External adjustment of drive control of switch

Abstract

A control system to control a conductivity modulation device of a power switch array. The control system includes: a system controller to receive an indication indicating that the system controller is to adjust a driving characteristic of the conductivity modulation device, and to output a command signal; and a switch controller configured to receive the command signal and control energy delivery to the load by controlling on and off of the conductivity modulation device. The switch controller comprises an adjustable driving element, an interface and a driving characteristic control device; the adjustable driving element is used for controlling rising time and / or falling time of voltage on the conductivity modulation device; an interface coupled to the system controller and configured to receive and interpret the command signal and output a drive characteristic signal, the driving characteristic control device is used for receiving a driving characteristic signal and changing the driving characteristic by controlling the adjustable driving element in response to the driving characteristic signal so as to adjust the rising time and / or the falling time of the voltage on the conductivity modulation device.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of September 11, 2020, the application number of 202010957699.6, and the name of “External Adjustment of Drive Control of Switches”. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a switch controller for a semiconductor switch, and more particularly to a switch controller that can be controlled by a user or a system controller. BACKGROUND

[0003] Household and industrial appliances such as ventilation fans, cooling systems, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines / dryers, and many other white products / goods typically utilize electric motors that transfer energy from a power source to a mechanical load. The electrical energy used to drive the electric motor is provided by a drive system that draws electrical energy from a power source (e.g., from an alternating current (ac) low frequency source). The electrical energy received from the power source is processed by a power converter and converted to a desired form of electrical energy that is supplied to the motor to achieve a desired mechanical output of the motor. The desired mechanical output of the motor can be, for example, the speed, torque, or position of the motor shaft.

[0004] Motors and their associated circuitry, such as motor drives, represent a large portion of the utility network load. The functionality, efficiency, size, and price of motor drives are challenging and are competitive factors that vendors of these products consider. The functionality of the power converter in a motor drive includes providing input electrical signals, such as voltage, current, frequency, and phase, to the motor to achieve a desired mechanical output load motion (e.g., rotation / force) on the motor shaft. In one embodiment, the power converter can be an inverter that transfers a direct current (dc) input to an ac output of a desired voltage, current, frequency, and phase, and typically includes one or more switches to control the transfer of energy. Each switch of the power converter is controlled by a switch controller. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein the same reference numerals are used to refer to same components throughout the several views.

[0006] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a system having a system controller that adjusts the drive characteristics of a switch according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2A is a timing diagram of various waveforms of a system during a switch turn-on event according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1

[0008] is a timing diagram of various waveforms of a system during a switch turn-off event according to embodiments of the present disclosure.Figure 2B is a timing diagram of various waveforms of a system according to embodiments of the disclosure during a switch-off event Figure 1

[0009] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of a system controller and a switch controller according to embodiments of the disclosure illustrating example commands from the system controller to adjust the switches Figure 1

[0010] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of a switch controller according to embodiments of the disclosure illustrating receiving commands from a user

[0011] Figure 5A is a functional block diagram of a motor driver having a system controller to adjust one or more switches of various half-bridge modules according to embodiments of the disclosure

[0012] Figure 5B is a functional block diagram of a system controller and a half-bridge module according to embodiments of the disclosure Figure 5A

[0013] Figure 6A is a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a power converter in a half-bridge configuration having a system controller to adjust one or more switches according to embodiments of the disclosure

[0014] Figure 6B is a functional block diagram of another embodiment of a power converter in a half-bridge configuration having a system controller to adjust one or more switches according to embodiments of the disclosure

[0015] Figure 6C is a functional block diagram of a system controller, interface, and switch controller according to embodiments of the disclosure Figure 6A Figure 6B

[0016] In all of the several views of the drawings, corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Skilled artisans will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of the present embodiments of the application. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] ​​​​​In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present application can be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present application.

[0018] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "one example", or "an example" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", "one example" or "an example" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable

[0019] In the context of the present application, when a transistor is in an "off state" or "off", the transistor does not substantially conduct current. Conversely, when a transistor is in an "on state" or "on", the transistor significantly conducts current. For example, in one embodiment, a high voltage transistor comprises an N-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (NMOS) in which a high voltage is supported between a first terminal, i.e., drain, and a second terminal, i.e., source. In another embodiment, a high voltage transistor comprises an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) in which a high voltage is supported between a first terminal, i.e., collector, and a second terminal, i.e., emitter. For the purposes of the present disclosure, "ground" or "ground potential" refers to a reference voltage or potential relative to which all other voltages or potentials of an electronic circuit or integrated circuit (IC) are defined or measured. In one embodiment, a transistor or switch can also be referred to as a conductivity modulating device that can be controlled to conduct various amounts of current.

[0020] Inverters with half-bridge switching configurations are commonly used with motor drives. Instead of implementing a full-bridge switching configuration, utilizing a half-bridge switching circuit with a low-side control block and a high-side control block (also referred to as a low-side switch controller and a high-side switch controller) inside a single package (e.g., a module) allows for support of multi-phase inverters, such as single-phase and three-phase inverters, that provide increased layout flexibility and simplified thermal management for each module. For a variety of reasons, using a modular half-bridge circuit structure for a motor drive inverter can reduce overall system cost. Each switch of the half-bridge circuit structure is typically controlled by a switch controller, which in turn is controlled by a system controller. The switches are controlled by the switch controllers to regulate energy delivery in response to signals received from the system controller and / or a user.

[0021] Conductivity modulation devices, such as transistors, can be used for one or more switches in a power converter, such as an inverter. Typical losses associated with conductivity modulation devices are conduction losses and switching losses (also referred to as cross-over losses). Conduction losses are generated in response to a voltage across a conductivity modulation device when the conductivity modulation device is conducting current, in response to a current through the conductivity modulation device. Switching losses are typically associated with losses that occur when a conductivity modulation device transitions between an on state and an off state or between an off state and an on state.

[0022] Generally, a conductivity modulation device takes time to transition from an on state to an off state and from an off state to an on state in response to a drive signal provided to a control terminal of the conductivity modulation device. A control terminal of a field effect transistor (FET), an insulated gate bipolar transistor, or a silicon carbide (SiC)-based transistor is commonly referred to as a gate terminal. A control terminal of a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) is commonly referred to as a base terminal. The time for a conductivity modulation device to transition from an off state to an on state can be referred to as a turn-on time, while the time for a conductivity modulation device to transition from an on state to an off state can be referred to as a turn-off time. Switching / crossover losses occur during this transition time, and they can be reduced by reducing the turn-on time and the turn-off time. Additionally, shorter turn-on times and turn-off times generally correspond to reduced temperatures of the conductivity modulation device (and thus the system). However, shorter turn-on times and turn-off times also generally correspond to increased system-level electromagnetic interference (EMI). As such, there is generally a trade-off between EMI, switching losses, and temperature.

[0023] The duration of the turn-on and turn-off times of a conductance modulator is related to the characteristics of the drive signal supplied to the control terminal of the conductance modulator. It should be understood that the conductance modulator can be voltage-controlled or current-controlled at the gate terminal. A voltage-controlled conductance modulator is typically controlled using a voltage source and a drive resistor (also called a gate resistor), and the drive current for the conductance modulator is determined by the voltage drop across the control resistor. In other words, the value of the voltage source controls the drive characteristics of the conductance modulator. A current-controlled conductance modulator may include a current source, and the drive current for the conductance modulator is determined based on the charge delivered through the current source. In other words, the value of the current source controls the drive characteristics of the conductance modulator. In one embodiment, the drive signal is a current characterized by its amplitude, direction, and rate of change. The characteristics of the drive current determine the charge passing through the control terminal of the conductance modulator, and it is the charge that ultimately modulates the conductance of the conductance modulator. A higher amplitude drive current corresponds to more charge at the control terminal in a shorter time, resulting in shorter turn-on and / or turn-off times and lower switching / crossing losses. In systems such as motor drives, there may be conditions under which a system controller can determine the need to temporarily deliver more power to the load without exceeding the maximum permissible temperature of the switching devices. The controller can reduce the on-time and / or off-time of the switching devices to provide a temporary increase in power. Furthermore, the system can be configured to tolerate higher electrical noise during periods when higher power is required. In embodiments of the invention, the characteristics of the driver for the conductance modulation device can be adjusted by the system controller and / or the user via a switch controller and / or dedicated hardware sensors. The adjusted drive can increase or decrease the power delivered to the load within limits of other system parameters. In other words, the user and / or the system controller can adjust the drive characteristics of the conductance modulation device to meet varying requirements. This can be achieved by a switch controller including a drive characteristic control device that receives drive characteristic signals representing one or more drive characteristics of the conductance modulation device. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the conductance modulation device can be adjusted by the system controller and / or the user in real time, thus allowing the drive characteristics of the conductance modulation device to be adjusted as needed to meet varying requirements.

