Multi-Die Power Module Dynamic Passivation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-die power modules face challenges in balanced load current sharing due to temperature differences across dies, leading to inefficient utilization and increased costs, as well as energy losses influenced by current flow.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling multi-die power modules by obtaining current and loss profiles, estimating die losses, determining which die to passivate, and implementing passivation to balance temperature and losses across dies, thereby improving module capability and lifetime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple dies are connected in parallel to increase current capability, then the current rating is improved, but the temperature distribution becomes unbalanced and more dies are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic passivation control where the controller actively manages which dies are active or passivated based on real-time temperature measurements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain balanced temperature distribution across dies while operating at high current levels, resolving the contradiction between power capability and temperature balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating each die individually with dedicated temperature sensors and control signals. Each die can be independently passivated or activated based on its local temperature conditions, allowing precise local temperature management while maintaining overall high power output from the parallel-connected module.
2Power
If more dies are used in parallel to achieve given current rating, then the current capability is improved, but the physical surface area and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dynamically passivating certain dies based on temperature conditions, the system can effectively reduce the number of actively used dies while maintaining the required current rating. This allows the module to achieve high current capability with fewer physically present dies, reducing surface area and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of individual dies between active and passivated states. This parameter change allows the system to modulate the effective number of participating dies, achieving the desired current rating with optimal use of available dies and minimizing the required physical surface area.
3Device complexity
If passive control is used for temperature balancing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature balancing effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring the temperature of each die with dedicated sensors and using this information to dynamically adjust the passivation state of individual dies. This feedback mechanism achieves effective temperature balancing without requiring complex control circuits, as the control logic follows a straightforward measure-and-adjust pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a method for controlling the operation of a multi-die power module composed of at least two dies connected in parallel. The method comprises the steps of: —obtaining the current flowing in the multi-die power module, —obtaining a loss profile that is related to the dies of the multi-die power module, —estimating from the measured current flowing in the multi-die power module, the losses of one die when no die is passivated, when the die is passivated, and when at least one other die is passivated, —determining if and which die has to be passivated from the estimated losses and from the loss profile—passivating the die which has to be passivated if a die has to be passivated.