Nitride-based bidirectional switching device for battery management and method for manufacturing the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery management systems lack a nitride-based bidirectional switching device capable of working with conventional battery protection controllers for high-frequency battery charging and discharging applications, while ensuring compact size and safe operation.
Innovation Solution
A nitride-based bidirectional switching device with a nitride-based bidirectional switching element and an adaption module that receives signals from a battery protection controller, along with a substrate potential management module to maintain stable substrate potential, enabling safe and efficient charging and discharging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional Silicon MOSFET is used in battery management system, then the system can be manufactured with成熟工艺, but the operation frequency is limited and the switching speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from silicon to gallium nitride, which fundamentally alters the electrical characteristics including electron mobility and breakdown voltage, enabling higher switching speeds and frequencies while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional silicon-based semiconductor device with a nitride-based semiconductor device, substituting the material system to achieve superior electrical performance for high-frequency applications
2Speed
If nitride-based bidirectional switching device is implemented, then the operation frequency and switching speed are improved, but the device complexity increases due to adaption module requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional switching device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can switch current in both directions, provide over-current protection for both charging and discharging, and interface with conventional controllers through the adaption module, reducing the need for separate protection circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The adaption module serves as an intermediary between the conventional battery protection controller and the nitride-based bidirectional switching device, translating control signals and enabling compatibility without requiring a complete controller redesign
3Area of stationary object
If bidirectional switching element is used for both charging and discharging management, then the component count is reduced and size is compact, but the substrate potential stability becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional regions including the bidirectional switching element, adaption module, and substrate potential management module, each handling specific tasks to maintain overall system stability while achieving compact integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs symmetric structure design where the bidirectional switching element has identical conduction paths and characteristics for both forward and reverse directions, ensuring consistent electrical behavior and substrate potential stability regardless of current flow direction
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional battery protection controller is used, then the system compatibility is maintained, but the power losses are high and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the switching device material from silicon to gallium nitride, which has superior electrical characteristics including lower on-resistance and higher electron mobility, resulting in reduced conduction losses and improved efficiency while maintaining compatibility through the adaption module
Data Source
AI summary
A nitride-based bidirectional switching device is provided for working with a battery protection controller having a power input terminal, a discharge over-current protection (DO) terminal, a charge over-current protection (CO) terminal, a voltage monitoring (VM) terminal and a ground terminal. The nitride-based bidirectional switching device comprises a nitride-based bidirectional switching element and an adaption module configured for receiving a DO signal and a CO signal from the battery protection controller and generating a main control signal for controlling the bidirectional switching element. By implementing the adaption circuit, the nitride-based bidirectional switching element can work with conventional battery protection controller for battery charging and discharging management. Therefore, a nitride-based battery management system can be realized with higher operation frequency as well as a more compact size.