Isolated Gate-Drive Power Supply for Flexible Unipolar and Bipolar Voltages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate-drive power supplies are inflexible and cannot accommodate the varying turn-on and turn-off voltage requirements of different power switching devices, such as IGBTs and MOSFETs, necessitating a more adaptable solution for multiple types of power switches.
Innovation Solution
A flexible power switch gate-drive power supply system comprising a primary stage with an inverter and isolator, a secondary stage with a rectifier, and a controller, allowing for configuration as either unipolar or bipolar power supply through modular and adjustable components, including transformers and voltage dividers, to provide adaptable gate voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed configuration power supply is used, then the circuit complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different power switch types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configurability through switchable circuit topologies. The power supply can be reconfigured between unipolar and bipolar modes using controllable switches, allowing adaptation to different power switch types (IGBT, MOSFET, SiC) without requiring multiple fixed designs. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the same hardware to serve multiple applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply design incorporates universal functionality by integrating both unipolar and bipolar output capabilities within a single device. Through selectable circuit configurations, the power supply can provide either unipolar voltages (for MOSFETs) or bipolar voltages (for IGBTs), making it a multi-functional solution that replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated power supplies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a unipolar power supply is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the compatibility with bipolar-requiring switches deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply employs dynamic switching between unipolar and bipolar configurations. Controllable switches allow the circuit to transition between providing only positive voltages (unipolar mode for MOSFET compatibility) and providing both positive and negative voltages (bipolar mode for IGBT compatibility), enabling adaptive support for different switch types within a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply circuit is segmented into independently controllable sections. The unipolar and bipolar output paths are divided into separate circuit branches that can be independently activated or deactivated through switch control, allowing flexible configuration of the output voltage characteristics based on the required power switch type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed power supplies are used for different switch types, then the adaptability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple dedicated power supplies into a single integrated device. By combining unipolar and bipolar power generation capabilities, isolation stages, and control circuits into one unified power supply unit, the system reduces the total number of components while maintaining support for multiple power switch types (Si-IGBT, Si-MOSFET, SiC-MOSFET).
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply achieves universal support for multiple power switch types through a single multi-functional device. The integrated design provides both unipolar and bipolar output modes, isolation capabilities, and adjustable voltage levels, replacing what would traditionally require separate dedicated power supplies for IGBTs, MOSFETs, and SiC devices.
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 system effectively adjusts to various voltage requirements, providing stable and regulated gate voltages for multiple power switches, enhancing flexibility and compatibility with different technologies like Si-based and SiC-based IGBTs and MOSFETs, and enabling efficient operation in applications like electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an isolator electrically coupled with outputs of the primary stage and configured to change voltage level
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for flexible power switch gate-drive power supply. The power supply includes a primary stage comprising an inverter and a voltage source, an isolator electrically coupled with outputs of the primary stage and configured to change voltage level, a secondary stage comprising a rectifier and electrically coupled with outputs of the isolator, and a controller electrically coupled with the primary stage and the secondary stage.