[0024] Figure 1A system 100 with a system controller 102 that adjusts the drive characteristics of a conductance modulation device 106 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. System 100 includes a system controller 102 and a power switch array 104. The power switch array 104 may include one or more conductance modulation devices. As shown, the power switch array 104 includes conductance modulation devices 106, 108, 110, and 112. The conductance modulation devices 106, 108, 110, and 112 are illustrated as being coupled together by dashed lines to emphasize that the power switch array 104 can be coupled in various configurations. For example, the conductance modulation devices in the power switch array 104 may represent transistors of one or more inverters having a half-bridge switching configuration or other power converter topology. In another embodiment, the conductance modulation devices in the power switch array 104 may represent one or more inverter transistors having a full-bridge switching configuration.

[0025] Each conductance modulator 106, 108, 110, and 112 is controlled by a switch controller; however, for ease of illustration, only the switch controller 114 for conductance modulator 106 is shown. The voltage across conductance modulator 106 is shown as voltage V. DS 150 (also known as drain-source voltage V) DS 150), while the conduction current of the conductivity modulation device 106 is the current I. D 148 (also known as drain current I) D 148). In the illustrated embodiment, the conductivity modulation device 106 is a current-controlled device. The control current for the conductivity modulation device 106 is shown as current I. G 146 (also known as gate current I) G 146). The conductivity modulation device can be a transistor, such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a bipolar transistor, an injection-enhanced gate transistor (IEGT), an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), and a gate turn-off thyristor (GTO). Furthermore, the conductivity modulation device can be based on silicon (Si), gallium nitride (GaN), or silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors.

[0026] System controller 102 is coupled to switch controller 114 via interface 120. In one embodiment, interface 120 provides current isolation between system controller 102 and switch controller 114. In another embodiment, interface 120 does not provide current isolation between system controller 102 and switch controller 114. As shown, system controller 102 receives a sensing signal 116 representing a power event. In one embodiment, a power event may be an indication for system controller 102 to provide increased power to a load such as a motor. In one implementation, the sensed power event may instruct system controller 102 to adjust the drive characteristics of conduction modulator 106. In one embodiment, system controller 102 adjusts the drive current of conduction modulator 106 (e.g., gate current I0). G The system controller 102 adjusts the drive characteristics of the conductivity modulator 106 by increasing the magnitude of the drive current during the on-time, off-time, or both. In one embodiment, the drive current may also be referred to as the drive strength, where a larger drive current magnitude corresponds to a larger drive strength. Or, in other words, a power event may instruct the system controller 102 to adjust the drive characteristics of the conductivity modulator 106 by increasing the gate current I. G An amplitude of 146 is used to reduce the drain current I of the conductivity modulation device 106. D The rise and / or fall times of 148 reduce the turn-on and / or turn-off times. In some implementations, a power event can instruct the system controller 102 to increase the gate current I. G An amplitude of 146 is used to reduce the drain-source voltage V. DS The fall time and / or rise time of 150 reduce the turn-on time and / or turn-off time. For example, system controller 102 modulates the current I of current sources 140 and 144. EN and I DIS The value is used to reduce the turn-on time and / or turn-off time. This will increase the gate current I. G One embodiment of a sensed power event of magnitude 146 may include an outdoor air conditioning fan that may have to overcome possible draft conditions during startup. Another embodiment of a sensed power event may include a dishwasher water pump that must pump a large amount of water in case the dishwasher drain pipe is accidentally filled. Yet another embodiment of a sensed power event may include a refrigerator during the initial installation (also known as the cooling period) to cool itself to a desired temperature.

[0027] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, system controller 102 outputs command signal 118 to switch controller 114. In one embodiment, command signal 118 is output in response to a received sensing signal 116. Command signal 118 represents one or more commands from system controller 102 to switch controller 114 and one or more commands from switch controller 114 to system controller 102. In one embodiment, communication between system controller 102 and switch controller 114 is bidirectional. Example commands communicated through and / or to system controller 102 may include a “status query” command, in which system controller 102 sends a ping to switch controller 114 to obtain the “status” of switch controller 114, such as information stored in the status register of the switch controller. Another example command communicated by system controller 102 may include a “fault” command, in which switch controller 114 has sensed a fault condition (such as overcurrent, overvoltage, overheating, etc.) in system 100 and communicates the fault to system controller 102. Typically, switch controller 114 responds to a sensed fault by turning off conductivity modulation device 106. Another example command conveyed by system controller 102 may include a “reset” command, wherein switch controller 114 is restarted or turned on. In embodiments of this disclosure, system controller 102 conveys adjustment commands indicating adjustments to one or more drive characteristics of conductivity modulation device 106. Example drive characteristics include those related to drain current I... D 148 and drain-source voltage V DS The gate current I related to the rise time and / or fall time of 150 G The amplitude (e.g., drive strength) of 146 can be modulated by the current I of current sources 140 and 144. EN and I DIS The value of I is used to change the gate current. G An amplitude of 146. Another example of drive characteristics may include that driven by the gate current I. G The duration of the drive conductivity modulation device 106 is 146. Another example of a drive characteristic may include the duration driven by the gate current I. G The frequency of the drive conductivity modulation device 106 is 146. For example, the gate current I... G 146 can be a pulse signal, which can be pulse width modulated (PWM) or pulse frequency modulated (PFM) in response to command signal 118. In some embodiments, command signal 118 can represent the gate current I... G 146's first amplitude or gate current I GThe conductance modulation device 106 is driven at a second amplitude, wherein the second amplitude is greater than the first amplitude. The command signal 118 can be a voltage signal or a current signal. In one embodiment, the command signal 118 can represent a digital word. Furthermore, the system controller 102 can apply encoding to the command signal 118.

[0028] Interface 120 receives command signal 118 and decodes / demodulates command signal 118 to output drive characteristic signal 128. In an embodiment, drive characteristic signal 128 represents one or more drive characteristics for conductivity modulator 106. Switch controller 114 also includes drive characteristic control device 122 and drive elements 124 and 126. As shown, interface 120 is coupled to drive characteristic control device 122 and outputs drive characteristic signal 128 to drive characteristic control device 122. Drive characteristic control device 122 is coupled to drive elements 124, 126 and controls drive elements 124, 126 to enable or disable (i.e., turn on or off) conductivity modulator 106. In an embodiment, drive characteristic control device 122 controls drive elements 124, 126 in response to drive characteristic signal 128. Furthermore, the drive characteristic control device 122 uses one or more drive characteristics provided by the drive characteristic signal 128 to control the drive elements 124, 126 to enable or disable (i.e., turn on or off) the conductivity modulation device 106. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the drive characteristic control device 122 outputs an enable signal EN 130 and a disable signal DIS 134 to turn the conduction modulator 106 on or off. In one embodiment, the enable signal EN 130 and the disable signal DIS 134 may be output via drive characteristic signal 128 in response to a command signal 118 from the system controller 102. In another embodiment, the enable signal EN 130 and the disable signal DIS 134 may be output in response to one or more signals separate from the command signal 118 received by the switch controller 114. Furthermore, the drive characteristic control device 122 may receive one or more signals separate from the command signal 118 and output an applicable enable signal EN 130 or disable signal DIS 134 to turn the conduction modulator 106 on or off.

