Gate Driver Circuit Using Parallel MOSFETs for Lower Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch driver circuits require large P-type field effect transistors to accommodate a range of voltage values, leading to high power consumption and significant space usage.
Innovation Solution
A switch driver circuit with a set of parallel switches, including a P-type field effect transistor in parallel with an N-type field effect transistor, where the control signal selectively activates both transistors simultaneously to control the external switch, and a voltage booster circuit generates a boosted voltage to enhance the N-type transistor's ON state, reducing the size and power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large P-type field effect transistor is used to accommodate a range of voltage values, then the drive capability is improved, but the power consumption increases and the space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large P-type transistor function into two parallel transistors (P-type and N-type). The N-type transistor handles the voltage accommodation function while the P-type transistor provides the drive capability, allowing each transistor to be smaller and more efficient while maintaining overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter configuration by introducing an N-type transistor with different electrical characteristics (electron mobility, threshold voltage) to work in parallel with the P-type transistor. This parameter diversity allows the system to achieve the same voltage accommodation range with lower individual device sizes and reduced power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large P-type field effect transistor is used to accommodate a range of voltage values, then the drive capability is improved, but the space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the function of a single large P-type transistor into two parallel transistors with different types (P-type and N-type). This segmentation allows each transistor to be physically smaller, reducing the total area occupied in the circuit while maintaining the voltage accommodation capability through their parallel configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric device pairing by using both P-type and N-type transistors with different electrical characteristics. This asymmetric configuration allows optimization of each device's size for its specific function, reducing the total area compared to using a single large symmetric P-type transistor for all functions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a smaller N-type transistor is used in conjunction with a P-type transistor, then the size and power requirements are reduced, but the circuit configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of voltage accommodation and drive capability into a single parallel transistor pair configuration. By combining the N-type transistor (for voltage handling) and P-type transistor (for drive capability) in parallel, the circuit achieves reduced power consumption without requiring multiple separate stages or complex control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel transistor pair serves multiple functions simultaneously: the N-type transistor handles voltage accommodation, the P-type transistor provides drive capability, and together they enable efficient switching operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional circuit elements and simplifies the overall configuration despite the initial appearance of added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
One configuration of the present disclosure is directed to a switch driver circuit. The switch driver circuit can include an input to receive a control signal; an output to control a state of an switch in accordance with the control signal; and a set of parallel switches. The set of parallel switches in the switch driver circuit includes a P-type field effect transistor in parallel with an N-type field effect transistor. During operation, via variations in the control signal, the control signal selectively and electrically couples a voltage source signal to the output of the switch driver circuit to control the state of the switch.