Multi-Core Pulse Transformer Layout for Fast MOSFET Gate Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices face challenges in delivering high voltage, sub-microsecond pulsed electrical fields effectively due to the need for rapid MOSFET response times and low gate driver circuit inductance, which is essential for therapeutic applications such as cancer treatment and skin disorders.
Innovation Solution
The development of parallel, multi-core pulse transformers with coaxial primary and secondary windings, which are arranged independently to reduce inductance and enable fast switching of MOSFETs, allowing for high voltage, high current nanosecond pulses to be delivered efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional single-core pulse transformers are used, then the device structure is simple, but the circuit inductance is high and MOSFET response time is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse transformer is divided into multiple independent cores (dual-core configuration) instead of using a single core. Each core has its own primary and secondary windings, allowing the transformer to be segmented into functionally independent units that can operate in parallel, thereby reducing overall circuit inductance and improving MOSFET response time.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pulse transformer cores are combined in a parallel configuration where the primary windings are connected in parallel and the secondary windings are connected in parallel. This merging of multiple transformer units achieves lower equivalent inductance while maintaining electrical isolation and functional redundancy.
2Speed
If conventional pulse transformer configuration is used, then the device is simple, but the rise time and fall time of output pulses are slow
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer configuration is segmented into multiple parallel cores, each contributing to the overall pulse generation. This segmentation allows the magnetic flux to be distributed across multiple paths, reducing the total inductance and enabling faster rise and fall times for the output pulses.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductance parameter of the transformer is changed by transitioning from a single-core to a multi-core parallel configuration. This parameter change directly affects the pulse characteristics, enabling faster rise and fall times while maintaining voltage transformation functionality.
3Power
If high voltage nanosecond pulses are delivered, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but core saturation occurs and inductance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic load is segmented across multiple independent cores, so that the magnetic flux density in each core is reduced compared to a single-core design. This segmentation prevents core saturation when delivering high voltage nanosecond pulses, maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple transformer cores are merged in parallel to share the magnetic flux and power delivery load. This combining approach allows the system to deliver high voltage pulses with higher total power capability while each individual core operates below saturation levels, ensuring reliability.
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 enables the generation and delivery of high voltage, high current nanosecond pulses with fast rise and fall times, effectively addressing the need for rapid pulse delivery in therapeutic applications while minimizing circuit inductance and preventing core saturation.
Implementation Method 1
parallel, multi-core (e.g., two or more core) pulse transformers
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are apparatuses and methods for applying high voltage, sub-microsecond (e.g., nanosecond range) pulsed output to a biological material, e.g., tissues, cells, etc., using a high voltage (e.g., MOSFET) gate driver circuit having a high voltage isolation and a low inductance. In particular, described herein are multi-core pulse transformers comprising independent transformer cores arranged in parallel on opposite sides of a substrate. The transformer cores may have coaxial primary and secondary windings. Also describe are pulse generators including multi-core pulse transformers arranged in parallel (e.g., on opposite sides of a PCB) to reduce MOSFET driver gate inductance.