[0029] As will be discussed further, in one embodiment, the drive characteristic control device 122 adjusts the drive strength (e.g., drive current) of the conductivity modulation device 106 by adjusting the current supplied by the drive elements 124, 126. As shown, the drive characteristic control device 122 outputs an enable trim signal 132 and a disable trim signal 136 to the drive elements 124 and 126, respectively, which adjust the gate current I. G The subsequent turn-on and turn-off times of the amplitude and conductivity modulation device 106 of 146.

[0030] The drive element 124 includes a switch 138 and a current I EN A current source 140 is used to enable the conductivity modulation device 106. The current source 140 is coupled to the conductivity modulation device 106 to provide current to a control terminal (e.g., a gate). The drive element 126 includes a switch 142 and a current I... DIS Current source 144 is used to disable conductivity modulation device 106. Current source 144 is coupled to conductivity modulation device 106 to draw current from a control terminal (e.g., a gate). In some embodiments, current sources 140 and 144 are trimmable current sources, where current I... EN and current I DIS The amplitude responds to the driving characteristic signal 128.

[0031] Drive characteristic control device 122 is coupled to output enable signal EN 130 and enable adjustment signal 132 to drive element 124. To enable conduction (i.e., turn on) of conduction of conductivity modulator 106, drive characteristic control device 122 outputs enable signal EN 130 to turn on switch 138 and turn off switch 140. Current I EN The control terminal of the conductivity modulator 106 is provided, and the gate current I of the conductivity modulator 106 is... G The amplitude of 146 is basically equal to the current I. EN In one embodiment, the enable signal EN 130 may be a rectangular pulse waveform with logic high and logic low portions of different lengths. The logic high portion may correspond to switch 138 being on, while the logic low portion may correspond to switch 138 being off (or vice versa). In one embodiment, the drive characteristic control device 122 outputs the enable signal EN 130 in response to a signal separate from the command signal 118 and the drive characteristic signal 128. The drive characteristic control device 122 outputs an enable adjustment signal 132 to adjust the current I. EN The value of , and therefore the gate current I.G The amplitude is 146. In embodiments of this disclosure, the enable adjustment signal 132 is responsive to the drive characteristic signal 128. The enable adjustment signal 132 can be a voltage signal or a current signal, wherein the current I... EN The amplitude corresponds to the value of the enable adjustment signal. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the enable adjustment signal 132 can adjust the current I... EN The value is adjusted to either the first current value I1 or the second current value I2; however, it should be understood that enabling the adjustment signal 132 can change the current I. EN The value is adjusted to multiple current values. When switch 138 is on and current source 140 is supplying current to conductivity modulator 106 while switch 142 is off, the gate current I... G The amplitude of 146 controls the fall time of the drain-source voltage VDS 150 and the turn-on time of the conductivity modulator 106. Thus, the system controller 102 can adjust the drive characteristics of the conductivity modulator 106, such as the drain current I... D 148 rise time and / or drain-source voltage V DS The descent time and connection time are 150.

[0032] Similarly, drive characteristic control device 122 is coupled to output disable signal DIS 134 and disable adjustment signal 136 to drive element 126. To disable conduction of conductivity modulator 106 (i.e., turn off), drive characteristic control device 122 outputs disable signal DIS 134 to turn on switch 142 and turn off switch 138. The amount of current drawn from the control terminal of conductivity modulator 106 is limited by the value of the current IDIS provided by current source 144. In one embodiment, disable signal DIS 134 is a rectangular pulse waveform with a logic high or low portion of varying length. The logic high portion may correspond to switch 142 being on, while the logic low portion may correspond to switch 142 being off (or vice versa). In one embodiment, disable signal DIS 134 is essentially the inverse of enable signal EN 130. In one embodiment, drive characteristic control device 122 outputs disable signal DIS 136 in response to a signal separate from command signal 118 and drive characteristic signal 128. Drive characteristic control device 122 outputs a disable adjustment signal 136 to adjust current I. DIS The value of , and therefore the gate current I. G The amplitude is 146. In embodiments of this disclosure, the disable adjustment signal 136 is in response to the drive characteristic signal 128. The disable adjustment signal 136 can be a voltage signal or a current signal, wherein the current I... DIS The amplitude corresponds to the value of the disable adjustment signal 136. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the disable adjustment signal 136 can control the current I.DIS The value is adjusted to either the first current value I1 or the second current value I2; however, it should be understood that disabling the adjustment signal 132 can reduce the current I. DIS The value is adjusted to multiple current values. Gate current I G 146 Amplitude-controlled drain current I D The fall time of 148 and the subsequent turn-off time of the conductivity modulator 106. Thus, the system controller 102 can adjust the drive characteristics of the conductivity modulator 106, such as the drain current I. D The descent time of 148 and the subsequent shutdown time.

[0033] In another embodiment, the drive characteristic control device 122 can adjust the drive characteristics of the conductivity modulation device 106 by pulse width modulation or pulse frequency modulation of the enable signal EN 130 or the disable signal DIS 134. By pulse frequency modulation or pulse frequency modulation of the enable signal EN 130 or the disable signal DIS 134, the drive characteristic control device 122 adjusts the gate current I. G The average amplitude is 146. Thus, the drain-source voltage V... DS 150 or drain current I D The rise time and / or fall time of 148 can be adjusted, and the subsequent turn-on and / or turn-off time of the conductivity modulation device 106 can be adjusted.

[0034] Figure 2A Examples are shown in Figure 1 During the turn-on transition of the conductivity modulator 106, the enable signal EN 130 and the gate current I G 146. Drain-source voltage V DS 150 and drain current I D Example timing diagram 200 for 148. Figure 2A The gate current I shown is G 146. Drain current I D 148 and drain-source voltage V DS The example waveform of 150 is approximated by a straight line. Furthermore, Figure 2A Examples are given for different drive intensities for gate current I. G 146. Drain current I D 148 and drain-source voltage V DS Example waveform 150. The example waveform on the right side of the page illustrates the provision of a larger drive current for the conductivity modulator 106 compared to the example waveform on the left side of the page.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the enable signal EN 130 transitions from logic low to logic high to turn on switch 138 of drive element 124. Similarly, the disable signal (not shown) transitions from logic high to logic low to turn off switch 142. This enables conduction modulation device 106 to conduct drive current I. D 148.

[0036] Once switch 138 is turned on (and switch 142 is turned off) via enable signal EN 130, the gate current I... G The current I from current source 140 is increased from 146. EN The amplitude. On the left side of the page, the current I of current source 140. EN It is basically equal to the first current value I1.

[0037] After switch 138 is turned on, the drain current I of conductivity modulation device 106 D The drain current ID 148 increases from zero with a slope of m1. In the illustrated embodiment, the drain current ID 148 increases to its peak value and then decreases to its conduction value. Figure 2A In the embodiment shown, once the drain current I D 148 reaches its peak value, and the drain-source voltage V of the conductivity modulation device 106 reaches its peak value. DS The voltage begins to decrease to zero at a slope of m2 from 150. The magnitudes of the slopes m1 and m2 are related to the gate current I. G The magnitude is related; for the embodiment on the left hand side, the gate current I... G The amplitude is basically equal to the current source I. EN The first current value I1 is 140. For the illustrated embodiment, the turn-on time 252 begins when the enable signal EN 130 transitions to a logic high value, and at the drain-source voltage V. DS The circuit ends when 150 is essentially zero, and the drain current I of the conductivity modulation device 106... D 148 has reached its conduction value.

[0038] On the right side of the page, the current I of current source 140 is... EN It is essentially equal to the second current value I2. As shown, the second current value I2 is greater than the first current value I1. Compared to the magnitudes of the slopes m1 and m2 shown on the left side of the page, the slope m1 (used for the drain current I) is greater. D 148) and m2 (for drain-source voltage V) DS The amplitude of 150 is larger. Thus, the drain current I... D The rise time of 148 is shorter (and the drain-source voltage V148 is also shorter). DSThe shorter fall time of 150 results in a shorter overall turn-on time 254 for the operation of the conductivity modulation device 106 on the right-hand side compared to the turn-on time 252 shown on the left-hand side of the page. In other words, changing the current I of the current source 140... EN The value and the subsequent change in the gate current I of the conductivity modulator 106 G The value of 146 changes the on-time of the conductivity modulation device 106. This is used for the drain current I. D 148 and drain-source voltage V DS The shaded area under the waveform at 150 represents the crossover energy loss during the turn-on period of the conductivity modulator 106. As shown, the shaded area on the left-hand side of the page is larger than that on the right-hand side, indicating that the crossover loss of the conductivity modulator 106 on the left-hand side is greater than that on the right-hand side. A shorter turn-on time reduces switching / crossover losses, which also reduces heat dissipation and increases the amount of power delivered through system 100. However, a shorter turn-on time can lead to increased EMI.

