An insulated gate bipolar transistor circuit breaker
By using parallel insulated-gate bipolar transistors and voltage comparators, the problems of complex structure and response delay in existing IGBT circuit breakers are solved, achieving fast and reliable overcurrent protection, simplifying the circuit structure and supporting flexible protection threshold adjustment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STARPOWER SEMICON LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
Smart Images

Figure CN224319342U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical protection technology, and in particular to a circuit breaker. Background Technology
[0002] With the continuous development of power systems and technological advancements, the performance requirements for high-voltage circuit breakers are becoming increasingly stringent, necessitating more efficient and reliable overcurrent protection devices. IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) devices, due to their excellent electrical performance, are gradually being applied in the field of high-voltage circuit breakers.
[0003] Existing IGBT circuit breakers often require additional temperature compensation or current sampling feedback modules to implement overcurrent protection, complicating the overall circuit structure and increasing equipment cost and maintenance difficulty. Their overcurrent protection mechanisms mostly rely on digital processors, which require computation time to process signals, resulting in delays in overcurrent response and affecting the timeliness of protection. Furthermore, the protection threshold settings are fixed, making it difficult to flexibly adjust them according to different needs in practical applications. Moreover, the lack of a hardware-level fast protection path means that once an overcurrent occurs, the circuit cannot be quickly disconnected, reducing the safety and reliability of equipment operation. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an insulated gate bipolar transistor circuit breaker to solve the above-mentioned technical problems;
[0005] An insulated-gate bipolar transistor circuit breaker includes,
[0006] Main power unit;
[0007] The drive unit is connected to the main power unit;
[0008] A current detector is connected to the main power unit;
[0009] A voltage comparator is connected between the current detector and the main power unit. The positive input of the voltage comparator is connected to a reference voltage, and the inverting input of the voltage comparator is connected to the output pin of the current detector.
[0010] Preferably, the main power unit includes,
[0011] N insulated-gate bipolar transistors are connected in parallel, with the gate of the first insulated-gate bipolar transistor connected to the drive output pin of the transistor driver, and the source of the first insulated-gate bipolar transistor connected to the current detection pin of the transistor driver.
[0012] The gate of the Nth insulated gate bipolar transistor is connected to the gate of the (N-1)th insulated gate bipolar transistor, the drain of the Nth insulated gate bipolar transistor is connected to the drain of the (N-1)th insulated gate bipolar transistor, and the source of the Nth insulated gate bipolar transistor is connected to the source of the (N-1)th insulated gate bipolar transistor.
[0013] The drains of all N insulated gate bipolar transistors are connected to the first access pin of the current detector;
[0014] Where N≥1.
[0015] Preferably, the positive power supply pin of the transistor driver is connected to a first power supply voltage, and the negative power supply pin of the transistor driver is grounded.
[0016] Preferably, the emitter output terminal of the voltage comparator is connected to the negative power supply terminal of the voltage comparator, the negative power supply terminal of the voltage comparator is connected to the ground pin of the current detector, the inverting input terminal of the voltage comparator is connected to the output pin of the current detector through a second resistor in series, the positive power supply terminal of the voltage comparator is connected to the first power supply voltage, and the collector output terminal of the voltage comparator is connected to the signal input pin of the transistor driver.
[0017] Preferably, it also includes,
[0018] A first adjustable resistor has its first pin connected to the positive power supply terminal of the voltage comparator, its second pin connected to the ground pin of the current detector, and its third pin connected to the positive input terminal of the voltage comparator.
[0019] A first capacitor, the first end of which is connected to the ground pin of the current detector, and the second end of which is connected to the first end of the second resistor.
[0020] Preferably, the power supply pin and the second access pin of the current detector are connected to the first power supply voltage.
[0021] Preferably, the driving unit includes,
[0022] An optocoupler is provided, wherein the anode of the input side of the optocoupler is connected to the signal receiving pin of the transistor driver through a third resistor, the cathode of the input side of the optocoupler is grounded, the first terminal of the output terminal of the optocoupler is connected to the first power supply voltage through a fourth resistor in series, and the second terminal of the output terminal of the optocoupler is grounded through a second capacitor in series.
