Detecting Asymmetry in Bidirectional Semiconductor Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack a fast and effective method for detecting asymmetry in bidirectional semiconductor devices, which is crucial for ensuring safe and reliable operation in medical applications, particularly in electrophysiological circuits.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a signal generator that passes signals with two different frequencies through a circuit containing a bidirectional semiconductor device, and a processor that identifies derived frequencies to detect asymmetry in the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional methods are used to detect asymmetry in bidirectional semiconductor devices, then the detection process is slow and complex, but the patent introduces a fast and effective method using frequency analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex physical measurement systems with electrical frequency analysis. By injecting two different frequencies and detecting their difference frequency, the system substitutes elaborate asymmetry detection mechanisms with a streamlined electrical signal processing approach, achieving faster detection with reduced complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from direct asymmetry measurement to frequency domain analysis. By transforming the problem into detecting frequency differences (difference frequency) rather than directly measuring asymmetry, the system achieves rapid detection through parameter transformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If asymmetry in bidirectional semiconductor devices is not detected, then dangerous direct current voltages can be generated, but existing detection methods are not fast or effective enough

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of medical devicesVSAvoidasymmetry detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces frequency signals as an intermediary to detect asymmetry. Instead of directly measuring asymmetry which is difficult, the system uses frequency difference detection as an intermediary measurement that indirectly reveals asymmetry, making the detection process both easier and more reliable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the difference frequency and using this information to detect asymmetry conditions. The feedback mechanism allows for real-time detection and response to asymmetry, enhancing safety through continuous monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a bidirectional semiconductor device is asymmetric, then it can generate direct current voltages that are dangerous in medical applications, but detecting this asymmetry is challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedangerous DC voltage generationVSAvoidasymmetry measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the detection from the time domain to the frequency domain. By analyzing signals in the frequency dimension rather than directly in the time domain, the system achieves precise asymmetry measurement through frequency difference detection, effectively adding a new dimension to the measurement process

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

This approach allows for the rapid detection of asymmetry in bidirectional semiconductor devices, preventing the generation of dangerous direct current voltages and ensuring the safety and reliability of medical devices.

Implementation Method 1

A system comprising a signal generator (50), configured to pass a generated signal, which has two different generated frequencies, through a circuit (34) including a bidirectional semiconductor device. A processor (38) is provided, configured to identify, while the generated signal is passed through the circuit (34), a derived frequency, which derives from the generated frequencies, on the circuit (34).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency difference detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3912584B1Detecting asymmetry in a bidirectional semiconductor device
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD
  • EP3912584B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3912584B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3912584B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system includes a signal generator, configured to pass a generated signal, which has two different generated frequencies, through a circuit including a bidirectional semiconductor device. The system further includes a processor, configured to identify, while the generated signal is passed through the circuit, a derived frequency, which derives from the generated frequencies, on the circuit, and to generate, in response to identifying the derived frequency, an output indicating that a property of the bidirectional semiconductor device is asymmetric. Other embodiments are also described.