Inverter Driver Circuit Power Supply Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inverter devices with high side and low side circuits require an isolated power supply for the driver circuit, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An inverter device configuration where a power converter generates DC power between high and low voltage nodes, with switching elements and driver circuits powered by the output node voltage, eliminating the need for an isolated power supply for the driver circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an isolated power supply is used to supply operating voltage to the driver circuit based on high side arm voltage, then the driver circuit can be properly powered, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the isolated power supply component from the system, eliminating the need for separate isolation transformers and complex power conversion circuits. The driver circuit's power supply node is directly connected to the high side arm voltage through a rectifier circuit, taking out the isolation requirement while maintaining proper operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power supply function into the existing high side arm voltage system. Instead of having a separate isolated power supply, the driver circuit is powered by rectifying the high side arm voltage directly, combining the power distribution and driver operation into a unified system.
2Reliability
If an isolated power supply is used to supply operating voltage to the driver circuit, then proper voltage isolation is achieved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the isolation transformer and associated bulky power supply components from the system. By directly rectifying the high side arm voltage to power the driver circuit, the volume-consuming isolation components are extracted and eliminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, large isolated power supply components with simpler, smaller rectifier circuitry. The solution uses basic rectification components instead of costly isolation transformers, achieving the same functional result with much smaller and cheaper parts.
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
Simplifies the power supply configuration by eliminating the need for an isolated power source, reducing size and cost, and ensuring the driver circuit's operating voltage is secured without separate power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier circuit connected between a power supply node and a power supply node of the third driver circuit, and the rectifier circuit being configured to supply a current from the power supply node of the first driver circuit toward the power supply node of the third driver circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter converts input power into DC power. A first switching element is connected between an output node and a high voltage node of the power converter. A second switching element is connected between the output node and a low voltage node of the power converter. First to third driver circuits have first to third power supply nodes to be supplied with first to third operating voltages based on first to third voltages at the output node, the low voltage node, and the high voltage node, respectively. The first to third driver circuits drive the first to third switching elements based on the first to third voltages, respectively. A rectifier circuit is connected between the power supply nodes of the first and second driver circuits, and supplies a current from the power supply node of the first driver circuit toward the power supply node of the third driver circuit.