MOSFET Switch Control With Feedback for Low-Distortion Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor switches like MOSFETs experience signal distortion due to varying junction capacitance, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies that aim to reduce ON-resistance and junction capacitance variations, especially when handling high-quality audio signals requiring low distortion levels.

Innovation Solution

A switch apparatus with a main switch, voltage output unit, buffer, and switch control circuit that maintains a constant gate-source voltage, utilizing a voltage divider and buffer to stabilize the ON-resistance and reduce distortion by controlling the gate voltage based on signal voltage, thereby minimizing the impact of junction capacitance variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a level shifter is used to keep gate-source voltage constant and reduce ON-resistance variations, then ON-resistance stability is improved, but junction capacitance variations still cause signal distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveON-resistance stabilityVSAvoidsignal distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the gate-source voltage is dynamically adjusted based on the drain-source voltage. The control circuit monitors the voltage across the MOSFET and automatically modifies the gate voltage to compensate for changes in junction capacitance, thereby maintaining constant ON-resistance and eliminating signal distortion without requiring manual calibration or fixed voltage levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by making the gate-source voltage variable rather than fixed. By dynamically adjusting the gate voltage in response to drain-source voltage changes, the system maintains optimal MOSFET conductivity across varying signal intensities, effectively counteracting junction capacitance variations and preventing signal distortion while keeping ON-resistance stable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If gate-source voltage is kept at approximately constant voltage using a level shifter, then ON-resistance variations are reduced, but junction capacitance varies according to signal intensity causing distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveON-resistance consistencyVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit continuously monitors the drain-source voltage and adjusts the gate-source voltage in real-time to maintain constant ON-resistance. This feedback loop ensures that even as signal intensity varies and junction capacitance changes, the system automatically compensates to maintain both ON-resistance stability and signal quality without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a static gate voltage approach to a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The gate-source voltage is no longer fixed but varies dynamically in response to drain-source voltage changes, allowing the system to adapt to different signal intensities and junction capacitance values while maintaining optimal performance and signal fidelity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If MOSFET is used as a switch, then switching function is achieved, but junction capacitance causes distortion to signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching capabilityVSAvoidsignal distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a feedback control mechanism that monitors the MOSFET's drain-source voltage and automatically adjusts the gate voltage to compensate for junction capacitance effects. This enables the MOSFET to function as an effective switch while simultaneously eliminating signal distortion by maintaining constant ON-resistance across all switching operations and signal intensities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the gate voltage parameter dynamically to counteract the harmful effects of junction capacitance. By adjusting the gate-source voltage in response to drain-source voltage variations, the system maintains optimal switching performance while preventing signal distortion, effectively decoupling the switching function from the detrimental capacitance effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively reduces ON-resistance variations and distortion in transmitted signals, ensuring stable switching operations and preventing signal waveform degradation, even under varying signal intensities.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage divider including a first voltage-division resistance on the first terminal side and a second voltage-division resistance on the second terminal side, and outputs voltage corresponding to voltage of the first terminal and voltage of the second terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage division: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

a buffer that outputs voltage following output voltage of the voltage output unit in a connected state of the main switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage buffering: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

a main switch that is connected between a first terminal and a second terminal and electrically connects or disconnects the first terminal and the second terminal according to gate voltage applied to a gate terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField effect transistor operation: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS10312906B2Switch apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.06.04 ASAHI KASEI MICRODEVICES CORP
  • US10312906B2 patent drawing
  • US10312906B2 patent drawing
  • US10312906B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A switch apparatus is provided, including: a main switch connected between first and second terminals, and electrically connecting or disconnecting the first and second terminals according to gate voltage applied to a gate terminal; a voltage output unit having a voltage divider including a first voltage-division resistance on the first terminal side and a second voltage-division resistance on the second terminal side, and outputting voltage corresponding to voltage of the first terminal and voltage of the second terminal if the main switch is caused to enter a connected state; a buffer outputting voltage following output voltage of the voltage output unit in a connected state of the main switch; and a switch control circuit supplying first voltage corresponding to output voltage of the buffer to the gate terminal, and supplying a second voltage corresponding to output voltage of the buffer to a bulk terminal of the main switch.