Isolated Gate Driver Using Transformer Isolation for EV Inverters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolated gate drivers require high-withstand-voltage processes, which are costly and increase manufacturing complexity, and there is a need for efficient signal transmission in traction inverters for electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A signal transmission device using a transformer chip that isolates the primary and secondary circuit systems, allowing for pulse signal transmission without a direct conductor connection, enabling the use of common low- to middle-withstand-voltage processes and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-withstand-voltage processes are used to ensure isolation between primary and secondary circuit systems, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transformer chip as an intermediary device between the primary and secondary circuit systems. This transformer provides galvanic isolation through magnetic coupling, eliminating the need for direct high-voltage isolation structures within the semiconductor chip itself. The transformer acts as a mediator that transfers signals while maintaining electrical isolation, thereby ensuring reliability without requiring complex high-withstand-voltage manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical isolation mechanisms with magnetic coupling through the transformer. Instead of relying on physical insulation layers and spacing within the semiconductor structure to achieve voltage isolation, the system uses magnetic field coupling to transfer signals across the isolation barrier. This substitution allows standard low-withstand-voltage semiconductor fabrication processes to be used, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Device complexity
If direct conductor connection is used for signal transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but isolation between primary and secondary circuit systems is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer chip serves as an intermediary that enables signal transmission while maintaining circuit isolation. The primary winding receives signals from the first circuit system and magnetically couples them to the secondary winding, which then drives the second circuit system. This intermediary approach preserves the simplicity of direct connection from a signal transmission perspective while achieving the necessary isolation through magnetic coupling rather than direct electrical contact.
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 reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for high-withstand-voltage processes and ensures efficient signal transmission in traction inverters for electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A signal transmission device using a transformer chip that isolates the primary and secondary circuit systems, allowing for pulse signal transmission without a direct conductor connection
Data Source
AI summary
An isolated gate driver has: a switch connection terminal configured to have a switching element externally connected to it; a non-volatile memory having adjustment data written to it; a register configured to store the adjustment data read from the non-volatile memory; a gate driving circuit configured to drive the gate of the switching element with a characteristic set based on a value stored in the register; and a control logic circuit configured to keep the gate driving circuit in a disabled state until completion of reading the adjustment data from the non-volatile memory and storing it in the register.