Power modules for the next chapter of electromobility
- Power modules in the traction inverter are becoming a decisive factor for efficiency, power density, and the scalability of electric drivetrains.
- Modern power modules must cover a wide range of power and voltage levels, enable high power density, and support different inverter topologies in order to serve various vehicle classes and system architectures.
- Bosch addresses these requirements with a SiC-based power module portfolio, particularly with the PM6 family for high-performance high-voltage architectures and the DSL family for flexible solutions and circuit topologies.
The industrial scaling of electromobility is presenting manufacturers with new challenges: Electric vehicles must reach the market faster, be produced in higher volumes, and remain cost-efficient; all while global competition intensifies and stable supply chains become increasingly important. These conditions directly affect key components of the electric powertrain, especially the power modules used within.
New requirements for power modules
Modern power modules must meet demanding requirements to be scalable across vehicle classes. They need to cover a broad range of power and voltage levels: from compact vehicles with around 80 kW of drive power to high-performance vehicles exceeding 400 kW, and from conventional 400 V systems to 800 V architectures and potentially even 1,200 V systems in the future. Only in this way can different vehicle classes and platforms be efficiently served using the same technology.
At the same time, pressure is increasing to design power modules as compactly as possible. Installation space in vehicles is limited and expensive, which makes high power density one of the key characteristics of modern power modules. It enables powerful inverters to be integrated into different vehicle architectures, from compact cars to SUVs or commercial vehicles. Another factor is the growing diversity of circuit topologies. Vehicle manufacturers pursue different technical strategies, ranging from conventional B6 architectures to more efficient multilevel circuits. Modern power modules must support these approaches while providing a scalable technical foundation for a wide range of applications within the electric drivetrain.
With our power module portfolio, we provide vehicle manufacturers with the technical flexibility required to successfully implement efficiency, scalability, and different drivetrain concepts in electromobility
PM6: Scalable peak performance for modern high-voltage architectures
The PM6 module family from Bosch is specifically designed for compact and powerful traction inverters. It forms a half bridge with two topological switches and can be combined efficiently to create conventional B6 inverters. Three PM6 modules form a complete three-phase B6 bridge and enable power levels from roughly 80 kW to over 400 kW covering a wide range of applications from passenger cars to high-performance vehicles.
A key feature of the PM6 is its platform concept. Power scaling is not achieved by paralleling multiple power modules, but within the module itself. Depending on the power requirement, different SiC MOSFET configurations per power module can be integrated, for example four, eight, or twelve chips with varying chip sizes. Hence either two, four or six chips with up to 40 mm² per die are connected in parallel per topological switch. This allows a single inverter platform to be used across multiple vehicle classes. For vehicle manufacturers, this means fewer variants, reduced development effort, and easier production scaling.
The module is also specifically optimized for efficiency and power density. Silicon nitride substrates ensure effective heat dissipation and high resistance to thermal cycling. A symmetrical layout reduces stray inductances, switching losses, and voltage spikes. This enables higher switching speeds, improving overall system efficiency while also extending the lifetime of the power electronics.
DSL: a flexible solution for solutions and circuit topologies
While the PM6 is designed as a compact platform for conventional architectures, the DSL modules offer maximum flexibility for various applications in the electric drivetrain. The compact DSL contains two parallel SiC MOSFETs and can be used in different circuit topologies. Its key strength lies in the straightforward scalability of power. Due to its compact design, system performance can be flexibly adjusted by paralleling multiple modules.
For smaller applications, a single DSL module may already be sufficient. A conventional B6 bridge, for example, requires six DSL modules. For higher power levels, two modules can be operated in parallel, resulting in twelve DSL modules in a B6 architecture. For even higher power requirements, paralleling three or four modules is also possible, provided sufficient installation space. This modular principle enables high adaptability to different vehicle concepts and performance requirements. At the same time, system design remains flexible, as DSL modules can be used in various architectures and thus supports a wide range of electric drivetrains.
Bosch as a partner for the next generation of electromobility
In addition to powerful products, Bosch focuses on strong partnerships with vehicle manufacturers. A global production and development network across Europe, Asia, and the Americas enables a “local-for-local” supply strategy and helps ensure stable and resilient supply chains.
At the same time, Bosch continuously advances SiC technology. New chip generations increase efficiency and performance, while creating the foundation for future high-power applications. With its comprehensive understanding of the entire drivetrain system – from semiconductor chips to power modules and the complete electric drivetrain – Bosch also supports manufacturers in integrating the technology and bringing new vehicle concepts to market quickly.
Four good reasons for Bosch power modules
- Wide power and voltage range: The Bosch portfolio covers applications from compact cars to premium vehicles and from 400 V to 800 V architectures, with future readiness for 1,200 V systems.
- High power density for compact inverters: Advanced SiC technology enables powerful inverters while minimizing installation space in the vehicle.
- Maximum flexibility: The Bosch portfolio supports different circuit topologies and can therefore be integrated into various technical strategies pursued by vehicle manufacturers.
- Proven reliability and global supply capability: Bosch combines robust module technology with a worldwide production and development network to ensure stable supply chains and long-term planning .
Expert perspective:
Sebastian Strache
Senior Application Engineer Power Modules
Responsible for power module application, integration, and customer focused innovation at Bosch
With deep expertise in power modules, traction inverter applications, and system level trade offs, Sebastian Strache supports customers in selecting and integrating the best fit Bosch power modules for their specific requirements. Bridging semiconductor innovation and system demands, he helps translate advanced SiC technology into compact, efficient, and reliable inverter solutions: from portfolio definition to successful design in.
Want to learn more about the application expertise behind Bosch’s power modules? Discover how Sebastian Strache combines system insight, customer collaboration, and technological innovation to enable high performance power electronics for eMobility.