[0023] Preferably, the drive unit further includes,
[0024] The fifth resistor is connected between the anode and the cathode on the input side of the optocoupler isolator;
[0025] The first transistor has its base connected to the collector output terminal of the voltage comparator, its collector connected to the first terminal of the second capacitor, and its emitter connected to the second terminal of the second capacitor.
[0026] An amplifier, the input of which is connected in series with a sixth resistor to the second terminal of the output of the optocoupler isolator;
[0027] The base of the second transistor is connected to the input terminal of the amplifier, the collector of the second transistor is connected to the first power supply voltage, and the emitter of the second transistor is connected to the transmission pin of the output interface.
[0028] The third transistor has its base connected to the output terminal of the amplifier, its collector connected to the emitter of the second transistor, and its emitter connected to the second power supply voltage.
[0029] Preferably, the ground pin of the output interface is grounded, and the negative power supply terminal of the voltage comparator is grounded.
[0030] Preferably, when the current detection signal at the output pin of the current detector is greater than the reference voltage, the collector output of the voltage comparator outputs a first level to turn off the enable terminal of the drive unit.
[0031] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: by comparing the reference voltage and the current detection signal output by the current detector, a fast overcurrent protection function can be realized, improving the safety and reliability of equipment operation, and simplifying the structure. Attached Figure Description
[0032] Figure 1 This is a circuit connection diagram of the main power unit, current detector and voltage comparator of this utility model;
[0033] Figure 2 This is a circuit connection diagram of the driving unit of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0034] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0035] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.
[0036] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention.
[0037] An insulated gate bipolar transistor circuit breaker, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, including,
[0038] Main power unit MP;
[0039] The drive unit DRV is connected to the main power unit MP;
[0040] Current detector CT is connected to main power unit MP;
[0041] Voltage comparator U1 is connected between current detector CT and main power unit MP. The positive input terminal IN+ of voltage comparator U1 is connected to a reference voltage, and the inverting input terminal IN- of voltage comparator U1 is connected to the output pin of current detector CT.
[0042] Specifically, this utility model provides an insulated gate bipolar transistor circuit breaker that can achieve rapid overcurrent protection by comparing the reference voltage with the current detection signal output by the current detector CT, thereby improving the safety and reliability of equipment operation and simplifying the structure.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the main power unit MP includes,
[0044] N insulated gate bipolar transistors T are connected in parallel. The gate of the first insulated gate bipolar transistor T is connected to the drive output pin of transistor driver P1, and the source of the first insulated gate bipolar transistor T is connected to the current detection pin of transistor driver P1.
[0045] The gate of the Nth insulated-gate bipolar transistor T is connected to the gate of the (N-1)th insulated-gate bipolar transistor T, the drain of the Nth insulated-gate bipolar transistor T is connected to the drain of the (N-1)th insulated-gate bipolar transistor T, and the source of the Nth insulated-gate bipolar transistor T is connected to the source of the (N-1)th insulated-gate bipolar transistor T.
[0046] The drains of N insulated gate bipolar transistors T are all connected to the first access pin of the current detector CT.
[0047] Where N≥1.
[0048] Specifically, the main power section (MP) consists of N parallel-connected insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) T. This parallel connection enhances the overall power handling capability. With multiple IGBTs connected in parallel, each transistor shares a portion of the current, allowing the main power section (MP) to withstand greater current and meet the power demands of high-voltage systems. Simultaneously, this connection method provides a basis for modular design, facilitating adjustments to the number of IGBT units according to actual needs and enabling flexible expansion.
[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the positive power supply pin of transistor driver P1 is connected to the first power supply voltage VCC, and the negative power supply pin of transistor driver P1 is grounded.
[0050] Specifically, the positive power supply pin of transistor driver P1 is connected to the first power supply voltage VCC, and the ground pin is grounded, providing a stable power supply and ground reference for the entire circuit. A stable power supply is fundamental for the normal operation of all components in the circuit, ensuring that the IGBT transistors in the main power section and other related circuits can obtain appropriate operating voltages. Grounding provides a unified potential reference point for the circuit, ensuring stable signal transmission and reducing electrical interference.
