Power Module Self-Diagnosis via Threshold Voltage Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power modules lack effective methods to determine deterioration during actual in-use time, leading to increased frequency of device exchange, reduced operation efficiency, and higher manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A power module that switches between control and deterioration determination modes, calculating ΔVgs based on threshold voltages before and after stress current application, and using a third electrode voltage control to assess and prevent deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device is periodically exchanged before deterioration occurs, then device breaking is prevented, but operation efficiency is lowered and manufacturing cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The power module performs self-diagnosis by internally measuring threshold voltages and calculating ΔVgs to determine its own deterioration state, eliminating the need for external periodic replacement and enabling continuous operation based on actual condition
Solution Approach 2:
The module incorporates a feedback mechanism where deterioration information is detected through voltage measurements, processed by the deterioration determination part, and used to control switching element operations, enabling adaptive operation based on real-time device state
2Reliability
If a device is periodically exchanged before deterioration occurs, then device breaking is prevented, but manufacturing cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The power module performs self-diagnosis by internally measuring threshold voltages and calculating ΔVgs to determine its own deterioration state, eliminating the need for external periodic replacement and enabling continuous operation based on actual condition
Solution Approach 2:
The module incorporates a feedback mechanism where deterioration information is detected through voltage measurements, processed by the deterioration determination part, and used to control switching element operations, enabling adaptive operation based on real-time device state
3Reliability
If deterioration determination is performed during actual in-use time, then device breaking is prevented and operation efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The deterioration determination function is merged with the existing control circuitry by utilizing the gate voltage control part to apply test voltages and the existing voltage detection capabilities to measure threshold voltages, integrating monitoring functions into existing structures
Solution Approach 2:
The gate voltage control part and voltage detection circuits serve dual purposes: controlling switching element operation during normal use and performing deterioration determination by measuring threshold voltages, eliminating the need for separate dedicated testing components
Data Source
AI summary
A power module according to the present invention switches an operation mode between a control mode where an ON/OFF operation of a switching element having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode is controlled, and a deterioration determination mode where the deterioration is determined based on information including ΔVgs based on information including a threshold voltage detected before a stress current is supplied to the switching element and a threshold voltage detected after the stress current is supplied to the switching element. According to the power module of the present invention, the deterioration can be determined during an operation time and hence, breaking of the device can be prevented, and operation efficiency of the power module can be increased, and a manufacturing cost of the power module can be lowered.