis: Thermal and Loss Modeling of Semiconductor Devices

About the role

ABB Corporate Research in Västerås is offering a single student's master's thesis (30 hp / ECTS, January to June 2027) on combined thermal and loss modeling of semiconductor devices used in DC circuit breakers. The work follows the R&D Team Lead and uses multi-physics COMSOL simulations to predict energy dissipation and thermal stress during operation and fault interruption, supporting more efficient and reliable DC protection systems.

Key responsibilities

• Review existing thermal and loss models for Si IGBTs and SiC MOSFETs.
• Investigate the temperature dependence of electrical and thermal characteristics of semiconductor devices.
• Use simulation tools such as COMSOL and circuit simulators to model thermal and conducting behavior at the packaging level.
• Formulate a test plan to validate simulation results on real devices.
• Set up an experimental test environment, carry out laboratory experiments and prepare a detailed report.
• Possible publication; optional extension on the effect of different current waveforms on thermal behavior.

Required profile

• Enrolled in a Master's program in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a related field.
• Analytical and structured, curious and open-minded, comfortable with both theory and hands-on laboratory work.

Required skills

• Preferred: experience with finite element tools such as COMSOL and circuit simulators such as PLECS or Simulink.
• Familiarity with semiconductor theory is an advantage.