Gate Driver Voltage Boosting Circuit Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate drivers in power converters require multiple bias voltages, leading to design complexity, reliability issues, and increased cost and packaging challenges due to separate dedicated power supply circuits.
Innovation Solution
A gate driver with a voltage boosting circuit based on a charge pump, comprising capacitors and switches, that can selectively bypass or series-capacitor configurations to generate boosted gating signals with minimal time delay and signal loss, and optional resonant circuits for further voltage boosting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate dedicated power supply circuits are used to provide individual bias voltages, then the voltage requirements of different components are met, but the design complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate power supply circuits into a single integrated power supply circuit that generates multiple bias voltages (first bias voltage for controller interface, second bias voltage for power electronic device gate drive). This consolidation reduces the number of separate circuits while maintaining the ability to provide different voltage levels, thereby reducing design complexity without sacrificing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power supply circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: generating the first bias voltage for controller compatibility, generating the second bias voltage for gate drive, and providing voltage boosting capability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated power supplies while meeting all voltage requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate dedicated power supply circuits are used to provide individual bias voltages, then the voltage requirements of different components are met, but the reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple separate power supply circuits into one integrated circuit, the patent reduces the number of potential failure points. Fewer separate circuits mean fewer components that could fail, thereby improving overall system reliability while maintaining the ability to provide multiple voltage levels for different components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a charge pump circuit with capacitors is used for voltage boosting, then the voltage level is increased, but signal time delay and losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that selectively connects the charge pump circuit based on the input signal state. When the input signal is at logic low, the circuit bypasses the charge pump capacitors to achieve minimal time delay. When the input signal is at logic high, the charge pump capacitors are connected in series to provide voltage boosting. This dynamic approach optimizes both speed and voltage levels.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a charge pump circuit with capacitors is used for voltage boosting, then the voltage level is increased, but signal losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic switching mechanism selectively engages the charge pump circuit only when voltage boosting is required (input signal at logic high). When the input signal is already at logic low, the circuit bypasses the charge pump to avoid unnecessary energy loss. This conditional operation minimizes signal losses while maintaining voltage boosting capability when needed.
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
Simplifies bias voltage requirements, reduces design complexity, enhances reliability, and improves efficiency by providing voltage boosting capabilities while minimizing signal losses and electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage boosting circuit based on charge pump, which may comprise capacitor(s) and switch(es)
Implementation Method 2
the capacitor(s) of the charge pump may become in series with the input digital signal, thus adding a voltage (from the charge pump) to the input digital signal
Implementation Method 3
The resonant circuit may cause a doubled output gating signal with respect to the input digital signal
Implementation Method 4
an inductor-capacitor resonant circuit
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a gate driver with voltage boosting capabilities. In some embodiments, the gate driver may comprise a charge pump that includes capacitor(s) and switch(es). Responsive a logic low input signal, the gate driver may bypass the capacitor(s) to allow the input digital signal to drive the gating signal directly. Conversely, responsive to a logic high input signal, the gate driver may couple the capacitor(s) in series with the input digital signal to generate a boosted gating signal. In some embodiments, the gate driver may comprise an inductor-capacitor resonant circuit to create a doubled output gating signal with respect to the input digital signal. In some embodiments, the resonant gate driver may include an additional voltage boosting capability that can be selectively enabled to compensate for a voltage drop during the signal transfer from the input to the output.