Dual-Gate Semiconductor Turn-Off Control With Coil Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor switching devices face a trade-off relationship between switching loss and conduction loss, and controlling multiple gate electrodes to improve one loss complicates the control circuit and method.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor apparatus with a first and second gate electrode, a control circuit connected to both, and a coil connected only to the second gate electrode, allows for simplified control to reduce switching loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If two gate electrodes are individually controlled to reduce switching loss, then switching loss is reduced, but control circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of two gate electrodes into a single control circuit by connecting a coil between the second gate electrode and the control circuit. The coil generates a magnetic field that simultaneously influences both gate electrodes, allowing one control signal to control the turn-off timing of both gates without requiring separate control circuits for each gate.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil acts as an intermediary element between the control circuit and the two gate electrodes. By generating a magnetic field that couples to both gates, the coil mediates the control signal transmission, enabling synchronized or staggered turn-off of both gates through a single control input without direct separate wiring to each gate.
2Loss of energy
If minority carrier discharge is staggered between two gates, then turn-off loss is reduced, but control method becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the inherent inductance and magnetic coupling properties of the coil to automatically create the staggered discharge effect. The control circuit provides a single turn-off signal, and the coil's magnetic field dynamics naturally cause the second gate to discharge minority carriers after the first gate, eliminating the need for complex timing control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter configuration by introducing the coil with specific inductance between the second gate and control circuit. This parameter change creates a natural time delay in the voltage transition at the second gate relative to the first gate, achieving staggered minority carrier discharge through passive circuit characteristics rather than active control timing adjustments.
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
The solution enables reduction in switching loss without complicating the control circuit, by delaying the turn-off timing of the second gate electrode through the coil's influence, thus improving overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
a coil connected between the second gate electrode and the control circuit
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present disclosure, a semiconductor apparatus comprises a first gate electrode; a second gate electrode connected in parallel with the first gate electrode; a control circuit connected to the first gate electrode and the second gate electrode and configured to control gate voltages; and a coil connected between the second gate electrode and the control circuit.