Optical Triggered Switching Module for Synchronized Pulse Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance switching modules for direct pulse energy supply in laser technology systems face challenges in achieving rapid and precise switching with high voltages, particularly in ion sources and ion optics, where the switching stages are synchronized effectively and energy is efficiently transferred with minimal losses.
Innovation Solution
A high-performance switching module with series-connected switching stages, each equipped with a semiconductor switch, a driver assembly, and an optical trigger network, utilizing a coupling element and energy buffer to optimize switching synchronism and reduce energy losses by reusing energy from symmetrization capacitance through capacitive or inductive coupling, and employing a thermal matching network for temperature compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical triggering is used for switching stages, then the control circuit is simple, but electromagnetic interference and cross-talk occur between switching stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary medium to replace direct electrical connections between the control circuit and switching stages. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) convert electrical control signals into optical signals, which then trigger photodetectors at each switching stage. This optical intermediary eliminates electromagnetic interference and cross-talk while maintaining reliable switching control across multiple stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical control system with an optical control system. Instead of using electrical signals that are susceptible to interference, the invention uses light signals to trigger switching stages. The optical triggering mechanism substitutes the conventional electrical field-based control with photon-based control, achieving immunity to electromagnetic interference.
2Speed
If high peak currents are used to switch on semiconductor switches quickly, then switching speed increases, but voltage spikes and electromagnetic radiation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pre-charged capacitors connected to each switching stage that are charged to the required voltage level before switching is needed. When a switching event is required, the pre-charged capacitor immediately provides the necessary current through the semiconductor switch without requiring high peak currents from the power supply. This preliminary energy storage eliminates voltage spikes and reduces electromagnetic radiation while maintaining fast switching speeds.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate triggering circuits are used for each switching stage, then switching precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate triggering circuits into a single centralized control unit. This control unit generates a single optical trigger signal that is distributed to all switching stages simultaneously through optical fibers or light-guiding structures. Each switching stage has its own photodetector, but they all receive their trigger signals from the same centralized source, ensuring precise synchronization while reducing overall system complexity and cost.
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 enables rapid and precise switching with reduced energy losses, allowing for higher repetition frequencies and improved switching synchronism, effectively addressing the challenges of rapid current injection and capacitance/inductance charging, while maintaining high precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the optical trigger network (20) has a plurality of light-emitting elements (LED1-n) and each light-emitting element (LED1-n) is assigned at least one light-detecting element (LED1-n) of a switching stage (10)
Implementation Method 2
each light-emitting element (LED1-n) is assigned at least one light-detecting element (LED1-n) of a switching stage (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a high-performance switching module for direct pulse energy supply to a consumer with a plurality of switching stages (10) connected in series, wherein each switching stage (10) comprises: a semiconductor switch (TS-n) with collector terminal (C), emitter terminal (E) and control terminal (G); a driver assembly (11) acting on the semiconductor switch (TS-n), wherein the driver assembly (11) comprises two switches (T1-n, T2-n) for controlling the control terminal (G) of the semiconductor switch (TS-n) and an energy storage device (CT-n) that provides energy for switching on the semiconductor switch (TS-n);and an optical trigger network (20) that is optically coupled to the driver assemblies (11) of the individual switching stages (10) in order to switch the switching stages (10) simultaneously, wherein the optical trigger network (20) has a plurality of light-emitting elements (LED1-n) and each light-emitting element (LED1-n) is assigned at least one light-detecting element (LED1-n) of a switching stage (10). It is provided that the light-emitting elements (LED1-n) are individually set to a current at the operating point (IA) at which the light-emitting element (LED1-n) emits a luminous flux, wherein a positive or negative additional current (dl) is superimposed on the current at the operating point (IA) for switching to a high or low luminous flux.