Semiconductor device

Abstract

A semiconductor device comprising at least one substrate (2, 22); a plurality of connection pairs (3, 23), each connection pair being equipped with a first connection electrode (3a, 23a) and a second connection electrode (3b, 23b) and connected to a terminal (A', A", B', B", C', C") of a phase (A, B, C) or to a terminal (O', D', E', E") of a phase portion (D, E); one or more first control electrodes (4, 24) operatively placed between the connection pairs (3, 23) and configured to arrange the connection pairs in a first electrical configuration; and one or more second control electrodes (5, 25) operatively placed between the connection pairs (3, 23) and configured to arrange the connection pairs in a second electrical configuration.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, preferably for controlling an electric motor.

[0002] Therefore, the present invention is particularly suitable for connecting loads and / or circuits requiring variable configurations. BACKGROUND

[0003] In this context, the term "load" is used to define any type of circuit (including single elements or conductors) for making electrical / electronic devices, such as electric motors, electromechanical actuators and computer circuits.

[0004] For example, in the field of electric propulsion, there has long been a desire to extend the operating range of electric motors, maximizing their efficiency in different areas, to maximize performance and extend their use.

[0005] In this regard, some methods are known to date which provide for suitably subdividing the stator windings into different parts that can be selectively combined with each other to change the "configuration" of the electric motor, thus enabling it to adapt to the operating conditions and extend its operating range.

[0006] One of these solutions is known from US patent US7602137, which relates to an electrically driven electromechanical tool (i.e. a drill), provided with a stator equipped with a plurality of windings that can be reconfigured arranged.

[0007] In particular, the device is provided with a plurality of switches connected to each stator phase, each of which can be controlled between different positions by a control unit to determine an electrical configuration of the motor more suitable for generating high speed or high torque.

[0008] A similar, earlier solution is also known in the automotive industry, based on the doctoral thesis by Eckart Nipp, which describes a reconfigurable electric machine capable of achieving good performance in various operating conditions.

[0009] The above solutions are only described in writing and have limited application on the market, mainly due to the difficulty of their implementation / construction.

[0010] In this regard, it should be noted that even considering an embodiment with only one switching possibility (e.g. star / triangle), the E.Nipp solution requires at least 5 independently controlled switches - this number is exponentially growing (14!) if additional switching possibilities are to be included.

[0011] Disadvantageously, the presence of a large number of switches controlled independently of each other makes the stator structure particularly complex and expensive, and not very reliable considering the multiplicity of non-redundant elements. SUMMARY

[0012] Therefore, the aim of the present application is to provide a semiconductor device capable of overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art described above.

[0013] In particular, the aim of the present application is to provide a switching device for electric motors which is easy to drive while being more compact.

[0014] Furthermore, the aim of the present application is to provide a switching device for electric motors which combines high performance with improved electrical efficiency.

[0015] The aim is achieved by means of a semiconductor device having one or more of the technical characteristics listed in the attached claims 1 to 7, a switching device having one or more of the features contained in claims 8 to 14 and an electric motor having the features of claim 15.

[0016] The semiconductor device according to the present application is designed to connect a plurality of loads according to a plurality of different electrical configurations, varying the field of application and / or varying the efficiency of the loads according to the application.

[0017] As already mentioned in the introduction, the application of this semiconductor device can be multiple, since it can be used both as a connection element between a plurality of circuits designed to vary the connection topology and as a switching device for electric motors or electric machines.

[0018] The semiconductor device comprises at least one substrate (positively doped or negatively doped), a plurality of connection pairs and a plurality of control electrodes.

[0019] Each connection pair is preferably provided with a first connection electrode and a second connection electrode, which can be connected (in use) to the terminals of one load.

[0020] The device also comprises one or more first control electrodes, operatively placed between said connection pairs and configured to generate, upon receipt of a preset control signal, respective first conductive passages between the connection electrodes of the connection pairs. These first conductive passages arrange said connection pairs (i.e. each pair with respect to another pair or other pairs) in an initial electrical configuration.

