Ort:  Freiburg
Datum:  09.10.2025

Internship "Design, implementation and evaluation of double-pulse tests for WBG power modules"

Die Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.de) betreibt in Deutschland derzeit 76 Institute und Forschungseinrichtungen und ist eine der führenden Organisationen für anwendungsorientierte Forschung. Rund 32 000 Mitarbeitende erarbeiten das jährliche Forschungsvolumen von 3,4 Milliarden Euro.  

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg is the largest solar energy research institute in Europe. Our approximately 1400 employees are working for a sustainable, economic, safe and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energies. We contribute to this with our research priorities of energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage and energy use. We are shaping the sustainable transformation of the energy system through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, company spin-offs and global collaborations.

 

For our group "Power Converters", we are looking for a motivated student to join us as soon as possible for a voluntary or mandatory internship in the field "Automation of a power cycling test bench for lifetime analyses of wide-bandgap power modules”.

 

The use of wide-bandgap power semiconductors made of silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) promises many advantages over semiconductors made of silicon, including reduced switching losses, higher switching frequency and improved power density. Power modules with GaN or SiC power semiconductors require new module concepts with adapted assembly and interconnection technology to exploit the full potential of the semiconductors. These new types of power modules must meet the high reliability requirements for electromobility, aviation and industry. To investigate the aging of power modules, accelerated life tests with high temperature swings are carried out using a pulsed DC current. Such a power cycling test bench for lifetime analyses of wide-bandgap power modules is to be automated using Python. For this purpose, associated sources, measuring instruments and microcontrollers must be integrated. After the test conditions have been successfully implemented, first test runs are to be carried out and evaluated.

 

Was Du bei uns tust

  • You conduct literature research and look at the normative requirements.
  • Your tasks include automating a power cycling test bench for lifetime analyses of wide-bandgap power modules using Python.
  • You integrate associated sources, measuring instruments and microcontrollers in the automated test.
  • You define the test conditions and implement them in the automated measurement.
  • You investigate the aging and thermo-mechanical fatigue of new types of power modules through test runs on the automated test bench.
  • You create a final documentation.

 

Was Du mitbringst

  • You are studying electrical engineering, power electronics or a comparable subject.
  • You have already gained practical experience in the areas of automation and measurement technology.
  • You are a team player and have a committed and independent way of working.
  • You have very good knowledge of German or English.

 

Was Du erwarten kannst

  • Exclusive insight: By working together with the scientists in our department, you will gain insights into the day-to-day research and development work at a research institute.
  • Laboratory infrastructure: At Fraunhofer ISE, we work with state-of-the-art equipment and devices so that research projects can be carried out using the latest technology.
  • Research mix: You will have the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory, thus applying and expanding the knowledge you gained during your studies.
  • Supervision: You will be supervised by scientists during your work and receive feedback on your progress.
  • Teamwork: You will gain experience in working in a team with our scientific and student staff and can contribute the experience you have already gained.
  • Working hours and location: We offer you the opportunity to flexibly adjust your working hours to your needs and to occasionally work from home.
  • Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and embrace diversity.
  • After work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after-work events or our annual employee parties.

 

 

For the internship, an expense allowance is paid. The weekly working hours are 39 hours.

 

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications, regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation, or identity. Disabled persons with equal qualifications will be given preference in hiring.

 

Interested? Apply online now (incl. application letter, CV, certificates of employment/performance). We look forward to getting to know you!

 

Questions about this position will be answered by:

Dennis Wöhrle

Tel.Nr:  +49 (0)761 4588-2025

E-Mail: dennis.woehrle@ise.fraunhofer.de

 

Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme ISE 

www.ise.fraunhofer.de 


Kennziffer: 81563            


Stellensegment: R&D Engineer, Sustainability, R&D, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Energy, Research