[0039] Figure 2B Examples are shown in Figure 1 The conductance modulation device 106 disables the signal DIS 134 and gate current I during the turn-off transition. G 146. Drain-source voltage V DS 150 and drain current I D Example timing diagram 201 for 148. Similar to... Figure 2A The diagram shown is for the gate current I G 146. Drain current I D 148 and drain-source voltage V DS The example waveform of 150 is approximated by a straight line. Furthermore, Figure 2B Examples are given for different drive intensities for gate current I. G 146. Drain current I D 148 and drain-source voltage V DS Example waveform 150. The gate current I is shown on the right side of the page. G 146. Drain current I D 148 and drain-source voltage V DS The example waveform at 150 has a larger value than the one shown on the left-hand side of the page for the gate current I. G 146. Drain current I D 148 and drain-source voltage V DS The example waveform of 150 has a larger drive current.

[0040] The disable signal DIS 134 transitions from logic low to logic high to turn on switch 142 of drive element 126. Similarly, the enable signal (not shown) transitions from logic high to logic low to turn off switch 138. This disables the conduction modulation device 106 from conducting drive current I. D 148.

[0041] Once switch 142 is turned on (and switch 138 is turned off) via the disable signal DIS 134, the gate current I... G The amplitude of 146 is basically the current I of the current source 144. DIS The magnitude. For Figure 1 The drive element 126 shown, once switch 142 is turned on (and switch 138 is turned off), the gate current I... G The current flows from 146 back to 127. This is due to the direction of the current. Figure 2B The gate current I shown G 146 decreased. Furthermore, the gate current I... G The maximum amplitude response of 146 is to the current I of current source 144. DIS The amplitude. On the left side of the page, the current I of current source 144. DIS It is basically equal to the first current value I1.

[0042] After switch 142 is turned on, the drain-source voltage V of conductivity modulation device 106 DS The voltage increases from zero with a slope of m2, starting at 150. For the illustrated embodiment, once the drain-source voltage V... DS 150 has reached its peak, and the drain current I of the conductivity modulation device 106 is... D 148 then decreases to zero with a slope m1. The magnitudes of slopes m1 and m2 are related to the gate current I. G The magnitude is related; for the embodiment on the left hand side, the gate current I... G The amplitude is basically equal to the current source I. DIS The first current value I1 of 144. For the illustrated embodiment, the turn-off time 256 begins when the disable signal DIS 134 transitions to a logic high value, and when the drain current I... D 148 ends when it is essentially zero, and the drain-source voltage V of the conductivity modulation device 106... DS 150 has reached its non-conductive value.

[0043] On the right side of the page, the current I of current source 144 is... DIS It is essentially equal to the second current value I2. As shown, the second current value I2 is greater than the first current value I1. Compared to the magnitudes of the slopes m1 and m2 shown on the left side of the page, the slope m1 (used for the drain current I) is greater. D148) and m2 (for drain-source voltage V) DS The amplitude of 150 is larger. Thus, the drain current I... D The 148 has a shorter fall time (and a shorter drain-source voltage V). DS The shorter rise time of 150 results in a shorter overall turn-off time 258 for the operation of the conductivity modulation device 106 on the right-hand side, compared to the turn-off time 256 shown on the left-hand side of the page. In other words, changing the current I of the current source 144... DIS The value and the subsequent change in the gate current I of the conductivity modulator 106 G A value of 146 shortens the turn-off time of the conductivity modulation device 106. This is used for the drain current I. D 148 and drain-source voltage V DS The shaded area under the waveform at 150 represents the cross-loss during the turn-on period of the conductivity modulator 106. As shown, the shaded area on the left-hand side of the page is larger than that on the right-hand side, indicating that the cross-loss of the conductivity modulator 106 on the left-hand side is greater than that on the right-hand side. Shorter turn-off times reduce switching / cross-loss, which also reduces heat dissipation and increases the amount of power delivered by the system 100.

[0044] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The functional block diagram of system controller 102 and switch controller 114 illustrates example command signals 118 from the system controller for adjusting the conductivity modulator 106 and / or switch controller 114. It should be understood that system controller 102, switch controller 114 and their respective components are coupled and function as described above.

[0045] As shown, command signal 118 is a rectangular pulse waveform with high and low portions. As will be discussed, the duration of the low portion corresponds to which command the system controller 102 is transmitting, referred to as the effective low pulse duration encoding. Under default or steady-state conditions, when no command is being transmitted, command signal 118 is substantially equal to the high value. In one embodiment, the high value may be substantially 5 volts (V). When the system controller 102 transmits a command to the switch controller 114 via command signal 118, the command signal transitions to a low value. In one embodiment, the low value may be substantially 0 V. The duration of the low portion of command signal 118 corresponds to which command the system controller 102 is transmitting. Figure 3 The example command signal 118 in the example is a "valid low" signal, where the duration of the low portion corresponds to which command is being transmitted. However, it should be understood that command signal 118 can also be a "valid high" signal, where the duration of the high portion corresponds to which command is being transmitted.

[0046] For example, the first command 360 corresponds to a command signal 118 being substantially low for a period T. For the second command 361, the command signal 118 may be substantially low for a period 2T. In the illustrated embodiment, the low portion of the second command 361 is twice as long as the low portion of the first command 360. The same applies to the third command 362 and the fourth command 363. For the third command 362, the command signal 118 may be substantially low for a period 3T, which is three times the length of the low portion of the first command 360. For the fourth command 363, the command signal 118 may be substantially low for a period 4T, which is four times the length of the low portion of the first command 360. In other words, the duration of each command may be longer than the duration of the previous command by a period T. In one embodiment, the interface 120 may include a timer or counter to measure the duration of the low portion of the command signal 118 to determine which command has been received.

[0047] Example commands may include: status query, reset, increase drive current, and decrease drive current. The increase drive current command and decrease drive current command are adjustment commands / signals used to adjust the drive characteristics of the conductivity modulator 106. For the first command 360, the system controller 102 may send a "status query" command, in which the system controller 102 sends information to the switch controller 114 to obtain the "status" of the switch controller 114, such as information stored in the status register of the switch controller.

[0048] For the second command 361, the system controller 102 may send a "reset" command, in which the system controller 102 allows the switch controller 114 to be restarted or turned on.

[0049] For the third command 362, the system controller 102 can send an adjustment command to "increase drive current", wherein the system controller 102 instructs the switch controller 114 to increase the current I of the current source 140. EN Or the current I of current source 144 DIS Or both, to reduce drain current I D 148 rise time or drain current I D The fall time of 148 or both (i.e., the drain-source voltage V) DS 150° fall time or drain-source voltage V DS The rise time or both of 150° are reduced. A reduced rise time or fall time will shorten the turn-on or turn-off time of the conductivity modulator 106, respectively. Under normal operating conditions, the drive characteristic control device 122 outputs an enable adjustment signal 132 and a disable adjustment signal 136, causing the current I of the current source 140 to... ENand the current I of current source 144 DIS Basically equal to ( Figure 2A and 2B The first current value I1. In one embodiment, the system controller 102 outputs a third command 362 in response to a sensing signal 115, which indicates that a power event exists in the system 100 in which the system controller 102 may want to deliver more power. In response to the third command 362, the drive characteristic control device 122 may output an enable adjustment signal 132 or a disable adjustment signal (or both) to reduce the current I of the current source 140. EN Or the current I of current source 144 DIS The value of (or both) is adjusted to the second current value I2 (e.g.) Figure 2A and 2B (as shown in the figure), and increases the drive current of the conductivity modulation device 106.

