Detection Circuit for DNMOS Drive Voltage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power chips require high drive voltages to turn on small-sized DNMOS power transistors without breaking them down, which can lead to transistor breakdown and increased costs due to the need for larger mask processes.

Innovation Solution

A detection circuit with a fourth branch, a fifth branch, and a third energy storage unit is used to sample and compare a voltage difference between detection terminals with a preset electrical signal threshold, ensuring the drive voltage does not exceed the breakdown voltage of the DNMOS transistor by controlling switches in the branches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a small-sized DNMOS power transistor is used to reduce power chip area, then the area is reduced, but a high drive voltage is required which may break down the transistor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower chip areaVSAvoidtransistor breakdown risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection circuit performs preliminary detection of the drive voltage before it reaches levels that could break down the DNMOS transistor. By sampling the voltage difference between detection terminals and comparing it with a preset threshold in advance, the system proactively prevents breakdown rather than reacting after damage occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection circuit establishes a feedback mechanism where the voltage difference between detection terminals is continuously monitored and fed back for comparison with the preset threshold. This feedback loop enables real-time control of the drive voltage, ensuring it remains within safe operating limits while maintaining high drive capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of manufacture

If a DNMOS power transistor is used instead of PMOS, then cost is reduced by eliminating mask process, but drive voltage control precision is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoiddrive voltage control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex voltage regulation mechanisms with a simplified detection and comparison system. Instead of using elaborate control circuits to precisely regulate drive voltage, the invention uses a detection circuit that samples voltage differences and compares them against a preset threshold, achieving precise control through a more straightforward electronic detection approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10992222B2Detection circuit and electronic device using the same

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 SHANGHAI AWINIC TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A detection circuit and an electronic device using the detection circuit are provided. The detection circuit includes a fourth branch, a fifth branch and a third energy storage unit. The fourth branch includes multiple fourth switches, and the fifth branch includes multiple fifth switches. A preset electrical signal threshold is sampled and applied to the third energy storage unit by controlling the multiple fourth switches in the fourth branch, and a voltage difference between two detection terminals of a first energy storage unit is sampled and applied to the third energy storage unit by controlling the multiple fifth switches in the fifth branch, to compare the voltage difference between the two detection terminals with the preset electrical signal threshold.