Does AQG 324 v04.1 replace earlier versions for silicon IGBT modules?

No. The update adds SiC-specific requirements; silicon IGBT modules continue to be assessed under the guideline's existing provisions.

Is power-cycling data from a prior AQG 324 revision still valid?

That depends on the customer's or program's qualification plan and which revision it references. Programs should confirm directly with the party requiring the qualification.

Can T3Ster and Power Tester data be combined into a single report?

Yes — thermal transient measurement on T3Ster is typically run before and after power cycling on Power Tester so that thermal resistance drift can be reported alongside cycles-to-failure.

01AQG 324 v04.1

AQG 324 v04.1 — SiC power-cycling requirements

AQG 324 v04.1, published April 2025, added explicit power-cycling test requirements and acceptance criteria for silicon-carbide (SiC) power modules used in automotive traction and charging applications. Earlier revisions of the guideline were written primarily around silicon IGBT modules; the v04.1 update reflects SiC's different failure mechanisms (bond wire lift-off and solder fatigue behave differently under SiC's faster switching and higher junction temperature swings).

When it takes effect

Effective from publication in April 2025. Automotive OEMs and Tier 1s are progressively referencing v04.1 in new sourcing and design-in packages for SiC-based traction inverters and onboard chargers.

Who it affects

Power module suppliers and automotive Tier 1s qualifying SiC modules for traction inverters, DC-DC converters, and onboard chargers where the customer's qualification plan references AQG 324.

What evidence satisfies it

Power-cycling lifetime data (cycles-to-failure across the qualification's specified ΔTj range) and thermal impedance / structure-function measurement before and after cycling, generated under the guideline's defined test conditions.

02How that evidence is produced

This evidence is produced by combining power cycling with pre/post thermal transient characterization on the same devices.

Product

Simcenter Micred Power Tester

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Product

Simcenter Micred T3Ster

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Contracted alternative

Where a program needs the cycling and characterization run as a contracted test campaign rather than performed in-house, that work is available as a paid ROIfast™ engagement.

03Frequently asked

Is your next qualification affected?

Tell us about your program and we'll help map it to the evidence this standard requires. Engineering work is delivered as a paid ROIfast™ engagement.

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