[0021] Preferably, one or more second control electrodes are also provided, operatively placed between (the same) said connection pairs and configured to generate, upon receipt of a preset control signal, respective second conductive passages between the connection electrodes of the connection pairs. This second conductive passage arranges the connection pairs in a second electrical configuration.

[0022] In this way, two control electrodes are connected to each connection pair, advantageously enabling a simple variation of a single input (or control) signal to vary the electrical configuration of all the connection pairs.

[0023] In this respect, it should be noted that the first and second conductive paths are formed between the electrodes of two different connection pairs.

[0024] This significantly reduces the number of switches required for control, favoring an increase in electrical efficiency and a reduction in overall size.

[0025] In each connection pair, at least the first or the second connection electrode is preferably connected to the first and second control electrodes to be conductive in both the first and second electrical configurations.

[0026] More preferably, the one or more first conductive paths are formed between the first connection electrode of a connection pair and the second connection electrode of another connection pair. The one or more second conductive paths are formed between the first connection electrode of a connection pair and the corresponding first connection electrode of another connection pair and / or between the second connection electrodes of said connection pair.

[0027] It should be noted that preferably the first control electrode is positioned to arrange at least two connection pairs in electric series, while the second control electrode is positioned to arrange two connection pairs in electric parallel.

[0028] According to a preferred aspect of the present application, the semiconductor device is applied in a switching device for an electric motor.

[0029] The electric motor comprises a plurality of phases arranged between respective terminals.

[0030] Each phase is preferably, but not necessarily, provided with at least one first phase portion and at least one second phase portion, each phase portion extending between two ends.

[0031] Each terminal corresponds to one end of a first or second phase portion.

[0032] The switching device according to this aspect of the present application comprises the above-mentioned semiconductor device and at least one control circuit connected to the first and second control electrodes.

[0033] The control circuit is preferably selectively switchable between a first state, in which the control circuit sends the preset control signal to the one or more first control terminals, and a second state, in which the control circuit sends the preset control signal to the one or more second control terminals.

[0034] The control circuit can also preferably be selectively switchable to a third state (neutral state), in which the control circuit does not send any control signal to the one or more first and second control electrodes.

[0035] More preferably, the control circuit comprises a voltage generator, a first branch and a second branch.

[0036] The first branch is connected to the voltage generator and to the one or more first control electrodes. Furthermore, the first branch is preferably provided with a first switch which can be selectively switched between a closed position and an open position.

[0037] The second branch is connected to the voltage generator and to the one or more second control electrodes. Furthermore, the second branch is preferably provided with a second switch which can be selectively switched between a closed position and an open position.

[0038] The first state of the control circuit requires the first switch to be in the closed position and the second switch to be in the open position.

[0039] The second state of the control circuit requires the first switch to be in the open position and the second switch to be in the closed position.

[0040] Advantageously, it is clear that, thanks to the semiconductor device of the present application, only two switches are sufficient to control the electric motor in two different configurations, without halving the control and drive signals required in the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] These and other characteristics and the related technical advantages will become clearer from the following non-limiting description of a preferred and therefore non-exclusive embodiment of a semiconductor device according to the present application, illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 a schematic perspective view of a semiconductor device according to the present application is shown;

[0043] Figure 2 a schematic view of a cross section of the semiconductor device in Figure 1

[0044] Figure 3 a first feasible embodiment of the semiconductor device in Figure 1

[0045] Figure 4 a second feasible embodiment of the semiconductor device according to the present application is schematically shown.

[0046] With reference to the attached drawings, numbers 1 and 21 indicate a semiconductor device according to the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In this text, the term "semiconductor device" means an electronic device made using a substrate of a semiconducting material locally and conveniently doped to facilitate selective passage of electric current. ​​

[0048] The device is suitable for use in a plurality of technical fields, but preferably in applications where the connection between a plurality of loads has to be reconfigured according to certain operating needs.

