Gate Drive Device for Equal Current Distribution in Parallel MOSFETs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate drive devices for multiple semiconductor devices connected in parallel face challenges in supplying a stable current due to variations in device characteristics, leading to unequal current distribution among the devices.
Innovation Solution
A gate drive device comprising a constant current circuit, multiple switching elements, and a drive controller that controls the switching elements to supply a constant current to the semiconductor devices, ensuring equal current distribution by fully turning on the MOSFETs in the drive circuits, regardless of variations in gate voltage characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gate drive devices are used to supply current to multiple semiconductor devices connected in parallel, then the current supply capability is sufficient, but the current distribution among devices becomes unequal due to characteristic variations
Solution Approach 1:
The gate drive device is segmented into multiple independent drive circuits, each dedicated to driving one semiconductor device. Each drive circuit includes its own switching element and constant current circuit, allowing independent control and equal current distribution to each device regardless of characteristic variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter of the switching elements from partial conduction to full conduction state. By fully turning on the MOSFETs in each drive circuit, the gate voltage characteristics and threshold voltage variations are eliminated, ensuring equal current distribution among parallel-connected semiconductor devices.
2Reliability
If switching elements are controlled to fully turn on to eliminate gate voltage variations, then equal current distribution is achieved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive controller incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust the switching element states. By detecting the actual current distribution and gate voltage conditions, the controller automatically adjusts the drive signals to maintain full conduction state of switching elements, ensuring stable and equal current distribution without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If multiple independent drive circuits are provided for each semiconductor device, then equal current supply is achieved, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drive circuits into a unified gate drive device structure with a common controller. While each semiconductor device receives dedicated drive circuitry for current control, the overall system is integrated under single control, reducing operational complexity and enabling coordinated operation of all drive circuits to maintain equal current distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A gate drive device for driving a plurality of semiconductor devices connected in parallel to each other includes a constant current circuit, a plurality of switching element, and a drive controller. The constant current circuit supplies a constant current to respective gates of the plurality of semiconductor devices. The plurality of switching elements is respectively provided on a plurality of paths that connects the constant current circuit and the respective gates of the plurality of semiconductor devices. The drive controller controls driving of the plurality of switching elements to supply the constant current from the constant current circuit to the respective gates of the plurality of semiconductor devices.