H-Bridge Control Circuit With Dead Gap Shoot-Through Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing H-bridge control circuits face challenges in preventing shoot-through current, requiring complex digital logic or multiple input signals, and often fail to function properly without feedback, leading to potential switch destruction and power supply overload.

Innovation Solution

An H-bridge control circuit with a feedback stage, input stage, comparator stage, and inverter stage that uses a single analog input signal to control the direction of current, preventing shoot-through current by incorporating a dead gap voltage zone where no current is delivered when the control signal is within specific reference voltages, and includes protective features for disconnection from feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complicated digital logic is used to prevent shoot-through current, then shoot-through current prevention is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshoot-through current preventionVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control circuit monitors the state of switches and load current, and automatically adjusts switch activation to prevent shoot-through conditions. This feedback-based approach replaces complex digital logic with a simpler, self-regulating system that achieves reliable shoot-through prevention through continuous monitoring and automatic adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If multiple input signals are required for shoot-through prevention, then shoot-through current prevention is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshoot-through current preventionVSAvoidinput signal requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple input signal functions into a single integrated control signal. The control circuit processes temperature, current, and operational state information internally, combining these multiple inputs into one unified signal that drives the H-bridge switches. This eliminates the need for multiple separate input signals while maintaining reliable shoot-through prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If feedback connection is disconnected, then adaptability is improved, but shoot-through current prevention fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback disconnection toleranceVSAvoidshoot-through current prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit incorporates preliminary protective actions that are built into the circuit architecture, allowing it to maintain shoot-through prevention functionality even when feedback is disconnected. The circuit is designed with inherent safety mechanisms that do not rely solely on feedback connections, enabling it to adapt to feedback disconnection while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If dead gap voltage zone is implemented, then shoot-through current prevention is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshoot-through current preventionVSAvoidcontrol circuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dead gap voltage zone by adjusting voltage parameters within the control circuit. By modifying the voltage thresholds and timing parameters of the control signals, the circuit creates a protective dead gap that prevents simultaneous switch conduction. This parameter-based approach achieves shoot-through prevention through simple voltage threshold adjustments rather than complex circuit modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8730701B2Driving circuit for powering a bi-directional load
Publication Date: 2014.05.20 ECOLAB USA INC
  • US8730701B2 patent drawing
  • US8730701B2 patent drawing
  • US8730701B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An H-bridge control circuit comprises an input stage, comparator stage, inverter stage. The operation of the H-bridge can be controlled by a single analog input signal provided by a feedback stage. Shoot-through protection is provided for the H-bridge circuit through the inclusion of a dead gap determined by inputs to the comparator stage. The dead gap can be adjusted, allowing for adjustment of the precision operation of the load. The H-bridge can be used to drive a bi-directional load such as, for example, a Peltier conditioner.