[0049] The semiconductor device 1 is therefore preferably applied to connect a plurality of loads extending between respective terminals, which can preferably, but not exclusively, be defined by the phase terminals of an electric motor.

[0050] The semiconductor device 1, 21 preferably comprises at least one substrate 2, 22 made of a semiconductor material; a plurality of connection pairs 3, 23; and at least one first control electrode 4, 24 and at least one second control electrode 5, 25.

[0051] The substrate 2, 22 is preferably made of silicon, germanium or gallium arsenide, more preferably of silicon.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the substrate 2, 22 is doped with a preset polarity of p-type or n-type.

[0053] The connection pairs 3, 23 are provided with a first connection electrode 3a, 23a and a second connection electrode 3b, 23b, respectively. Both connection electrodes 3a, 23a, 3b, 23b are made using a local doping 2, 22 having an opposite polarity to the substrate 2, 22 and are preferably overlapping conductive elements or plates.

[0054] According to an element of the present application, the device 1 comprises one or more first control electrodes 4, 24 operatively placed between said connection pairs 3, 23 and configured to generate, upon reception of a preset control signal, a respective first conductive channel 12 between the connection electrodes 3a, 3b, 23a, 23b of two different connection pairs 3, 23.

[0055] Moreover, there should be one or more second control electrodes 5, 25 operatively placed between said connection pairs 3, 23 and configured to generate, upon reception of a preset (similar or additional) control signal, a respective second conductive channel (not shown) between the connection electrodes 3a, 3b, 23a, 23b of said two different connection pairs 3, 23.

[0056] The control electrodes 4, 24, 5, 25 are preferably defined by metallic (i.e. conductive) elements or plates M overlapping and attached to the substrate 2, 22, with an insulating oxide layer O interposed between the metallic (i.e. conductive) elements or plates M and the substrate.

[0057] The first conductive channel 12 (or the plurality of first conductive channels) arranges the connection pairs 3, 23 in a first mutual electrical configuration (i.e. one with respect to the other or others).

[0058] The second conductive path (or the plurality of second conductive paths) arranges the connection pairs 3, 23 in a second mutual electrical configuration (i.e. one with respect to the other or others).

[0059] Therefore, advantageously, it is possible to simply change the electrical connection between at least two loads connected to the connection pairs 3, 23.

[0060] In each connection pair 3, 23, at least the first connection electrode 3a, 23a or the second connection electrode 3b, 23b is preferably connected to the first control electrode 4, 24 and to the second control electrode 5, 25, which are conductive in both the first electrical configuration and the second electrical configuration.

[0061] More precisely, said one or more first conductive paths 12 extend between the first connection electrode 3a, 23a of the first connection pair 3, 23 and the second connection electrode 3b, 23b of the second connection pair 3, 23, while said one or more second conductive paths extend between the first connection electrode 3a, 23a of the first connection pair 3, 23 and the respective first connection electrode 3a, 23a of the second connection pair 3, 23 and / or between the second connection electrode 3b, 23b of the first connection pair 3, 23.

[0062] In other words, said at least two connection pairs 3, 23, the electrodes 3a, 3b, 23a, 23b and the control electrodes 4, 5 of the connection pairs 3, 23 are arranged so that at least one connection electrode of a connection pair can be selectively connected to the two connection electrodes of the other connection pair, respectively, through the first conductive path 12 or the second conductive path, i.e. after activation of the first control electrode 4, 24 or of the second control electrode 5, 25.

[0063] Advantageously, in this way, the semiconductor device can not only determine a selective current path between two terminals (on-off function), but also conveniently change the connection diagram between the loads connected to the connection electrodes.

[0064] Therefore, in structure, the semiconductor device 1 preferably comprises a plurality of field effect transistors, more preferably of the MOSFET type, each equipped with a drain terminal "D", a source terminal "S" and a gate G.

[0065] The drain and source terminals are each defined (or connected) by a respective connection electrode 3a, 3b, 23a, 23b of the connection pairs 3, 23.

