High-Side Switch Driver Circuit Using Self-Charging Capacitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converter circuits require complex and costly circuits to drive high side switches, which increases the overall cost and complexity of the system.
Innovation Solution
A circuit design that uses a capacitor-based charge storage system with a charge controller to provide operating power to high side switches using a control potential, eliminating the need for a separate power source and simplifying the structure with fewer components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated circuit is used for driving the high side switch, then the switch can be operated reliably, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The high side switch driving circuit serves itself by using the voltage at its own output node (first potential) to charge the capacitor through the charge storage means, eliminating the need for an external dedicated power source. The circuit uses its own operational voltage to generate the control signal for the switch, creating a self-sustaining driving mechanism that reduces overall circuit complexity while maintaining reliable switch operation.
2Ease of operation
If a separate power source is added to drive the high side switch, then the switch can be controlled properly, but the quantity of components and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage source in the circuit performs multiple functions: it provides the operating voltage for the power converter circuit and simultaneously serves as the power source for charging the capacitor that drives the high side switch. This multi-functional use of the existing voltage source eliminates the need for a separate dedicated power source, reducing the total number of components while ensuring proper switch control capability.
3Reliability
If complex driving circuits are used for high side switches, then the switches can be driven effectively, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of the high side switch driving circuit from a complex dedicated power source and implements it using simplified charge storage means (capacitor) that can be charged from the existing circuit voltage. By taking out only the necessary charge storage and control components rather than implementing a full dedicated driving circuit, the solution maintains effective switch driving while significantly reducing manufacturing cost through component reduction.
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 enables an affordable and efficient circuit design for driving power converter switches, reducing complexity and component count while effectively powering high side switches using the available potential and control signals.
Implementation Method 1
a charge storage comprising a capacitor having a first terminal coupled to the second input node and a second terminal coupled to the first input node, the charge storage arranged to receive a first charge via the first input node and to supply a second charge to the output of the charging means
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
A circuit (2,3) for driving a switch (S1) of a power converter is provided. The circuit comprises a first input node connectable to a first potential (Vin1), a second input node (Vin2) connectable to a first control signal, arranged to provide a control potential that is lower than the first potential, and an output node. The circuit further comprises a first electrically controllable switch (S1) as a high side switch of the power converter, the first electrically controllable switch having a first terminal coupled to the first input node (Vin1) and a second terminal coupled to the output node (Vout), and charging means (2) coupled to the first input node (Vin1) and to the second input node (Vin2), the charging means having an output coupled to a control terminal of the first electrically controllable switch (S1). The charging means (2) comprises a charge storage (C1) arranged to receive a first charge via the first input node and to supply a second charge to the output of the charging means. The charging means (2) further comprises a charge controller (S2) arranged to control the charge storage to receive the first charge and to supply the second charge in response to the control potential applied at the second input node.