Metal-Semiconductor Convergence Circuit for Thermal Runaway Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices are prone to thermal runaway due to Joule heating, which can cause damage and make it difficult to connect them in parallel, as their electric resistance decreases exponentially with increasing temperature.
Innovation Solution
A metal-semiconductor convergence electric circuit device is designed with a metal resistor in series, whose resistance increases with temperature, compensating for the decreasing resistance of the semiconductor device, thereby preventing thermal runaway without the need for a constant-current circuit or heat-dissipating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If semiconductor devices are connected in parallel to increase current capacity, then productivity is improved, but thermal runaway occurs due to decreasing resistance with increasing temperature
Solution Approach 1:
A metal resistor with positive temperature coefficient is introduced as an intermediary element in series with the semiconductor device. This metal resistor acts as a mediator that compensates for the semiconductor's negative temperature coefficient characteristic, thereby preventing thermal runaway and enabling safe parallel connection of multiple semiconductor devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature coefficient parameter from negative (semiconductor alone) to positive (metal resistor dominated) by combining the semiconductor device with a metal resistor in series. This parameter transformation allows the overall resistance to increase with temperature, preventing thermal runaway and enabling parallel connection.
2Reliability
If constant-current circuits or heat-dissipating elements are added to prevent thermal runaway, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal resistor with positive temperature coefficient provides self-regulating current control. As temperature increases, the metal resistor's resistance automatically increases, reducing the current flow and preventing thermal runaway without requiring external control circuits or active cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of temperature increase (which normally reduces semiconductor resistance and causes thermal runaway) into a beneficial effect. By using a metal resistor whose resistance increases with temperature, the heat generated is transformed into a protective mechanism that automatically limits current and prevents damage.
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
This configuration stabilizes electric current and temperature, preventing semiconductor device damage and allowing for parallel connection without additional cooling elements, even with non-constant power supply.
Implementation Method 1
the metal resistor exhibiting resistance increased with an increase in temperature thereof
Implementation Method 2
A semiconductor device may undergo Joule heating when an electric current flows. This Joule heating reduces electric resistance of the semiconductor device
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are metal-semiconductor convergence electric circuit devices. The device includes a semiconductor device, a metal resistor exhibiting resistance increased with an increase in temperature thereof, and an interconnection line connecting the semiconductor device with the metal resistor in series and having a resistance lower than that of the metal resistor. The semiconductor device is configured to exhibit resistance decreased with an increase in temperature thereof and compensate the resistance increase of the metal resistor.