[0066] Therefore, for each transistor, the drain terminal is defined by the first connection electrode 3a, 23a and the source terminal is defined by the second connection electrode 3b, 23b, and vice versa.

[0067] On the contrary, the gate G is defined (or connected with) by the respective first control electrode 4, 24 or second control electrode 5, 25, the substrate 2, 22 and the insulating oxide layer O placed therebetween (thus defining a capacitor).

[0068] Therefore, according to one aspect of the present application, based at least in part on the above, on a single semiconductor device 1 equipped with a single substrate 2, 22 there are preferably a plurality of field effect transistors; each field effect transistor comprises one (source or drain) terminal shared with another field effect transistor.

[0069] In other words, the semiconductor device 1 preferably comprises at least two field effect transistors, each field effect transistor having a respective gate G (i.e. first control electrode 4, 24 or second control electrode 5, 25) and respective source and drain terminals, at least one of which is common to both field effect transistors.

[0070] Advantageously, in this way, the semiconductor device 1 encapsulates in itself a structure capable of modifying the type of connection between the loads connected to one or the other connection pair, thus significantly increasing the field of application.

[0071] In use, the semiconductor device 1 is preferably driven by means of at least one control circuit 7, 27 connected to the first control electrodes 4, 24 and to the second control electrodes 5, 25.

[0072] The assembly of the semiconductor device 1 and of the respective control circuit 7, 27 defines at least in part a switching device 50, which is also part of the present application.

[0073] In order to determine the electrical configuration of the loads attached (connected) to the connection pair 3, 23, the control circuit 7, 27 can selectively switch between a first state, in which it sends said preset control signal to one or more first control electrodes 4, 24, and a second state, in which it sends the preset control signal to one or more second control electrodes 5, 25.

[0074] It should be noted that the "control signal" can be identical, strictly speaking, regardless of whether it is sent to the first control electrodes 4, 24 or to the second control electrodes 5, 25.

[0075] For example, in fact, the creation of the first conductive channel 12 or of the second conductive channel in the substrate 2, 22 is preferably due to the application of a voltage of the same level to the first control electrodes 4, 24 or to the second control electrodes 5, 25, respectively.

[0076] In the preferred embodiment, in fact, the control circuit 7, 27 has a same voltage generator 8, 28 connected to two different branches, each connected to the first control electrode 4, 24 or to the second control electrode 5, 25.

[0077] Here, the term "branch" is intended to define a portion of the circuit from the voltage generator 8, 28 to the first control electrode 4, 24 or to the second control electrode 5, 25, regardless of how it is made.

[0078] There is also a switching device configured to determine that the current alternately passes directly through the first control electrode 4, 24 in one branch or directly through the second control electrode 5, 25 in the other branch.

[0079] More specifically, in addition to the voltage generator 8, 28, the control circuit 7, 27 comprises a first branch 9, 29 and a second branch 10, 30.

[0080] The first branch 9, 29 is connected to the voltage generator 8, 28, to said one or more first control electrodes 4, 24 and is equipped with a first switch 9a, 29a which can be selectively switched between a closed position and an open position;

[0081] The second branch 10, 30 is connected to the voltage generator 8, 28, to said one or more second control electrodes 5, 25 and is equipped with a second switch 10a, 30a which can be selectively switched between a closed position and an open position.

[0082] In a first state of the control circuit 7, 27, the first switch 9a, 29a is preferably in the closed position and the second switch 10a, 30a is in the open position.

[0083] According to this, in a second state of the control circuit 7, 27, the first switch 9a, 29a is preferably in the open position and the second switch 10a, 30a is in the closed position.

[0084] However, alternatively, the structure of the control circuit can be different, for example, with a single switch which can be switched between two positions, one corresponding to the first electrical configuration and one corresponding to the second electrical configuration.

[0085] It should be noted that, preferably, the control circuit 7, 27 can also be selectively switched into a third state in which it does not send any control signal neither to the first control electrode 4, 24 nor to the second control electrode 5, 25.

