Matrix-Stage Ultrafast Switch With Breakover Cascade Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high voltage, high current solid state switches face challenges with large size, high cost, and impracticality due to the need for multiple pulse transformers and shielding, which increase inductance and risk of misfiring from external magnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor switching device with a control-triggered stage and auto-triggered stages connected in series, utilizing breakover switches and capacitors to distribute voltage and current efficiently, eliminating the need for pulse transformers and reducing inductance, while providing overvoltage protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pulse transformers are used to isolate levels in high voltage switching devices, then voltage isolation between levels is achieved, but the device size becomes very large and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the pulse transformer component from the circuit by using a unipolar breakover switch instead. This removal of the disturbing part (pulse transformer) solves the problem of large device size and high cost while maintaining the essential function of level isolation through the breakover switch mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic pulse transformer system with a solid-state unipolar breakover switch. This substitution eliminates the need for magnetic shielding and large transformer components, achieving voltage isolation through semiconductor device characteristics rather than electromagnetic coupling
2Reliability
If pulse transformers are used for gate circuitry isolation, then voltage isolation is provided, but inductance increases and misfiring risk from external magnetic fields increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pulse transformer from the gate circuitry, eliminating the source of inductance and magnetic field susceptibility. The unipolar breakover switch provides isolation without the electromagnetic coupling that causes misfiring from external magnetic fields
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic pulse transformer isolation mechanism with a solid-state unipolar breakover switch. This substitution eliminates inductance and magnetic field pickup issues while maintaining voltage isolation through the breakover switch's inherent electrical characteristics
3Power
If multiple high-power semiconductor devices are connected in series and parallel, then high current and high voltage switching capability is achieved, but the number of pulse transformers and shielding requirements increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The unipolar breakover switch serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides voltage isolation between levels, eliminates the need for pulse transformers, reduces inductance, and prevents misfiring from external magnetic fields. This multi-functional component simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining high power switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the pulse transformer and shielding components from each semiconductor level, eliminating the complexity associated with multiple isolated transformers. The unipolar breakover switch provides the necessary isolation functions without requiring additional magnetic shielding or transformer components
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 fast and reliable switching with reduced size and cost, capable of handling high voltages and currents without the need for pulse transformers, ensuring efficient turn-on and turn-off with minimal risk of misfiring.
Implementation Method 1
a breakover switch means comprising a first end and a second end... which causes the breakover switch to switch on when a voltage across the breakover switch exceeds a predetermined breakdown voltage
Implementation Method 2
power stored in a capacitor floating with the device for the trigger energy... discharges the capacitor into the gate of the high-power semiconductor switching device
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor switching device for switching high voltage and high current. The semiconductor switching device includes a control-triggered stage and one or more auto-triggered stages. The control-triggered stage includes a plurality of semiconductor switches, a breakover switch, a control switch, a turn-off circuit, and a capacitor. The control-triggered stage is connected in series to the one or more auto-triggered stages. Each auto-triggered stage includes a plurality of semiconductor switches connected in parallel, a breakover switch, and a capacitor. The control switch provides for selective turn-on of the control-triggered stage. When the control-triggered stage turns on, the capacitor of the control-triggered stage discharges into the gates of the plurality of semiconductor switches of the next highest stage to turn it on. Each auto-triggered stage turns on in a cascade fashion as the capacitor of the adjacent lower stage discharges or as the breakover switches of the auto-triggered stages turn on.