Power Converter Driver Circuit Segmentation for Parasitic Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power converters that convert DC to AC using bridge circuits, the increasing switching speed of switching devices leads to parasitic impedance-induced potential differences between their emitters, causing false switching operations due to instantaneous currents.
Innovation Solution
A power converter design that uses a common power supply circuit for driver circuits of switching devices on the lower side, with DC-DC conversion to generate power supply voltages and incorporates impedance devices in the wiring to reduce instantaneous currents and prevent false operations, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective circuit scale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common power supply circuit is used for driver circuits of switching devices on the lower side, then circuit complexity and cost are reduced, but potential difference between emitters caused by parasitic impedance grows, causing false switching operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the common power supply circuit into separate power supply circuits for each driver circuit. Specifically, the first and third driver circuits each have dedicated power supply circuits, while the second and fourth driver circuits share a common power supply circuit. This segmentation reduces the impact of parasitic impedance by isolating the power supply paths, thereby preventing false switching operations while still maintaining cost-effectiveness through selective sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different power supply configurations to different parts of the circuit based on their specific requirements. Driver circuits that are more susceptible to parasitic impedance effects receive dedicated power supply circuits, while others can share common power supply circuits. This local differentiation optimizes both reliability and cost by applying the more complex solution only where necessary.
2Productivity
If switching speed of switching devices is increased, then productivity is improved, but potential difference between emitters produced by parasitic impedance grows, causing false switching operations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power supply circuits, the patent enables higher switching speeds without compromising reliability. The separate power supply paths for the first and third driver circuits minimize the impact of parasitic impedance during high-speed switching, allowing the system to operate at higher frequencies while preventing false switching operations.
3Reliability
If separate power supply circuits are used for each driver circuit, then false switching operations are prevented, but circuit complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dedicated power supply circuits only to the first and third driver circuits, which are more critical or susceptible to parasitic impedance effects, while allowing the second and fourth driver circuits to share a common power supply circuit. This selective approach maintains reliability where needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity and cost in other parts of the system.
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
The solution effectively inhibits false switching operations, reduces circuit complexity and cost, and allows for flexible substrate arrangement, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the power converter.
Implementation Method 1
a first power supply circuit that subjects a reference voltage to DC-DC conversion to generate a power supply voltage for a first driver circuit for driving the first switching device
Data Source
AI summary
A third power supply circuit subjects a reference voltage to DC-DC conversion to generate a power supply voltage common to a second driver circuit for driving a second switching device and a fourth driver circuit for driving a fourth switching device. Wirings from a substrate on which the third power supply circuit is provided to a substrate on which the second driver circuit and the fourth driver circuit are provided are used by the third power supply circuit to supply the power supply voltage commonly to the second driver circuit and the fourth driver circuit. A first impedance device, a second impedance device, a third impedance device, and a fourth impedance device are provided in a substrate on which the second driver circuit and the fourth driver circuit are provided.