[0086] In the preferred embodiment, the third condition is determined by the fact that the switches 9a, 29a, 10a, 30a are all positioned in the open position.

[0087] In other words, therefore, the third condition of the control circuit 7, 27 is a neutral position in which the two loads are not connected to each other and can therefore be used independently, which is very advantageous in some applications.

[0088] As a non-limiting example, the above-described switching device 50 can be used to control an electric motor 100, preferably, but not exclusively, for traction.

[0089] It should be noted that, as a complement or alternative to what has been described above, the electric motor 100 should also be considered as part of the present application.

[0090] The electric motor 100 comprises a stator body or stator S and a rotor body or rotor (not shown) rotatably connected to the stator S to rotate about its own rotation axis.

[0091] It should be noted that the stator body S is preferably housed inside a casing or containment body (not shown).

[0092] The stator body S is provided with a prismatic casing extending along said rotation axis, which contains a number of phases A, B, C angularly spaced apart and defined by respective windings.

[0093] The phases can be of various types, both defined by bar conductors and by traditional "wire / coil windings.

[0094] The electric motor 100 is therefore of the multiphase type, i.e. it comprises a number of phases which increases from two to according to the type or application.

[0095] In the preferred embodiment, however, the electric motor 100 is at least a three-phase electric motor.

[0096] In the embodiment shown (for illustrative purposes only), the stator S comprises at least a first phase A, a second phase B and a third phase C.

[0097] Regardless of the number, the phases are developed between respective terminals A', A", B', B", C', C".

[0098] Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the electric motor 100 preferably has segmented phases.

[0099] The electric motor 100 is therefore of the multiphase type, i.e. it comprises a number of phases which increases from two to according to the type or application.

[0100] The first phase portion D and the second phase portion E each extend between two ends D', D", E', E"; it should be noted that in this respect each terminal A', A", B', B", C', C" of the respective phase A, B, C corresponds to an end D', E" of the first phase portion D or the second phase portion E.

[0101] More precisely, the first end D' of the first phase portion D and the second end E" of the second phase portion E respectively correspond to the first terminal A', B', C' and the second terminal A", B", C" of the respective first phase A, second phase B or third phase C.

[0102] According to this aspect of the application, the phases A, B, C and / or the phase portions D, E of each phase can be connected together in a suitable manner in order to change the operating configuration of the electric motor 100.

[0103] In this respect, there is a switching device 50 in which the connection electrodes of the connection pairs 3, 23 of the semiconductor device 1 are connected to the respective terminals A', A", B', B", C', C" of the phases A, B, C or to the ends D', D", E', E" of the phase portions D, E.

[0104] Precisely in this application (editor's note: electric motor), even in the third (neutral) state, the (preferable) arrangement of the switchable control circuit is particularly advantageous.

[0105] In fact, in electric traction applications, the neutral state means that the stator phases are not conducting.

[0106] Advantageously, this makes it possible to operate the electric motor in idle state, for example, to keep the rotor firmly attached to the wheel assembly of the vehicle when the electric motor is not operating, without the need to introduce or disengage a clutch to operate.

[0107] Reference Figure 1 The first control electrode 4, 24 is positioned so as to arrange at least two connection pairs 3', 3" in electrical series, and the second control electrode 5, 25 is positioned so as to arrange said two connection pairs 3', 3" in electrical parallel.

[0108] For example, in the present embodiment, the semiconductor device comprises a first connection pair 3' and a second connection pair 3", each provided with a first connection electrode 3a and a second connection electrode 3b.

[0109] Between the first connection electrode 3a of the first connection pair 3' and the second connection electrode 3b of the second connection pair 3" there is also provided at least one first control electrode 4.

[0110] With reference again to the present embodiment, the semiconductor device 1 comprises two second control electrodes 5 (electrically connected to each other) placed between the two first connection electrodes 3a of the first and second connection pairs 3' and 3" and between the second connection electrodes 3b of the first and second connection pairs 3' and 3", respectively.

