Power Device with Bonding Wire Fuse for Short Circuit Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power devices face challenges in managing short circuits, as mechanical fuses increase system size and bonding wire fuses can render the device inoperable after activation.
Innovation Solution
A power device with built-in fuse functionality, utilizing multiple output cells and bonding wires that fuse and cut in case of a short circuit, allowing the device to continue operating by isolating the failed cell and rerouting power through functional cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical fuse is provided in the electrical equipment to protect against short circuits, then the reliability of the electrical system is improved, but the area occupied by the electrical equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuse function with the power device by integrating a fuse element into the package structure. The fuse element is positioned within the package to be responsive to excessive current conditions, eliminating the need for separate mechanical fuses and reducing overall equipment area while maintaining short circuit protection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The power device package is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the power device, provides electrical connections through bonding wires, and simultaneously acts as a fuse containment structure. The package body serves as both a protective enclosure and a fuse element holder, reducing the need for additional dedicated fuse components
2Area of stationary object
If the bonding wire is used as the fuse to reduce equipment size, then the area occupied by electrical equipment is reduced, but the power device may not operate normally after the bonding wire fuses and cuts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuse function from the power device functional elements. The fuse element is positioned within the package but is distinct from the bonding wires that carry normal operational current. This segmentation allows the fuse to respond to excessive current conditions without compromising the integrity of the power device's operational bonding wires
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary fuse element that mediates between the power device and the external circuit protection requirements. This fuse element is positioned to respond to excessive current conditions while being electrically isolated from the normal signal paths, allowing it to perform protection functions without interfering with normal device operation
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
Enables the power device to maintain normal operation after a short circuit by integrating a fuse function within the device, reducing the need for external fuses and ensuring continued functionality by isolating failed cells.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the bonding wires is designed to be fused and cut if the output transistor included in the corresponding output cell fails and is shorted
Data Source
AI summary
A power device possesses a built-in fuse function and can continue to normally operate after a short circuit failure. The power device includes a plurality of output cells, a plurality of bonding wires provided corresponding to the output cells, and a control terminal driving circuit. Each of the output cells includes an output transistor. First side electrodes of the output transistors are commonly coupled to a first power source. Each of second side electrodes of the output transistors is coupled to an output terminal through the corresponding bonding wire. The control terminal driving circuit supplies a drive signal to the control terminals of the individual output transistors to control the output transistors. Each of the bonding wires is designed to be fused and cut if the output transistor included in the corresponding output cell fails and is shorted.