PCB Source Pad Segmentation for Faster Discrete Transistor Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The switching speed of transistors in power converters is limited by parasitic inductances in conductive connection elements, leading to reduced switching frequencies and increased losses in passive components.

Innovation Solution

The configuration of the printed circuit board is modified to include disjoint source connection pads, allowing for the reduction of parasitic source connection inductance, enabling higher switching speeds without increasing the risk of malfunctions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional connection methods are used, then manufacturing is simple, but parasitic inductance is high which limits switching speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransistor switching speedVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The source connection is segmented into two separate pads (first source connection pad and second source connection pad) instead of using a single conventional pad. This segmentation allows the control circuit to connect to the source through one pad while the power circuit connects through the other pad, thereby reducing parasitic inductance in the control signal path and improving transistor switching speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If connection distance is reduced, then parasitic inductance decreases and switching speed increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransistor switching speedVSAvoidpad alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes the planar dimension of the printed circuit board by placing the two source connection pads at different locations on the board surface. This spatial distribution in two dimensions allows optimization of connection paths for both control and power circuits without requiring extreme precision in vertical alignment, thus reducing parasitic inductance while maintaining manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3589091B1Electronic device including a discrete transistor mounted on a printed circuit board
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 RENAULT SA
  • EP3589091B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3589091B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3589091B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronic device comprising: a discrete transistor having a semiconductor chip encapsulated in a housing made of an insulating material leaving accessible a first connection pad to a first conduction terminal of the transistor; and a printed circuit board (320) having first (125) and second (129) disjoint connection pads, in which the transistor is mounted on the printed circuit board so that the first connection pad (105) of the transistor is in contact with the first (125) and second (129) connection pads of the printed circuit board.