[0111] Advantageously, this arrangement enables the semiconductor device 1 to be designed reasonably, making it particularly suitable for all applications that require a change in the series / parallel connection between two circuits, such as, for example, motor windings with variable configuration.

[0112] It should be noted that, preferably, in the present embodiment, the two connection pairs 3', 3" are opposite each other, the first and second connection electrodes 3a and 3b having an increased extension, respectively, so that they are opposite each other.

[0113] The first and second control electrodes 4 and 5 extend between the respective connection electrodes 3a, 3b, so that, upon reception of a control signal, they form a respective first or second conductive path 12 between said electrodes.

[0114] It should be remembered that the control signal is preferably a voltage value measured between the first or second control electrodes 4, 24 or 5, 25 and the substrate 2, 22.

[0115] For example, with reference to the embodiment in Figure 3 , the semiconductor device 1 preferably comprises three operating units 11, each connectable to a respective phase A, B, C of the motor 100 and comprising at least two connection pairs 3, 23, each connectable to a phase portion D, E of the respective phase A, B, C.

[0116] An example of an operating unit 11 is shown above and in Figure 1 .

[0117] The operating units can be discrete (physically separated) or, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , can be integrated into a single substrate 2 of the semiconductor device 1.

[0118] However, alternatively, the semiconductor device can take on different configurations, again shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 and identified by the number 21.

[0119] In this embodiment, particularly advantageous when coupled with a multi-phase motor, the semiconductor device 21 comprises three connection pairs 23, each connectable to a phase A, B, C of said motor.

[0120] Preferably, the first control electrodes 24 are positioned in such a way as to connect the connection pairs 23 together according to a triangular configuration and a star configuration, defining a first and a second electrical configuration of the connection pairs 23, respectively.

[0121] Therefore, in some embodiments, the semiconductor device 1 can be advantageously used to change the electrical configuration of the individual phases, while in other embodiments the semiconductor device 21 can be used to change the mutual connection between the phases.

[0122] In this regard, according to the preferred embodiments newly shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 the switching device 50 can comprise the above-mentioned semiconductor devices 1, 21, so as to be able to change the configuration of the electric motor 100 according to a plurality of different combinations.

[0123] In this embodiment, for example, the electric motor 100 comprises a first phase A, a second phase B and a third phase C, each phase being divided into a plurality of phase portions D, E.

[0124] The switching device 50 preferably comprises a first operating module 51 and a second operating module 52, preferably arranged in series between them.

[0125] The first operating module 51 is equipped with the (first) semiconductor device 1 connected to the (first) control circuit 7 and comprising the above-mentioned three operating units 11.

[0126] In other words, each operating unit 11 is connected (or can be connected) to a respective phase A, B, C of the electric motor 100 and comprises at least two connection pairs 3, each connection pair 3 being connectable to a portion of the respective phase A, B, C.

[0127] The first control electrodes 4 and the second control electrodes 5 are respectively positioned in such a way that the connection pairs 3 of each unit 11 are arranged electrically in series and in parallel between them, defining a first and a second electrical configuration of the connection pairs 3 of the (first) semiconductor device 1, respectively.

[0128] On the contrary, the second operating module 52 comprises the (second) semiconductor device 21 connected to the (second) control circuit 27.

[0129] The (second) semiconductor device 21 comprises three connection pairs 23, each connection pair 23 being connectable to a phase A, B, C of the electric motor 100, wherein the first control electrodes 24 and the second control electrodes 25 are respectively positioned in such a way that the connection pairs 23 are connected together according to a triangular and a star configuration, defining a first and a second electrical configuration of the connection pairs 23 of the second semiconductor device 21, as described above.

[0130] Advantageously, thanks to the convenient control of the combination of the two semiconductor devices 1, 21, which can be integrated into a single substrate, it is possible to vary the configuration of the electric motor 100 in a plurality of configurations.

