dv/dt-Triggered Suppressor Circuit for Low Transient Current

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transient suppression technologies fail to effectively manage high dv/dt currents during electrical overstress events, leading to potential damage to electrical components.

Innovation Solution

A voltage protection circuit with a dv/dt triggered turn-on mechanism, coupled with voltage limiting, current sharing, and level shifting circuits to manage and reduce dv/dt currents, protecting electrical components from transient voltage spikes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing transient suppression technologies are used, then voltage protection is provided, but high dv/dt currents are not effectively managed leading to potential component damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoiddv/dt current
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dv/dt detection circuit that proactively monitors voltage changes and triggers the suppression mechanism before excessive currents can damage components. The circuit detects rapid voltage changes (dv/dt) and activates the suppression transistor in advance to prevent harmful current flow, rather than reacting after damage occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a suppression transistor as an intermediary element between the voltage source and protected components. This transistor acts as a controlled switch that diverts dv/dt currents away from sensitive components, serving as a mediator that protects the system by managing harmful current flow through a dedicated control path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If transient suppression is activated to protect components, then voltage spikes are suppressed, but the suppression mechanism itself may be damaged by high dv/dt currents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage protectionVSAvoidsuppressor durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the suppression function into separate controlled stages using multiple transistors (suppression transistor and clamp transistor) with distinct activation thresholds. The suppression transistor handles initial dv/dt events, while the clamp transistor provides secondary protection, segmenting the current management tasks to prevent any single component from being overwhelmed by excessive currents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a clamp circuit that activates after the suppression transistor to provide secondary protection. This clamp circuit acts as a cushioning mechanism that catches and manages any residual or excessive currents that might damage the suppression transistor, providing beforehand protection for the suppression mechanism itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 effectively suppresses transient voltage spikes by controlling dv/dt currents, thereby preventing damage to electrical components and enhancing the reliability of integrated circuits.

Implementation Method 1

a dV/dt triggered turn-on circuit that receives an input voltage and turns on a switch when a change in voltage over time exceeds a predetermined level

Methodology Applied
Scientific Effectdv/dt triggering:

Implementation Method 2

A voltage limiting circuit coupled to the dv/dt triggered turn-on circuit limits a maximum voltage seen by the dV/dt triggered turn-on circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage limiting:

Implementation Method 3

A current sharing circuit coupled to the dV/dt triggered turn-on circuit controls a level of current through the dV/dt triggered turn-on circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCurrent sharing:

Implementation Method 4

A level shifting circuit coupled to the dV/dt triggered turn-on circuit shifts a DC voltage level of the dV/dt triggered turn-on circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLevel shifting:

Data Source

PatentUS20250357747A1Transient diverting suppressor with low dv/dt current
Publication Date: 2025.11.20 SEMTECH CORP
  • US20250357747A1 patent drawing
  • US20250357747A1 patent drawing
  • US20250357747A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A voltage protection circuit, comprising a dV/dt triggered turn-on circuit configured to receive an input voltage and to turn on a switch when a change in voltage over time exceeds a predetermined level. A voltage limiting circuit coupled to the dv/dt triggered turn-on circuit and configured to limit a maximum voltage seen by the dV/dt triggered turn-on circuit. A current sharing circuit coupled to the dV/dt triggered turn-on circuit and configured to control a level of current through the dV/dt triggered turn-on circuit. A level shifting circuit coupled to the dV/dt triggered turn-on circuit and configured to shift a DC voltage level of the dV/dt triggered turn-on circuit.