[0050] For the fourth command 363, system controller 102 may send an adjustment command to "reduce drive current" (or in other words, "return drive current"), wherein system controller 102 instructs switch controller 114 to reduce (or return) the current I of current source 140. EN Or the current I of current source 144 DIS Or both, to increase the drain current I D 148 rise time or drain current I D The fall time of 148 or both (i.e., increasing the drain-source voltage V) DS 150° fall time or drain-source voltage V DS (Rise time of 150 or both). Or in other words, system controller 102 instructs switch controller 114 to switch the current I from current source 140 to current source 140. EN Or the current I of current source 144 DIS Or the values ​​of both are returned to Figure 2A and 2B The first current value I1. In one embodiment, the sensing signal 115 indicates to the system controller 102 that the increased power event in the system 100 has passed. In response to the fourth command 363, the drive characteristic control device 122 may output an enable adjustment signal 132 or a disable adjustment signal (or both) to reduce the current I of the current source 140. EN Or the current I of current source 144 DIS (or both) values ​​are adjusted to Figure 2A and 2BThe first current value I1 is set, and the drive current of the conductivity modulation device 106 is reduced (or returned) to its default current value. Although for this embodiment, the commands: status query, reset, increase drive current, and decrease drive current are respectively the first command 360, the second command 361, the third command 362, and the fourth command 363, it should be understood that the commands can be in any order.

[0051] In some implementations, communication between system controller 102 and switch controller 114 can be bidirectional. For example, switch controller 114 can sense fault conditions (such as overcurrent, overvoltage, overheating, etc.) in system 100 and transmit the fault to system controller 102. The fault transmission from switch controller 114 can be encoded as a multi-bit word to system controller 102.

[0052] Figure 4 An embodiment of a switch controller 114 according to this disclosure is illustrated, which receives a command signal 118 in response to a toggle 465. In one embodiment, the toggle 465 may be responsive to a user. In another embodiment, the toggle 465 may be responsive to a dedicated hardware sensor that senses a power event. It should be understood that the switch controller 114 and its components are coupled and function as described above. In one embodiment, the switch controller 114 may receive commands from both a system controller (not shown) and the toggle 465. In another embodiment, the switch controller 114 receives the command signal 118 only in response to the toggle 465.

[0053] User 465 can be a rectangular pulse waveform with a logic high portion and a logic low portion. In one implementation, flip-flop 465 represents manual selection by the user from two options, such as a mechanical switch. The logic low value used for flip-flop 465 corresponds to a drain current I that is substantially equal to the first value. D Rise time / fall time of 148 (drain-source voltage V) DS (rise time / fall time of 150), such as, for example, gate current I G 146 is basically equal to the first current value I1, such as Figure 2A and 2B As shown, the logic high value used for flip-flop 465 can correspond to a drain current I that is substantially equal to the second value. D Rise time / fall time of 148 (drain-source voltage V) DS (rise time / fall time of 150), such as, for example, gate current I G 146 is basically equal to the second current value I2, such as Figure 2A and 2B As shown in the figure.

[0054] As shown in one embodiment, transistor 464 is coupled to interface 120 and return 127 of switch controller 114. The control terminal of transistor 464 is configured to receive trigger 465. In the illustrated embodiment, transistor 464 is a bipolar junction transistor (BJT). The base of transistor 464 is configured to receive trigger 465, the emitter of transistor 464 is coupled to return 127, and the collector of transistor 464 is coupled to interface 120. For the illustrated embodiment, command signal 118 is a voltage signal and is either the collector voltage or the collector-emitter voltage of transistor 464. In operation, when trigger 465 is low, transistor 464 is off and command signal 118 is high. Thus, a high value for command signal 118 corresponds to a drain current I that is substantially equal to a first value. D Rise time / fall time of 148 (drain-source voltage V) DS (Rise time / fall time of 150). When flip-flop 465 is high, transistor 464 is turned on and command signal 118 is substantially equal to return 127 (i.e., low value). Thus, the low value for command signal 118 corresponds to a drain current I that is substantially equal to the second value. D Rise time / fall time of 148 (drain-source voltage V) DS (Rise time / fall time of 150).

[0055] Figure 5A An example of a multiphase motor drive system 500 is illustrated, comprising three half-bridge inverter modules 566, 567, and 568, each individually coupled to a high-voltage (HV) bus 576 and controlled by a single system controller 102 to drive a motor 569, such as, for example, a single-phase or three-phase motor. As shown, each half-bridge inverter module 566, 567, and 568 and the system controller 102 are referenced to return 127. Furthermore, according to the guidance of this disclosure, the system controller 102 can adjust the drive characteristics of one or more switches of each of the individual half-bridge inverter modules 566, 567, and 568. As shown, each switch is represented by an n-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) and is a conductivity modulation device as discussed above.

[0056] Each half-bridge module 566, 567, 568 is individually coupled to the HV bus 576. Each half-bridge module 566, 567, 568 includes a high-side switch 570, 571, 572 and a low-side switch 573, 574, 575, which are correspondingly coupled together as a power converter or inverter in a full-bridge configuration. Each switch 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, and 575 is controlled by its own switch controller (in...). Figure 5B (Further illustrated) The power switch array is controlled and formed. The midpoint terminals HB1, HB2, HB3 of each high-side switch and low-side switch in their respective half-bridge modules 566, 567, 568 are coupled to the three phase terminals A, B, and C of the multiphase motor 569. In one embodiment, the motor 569 is a brushless three-phase DC motor, which may be included in, for example, an electric appliance, power tool, fan, etc. In operation, the half-bridge modules 566, 567, and 568 provide input electrical signals (such as voltage, current, frequency, and phase for obtaining the desired mechanical output load movement) to the motor 569 from electrical energy supplied by the HV bus 576. The switching characteristics of switches 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, and 575 are controlled by their respective switch controllers to regulate the energy flow to the motor 569. In other words, the switch controllers adjust the output to the motor 569 to maintain the target operation of the motor 569.

[0057] System controller 102 is coupled to each half-bridge module 566, 567, and 568 via communication bus 577. Similar to the above, in one embodiment, system controller 102 receives a sensing signal 116 representing a power event. In one embodiment, a power event may be an instruction for system controller 102 to adjust one or more drive characteristics of one or more of switches 570, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, and 575. In one embodiment, the system controller adjusts the drive current of one or more of switches 570, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, and 575 in response to the sensed power event 116. Or, in other words, a power event may instruct system controller 102 to increase the gate current I of one or more of switches 570, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, and 575. G An amplitude of 146 is used to increase the drain current I of one or more switches in switches 570, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, and 575. D The rise and / or fall times of 148 reduce the switch on-time and / or off-time. This will increase the gate current I. GOne embodiment of a sensed power event of magnitude 146 may include an outdoor air conditioning fan that may have to overcome possible draft conditions during startup. Another embodiment of a sensed power event may include a dishwasher water pump that must pump a large amount of water in case the dishwasher drain pipe is accidentally filled. Yet another embodiment of a sensed power event may include a refrigerator during initial installation to cool itself to a desired temperature.

[0058] System controller 102 is configured to output command signals to one or more half-bridge modules 566, 567, and 568. In one embodiment, system controller 102 may transmit command signals via communication bus 577. In another embodiment, system controller 102 transmits command signals via a separate connection. Command signal 118 may be a voltage signal or a current signal. In one embodiment, command signal 118 may represent a digital word. Furthermore, system controller 102 may apply encoding to command signal 118. (The remaining text appears to be a continuation of the previous paragraph and is not directly related to the previous paragraph.) Figure 5B As further illustrated, system controller 102 outputs command signal 118 via communication bus 577 to at least one switch controller among one or more half-bridge modules 566, 567, and 568. In one embodiment, the command signal is output in response to a received sensing signal 116, and the command signal may represent a command from system controller 102 for the respective switch controller. Example commands conveyed by system controller 102 may include a “status query” command for one or more of half-bridge modules 566, 567, and 568. Another example command conveyed by system controller 102 may include a “fault” command, wherein system controller 102 has sensed a fault condition (such as overcurrent, overvoltage, overheating, etc.) in system 100 and conveys the fault to half-bridge modules 566, 567, and 568. Typically, half-bridge modules 566, 567, and 568 respond to a fault command by turning off their respective high-side and low-side switches.