[0131] These operating configurations preferably comprise at least the following:

[0132] - a star series configuration, in which the pair of connections 3 of the first semiconductor device 1 is in the first electrical configuration and the pair of connections 23 of the second semiconductor device 21 is in the second electrical configuration;

[0133] - a star parallel configuration, in which the pair of connections 3 of the first semiconductor device 1 and the pair of connections 23 of the second semiconductor device 21 are both in the second electrical configuration.

[0134] - a star series configuration, in which the pair of connections 3 of the first semiconductor device 1 is in the first electrical configuration and the pair of connections 23 of the second semiconductor device 21 is in the second electrical configuration;

[0135] - a star parallel configuration, in which the pair of connections 3 of the first semiconductor device 1 and the pair of connections 23 of the second semiconductor device 21 are both in the second electrical configuration.

[0136] Therefore, advantageously, only two commands (which can be reduced to one) provided by the respective control circuit are sufficient to determine up to four different electrical configurations of the stator phases, corresponding to four separate fields of application capable of maximizing the efficiency area of the electric motor.

[0137] The present application achieves the intended aim, thus obtaining significant advantages.

[0138] In fact, the design of the semiconductor device is suitable for determining different connections between the loads connected to it as a function of a single control signal, making it possible to greatly simplify all those applications in which it is necessary to simultaneously control several loads.

[0139] In particular, the use of this semiconductor device in switching devices of electric machines with variable configuration makes it possible to combine the requirements of thermal and electrical efficiency with those relating to switching speed and overall size, thus defining the best solution to all the problems found in the prior art.

Claims

1. Switching device for an electric motor comprising a plurality of phases provided between respective terminals of a plurality of phases, the switching device comprising: - a semiconductor device for connecting the terminals of the phases, the semiconductor device comprising: - at least one substrate; - a plurality of connection pairs, each connection pair being equipped with a first connection electrode and a second connection electrode, the first and second connection electrodes being connectable to a terminal of a phase; - one or more first control electrodes operatively arranged between the connection pairs and configured to generate, upon reception of a preset control signal, a respective first conductive path between the connection electrodes of two different connection pairs; the first conductive path arranging the connection pairs in a first electrical configuration; - one or more second control electrodes operatively arranged between the connection pairs and configured to generate, upon reception of a preset control signal, a respective second conductive path between the connection electrodes of the two different connection pairs; the second conductive path arranging the connection pairs in a second electrical configuration, - at least one control circuit connected to the first and second control electrodes and selectively switchable between a first state, in which the control circuit sends the preset control signal to the one or more first control electrodes, and a second state, in which the control circuit sends the preset control signal to the one or more second control electrodes.

2. The switching device of claim 1, wherein, In each connection pair, at least the first or the second connection electrode is connected to the first and second control electrodes to be conductive in both the first and second electrical configurations.

3. Switching device according to claim 1, wherein: - one or more of the first conductive paths are formed between a first connection electrode of a connection pair and a second connection electrode of another connection pair; - one or more of the second conductive paths are formed between a first connection electrode of a connection pair and a respective first connection electrode of another connection pair and / or between second connection electrodes of the connection pairs.

4. Switching device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - the first control electrodes are configured to arrange at least two of the connection pairs in electrical series with each other; - the second control electrodes are configured to arrange two of the connection pairs in electrical parallel with each other.

5. The switching device of claim 1, wherein, The preset control signal is a voltage value measured between the first or second control electrodes and the substrate.

6. Switching device according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of gates, each gate being defined by a respective first or second control electrode, a substrate and an insulating oxide layer (O).

7. Switching device according to claim 6, comprising a plurality of field effect transistors, each field effect transistor being equipped with a drain terminal, a source terminal and one of the gates, defined by one of the first connection electrodes, one of the second connection electrodes and the first or second control electrode, respectively; at least one of the drain and source terminals of each field effect transistor being shared with another field effect transistor.

