IGBT Driver Control Module Single Coupling Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for implementing dual slew rates in high voltage output driver modules require two coupling channels and corresponding isolation circuits, which consume significant die area and are undesirable due to duplication.
Innovation Solution
A control module that modulates a single coupling channel to convey both control signals for turning an IGBT device on/off and slew rate control using logical state transitions within a state change reaction period, allowing multiple control signals to be conveyed without the need for additional isolation circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two coupling channels are used to convey control signals and slew rate information, then the IGBT device can implement dual slew rates, but the die area increases due to duplication of isolation circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate coupling channels into a single coupling channel by time-multiplexing the control signals. The operating state change signal and the slew rate control signal are transmitted sequentially through the same channel, eliminating the need for duplicate isolation circuits and reducing die area while maintaining dual slew rate capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic time-multiplexed signaling where the control module alternates between transmitting operating state change signals and slew rate control signals through the single coupling channel. This periodic transmission scheme allows both types of information to be conveyed through one channel without loss of functionality
2Reliability
If two isolation circuits are implemented for the two coupling channels, then signal isolation is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two isolation circuits into a single isolation circuit by using time-multiplexed signaling. Since only one signal is transmitted through the coupling channel at any given time, a single isolation circuit suffices to maintain galvanic isolation between the low voltage control module and the high voltage driver module, thereby reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single isolation circuit in the patent serves multiple functions: it isolates the low voltage control module from the high voltage driver module while handling both operating state change signals and slew rate control signals through time-multiplexing. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate isolation circuits for each signal type
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling an IGBT device. The method comprises, upon receipt of a first and at least one further IGBT control signals, the first IGBT control signal indicating a required change in operating state of the IGBT device, controlling an IGBT driver module for the IGBT device to change an operating state of the IGBT device by applying a first logical state modulation at an input of an IGBT coupling channel, and applying at least one further modulation to the logical state at the input of the IGBT coupling channel in accordance with the at least one further IGBT control signal within a time period from the first logical state modulation, the time period being less than a state change reaction period ∆t for the at least one IGBT device.