[0059] In embodiments of this disclosure, system controller 102 communicates command signal 118 representing the drive characteristics of one or more of the high-side switches 570, 571, 572 and the low-side switches 573, 574, and 575. Example drive characteristics include the gate current I for the respective switch. G The gate current I has an amplitude of 146. G The amplitude of 146 and the drain current I used for the corresponding switch D The rise and / or fall times of the drain-source voltage 148 and 150 are related. Another example of drive characteristics may include those determined by the gate current I. G146 drives the duration of one or more of switches 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, and 575. For example, a command transmitted via communication bus 577 can represent the duration of the gate current I. G The first amplitude or gate current I G The second amplitude drives one or more of switches 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, and 575, wherein the second amplitude is greater than the first amplitude. However, it should be understood that the command signal 118 can represent the gate current I. G There are one or more of the two amplitude drive switches 570, 571, 572, 573, 574 and 575.

[0060] Half-bridge modules 566, 567, and 568 are coupled to communication bus 577, which is also coupled to system controller 102. In one embodiment, the open-collector configuration of communication bus 577 is achieved via pull-up resistor R. UP Coupled to supply voltage V UP Furthermore, in one embodiment, the communication bus 577 may be a single-wire communication bus. As mentioned above, the communication bus 577 may be utilized by the system controller 102 to transmit commands to one or more half-bridge modules 566, 567, and 568. In one embodiment, the communication bus 577 in its normal stable state is pulled up to the supply voltage V. UP And during any communication, the system controller 102 can pull down the communication bus 577 to send commands to the half-bridge modules 566, 567, and 568. In one embodiment, the communication bus 577 can be pulled down to detect commands via digital multi-words. In another embodiment, the communication bus 577 can be pulled down to convey commands, such as regarding... Figure 3 As discussed. In some implementations, the duration for which the communication bus 577 is pulled down corresponds to a command sent by the system controller 102.

[0061] Figure 5B Additional details regarding the half-bridge module in an implementation based on this disclosure are provided. Specifically, Figure 5B Half-bridge module 566 is illustrated, but it should be understood that other half-bridge modules 567 and 568, although present, are not shown in detail. Furthermore, the components included in half-bridge modules 567 and 568 are similar to those in half-bridge module 566. Figure 5B The components shown.

[0062] The half-bridge module 566 includes a high-side switch 570 and a low-side switch 537 coupled together in series. The high-side switch 570 and the low-side switch 537 are exemplified as n-type MOSFETs with corresponding body diodes. The drain of the high-side switch 570 is coupled to the HV bus 576, and the source of the low-side switch 573 is coupled to return 127. The midpoint HB1 of the half-bridge is coupled to phase A of the motor 569.

[0063] The half-bridge module 566 also includes switch controllers 114 and 515. Switch controller 114 is coupled to control the low-side switch 573, while switch controller 515 is coupled to control the high-side switch 570. As discussed above and according to embodiments of this disclosure, both switch controllers 114 and 515 include drive characteristic control means for their respective switches. Switch controllers 114 and 515 may also include interfaces for receiving command signals 118, as will be discussed further. Similar to the above, switch controllers 114 and 515 control the enabling and disabling of their respective switches, as well as the on and off times. Furthermore, switch controllers 114 and 515 can adjust the drive characteristics of the low-side switch 573 and the high-side switch 570, respectively, in response to system controller 102.

[0064] System controller 102 is coupled to half-bridge module 566 and switch controller 114. As shown, system controller 102 outputs command signal 118 to switch controller 114. In response to command signal 118 received from system controller 102, switch controller 114 adjusts the drive characteristics of low-side switch 537. In one embodiment, an interface (not shown) of switch controller 114 receives command signal 118 and outputs drive characteristic signals to drive characteristic control device of switch controller 114. Drive characteristic control device then outputs signals to drive elements that enable and disable low-side switch 573. System controller 102 may transmit command signal 118 via communication bus 577 or through another coupling to switch controller 114.

[0065] As shown by dashed lines, in some embodiments, system controller 102 may optionally be coupled to switch controller 515 to provide command signal 118, instead of providing command signal 118 via switch controller 114. In response to command signal 118, switch controller 515 adjusts the drive characteristics of high-side switch 570. In one embodiment, an interface (not shown) of switch controller 515 receives command signal 118 and outputs drive characteristic signals to drive characteristic control device of switch controller 515. Drive characteristic control device then outputs signals to drive elements that enable and disable high-side switch 570. System controller 102 may transmit command signal 118 via another coupling to switch controller 515 or via communication bus 577.

[0066] In another alternative embodiment, shown by the dashed line, switch controller 114 is coupled to switch controller 515. Instead of switch controller 515 receiving command signal 118 or drive characteristic signal 128 from system controller 102, switch controller 114 sends the received command signal 118 to switch controller 515. Communication from low-side switch controller 114 to high-side switch controller 515 can be achieved via a communication link between low-side switch controller 114 and high-side controller 515. For example, control signals for controlling both high-side switch 570 and low-side switch 573 can be received by low-side switch controller 114 from system controller 102. Control signals for switching high-side switch 570 can be transmitted from low-side switch controller 114 to high-side controller 515 via the communication link.

[0067] In one embodiment, the low-side switch controller 114 relays a command signal 118 received from the system controller 102 to adjust the drive characteristics (such as high-side drive current) of the high-side switch 570 to the high-side switch controller 515. For this embodiment, the high-side switch controller 515 includes an interface (not shown) for receiving the command signal 118 from the low-side switch controller 114 and outputting drive characteristic signals to a drive characteristic control device of the switch controller 515. The drive characteristic control device then outputs signals to drive elements that enable and disable the high-side switch 570.

[0068] In another embodiment, the low-side switch controller 114 receives a command signal 118 at an interface (not shown) to adjust the drive characteristics of the high-side switch 570, such as the high-side drive current. This interface (not shown) outputs a drive characteristic signal 128 to adjust the drive characteristics of the high-side switch 570, and the drive characteristic signal 128 of the low-side switch controller 114 is transmitted to the high-side switch controller 515. For this embodiment, the high-side switch controller 515 includes its own drive characteristic control device coupled to the low-side switch controller 114 and receiving the drive characteristic signal 128 from the low-side switch controller 114. The drive characteristic control device of the switch controller 515 then outputs signals to drive elements that enable and disable the high-side switch 570.

[0069] Figure 6A An example power converter 600 with switch controllers 114, 615 including drive characteristic control means is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Switch controllers 114, 615 include drive characteristic control means responsive to system controller 102. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, system controller 102 can adjust the drive characteristics of switches 679, 680. The power converter 600 receives an input voltage V. IN602, and is designed to transfer electrical energy from the input to the load 682 via the energy transfer element L1 681 by controlling the switching of power switches 679, 680. In various implementations, the power converter 600 can control the voltage, current, or power level of the energy output to the load 682. Figure 6A In the illustrated embodiment, the power transfer element L1 681 and the two power switches 679, 680 are coupled together in a half-bridge configuration; however, other topologies can be used. The power switches 679, 680 form a power switch array. Switch controller 114 may be referred to as a low-side switch controller, while switch controller 615 may be referred to as a high-side switch controller.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiments, power switches 679 and 680 are IGBTs. However, embodiments of the present invention can also be used in conjunction with other power switching technologies. For example, metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), bipolar transistors, injection-enhanced gate transistors (IEGTs), and gate turn-off thyristors (GTOs) can be used. Additionally, the power converter 600 can be used with power switches based on gallium nitride (GaN) or silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors.

