Transformer Isolated Gate Driver Using Pulse-Encoded Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-power applications, the control circuit for power switching devices requires electrical isolation due to voltage differences, necessitating a reliable isolated driving circuit to control the power switching device efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An isolated driver and method utilizing a transformer with primary and secondary windings, coupled with encoding and decoding circuits, to transmit control signals and power while maintaining electrical isolation, using different pulse widths or duty cycles to distinguish states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical isolation is implemented between control circuit and power switching device, then safety is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power transmission function and control signal transmission function into a single isolated driver circuit. The circuit integrates a transformer for power isolation, a first switching circuit for power transmission, and a second switching circuit for control signal transmission, all within one unified structure that achieves both power delivery and control isolation simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolated driver circuit performs multiple functions: it transmits power from the first power supply to the power switching device, transmits control signals from the control circuit to the power switching device, and provides electrical isolation between the control circuit and power switching device. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate power supply circuits and control signal transmission circuits.
2Reliability
If separate power supply circuits are added for isolated driving, then reliability is improved, but board area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply circuit and control signal transmission circuit into a single isolated driver circuit. The first switching circuit handles power transmission while the second switching circuit handles control signals, both sharing the same isolated structure and transformer, thereby reducing the overall board area compared to having separate circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolated driver circuit serves as a universal solution that simultaneously provides power transmission, control signal transmission, and electrical isolation functions. This eliminates the need for additional separate power supply circuits on the control circuit side, reducing the total board area required.
3Power
If additional power supplies are used for isolated driving, then driving capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power supplies into a single isolated driver circuit that can handle both power transmission and control signal transmission. The circuit accepts power from a first power supply and control signals from a control circuit, then delivers both to the power switching device through isolated channels, reducing the number of separate power supply components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolated driver circuit is designed as a universal interface that can work with different power supplies and control circuits. It provides both power delivery and control signal transmission through a single device, enhancing driving capability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through functional integration.
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 efficient isolated transmission of power and control signals to power switching devices, simplifying the circuit and reducing board area without additional power supplies, while ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding... The transformer is configured to provide a secondary signal on the secondary winding according to the primary signal
Data Source
AI summary
An isolated driver includes a transformer, a primary circuit, a secondary circuit and a driving circuit. In response to an input control signal, the primary circuit provides a primary signal at a primary winding of the transformer, including a first set of primary pulse signals corresponding to a first state of the input control signal and a second set of primary pulse signals corresponding to a second state of the input control signal. The secondary circuit is coupled to a secondary winding of the transformer to receive a secondary signal on the secondary winding and provide an output control signal and an output voltage. In response to the secondary signal, the secondary circuit controls the output control signal to switch between a first state and a second state. The driving circuit provides a driving signal according to the output control signal. The output voltage supplies power to the driving circuit.