Gate-Drive System Using Harmonic Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gate-drive systems require large-sized resonant couplers for transmitting gate-drive power and signals, limiting their compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A gate-drive system utilizing an inverter circuit to supply high-frequency power with fundamental and harmonic components, which are transmitted and received through separate power transmission and receiving circuits, enabling noncontact power and signal transmission with reduced circuit size by using a single power transmission coil and eliminating the need for modulation circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resonant coupler is used for transmitting gate-drive power and signals in a noncontact manner, then reliable insulation and signal transmission are achieved, but the circuit size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission by separating the fundamental wave component (for power supply) from the harmonic components (for signal transmission). This is achieved through frequency-selective receiving circuits that individually receive different frequency components from a single power transmission coil, eliminating the need for multiple resonant couplers and reducing circuit size while maintaining reliable insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single power transmission coil serves multiple functions: it transmits both the fundamental wave component for power supply and harmonic components for gate-on/off signals. This multi-functionality replaces the conventional requirement for separate resonant couplers for power and signal transmission, achieving downsizing while maintaining reliable noncontact transmission.
2Reliability
If separate resonant couplers are used for power and signal transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power transmission and signal transmission functions into a single power transmission coil. By modulating the inverter circuit output to include both fundamental wave and harmonic components, the system transmits both power and control signals through one coil, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall circuit structure while maintaining transmission reliability through frequency-selective reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes frequency parameter differentiation to separate power and signal functions. The inverter circuit generates output with specific fundamental wave and harmonic frequency components, and the receiving side uses frequency-selective circuits to distinguish between these components, enabling reliable power and signal reception from a single transmission source without increasing circuit complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional insulation-type gate drive circuits are used, then input-output insulation is achieved, but the circuit size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or electrical insulation structures with electromagnetic field-based noncontact transmission. By using a power transmission coil and frequency-selective receiving circuits, the system achieves input-output insulation through electromagnetic coupling without physical contact, eliminating the need for large insulation structures and reducing both circuit size and cost.
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 downsized, noncontact transmission of gate power and signals, reducing system size and cost while maintaining reliable on/off control and protecting against overcurrents, with enhanced design flexibility and quick response times.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmission circuit 100 which is connected to the inverter circuit and transmits the high-frequency power outputted from the inverter circuit
Implementation Method 2
power receiving circuits to individually receive the fundamental wave component and plural harmonic components of the high-frequency power transmitted from the power transmission circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A gate-drive system according to the present invention which transmits a drive signal to a semiconductor switching device, includes: an inverter circuit to supply high-frequency power including a fundamental wave component and plural harmonic components each having different frequencies; a power transmission circuit which is connected to the inverter circuit and transmits the high-frequency power outputted from the inverter circuit; power receiving circuits to individually receive the fundamental wave component and plural harmonic components of the high-frequency power transmitted from the power transmission circuit; and a control circuit to generate the drive signal for the semiconductor switching device on the basis of the plural harmonic components of the high-frequency power received by the power receiving circuits.