Power Converter Control Device Terminal Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converter control devices face increased processing burden and cost due to the need for multiple output terminals to monitor and externally output temperature information of semiconductor elements, complicating the configuration and increasing the number of output terminals required.
Innovation Solution
A power converter control device that utilizes a temperature signal generation circuit to generate a PWM signal correlated with the temperature of semiconductor elements, allowing the PWM signal to be selected and externally output using a common output terminal with alarm signals, thereby reducing the need for additional output terminals and simplifying the configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple output terminals are used to externally output temperature information and alarm signals separately, then the functionality is complete, but the device complexity and number of output terminals increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature information output function and alarm signal output function into a single output terminal. The output terminal alternates between outputting PWM signals correlated with temperature information and alarm signals with different pulse widths, eliminating the need for separate output terminals while maintaining both functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single output terminal is designed to perform multiple functions: it can output PWM signals for temperature monitoring and alarm signals for protection notifications. By making the output terminal universal, the patent reduces the total number of terminals required while preserving all necessary output capabilities.
2Device complexity
If a common output terminal is used for both PWM and alarm signals, then the number of output terminals is reduced, but signal distinction becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pulse width as a distinguishing characteristic for different signal types. PWM signals have a first pulse width for temperature information, while alarm signals have a second pulse width that differs from the first. This allows external devices to easily distinguish between signal types by measuring pulse width, similar to how color changes can indicate different states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pulse width parameter to differentiate between PWM signals and alarm signals. By setting distinct pulse width values for different signal types, the system enables clear signal identification without requiring separate physical terminals, thus resolving the contradiction between terminal reduction and signal distinguishability.
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter control device includes an alarm signal generation circuit which detects information necessary for a protection operation of a semiconductor element configuring a power converter, and generates and externally outputs an alarm signal with a pulse width responding to a protection factor; a temperature signal generation circuit which detects a temperature of the semiconductor element, and generates a PWM signal, correlated with the temperature, the cycle of which is different from the pulse width of the alarm signal; and an output control circuit which selects the PWM signal in normal time, and selects and externally outputs the alarm signal in place of the PWM signal when the alarm signal is generated.