[0071] System controller 102 is coupled to receive system input 699, sensing signal 116, and provide command signal 118. System controller 102 determines, based on system input 699, whether switch controllers 114, 615 should turn power switches 679, 680 on or off. Example system input 699 includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal for a general-purpose motor driver, an on / off sequence for a multilevel power converter, or a system fault shutdown request. Sensing signal 116 is also a system input and, in one embodiment, represents a power event. In one embodiment, a power event may be an indication to system controller 102 to adjust the drive characteristics of power switch 679 or power switch 680, or both. In one embodiment of adjusting the drive characteristics of either power switch 679, 680, the power event may be an indication to increase the drive current of either power switch 679, 680, or both. Or in other words, a power event can instruct the system controller 102 to increase the rise time and / or fall time of the current conducted by any one or both of the power switches 679, 680 by increasing the magnitude of the control current used for any one or both of the power switches 679, 680, thereby reducing the turn-on time and / or turn-off time.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, system controller 102 outputs a command signal 118 representing one or more commands to interface 120 of switch controllers 114, 615. Example commands include enabling or disabling power switches 679, 680, resetting, fault notification, and adjusting the drive current of power switches 679, 680 (i.e., the rise and / or fall times of the conduction current). Command signal 118 can be a voltage signal or a current signal. In one embodiment, command signal 118 can represent an N-bit digital word. Furthermore, system controller 102 can apply encoding to command signal 118. In one embodiment, communication between system controller 102 and interface 120 can be bidirectional.

[0073] Interface 120 is coupled to system controller 102 and receives command signal 118. Figure 6A A single interface 120 is illustrated for both switch controllers 114 and 615. However, it should be understood that each switch controller 114, 615 may have its own interface, and in this case, system controller 102 will output command signals 118 to both interfaces. Both interface 120 and system controller 102 are referenced to a primary reference potential 683, while switch controller 114 is referenced to a secondary reference potential 684, and switch controller 615 is referenced to a secondary reference potential 685. The secondary reference potentials 684 and 685 are different potentials. In one embodiment, reference potential 685 is coupled to the half-bridge point between the high-side switch 679 and the low-side switch 680, while reference potential 684 is coupled to the emitter of the low-side switch 680. Switch controllers 114, 615 are currently isolated from interface 120 via an isolated communication link 678. The isolated communication link 678 may be implemented as inductively coupled, such as a signal transformer or coupling inductor, optically coupled, or capacitively coupled. In addition, switch controllers 114 and 615 can communicate bidirectionally with interface 120 via communication link 678.

[0074] Interface 120 interprets the command signal 118 sent by system controller 102 and sends drive characteristic signals to switch controllers 114 and 615 to drive power switches 679 and 680, and further to adjust the drive current of power switches 679 and 680. Switch controllers 114 and 615 receive their respective drive characteristic signals and generate drive signals to control power switches 670 and 680. As discussed above, switch controllers 114 and 615 include drive characteristic control device circuitry and enable and disable drive elements to control the drive current (i.e., drive strength) of power switches 680 and 679. In this way, system controller 102 adjusts the drive strength of power switches 680 and 679.

[0075] Figure 6BAnother embodiment of a power converter 601 in a half-bridge configuration is illustrated, which has a system controller 102 for adjusting the drive characteristics (such as, for example, drive current) of power switches 679, 680. It should be understood that the power converter 601 and... Figure 6B The power converter 600 shown shares many similarities. However, at least one difference is that interface 120 is coupled to switch controller 114 via isolation interface 678, and is not coupled to switch controller 615. Figure 6B In the illustrated embodiment, interface 120 interprets command signal 118 and outputs drive characteristic signal 128 to switch controller 114. Switch controller 114 sends drive characteristic signal 128 to switch controller 615, instead of switch controller 815 receiving drive characteristic signal from interface 120. Communication from low-side switch controller 114 to high-side switch controller 615 can be achieved via a communication link between low-side switch controller 114 and high-side controller 615. In this embodiment, high-side switch controller 615 includes its own drive characteristic control device coupled to low-side switch controller 114 and receiving drive characteristic signal 128 from low-side switch controller 114. The drive characteristic control device of switch controller 615 then outputs the signal to the drive element that enables and disables high-side switch 679.

[0076] Figure 6C An example isolated communication link 678 is illustrated. For simplicity, only the isolated communication link 678 between interface 120 and switch controller 114 is shown. Both interface 120 and system controller 102 are referenced to a primary reference potential 683, while switch controller 114 is referenced to a secondary reference potential 684. Switch controller 114 is currently isolated from interface 120 via isolated communication link 678. The illustrated isolated communication link 678 is a signal transformer having a primary winding 687 and a secondary winding 689. Interface 120 is coupled to the primary winding 687 and outputs a drive characteristic signal 128. Switch controller 114 is coupled to the secondary winding 689 and receives the drive characteristic signal 128 multiplied by the turns ratio of the primary winding 687 to the secondary winding 689.

[0077] The above description of the illustrative embodiments of the invention, including those described in the abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples of the invention have been described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Indeed, it should be understood that specific example values ​​for voltage, current, frequency, power range, time, etc., are provided for illustrative purposes, and other values ​​may be used in other embodiments and examples in accordance with the guidance of the invention.

[0078] Although the invention is defined in the claims, it should be understood that the invention may be defined alternatively according to the following embodiments: Example 1. A control system configured to control a conductivity modulator of a power switch array, the conductivity modulator being configured to control energy delivery to a load, the control system comprising: a system controller configured to sense power events in the control system and, in response to a sensed power event, output a command signal for adjusting the drive characteristics of the conductivity modulator; and a switch controller coupled to the system controller and configured to receive the command signal, the switch controller further configured to control energy delivery to the load by controlling the switching on and off of the conductivity modulator, wherein the switch controller comprises: an adjustable drive element configured to control the rise time and / or fall time of a voltage on the conductivity modulator; and a drive characteristic control device configured to receive the command signal and change the drive characteristics of the conductivity modulator, the drive characteristic control device further configured to change the adjustable drive element in response to the command signal generated by the system controller to adjust the rise time and / or fall time of the voltage on the conductivity modulator.

[0079] Example 2. The control system of Example 1, wherein the drive characteristic control device is configured to adjust the rise time and / or fall time of the current conducted by the conductivity modulation device.

[0080] Example 3. A control system of Example 1 or 2, wherein the adjustable drive element comprises: a switch coupled to the drive characteristic control device, the switch being configured to turn on or off to enable or disable the conduction of current through the conductivity modulator; and an adjustable current source coupled to the drive characteristic control device and coupled in series with the switch, the drive characteristic control device being further configured to control the current supplied by the adjustable current source in response to the command signal to change the rise time and / or fall time of the voltage on the conductivity modulator.

[0081] Example 4. A control system of any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the drive characteristic control device is further configured to control the current provided by the adjustable current source to change the rise time and / or fall time of the current conducted by the conductivity modulation device.

[0082] Example 5. A control system of any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the drive characteristic control device is further configured to control the amplitude of the current provided by the adjustable current source.

[0083] Example 6. A control system of any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the drive characteristic control device is further configured to control the duration of the current provided by the adjustable current source.

[0084] Example 7. A control system of any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the drive characteristic control device is further configured to control the frequency of the current provided by the adjustable current source.

[0085] Example 8. A control system of any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the switching controller further includes: an interface coupled to the system controller and configured to receive a command signal, the interface being further configured to decode the command signal and output a drive characteristic signal to the drive characteristic control device to adjust the rise time and / or fall time of the conductance modulator.

[0086] Example 9. A control system of any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the interface is currently isolated from the drive characteristic control device.

[0087] Example 10. A control system of any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the control system controls the energy delivery to the motor.

[0088] Example 11. A control system of any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the conductivity modulation device is a transistor.

[0089] Example 12. A control system of any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the command signal is a rectangular pulse waveform having a logic high portion and a logic low portion, wherein the duration of the logic low portion corresponds to the command of the command signal.

[0090] Example 13. A control system of any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the system controller is configured to output the command signal to adjust the conductance modulation device as needed.

[0091] Example 14. A control system configured to control a conductivity modulator, the conductivity modulator being configured to control energy delivery to a load, the control system comprising: a system controller configured to sense a power event in the control system and assert a command signal in response to a sensed power event; and a switch controller coupled to the system controller and configured to receive the command signal, the switch controller further configured to control the switching of the conductivity modulator to control energy delivery to the load by changing the rise time, fall time, or both of the voltage on the conductivity modulator in response to a first command in the command signal, wherein the switch controller is configured not to change the rise time, the fall time, or both in response to a second command in the command signal.

