Gate-Source Thermal Shorting for Over-Temperature Switch Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic switches are vulnerable to over-temperature events, which can lead to catastrophic failure due to the delay in detection and the complexity of using multiple sensors and actuators, and current methods fail to reliably protect the switch and restore its operation after the cause of the event is repaired.
Innovation Solution
A device with a passive actuator that forms a reversible mechanical and electrical connection between the gate and source pads only when the temperature exceeds a threshold, providing self-protection and automatic recovery without external circuitry or sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors and actuators are used to detect and respond to over-temperature events, then the reliability of protection is improved, but the device complexity increases and false triggers are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the temperature detection function from separate sensors and integrates it directly into the gate pad structure. The gate pad itself becomes the temperature sensor, eliminating the need for dedicated temperature sensing components while maintaining protection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into the gate pad: it serves as both the control electrode and the temperature sensing element. The gate pad material and structure are utilized dual-purpose, combining the control function with thermal detection to reduce overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If detection means are added to detect the cause of over-temperature events, then the accuracy of protection is improved, but the response time increases due to inherent delay
Solution Approach 1:
The gate pad is pre-positioned and pre-configured as the temperature sensing element before any over-temperature event occurs. This preliminary arrangement ensures that temperature detection begins immediately at the critical location without requiring signal transmission from remote sensors, thus reducing response time while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If a passive actuator forms a mechanical connection between gate and source pads at high temperature, then the electronic switch is protected from over-temperature damage, but the switch cannot operate normally when the connection is formed
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection between gate and source pads is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The passive actuator causes the connection to form automatically at high temperatures and break automatically at normal temperatures, allowing the switch to operate normally during standard conditions while providing protection during over-temperature events.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes temperature as the controlling parameter for the mechanical connection state. The passive actuator's physical properties change with temperature, causing the connection to form or break based on thermal conditions, thus automatically switching between protection mode and normal operation mode.
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
The solution effectively protects electronic switches from over-temperature events by forming a connection only when necessary, reducing false triggers and enabling automatic recovery after the event, thus ensuring reliable operation and minimizing damage.
Implementation Method 1
a passive actuator arranged to form a reversible mechanical and electrical connection between the gate pad and the source pad only if the temperature in the passive actuator exceeds a threshold value
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprising a gate pad, a source pad and a passive actuator arranged to form a reversible mechanical and electrical connection between the gate pad and the source pad only if the temperature in the passive actuator exceeds a threshold value.