Power Conversion Apparatus Thermal Resistor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power conversion apparatuses require additional pins for temperature detection, increasing chip area and product cost when integrated into a chip.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion apparatus with a thermal resistor connected in series between the control terminal of a power transistor and a reference ground voltage, utilizing a temperature detection circuit to generate an over temperature protection signal by detecting the driving current through the thermal resistor, eliminating the need for extra pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a thermal resistor and comparator are configured externally to detect temperature, then temperature detection accuracy is improved, but chip area increases and product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature detection function with the existing driver circuit by integrating a current detector into the driver. The driver already exists to control the power transistor, and by adding the current detection capability to this existing circuit, the patent achieves temperature detection without requiring separate external components, thus reducing chip area while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The driver circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the control signal to the power transistor and simultaneously detects the current through the thermal resistor to determine temperature. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate temperature detection circuitry, reducing the overall chip area
2Measurement precision
If a thermal resistor and comparator are configured externally to detect temperature, then temperature detection accuracy is improved, but product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature detection function into the existing driver circuit, eliminating the need for separate external components like the thermal resistor and comparator shown in conventional designs. This integration reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing product cost
Solution Approach 2:
The driver circuit performs dual functions: controlling the power transistor and detecting temperature through current measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies the manufacturing process, leading to lower product cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If two independent pins are used to connect power transistor and thermal resistor, then temperature detection function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature detection function with the existing driver circuit by integrating a current detector into the driver. The driver already exists to control the power transistor, and by adding the current detection capability to this existing circuit, the patent achieves temperature detection without requiring separate external components, thus reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the temperature detection function from the external circuit and integrates it into the internal driver circuit. By taking out the need for external thermal resistor and comparator connections, the patent simplifies the overall device structure and reduces the number of required pins
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 reduces the required chip area and enhances price competitiveness by integrating temperature detection directly into the power conversion apparatus without additional pins, effectively managing over temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal resistor has a negative temperature coefficient
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion apparatus is disclosed. The power conversion apparatus includes a power transistor, a thermal resistor and a temperature detection circuit. A control terminal of the power transistor receives a control signal. The power transistor converts an input voltage into an output voltage according to the control signal. The thermal resistor has a negative temperature coefficient. The temperature detection circuit generates the control signal and provides a driving current to the control terminal of the power transistor according to the control signal. The temperature detection circuit further generates an over temperature protection signal according to the driving current.