Positive-Side Semiconductor Switch Circuit with Voltage Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor switch control systems for secondary batteries face challenges in maintaining stability and efficiency, particularly when the semiconductor switch is inserted on the negative side power line, leading to fluctuations in reference potential and requiring complex driving circuits for switches on the positive side.

Innovation Solution

An electric circuit with a semiconductor switch inserted in the positive side power line, utilizing converting means to generate a predetermined output voltage and control the switch's on/off states, avoiding reference potential fluctuations and enabling a simpler circuit configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a semiconductor switch is inserted in the negative side power line, then the circuit can be simplified and cost reduced, but the reference potential of battery side and system side fluctuates causing instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit configurationVSAvoidreference potential stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by inserting the semiconductor switch in the positive side power line instead of the negative side, and connects the converting means output negative terminal to the positive side power line, thereby avoiding reference potential fluctuations while maintaining control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a semiconductor switch such as IGBT is used on the positive side of the secondary battery, then the switch can control power flow effectively, but a complex driving circuit is required to drive the switch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower flow controlVSAvoiddriving circuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces converting means as an intermediary device that converts input voltage to a predetermined output voltage suitable for driving the semiconductor switch, thereby enabling effective power flow control with a simplified driving circuit configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The converting means changes the voltage parameter from input voltage to a predetermined output voltage level that is appropriate for driving the semiconductor switch, simplifying the overall circuit configuration while maintaining reliable power flow control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration stabilizes the reference potential, allows efficient control of semiconductor switches with reduced complexity, and maintains high stability during on/off operations, avoiding the issues associated with negative side switch insertion.

Implementation Method 1

converting means for converting an input voltage input to an input side terminal to a predetermined output voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2426806B1Electric circuit, charge control device, charge system, and control method
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 MURATA MFG CO LTD
  • EP2426806B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2426806B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2426806B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided an electric circuit including a semiconductor switch that is inserted in a positive side power line; and converting means for converting an input voltage input to an input side terminal to a predetermined output voltage and for outputting the output voltage from an output side terminal, wherein the output side negative terminal of the converting means is connected to the positive side power line, and the output side positive terminal of the converting means is connected to a terminal that controls an opening and closing of the semiconductor switch.