Power Converter Current Sensing Without a Temperature Diode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion devices face challenges in accurately measuring current and temperature due to temperature dependency, which complicates the manufacturing process and increases costs, as they require temperature sensing diodes and additional components, affecting the accuracy and efficiency of current observation.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion device that estimates temperature without using a temperature sensing diode by applying a measurement voltage between the source terminals of the main control element and current sensing element, utilizing the temperature-dependent resistance of the semiconductor substrate to accurately estimate temperature and current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensing diode is formed on the semiconductor substrate to correct current characteristic, then current measurement accuracy is improved, but the area of the semiconductor substrate increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The source terminal region of the current sensing element is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as the electrical connection terminal and simultaneously acts as the temperature sensing region. By detecting the voltage drop across this source terminal region, the system obtains temperature information without requiring separate temperature sensing diodes, thus achieving multi-functionality and reducing substrate area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the temperature sensing function with the current sensing element structure by utilizing the source terminal region for both current conduction and temperature detection. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate temperature sensing components and their associated wiring, thereby reducing the overall semiconductor substrate area and simplifying the device structure.
2Measurement precision
If a temperature sensing diode and its wiring are formed on the semiconductor substrate, then current characteristic correction is achieved, but the number of manufacturing processes increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The source terminal region of the current sensing element is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as the electrical connection terminal and simultaneously acts as the temperature sensing region. By detecting the voltage drop across this source terminal region, the system obtains temperature information without requiring separate temperature sensing diodes, thus achieving multi-functionality and reducing substrate area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the temperature sensing function with the current sensing element structure by utilizing the source terminal region for both current conduction and temperature detection. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate temperature sensing components and their associated wiring, thereby reducing the overall semiconductor substrate area and simplifying the device structure.
3Measurement precision
If current sensing element and main control element are provided separately, then current measurement function is achieved, but the device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the temperature sensing function with the current sensing element structure by utilizing the source terminal region for both current conduction and temperature detection. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate temperature sensing components and their associated wiring, thereby reducing the overall semiconductor substrate area and simplifying the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The source terminal region of the current sensing element is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as the electrical connection terminal and simultaneously acts as the temperature sensing region. By detecting the voltage drop across this source terminal region, the system obtains temperature information without requiring separate temperature sensing diodes, thus achieving multi-functionality and reducing substrate area.
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
Accurately estimates temperature and current without a temperature sensing diode, reducing area requirements and manufacturing complexity while maintaining current observation accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the temperature-dependent resistance of the semiconductor substrate to accurately estimate temperature and current
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a novel power conversion device that enables estimation of a temperature of a power device without using a temperature sensing diode and can accurately estimate a temperature and a current of a current sensing element that observes a main current. A measurement voltage (Vref) is applied between source terminals (31s and 49s) of a main control element 31 and a current sensing element 49 in a state in which the main control element 31 and the current sensing element 49 are turned off, and a temperature of a power device 30 is estimated from a current (Ib) flowing between the source terminals (31s and 49s) of the main control element 31 and the current sensing element 49 at the time of the application by using the fact that a resistance value of a semiconductor substrate between the source terminals of the main control element 31 and the current sensing element 49 has temperature dependency.