Hall Sensor Integrated Power Device Current Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor power devices face inefficiencies in current measurement due to the need for external measurement devices or integrated current mirrors, which either compromise device performance or increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a Hall-effect magnetic sensor within the power device to measure current without drawing off the current, allowing for galvanically insulated monitoring of the current flowing through the device's fingers, thereby maintaining efficiency and simplifying the circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external measurement devices are used to measure current, then measurement capability is provided, but device bulkiness and poor practicality increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the current measurement function with the existing power device structure by utilizing the source and drain fingers as current paths that generate measurable magnetic fields. The Hall-effect sensor is integrated within the same device footprint, merging measurement capability with power delivery function, thereby eliminating external measurement devices and reducing overall device bulkiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field lines as an intermediary medium between the current-carrying fingers and the Hall-effect sensor. Instead of directly measuring current, the sensor detects the magnetic field generated by the current, providing indirect but accurate measurement while maintaining galvanic isolation and avoiding direct electrical contact that would add complexity.
2Measurement precision
If current mirrors are integrated for measurement, then current measurement is enabled, but device efficiency decreases due to current subtraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field lines as an intermediary to transfer measurement information without extracting current from the power device. The Hall-effect sensor detects the magnetic field generated by the full current flowing through the fingers, enabling measurement of the complete current without subtracting any portion, thus maintaining 100% current utilization for power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical current mirror system with a magnetic field-based measurement system. Instead of using electrical current to replicate and measure the signal, the system uses magnetic field generation and detection, eliminating the need to draw off measurement current and preserving all current for productive work.
3Measurement precision
If current mirrors are used for measurement, then measurement sensitivity can be achieved, but circuitry complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from complex electrical circuitry and implements it through a physical field-based approach. By removing the need for current mirror circuits, sensing resistors, and associated signal conditioning electronics, the design achieves measurement sensitivity through the Hall-effect sensor's direct magnetic field detection capability, significantly simplifying the overall circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex electrical measurement circuitry with a magnetic field detection system. The Hall-effect sensor provides direct voltage output proportional to the magnetic field strength, eliminating the need for complex current mirroring, amplification, and signal processing circuits, thereby reducing both circuitry complexity and system cost.
4Measurement precision
If current mirrors are implemented, then measurement function is added, but response time to faults increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field lines as a real-time intermediary that instantaneously reflects the current state. The Hall-effect sensor continuously monitors the magnetic field generated by the current-carrying fingers, providing immediate detection of current changes and faults without the signal processing delays inherent in current mirror systems, thereby achieving faster response times to overcurrent and short-circuit conditions.
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 accurate and efficient current monitoring within the power device, reducing the risk of damage from overheating and improving response times to faults like short-circuits, while minimizing system complexity and size.
Implementation Method 1
In use, the sensor is adapted to measure a magnetic field produced by at least one of the fingers
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a power device including at least one first conductive element adapted to generate a magnetic field when traversed by a current, and characterised in that it further comprises a Hall sensor electrically insulated from the first conductive element. The sensor and the first conductive element are mutually arranged so as to detect said magnetic field indicative of the current that traverses the first conductive element.