8. The switching device of claim 1, wherein, The control circuit is further able to selectively switch to a third state, in which the control circuit does not send any control signal to one or more of the first control electrodes and the second control electrodes.

9. The switching device of claim 8, wherein, The control circuit comprises: - a voltage generator; - a first branch connected to the voltage generator, connected to one or more of the first control electrodes, and equipped with a first switch able to selectively switch between a closed position and an open position; a second branch connected to the voltage generator, connected to one or more of the second control electrodes, and equipped with a second switch able to selectively switch between a closed position and an open position, wherein: the first state of the control circuit requires the first switch to be in the closed position and the second switch to be in the open position; the second state of the control circuit requires the first switch to be in the open position and the second switch to be in the closed position.

10. The switching device of claim 9, wherein, the third state of the control circuit requires the first switch and the second switch to be in the open position.

11. The switching device of claim 1, wherein, The semiconductor device comprises three operating units, each able to be connected to a corresponding phase of the electric motor, and comprising at least two connection pairs, each able to be connected to a phase portion of the corresponding phase, and wherein: - the first control electrodes are positioned to arrange the connection pairs of each operating unit in electrical series, defining the first electrical configuration of the connection pairs; - the second control electrodes are positioned to arrange the connection pairs of each operating unit in electrical parallel, defining the second electrical configuration of the connection pairs.

12. The switching device of claim 1, wherein the semiconductor device comprises three connection pairs, each able to be connected to a phase of the electric motor, and wherein: - the first control electrodes are positioned to connect the connection pairs according to a delta configuration, defining the first electrical configuration of the connection pairs; - the second control electrodes are positioned to connect the connection pairs according to a star configuration, defining the second electrical configuration of the connection pairs.

13. The switching device of claim 1, wherein, The electric motor comprises a first phase, a second phase and a third phase, each divided into a plurality of phase portions; the switching device comprises: - a first semiconductor device connected to a first control circuit, the first semiconductor device comprising three operating units, each able to be connected to a respective phase of the electric motor and comprising at least two connection pairs, each able to be connected to a portion of the respective phase, wherein the first control electrodes and the second control electrodes are respectively positioned to arrange the connection pairs of each operating unit in electrical series with each other and in electrical parallel, defining respectively the first electrical configuration and the second electrical configuration of the connection pairs of the first semiconductor device; - a second semiconductor device connected to a second control circuit, the second semiconductor device comprising three operating units, each able to be connected to a respective phase of the electric motor and comprising at least two connection pairs, each able to be connected to a portion of the respective phase, wherein the first control electrodes and the second control electrodes are respectively positioned to arrange the connection pairs of each operating unit in electrical parallel and in electrical series with each other, defining respectively the first electrical configuration and the second electrical configuration of the connection pairs of the second semiconductor device. - a second semiconductor device connected to the second control circuit, said second semiconductor device being arranged in series with said first semiconductor device and comprising three connection pairs, each connection pair being connectable to a phase of said electric motor, wherein said first control electrode and said second control electrode are respectively positioned to connect said connection pairs together in a delta configuration and in a star configuration, defining said first electrical configuration and said second electrical configuration of said connection pairs of said second semiconductor device.

14. An electric motor comprising: - a rotor body rotatable about a first rotation axis; - a stator body equipped with a prismatic casing provided along said first rotation axis and containing a plurality of phases provided between respective terminals of said plurality of phases, wherein each phase is equipped with at least one first phase portion and at least one second phase portion; said first phase portion and second phase portion are each disposed between two ends, wherein each terminal corresponds to one end of the first phase portion or the second phase portion; - the switching device according to claim 1, wherein each connection electrode is connected to a respective end of a phase portion.

15. An electric motor comprising: - a rotor body rotatable about a first rotation axis; - a stator body equipped with a prismatic casing provided along said first rotation axis and containing a plurality of phases provided between respective terminals of said plurality of phases; - the switching device according to claim 1, wherein each connection electrode is connected to a respective terminal of a phase.

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