GaN Power Switch With Internal Driver Supply for 3-Pin Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power devices using GaN transistors require four pins, including one for obtaining power for the driver, which complicates direct replacement in power electronics topology structures and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A power device design utilizing GaN transistors with only three pins, incorporating a power obtaining circuit and a regulator to generate and convert internal voltages for the driver, eliminating the need for an external power pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power device uses GaN transistors with an external power pin for the driver, then the driver can operate reliably, but the pin count increases to four and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply function and signal input function into the same pin (pin 212). The power obtaining circuit obtains voltage from pin 212 to generate driver power, while the same pin also serves as a signal input terminal. This merging eliminates the need for a separate external power pin, reducing the pin count from four to three while maintaining driver reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Pin 212 is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a power input terminal for the power obtaining circuit and a signal input terminal for control signals. This multi-functionality allows the power device to operate reliably with fewer pins, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Power
If a power device uses GaN transistors with an external power pin, then the driver has sufficient power, but the cost increases and direct replacement of MOSFET devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the power input and signal input functions into pin 212, the patent enables direct replacement of MOSFET-based power devices with GaN-based devices without modifying existing power electronics topology structures. This eliminates the need for additional external power connections, reducing cost and improving ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The power obtaining circuit internally generates the required driver power from the voltage obtained at pin 212, eliminating the need for external power supply connections. This self-service approach allows direct replacement of MOSFET devices with GaN devices in existing applications without additional external power infrastructure.
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
Enables cost-effective replacement of MOSFET-based power devices without modifying existing power electronics topology, by internally sourcing power for the driver, thus reducing pin count and maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first power obtaining circuit is configured to obtain a first voltage from the first pin to generate a second voltage
Implementation Method 2
The regulator is configured to convert the second voltage into a third voltage and provide the third voltage for the driver
Data Source
AI summary
A power device includes a power switch circuit, a driver, a regulator, at least one power obtaining circuit, a first pin, a second pin and a third pin. The driver controls the power switch circuit to connect the first pin to the second pin or disconnect the first pin from the second pin according to signals on the third pin. The at least one power obtaining circuit obtains voltages from the first pin, the third pin, and/or the power switch circuit. The regulator converts the voltages provided by the at least one power obtaining circuit into a suitable voltage and provides the suitable voltage for the power terminal of the driver. Since the power required for the driver can be obtained from inside the power device, there is no need to add an additional pin to obtain power from outside the power device.