Cascode Bidirectional Power Switch for User-Configurable Relay Behavior
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid-state switches are not user-configurable for normally-on or normally-off behavior, making it difficult to replace electro-mechanical relays, and integrating bidirectional switches in a single die increases die size due to the need for multiple configurations.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional power switch is designed with a cascode configuration of normally-on and normally-off switch devices, allowing configuration as a normally-off, normally-on, or hybrid switch through external gate driver connections, and a unidirectional power switch is similarly configurable, enabling user-defined behavior without increasing die size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bidirectional switch types are integrated in a single die, then user-configurable behavior is enabled, but the die size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal bidirectional switch die that can be configured to provide normally-on, normally-off, or hybrid behavior through external gate driver connections. The same physical die structure supports multiple functional configurations by selectively connecting gate drivers to different switch devices, eliminating the need for separate dedicated dies for each switch type.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional switch die is segmented into multiple independent switch devices (first bidirectional switch device, second bidirectional switch device) that can be independently controlled by separate gate drivers. This segmentation allows selective activation of different switch configurations within the same die, enabling user-configurable behavior without requiring all switches to be simultaneously active.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional solid-state switches are used, then the structure is simple, but they are not user-configurable for normally-on or normally-off behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamically configurable switch system where the operational behavior (normally-on or normally-off) can be changed after manufacturing by connecting gate drivers to different terminals. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the same hardware to adapt to different application requirements without requiring complex integrated control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
External gate driver connections serve as intermediaries between the control logic and the bidirectional switch devices. By using external gate drivers rather than integrated control circuits, the patent simplifies the die structure while still enabling user-configurable behavior through different connection topologies.
3Reliability
If electro-mechanical relays are replaced with solid-state switches, then reliability improves, but configurability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables configuration changes by altering the electrical connection parameters - specifically, which gate driver terminals are connected to which switch gates. This parameter-based configuration allows the same solid-state hardware to exhibit different default behaviors (normally-on or normally-off) similar to electro-mechanical relays, while maintaining solid-state reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A molded package includes: a first semiconductor die embedded in a mold compound and including a normally-on bidirectional switch device having first and second normally-on gates and first source and second sources; a second semiconductor die embedded in the mold compound and including a first normally-off switch device having a normally-off gate, a source, and a drain; a third semiconductor die embedded in the mold compound and including a second normally-off switch device having a normally-off gate, a source, and a drain, the drain of the first normally-off switch device being electrically connected to the first source of the normally-on bidirectional switch device and the drain of the second normally-off switch device being electrically connected to the second source of the normally-on bidirectional switch device in a cascode configuration to form a bidirectional power switch; and an externally accessible source terminal electrically connected to each source of each switch device.