Asymmetric Power Module Paths for Ringing and Slew Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Symmetric power module designs lead to excessive slew rates during switching, causing lifetime degradation of coupled loads due to prolonged ringing phases, which damage insulation and wiring.
Innovation Solution
Introducing asymmetry in the electrical paths within the power module by varying at least one electrical parameter such as resistance or inductance among the control, first load, and second load paths, reducing oscillations and ringing during switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If symmetric paths are used in the power module, then oscillations inside the power module are reduced, but ringing phases are prolonged causing excessive slew rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally designing at least one path (control path, first load path, or second load path) with different electrical parameters (resistance, inductance, or capacitance) compared to other paths. This asymmetric design creates unequal time constants in the parallel switching devices, which accelerates the damping of ringing phases and reduces excessive slew rates during switching transitions, thereby resolving the contradiction between oscillation reduction and slew rate control.
2Device complexity
If symmetric paths are used in the power module, then the design is simplified, but excessive slew rates cause lifetime degradation of the load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric electrical parameters in the paths to reduce excessive slew rates that cause load degradation. While this increases design complexity slightly, it significantly improves load reliability by minimizing stress on insulation and wiring during switching events. The asymmetric design is implemented by varying resistance, inductance, or capacitance values in specific paths to optimize switching behavior.
3Ease of manufacture
If symmetric paths are used in the power module, then manufacturing is simplified, but prolonged ringing phases cause excessive stress on load insulation and wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric path design with different electrical parameters (resistance, inductance, capacitance) to reduce prolonged ringing phases that generate excessive stress on load insulation and wiring. This approach accepts increased manufacturing complexity as a trade-off to eliminate the harmful effects of excessive slew rates and ringing, thereby protecting the load from premature failure.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, power module includes a module control terminal, a first module load terminal and a second module load terminal and at least one power switch comprising a plurality of switching devices coupled in parallel. Each switching device comprises a control terminal, a first load terminal and a second load terminal. The control terminals are coupled to the module control terminal via a plurality of control paths, the first load terminals are coupled to the first module load terminal via a plurality of first load paths, and the second load terminals are coupled to the second module load terminal via a plurality of second load paths. A control path, a first load path or a second load path has at least one electrical parameter respectively differing from the other control paths, other first load paths and other second load paths.