On-Chip Dead-Time Controller for DC Motor Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In DC motor systems, especially in hybrid vehicles, the lack of a microcontroller leads to uncontrolled dead-time, causing potential short-circuiting and power loss due to differences in propagation delay times of gating signals, which existing software-based solutions cannot effectively manage.
Innovation Solution
An on-chip hardware circuit design within a semiconductor chip that includes a dead-time controller with a clock generator, frequency divider, detector, counter, and time delayer to manage dead-time periods, ensuring complementary switching operations between MOSFETs without the need for a microcontroller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software-based dead-time control is used, then control flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases and microcontroller dependency is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based dead-time control with a hardware circuit implementation. The dead-time control function is transferred from the microcontroller's software program to a dedicated hardware circuit within the semiconductor chip, eliminating the need for microcontroller dependency while maintaining control flexibility through configurable hardware parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the dead-time control function from the microcontroller software and implements it as an independent hardware module within the semiconductor chip. This extraction reduces the microcontroller's workload and eliminates the need for software programs, while the hardware module maintains the necessary control functionality through dedicated circuitry.
2Device complexity
If dead-time is not controlled, then device complexity is reduced, but short-circuiting and power loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the hardware circuit automatically generates and applies the appropriate dead-time delays without external intervention. The circuit monitors the switching states of the MOSFETs and autonomously controls the gating signals to prevent short-circuiting, eliminating the need for complex external control systems while ensuring reliable operation.
3Loss of energy
If complementary switching is implemented, then power loss is reduced, but precise timing control is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and hardwiring the dead-time delay values into the hardware circuit during manufacturing. The circuit is designed with predetermined delay elements that automatically provide the exact timing required for complementary switching, eliminating the need for real-time timing calculations and ensuring precise control without complex software algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for controlling switching devices for a DC motor, which controls the dead-time in an on-chip manner, even when a microcontroller is not mounted in a vehicle controller, by providing a semiconductor chip for controlling switching devices for a DC motor. More specifically, switching devices are mounted in a semiconductor chip to configure an internal circuit of the chip with a half-bridge and a dead-time controller is provided on the semiconductor chip and is configured to transmit gating signals by controlling dead-time periods during operation of the switching devices and drive the switching devices directly connected to a motor.