[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the emitter output terminal EMIT OUT of voltage comparator U1 is connected to the negative power supply terminal VCC- of voltage comparator U1, the negative power supply terminal VCC- of voltage comparator U1 is connected to the ground pin of current detector CT, the inverting input terminal IN- of voltage comparator U1 is connected to the output pin of current detector CT through a second resistor R2 in series, the positive power supply terminal VCC+ of voltage comparator U1 is connected to the first power supply voltage VCC, and the collector output terminal COL OUT of voltage comparator U1 is connected to the signal input pin of transistor driver P1.
[0052] The first adjustable resistor R1 has its first pin connected to the positive power supply terminal VCC+ of the voltage comparator U1, its second pin connected to the ground pin of the current detector CT, and its third pin connected to the positive input terminal IN+ of the voltage comparator U1.
[0053] The first capacitor C1 has its first end connected to the ground pin of the current detector CT, and its second end connected to the first end of the second resistor R2.
[0054] Specifically, the pin connections of voltage comparator U1 enable it to perform overcurrent detection and control functions. The positive power supply terminal VCC+ is connected to the first power supply voltage VCC to ensure the comparator operates normally.
[0055] The positive input terminal IN+ obtains a reference voltage through the first adjustable resistor R1; the inverting input terminal IN- is connected to the output pin of the current detector CT to obtain the detected current. When the voltage corresponding to the current signal detected by the current detector CT is greater than the reference voltage, the comparator output level flips, and the collector output terminal COL OUT outputs a corresponding level to control the drive unit DRV, thereby realizing the overcurrent protection function.
[0056] Specifically, the first capacitor C1 and the resistor serve as filters. A filter network between the current detector CT and the voltage comparator U1 removes noise and interference from the current detection signal. The capacitor's "DC blocking and AC passing" characteristic suppresses high-frequency noise, while the resistor adjusts the filtering time constant, making the signal input to the voltage comparator U1 more stable and accurate, preventing malfunctions due to noise, and improving the reliability of overcurrent detection.
[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the power supply pin and the second access pin of the current detector CT are connected to a first power supply voltage VCC.
[0058] Specifically, the power supply pin and second access pin of the current detector CT are connected to the first power supply voltage VCC, providing operating power to the current detector CT so that it can normally detect the main circuit current. A stable power supply ensures the normal operation of the internal circuit of the current detector CT, guaranteeing detection accuracy and reliability, thereby providing an accurate current detection signal for the entire overcurrent protection system.
[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit DRV includes,
[0060] The optocoupler OC has its input anode connected to the signal receiving pin (SINGLE) of transistor driver P1 via a third resistor R3, and its input cathode grounded. The first output terminal of the optocoupler OC is connected to the first power supply voltage VCC via a fourth resistor R4 in series, and the second output terminal of the optocoupler OC is grounded via a second capacitor C2 in series.
[0061] Specifically, the optocoupler OC achieves electrical isolation between the driver unit DRV and other circuits, preventing interference. The signal is received by connecting the signal receiving pin of the transistor driver P1 via the third resistor R3, with the input cathode grounded to ensure signal transmission stability. The output is connected to VCC via the fourth resistor R4, and the second capacitor C2 is grounded, serving to condition the signal and stabilize the output.
[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit DRV further includes,
[0063] The fifth resistor R5 is connected between the anode and the cathode on the input side of the optocoupler OC.
[0064] The first transistor Q1 has its base connected to the collector output terminal COL OUT of the voltage comparator U1, its collector connected to the first terminal of the second capacitor C2, and its emitter connected to the second terminal of the second capacitor C2.
[0065] Amplifier A1, the input terminal of amplifier A1 is connected to the second terminal of the output terminal of optocoupler OC through a sixth resistor R6 in series;
[0066] The base of the second transistor Q2 is connected to the input terminal of amplifier A1, the collector of the second transistor Q2 is connected to the first power supply voltage VCC, and the emitter of the second transistor Q2 is connected to the transmission pin of the output interface DRIVE1.
[0067] The base of the third transistor Q3 is connected to the output terminal of amplifier A1, the collector of the third transistor Q3 is connected to the emitter of the second transistor Q2, and the emitter of the third transistor Q3 is connected to the second power supply voltage VDD.
