Multiphase Switch Cell With Internal AC Link for Low-Loss Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current switching cells with internal power links suffer from low efficiency, particularly in multiphase systems requiring AC links, as they either generate energy losses due to galvanic isolation or are limited to battery charging without inductive components.
Innovation Solution
A switching cell design featuring a first and second switch with the same number of phases, an internal AC link connecting switch midpoints, and capacitors, with inductors connecting phases in series, parallel, delta, or star configurations, enabling efficient multiphase AC power conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional switch cells are used with separate power supply connections, then manufacturing is simplified, but parasitic inductance increases and signal integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply connection and signal connection into a single shared trace structure. The power link serves dual purposes: it supplies power to the switch element and simultaneously acts as the signal return path, eliminating the need for separate power and signal traces. This merging reduces the loop area and parasitic inductance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared trace structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both a power delivery path and a signal reference/return path. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of required traces and via connections, thereby reducing parasitic inductance without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate power and signal connections are used, then parasitic inductance is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and via requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power link and signal link into a single shared trace structure that serves both functions. This approach maintains ease of manufacture by using standard PCB trace and via technologies while simultaneously reducing parasitic inductance through the minimized loop area created by the shared path configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the spatial arrangement of the shared trace structure to minimize the loop area in the vertical dimension (through strategic via placement and trace routing). By carefully controlling the dimensional layout of the power and signal paths within the shared structure, parasitic inductance is reduced without requiring additional manufacturing layers or complex fabrication processes.
3Reliability
If multiple vias are used for power and signal connections, then connection reliability improves, but parasitic inductance and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the via requirements for power and signal connections into a single shared via structure. The same via that connects the power trace also serves as the signal return point, eliminating the need for separate via pairs. This merging maintains connection reliability through robust via construction while reducing parasitic inductance by minimizing the number of via interfaces in the current path.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared via structure performs dual functions: it provides mechanical and electrical support for both the power connection and the signal connection. This multi-functional via design maintains reliable electrical connections for both power and signal paths while reducing the total via count, thereby reducing cumulative parasitic inductance without compromising connection reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of electronics; more specifically to the field of apparatus for converting an AC or DC input into an AC or DC output and in particular provides a switching cell with internal power link characterized in that it comprises: two switches, wherein each contains the same number of phases, wherein said switch contains two interrupters for each phase, an AC link having the same number of phases of said switches, an input voltage at the terminals of the first switch, and an output voltage between the terminals of the second switch and the first switch, wherein said internal AC link of the cell connecting the midpoints of said switches for each phase, wherein said AC link contains a capacitor connecting the midpoints of said switches for each phase, said AC link contains an inductor connecting the phases, wherein said inductor is connected anteriorly, posteriorly or between the capacitors, with each phase connected to each other by means of an inductor; and each switch containing said switching cell corresponds to a semiconductor.