Output Element Temperature Sensing With External Constant Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intelligent power modules (IPMs) face difficulties in flexibly adjusting the temperature detection level for overheat protection, as the constant current value is fixed during manufacturing and cannot be easily changed to meet customer-specific requirements.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device configuration that includes an external constant current source, allowing the constant current input to the temperature sensor to be varied, enabling flexible adjustment of the temperature detection level for overheat protection notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the constant current value is fixed during manufacturing, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the temperature detection level cannot be flexibly adjusted to meet customer-specific requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The constant current source is extracted from the semiconductor device and placed externally. This allows the temperature detection level to be adjusted by changing the external constant current value without modifying the internal device structure, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor is designed to accept variable constant current input from external sources, enabling a single device to serve multiple applications with different temperature detection requirements. This universal design allows one device to adapt to various customer-specific needs without requiring custom modifications.
2Ease of operation
If the constant current source is integrated within the semiconductor device, then the device is self-contained, but adjusting the temperature detection level requires complex internal modifications
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the constant current source from the device interior and placing it externally, the patent enables easy adjustment of temperature detection levels through simple external connections. This eliminates the need for complex internal modifications during manufacturing or operation, improving both ease of operation and ease of manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the temperature sensor uses a fixed constant current, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but it cannot meet different customer requirements for temperature notification levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed constant current design into a dynamic system where the constant current can be externally adjusted. This dynamic approach allows the temperature detection level to be adapted to different customer requirements while maintaining precise temperature sensing capabilities through the temperature sensor's inherent precision.
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
Enables easy and flexible modification of the temperature detection level for abnormal temperature notifications, enhancing the adaptability and reliability of overheat protection functions.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor connected to the external terminal and configured to operate with the constant current, detect a temperature of the output element, and output a temperature detection value
Implementation Method 2
a temperature state detection circuit configured to output a temperature state of the output element, based on a result of comparing the temperature detection value with a reference threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device including: an output element connected to a load and configured to perform switching to operate the load; a drive circuit configured to output a drive signal to thereby cause the output element to perform the switching; an external terminal configured to be connected to a constant current source that is external to the semiconductor device, and to receive a constant current from the constant current source; a temperature sensor connected to the external terminal, and configured to operate with the constant current, detect a temperature of the output element, and output a temperature detection value; a temperature state detection circuit configured to output a temperature state of the output element, based on a result of comparing the temperature detection value with a reference threshold; and an abnormal level notification circuit configured to send out a notification upon determining that the temperature state is at an abnormal level.