Air-Core Transformer Gate Driving for Flexible Switching Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor control and power supply devices with switching elements lack the flexibility to adjust switching operations effectively, limiting the degree of freedom in controlling switching elements.

Innovation Solution

A driving circuit utilizing an air-core transformer with multiple primary windings and a secondary winding, where AC signals with phase differences are input to the primary windings, allowing for the adjustment of switching operations with high flexibility by synthesizing magnetic fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional driving circuit with a single primary winding is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the switching operation adjustment flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching operation adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidtransformer winding structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The primary winding is divided into multiple independent windings (first primary winding and second primary winding), each capable of receiving AC signals with different phases. This segmentation allows independent control of each winding, enabling flexible adjustment of switching operations while maintaining a relatively simple overall transformer structure without requiring a magnetic core.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air-core transformer with multiple primary windings serves multiple functions: it can synthesize magnetic fields from different phase AC signals, provide flexible switching control, and generate varied output signals. This multi-functional design allows a single transformer structure to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate control circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple primary windings with phase differences are used, then switching operation control flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput signal adjustment capabilityVSAvoidwiring substrate structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional magnetic core-based transformers with an air-core transformer implementation on a wiring substrate. This substitution eliminates the need for complex magnetic core assembly while achieving the same electromagnetic transformation function through planar wiring patterns, thereby reducing device complexity despite multiple windings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer is implemented in a planar dimension on a wiring substrate with multiple wiring layers, rather than using a three-dimensional magnetic core structure. This dimensional change allows multiple primary windings to be arranged in different layers and positions, enabling phase-differentiated control while maintaining a compact, low-profile device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the adjustment of switching operations with high degree of freedom, allowing for various output signal adjustments, including frequency and amplitude modifications, thereby improving control over switching elements.

Implementation Method 1

an air-core transformer having a plurality of primary windings and a secondary winding magnetically coupled to each of the plurality of primary windings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

where AC signals with phase differences are input to the primary windings, allowing for the adjustment of switching operations with high flexibility by synthesizing magnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field synthesis: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20230290568A1Driving circuit and control board

Publication Date: 2023.09.14 ROHM CO LTD

AI summary

A driving circuit controls driving of a switching element by outputting a driving signal to the switching element. The driving circuit includes an air-core transformer having a plurality of primary windings and a secondary winding magnetically coupled to each of the plurality of primary windings. An AC signal is input to each of the plurality of primary windings of the air-core transformer. The plurality of primary windings includes a first primary winding and a second primary winding. There is a phase difference between an AC signal input to the first primary winding and an AC signal input the second primary winding.