Driver Circuit and Switch Module for Rapid Short-Circuit Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional short circuit protection methods for power transistors, such as desaturation detection, are often too slow and require additional components, which can limit performance and increase parasitic effects.
Innovation Solution
A switch module with an integrated short circuit detection circuit that quickly detects short circuits by comparing the load current to a threshold or detecting fast current rises, allowing for rapid switching off of the transistor switch without the need for additional external components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If desaturation detection is used for short circuit protection, then protection function is provided, but detection speed is too slow and additional external components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the short circuit detection circuit within the power transistor package, merging the detection function with the power device. This integration eliminates external components and enables faster detection by directly monitoring the emitter-collector voltage without external delays
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit continuously monitors the emitter-collector voltage in advance, ready to detect short circuit conditions immediately when they occur. This preliminary monitoring enables rapid response before damage can occur
2Reliability
If desaturation detection is used for short circuit protection, then protection function is provided, but additional external components increase device complexity and parasitic effects
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit is integrated within the power transistor package, combining multiple functions (power switching and short circuit detection) into a single device. This eliminates external diodes, resistors, and capacitors, reducing device complexity and parasitic effects
Solution Approach 2:
The power transistor package is designed to perform multiple functions: power switching and short circuit detection. The integrated detection circuit uses the existing emitter-collector voltage of the power transistor, making the same voltage serve both switching and protection functions
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3B
Figure 3C~5A
AI summary
Switch modules, driver circuits for switch modules and corresponding methods are provided. In an implementation, a switch module comprises a transistor switch (11) including a control terminal, a first load terminal and a second load terminal, and a short circuit detection circuit (12) configured to detect a short circuit state between the first load terminal and the second load terminal and to electrically couple the control terminal and the first load terminal in response to detecting the short circuit state. The short circuit detection circuit is supplied by a voltage between the control terminal and the first load terminal.