Optically Switched IGBT Gate Control Against EMI and HIRF
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor control systems for high power applications, such as aircraft, face challenges in protecting control logic from electromagnetic interference (EMI), high-intensity radiated fields (HIRF), and lightning effects, particularly in environments where electrical conductors are exposed, leading to noise and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A switching device incorporating an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) or MOSFET with a stack of alternating photo-sensitive p-n junction layers and insulating layers for optical switching control, connected via optical fibers to control logic, allowing current flow between the emitter and collector when exposed to photonic energy, and utilizing a wavelength-selective optical filter for independent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical conductors are used to connect control logic to power switching devices, then control signals can be transmitted, but the control signals become susceptible to noise and corruption from EMI and HIRF
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical conductors with optical fibers to transmit control signals. Optical fibers use light instead of electrical signals, which are immune to electromagnetic interference and HIRF. The optical interface converts electrical control signals to optical signals for transmission through the fiber, eliminating the susceptibility to electromagnetic noise while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical interface as an intermediary between the control logic and the power switching device. This interface includes optical converters that transform electrical signals to optical signals for transmission through the optical fiber. The intermediary converts the signal type to one that is immune to electromagnetic interference, protecting the control signals from EMI and HIRF while maintaining reliable communication.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If optical fibers are used to connect control logic to power switching devices, then susceptibility to EMI and HIRF is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical interface functionality directly into the power switching device module. The optical converter, optical fiber connection, and power switching components are combined into a single integrated unit. This merging reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating separate optical interface modules and simplifying the connection architecture, while still providing EMI and HIRF immunity.
3Device complexity
If conventional electrical switching is used, then the system architecture is simple, but the control logic must be protected from EMI and HIRF requiring additional precautions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical switching architecture with an optical switching architecture. Instead of using electrical conductors that require shielding and protection measures, the system uses optical fibers to transmit control signals. This substitution maintains architectural simplicity while inherently providing protection from EMI and HIRF, as optical signals are immune to electromagnetic interference.
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 solution provides reliable and noise-resistant control of high power devices by optically switching current flow, reducing susceptibility to EMI and HIRF, and enabling redundant control through multiple optical fibers, thus enhancing system reliability and efficiency in high-interference environments.
Implementation Method 1
A stack of alternating layers of photo-sensitive p-n junction layers and insulating layers stacked on the gate for optical switching control of voltage through the IGBT or MOSFET
Data Source
AI summary
A switching device includes an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) or MOSFET having a gate, an emitter, and a collector configured to allow current to pass between the emitter and the collector based on voltage applied to the gate. A stack of alternating layers of photo-sensitive p-n junction layers and insulating layers stacked on the gate for optical switching control of voltage through the IGBT or MOSFET.