An empirical model of end-of-life performance data is used in a monte-carlo analysis to evaluate the current distribution across parallel current paths of a power module. It was shown how the expected distributions of current and voltage drop provide a method to de-rate the maximum current rating of contacts used in multi-path power applications. A number of new ideas were introduced in this paper. First, the end-of-life resistance data was used in conjunction with a monte-carlo analysis. This provided an empirically based model to determine the expected current and voltage variations. In addition, the concept of voltage drop change was applied as an end-of-life criteria to validate the maximum current rating of individual contacts. It is believed, the combined use of these concepts provides a technical basis for making decisions on current de-rating and the number of contacts needed to safely split the total current over multiple current paths.
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