[0068] The ground pin of the output interface DRIVE1 is grounded, and the negative power supply terminal VCC- of the voltage comparator U1 is grounded.
[0069] Specifically, the fifth resistor R5 serves as a current limiter and protector on the input side of the optocoupler OC. The first transistor Q1, amplifier A1, the second transistor Q2, and the third transistor Q3 work together to amplify and process the signal output from the optocoupler OC, enhancing the driving capability to meet the gate driving requirements of the IGBT transistors in the main power unit MP.
[0070] The transmission pin of the output interface DRIVE1 is grounded, and the negative power supply terminal VCC- of the voltage comparator U1 is grounded, providing a stable potential reference for the circuit and reducing electrical interference. In a circuit, grounding is an important measure to ensure stable signal transmission and normal operation of the equipment. It can avoid signal distortion or malfunction caused by potential fluctuations, and improve the stability and reliability of the entire system.
[0071] In a preferred embodiment, when the detected current at the output pin of the current detector CT is greater than the reference voltage, the collector output terminal COL OUT of the voltage comparator U1 outputs a first level, thereby turning off the enable terminal of the drive unit DRV.
[0072] Specifically, when the voltage of the current detection signal from the current detector CT exceeds a set value, the collector output terminal COL OUT of the voltage comparator U1 outputs a first level (low level), turning off the enable terminal of the drive unit DRV. Real-time comparison of the current signal and the adjustable reference voltage is achieved through a hardware comparator, directly cutting off the IGBT drive signal when an overcurrent occurs. Based on the working principle of the voltage comparator U1, a fast overcurrent response is achieved through hardware circuitry. Once an overcurrent is detected, the comparator quickly activates, cutting off the drive signal and causing the IGBT transistors in the main power unit MP to stop working, thereby protecting the circuit from damage caused by excessive current and achieving hardware-level fast overcurrent protection.
[0073] This invention provides a high-voltage IGBT circuit breaker with a simplified structure and direct hardware overcurrent protection, eliminating the need for complex control logic. The main power unit (MP) consists of N IGBT units connected in parallel (N≥1). The main electrodes are connected to the high-voltage input / output terminals. The drive circuit is connected to the gate of the IGBT through an optocoupler isolation device. The current detector (CT) uses a Rogowski coil or a Hall sensor connected in series in the main circuit. The inverting input (IN-) of the voltage comparator (U1) is connected to the current detection signal, and the non-inverting input (IN+) is connected to the adjustable reference voltage (Vref).
[0074] The IGBT module is equipped with a reverse parallel fast recovery diode. The hardware comparator of this invention can achieve μs-level overcurrent response, and the protection threshold can be set in the field through adjustable Vref. It also supports the expansion of the number of IGBT units.
[0075] The IGBT module uses two 1200V / 300A IGBTs connected in parallel, with each IGBT connected in parallel with an STTH6003 diode;
[0076] The current detection uses an LAH-100P Hall sensor, with an output of 0-5V corresponding to 0A-300A;
[0077] The overcurrent protection circuit uses an LM311 comparator, and Vref is adjusted by a 10kΩ potentiometer (corresponding to a protection threshold of 200A-250A).
[0078] When the detected current is greater than the Vref set value, the LM311 outputs a low level, immediately turning off the enable terminal of the drive optocoupler HCPL-316J;
[0079] After the fault is cleared, power is restored via the manual reset button. While ensuring safety, the system structure is significantly simplified, and it possesses μs-level rapid protection capabilities.
[0080] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the implementation method and protection scope of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art should realize that all solutions obtained by equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made based on the description and illustrations of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An insulated-gate bipolar transistor circuit breaker, characterized in that, include, Main power unit (MP); The drive unit (DRV) is connected to the main power unit (MP); A current detector (CT) is connected to the main power unit (MP); A voltage comparator (U1) is connected between the current detector (CT) and the main power unit (MP). The positive input terminal (IN+) of the voltage comparator (U1) is connected to a reference voltage, and the inverting input terminal (IN-) of the voltage comparator (U1) is connected to the output pin of the current detector (CT).
