Annular Semiconductor Device for Inductance Reduction and Current Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power semiconductor modules, fast switching operations lead to overvoltage breakdown and noise due to high inductance, while reducing inductance by dividing the module into circuit units results in non-uniform current distribution and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device is designed with multiple circuit units arranged in an annular shape, where each unit includes switching elements and diodes connected in series, with uniform magnetic flux distribution to reduce inductance and enhance current uniformity, thereby suppressing overvoltage and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If switching time is extended to suppress overvoltage, then overvoltage breakdown is prevented, but switching operation becomes slow and switching loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power semiconductor module is divided into multiple circuit units (e.g., multiple IGBT modules) connected in parallel. Each circuit unit has its own switching elements and current path, allowing the total current to be distributed across multiple parallel paths. This segmentation reduces the inductance of each individual current path while maintaining the overall current carrying capacity, thereby suppressing overvoltage during fast switching operations without sacrificing switching speed.
2Reliability
If the power semiconductor module is divided into multiple circuit units to reduce inductance, then overvoltage and noise are suppressed, but current distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric current path design where circuit units are arranged with different winding directions or orientations. Specifically, adjacent circuit units have current paths that wind in opposite directions, creating opposing magnetic fluxes that cancel each other out. This asymmetric arrangement equalizes the magnetic environment experienced by each circuit unit, thereby improving current distribution uniformity across all parallel paths while maintaining low inductance.
3Loss of energy
If inductance is reduced by dividing circuit units, then switching loss is decreased, but current distribution uniformity between units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging circuit units with alternating current path directions (e.g., clockwise and counter-clockwise winding patterns), the patent creates a symmetric magnetic flux cancellation effect. This asymmetric current path design ensures that each circuit unit experiences similar magnetic conditions despite having low inductance, thereby maintaining uniform current distribution while achieving reduced switching loss through lower inductance values.
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
This configuration reduces inductance, improves current distribution uniformity, lowers manufacturing costs, and prevents breakdown and noise generation, while maintaining efficient switching operations.
Implementation Method 1
uniform magnetic flux distribution to reduce inductance and enhance current uniformity
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device according to an embodiment includes a plurality of circuit units, and each of the circuit units includes, a first electrode, a second electrode; a first switching element and a second switching element electrically connected in series between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a third electrode electrically connected between the first switching element and the second switching element. The circuit units are arranged in an annular shape.