[0092] Example 15. The control system of Example 14, wherein the switching controller further includes: an adjustable drive element configured to control the rise time, fall time, or both of the voltage on the conductivity modulator; an interface coupled to the system controller and configured to receive the command signal, wherein the interface is configured to interpret the command signal and output a drive characteristic signal; and a drive characteristic control device configured to receive the drive characteristic signal and, in response to a first command in the command signal, change the adjustable drive element to adjust the rise time, fall time, or both of the voltage on the conductivity modulator from a default value, wherein the drive characteristic control device is configured not to change the rise time, fall time, or both from the default value in response to a second command in the command signal.

[0093] Example 16. A control system of Example 14 or 15, wherein the adjustable drive element further comprises: a switch coupled to the drive characteristic control device, wherein the drive characteristic control device is configured to turn the switch on or off to enable or disable conduction of the conductivity modulator; and an adjustable current source coupled to the drive characteristic control device and coupled in series with the switch, wherein the drive characteristic control device is configured to control the amplitude of the current provided by the adjustable current source controlled by the drive characteristic control device in response to the drive characteristic signal to change the rise time, fall time, or both of the voltage on the conductivity modulator.

[0094] Example 17. A control system of any one of Examples 14 to 16, wherein the amplitude of the current provided by the adjustable current source increases in response to the first command.

[0095] Example 18. A switch controller configured to control energy delivery to a load by controlling the on and off states of a conductance modulator, the switch controller comprising: a drive characteristic control device configured to receive a drive characteristic from a command signal, wherein the command signal is provided to actively adjust a drive current of the conductance modulator; and a first drive element coupled to the drive characteristic control device, the first drive element comprising: a first switch coupled to the drive characteristic control device and configured to turn on or off to transition the conductance modulator from a first state to a second state; and a first adjustable current source coupled to the drive characteristic control device and coupled in series with the first switch, the first adjustable current source being configured to: provide current to the conductance modulator to transition the conductance modulator from the first state to the second state at a first rate in response to a first command of the command signal, and to provide current to the conductance modulator to transition the conductance modulator from the first state to the second state at a second rate in response to a second command of the command signal.

[0096] Example 19. A switch controller of Example 18, the switch controller further comprising: a second drive element coupled to the drive characteristic control device, wherein the second drive element comprises: a second switch coupled to the drive characteristic control device and configured to turn on or off to transition the conductance modulator from the second state to the first state; and a second adjustable current source coupled to the drive characteristic control device and coupled in series with the second switch, the second adjustable current source being configured to: provide current to the conductance modulator to transition the conductance modulator from the second state to the first state at a first rate in response to a first command of the command signal; and provide current to the conductance modulator to transition the conductance modulator from the second state to the first state at a second rate in response to a second command of the command signal.

[0097] Example 20. A switch controller of Example 18 or 19, wherein the command signal is received from a system controller.

[0098] Example 21. A switch controller of any one of Examples 18 to 20, wherein the command signal is received from a user trigger.

[0099] Example 22. A switch controller of any one of Examples 18 to 21, wherein the command signal is received from a sensor.

Claims

1. A control system configured to control a conductivity modulation device of a power switch array, the conductivity modulation device configured to control energy delivery to a load, the control system comprising: a system controller configured to receive an indication that the system controller is to adjust a drive characteristic of the conductivity modulation device, and output a command signal; and a switch controller coupled to the system controller and configured to receive the command signal, the switch controller further configured to control energy delivery to the load by controlling turn-on and turn-off of the conductivity modulation device, wherein the switch controller comprises: an adjustable drive element configured to control a rise time of a voltage across the conductivity modulation device, a fall time of a voltage across the conductivity modulation device, or both the rise time and the fall time; an interface coupled to the system controller and configured to receive the command signal, the interface further configured to interpret the command signal and output a drive characteristic signal to adjust the rise time, the fall time, or both the rise time and the fall time; and a drive characteristic control device configured to receive the drive characteristic signal, and change a drive characteristic of the conductivity modulation device, wherein the switch controller is configured to: drive a control terminal of the conductivity modulation device to achieve a first value of the rise time, the fall time, or both in response to a first command in the command signal, and drive the control terminal of the conductivity modulation device to achieve a second value of the rise time, the fall time, or both in response to a second command in the command signal.

2. The control system of claim 1, the drive characteristic control device configured to adjust a rise time and / or a fall time of a current conducted by the conductivity modulation device.

3. The control system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable drive element comprises: a switch coupled to the drive characteristic control device, the switch configured to turn on or turn off to enable or disable conduction of a current through the conductivity modulation device; and a tunable current source coupled to the drive characteristic control device and in series with the switch, the drive characteristic control device further configured to control a current provided by the tunable current source in response to the command signal to change the rise time and / or the fall time of a voltage across the conductivity modulation device.

4. The control system of claim 3, the drive characteristic control device further configured to control the current provided by the tunable current source to change the rise time and / or the fall time of a current conducted by the conductivity modulation device.

5. The control system of claim 3, wherein the drive characteristic control device is further configured to control an amplitude of the current provided by the tunable current source.

6. The control system of claim 3, wherein the drive characteristic control is further configured to control a duration of the current provided by the adjustable current source.

7. The control system of claim 3, wherein the drive characteristic control is further configured to control a frequency of the current provided by the adjustable current source.

8. The control system of claim 1, wherein the interface is galvanically isolated from the drive characteristic control.

9. The control system of claim 1, wherein the control system controls energy delivery to a motor.

10. The control system of claim 1, wherein the conductivity modulation device is a transistor.

11. The control system of claim 1, wherein the command signal is a rectangular pulse waveform having a logic high portion and a logic low portion, wherein a duration of the logic low portion corresponds to a command of the command signal.

12. The control system of claim 1, wherein the system controller is configured to output the command signal to adjust the conductivity modulation device as needed.

13. A control system configured to control a conductivity modulation device configured to control energy delivery to a load, the control system comprising: a flip-flop responsive to a user or a sensor to assert a command signal; and a switch controller coupled to the system controller and configured to receive the command signal, the switch controller further configured to control turn-on and turn-off of the conductivity modulation device by changing a rise time, a fall time, or both of a voltage across the conductivity modulation device in response to the command signal to control energy delivery to the load, wherein the switch controller is configured to: drive a control terminal of the conductivity modulation device to achieve a first value of the rise time, the fall time, or both in response to a first command in the command signal, and drive the control terminal of the conductivity modulation device to achieve a second value of the rise time, the fall time, or both in response to a second command in the command signal.

14. The control system of claim 13, wherein the switch controller further comprises: an adjustable drive element configured to control the rise time, the fall time, or both of the voltage across the conductivity modulation device; an interface coupled to the system controller and configured to receive the command signal, wherein the interface is configured to interpret the command signal and output a drive characteristic signal; and a drive characteristic control coupled to the interface and configured to receive the drive characteristic signal, the drive characteristic control further configured to control the adjustable drive element. a drive characteristic control device configured to receive the drive characteristic signal and to change, in response to the first command in the command signal, a rise time, a fall time, or both, of a voltage on the conductivity modulation device from a default value, the drive characteristic control device configured to not change, in response to the second command in the command signal, the rise time, the fall time, or both, from the default value.

15. The control system of claim 14, wherein the adjustable drive element further comprises: a switch coupled to the drive characteristic control device, wherein the drive characteristic control device is configured to turn the switch on or off to enable or disable conduction of the conductivity modulation device; and a tunable current source coupled to the drive characteristic control device and in series with the switch, wherein the drive characteristic control device is configured to control, in response to the drive characteristic signal, an amplitude of a current provided by the tunable current source controlled by the drive characteristic control device to change the rise time, the fall time, or both, of the voltage on the conductivity modulation device.

16. The control system of claim 15, wherein the amplitude of the current provided by the tunable current source is increased in response to the first command.

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