2. The insulated-gate bipolar transistor circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main power unit (MP) includes, N parallel insulated-gate bipolar transistors (T), with the gate of the first insulated-gate bipolar transistor (T) connected to the drive output pin of the transistor driver (P1), and the source of the first insulated-gate bipolar transistor (T) connected to the current detection pin of the transistor driver (P1); The gate of the Nth insulated gate bipolar transistor (T) is connected to the gate of the (N-1)th insulated gate bipolar transistor (T), the drain of the Nth insulated gate bipolar transistor (T) is connected to the drain of the (N-1)th insulated gate bipolar transistor (T), and the source of the Nth insulated gate bipolar transistor (T) is connected to the source of the (N-1)th insulated gate bipolar transistor (T). The drains of all N insulated gate bipolar transistors (T) are connected to the first access pin of the current detector (CT); Where N≥1.
3. The insulated-gate bipolar transistor circuit breaker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positive power supply pin of the transistor driver (P1) is connected to the first power supply voltage (VCC), and the negative power supply pin of the transistor driver (P1) is grounded.
4. The insulated-gate bipolar transistor circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterized in that, The emitter output (EMIT OUT) of the voltage comparator (U1) is connected to the negative power supply terminal (VCC-) of the voltage comparator (U1), the negative power supply terminal (VCC-) of the voltage comparator (U1) is connected to the ground pin of the current detector (CT), the inverting input terminal (IN-) of the voltage comparator (U1) is connected to the output pin of the current detector (CT) through a second resistor (R2) in series, the positive power supply terminal (VCC+) of the voltage comparator (U1) is connected to the first power supply voltage (VCC), and the collector output terminal (COL OUT) of the voltage comparator (U1) is connected to the signal input pin of the transistor driver (P1).
5. The insulated-gate bipolar transistor circuit breaker according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes, A first adjustable resistor (R1) is connected, with its first pin connected to the positive power supply terminal (VCC+) of the voltage comparator (U1), its second pin connected to the ground pin of the current detector (CT), and its third pin connected to the positive input terminal (IN+) of the voltage comparator (U1). A first capacitor (C1) is connected at its first end to the ground pin of the current detector (CT), and at its second end to the first end of the second resistor (R2).
6. The insulated-gate bipolar transistor circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power supply pin and the second access pin of the current detector (CT) are connected to the first power supply voltage (VCC).
7. The insulated-gate bipolar transistor circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive unit (DRV) includes, An optocoupler (OC) is provided, wherein the anode of the input side of the optocoupler (OC) is connected to the signal receiving pin of the transistor driver (P1) through a third resistor (R3), the cathode of the input side of the optocoupler (OC) is grounded, the first terminal of the output terminal of the optocoupler (OC) is connected to the first power supply voltage (VCC) through a fourth resistor (R4) in series, and the second terminal of the output terminal of the optocoupler (OC) is grounded through a second capacitor (C2) in series.
8. The insulated-gate bipolar transistor circuit breaker according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drive unit (DRV) also includes, The fifth resistor (R5) is connected between the anode and the cathode on the input side of the optocoupler (OC); The first transistor (Q1) has its base connected to the collector output terminal (COL OUT) of the voltage comparator (U1), its collector connected to the first terminal of the second capacitor (C2), and its emitter connected to the second terminal of the second capacitor (C2). Amplifier (A1), the input terminal of which is connected to the second terminal of the output terminal of the optocoupler (OC) via a sixth resistor (R6) in series; The second transistor (Q2) has its base connected to the input terminal of the amplifier (A1), its collector connected to the first power supply voltage (VCC), and its emitter connected to the transmission pin of the output interface (DRIVE1). The third transistor (Q3) has its base connected to the output terminal of the amplifier (A1), its collector connected to the emitter of the second transistor (Q2), and its emitter connected to the second power supply voltage (VDD).
9. The insulated-gate bipolar transistor circuit breaker according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ground pin of the output interface (DRIVE1) is grounded, and the negative power supply terminal (VCC-) of the voltage comparator (U1) is grounded.
10. The insulated-gate bipolar transistor circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the current detection signal at the output pin of the current detector (CT) is greater than the reference voltage, the collector output (COL OUT) of the voltage comparator (U1) outputs a first level, turning off the enable terminal of the drive unit (DRV).