Power Module Unified Write Port Daisy Chain

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power modules require separate write circuits and increased size and cost due to the need for independent high-side and low-side programmable circuits, which cannot share a common write circuit system like those described in Japanese National Publication of International Patent Application No. 2014-515843, especially given the varying reference potentials for high-side and low-side circuits.

Innovation Solution

A power module with a unified write port system that includes a high-side and low-side programmable circuit connected in a daisy chain configuration, utilizing a level shifter to connect the high-side and low-side signal systems, allowing for shared program control signals via a JTAG interface, thereby reducing the need for separate write circuits and minimizing size and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate write circuits are provided for high-side and low-side programmable circuits, then data can be written to both circuits, but the device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata writing capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the write circuits for high-side and low-side programmable circuits into a single shared write circuit. The write circuit includes a single write port that receives program data and can write to either the high-side programmable circuit or the low-side programmable circuit by controlling the switching elements. This merging eliminates the need for separate write circuits, reducing device size and cost while maintaining the capability to write data to both programmable circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The write circuit is designed with multi-functionality to serve both high-side and low-side programmable circuits through a single write port. The write circuit can selectively write data to different targets by controlling the switching elements, making it a universal write interface that replaces multiple dedicated write circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate write circuits are provided for high-side and low-side programmable circuits, then data can be written to both circuits, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata writing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the write circuits for high-side and low-side programmable circuits into a single shared write circuit. The write circuit includes a single write port that receives program data and can write to either the high-side programmable circuit or the low-side programmable circuit by controlling the switching elements. This merging eliminates the need for separate write circuits, reducing device size and cost while maintaining the capability to write data to both programmable circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If high-side and low-side circuits are physically separated, then reference potential issues are avoided, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference potential stabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces switching elements as intermediaries between the shared write circuit and the high-side/low-side programmable circuits. These switching elements are controlled by control signals to selectively connect the write circuit to either the high-side or low-side programmable circuit, enabling data writing without requiring physical separation of the circuits. This intermediary mechanism allows circuits to be integrated closer together while maintaining reference potential stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10840796B2Power module with high-side and low-side programmable circuit

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 FUJI ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

A power module including first and second switching elements connected in a half-bridge configuration, an integrated circuit including high-side and low-side circuits that respectively drive the first and second switching elements, high-side and low-side programmable circuits that are respectively configured to implement first and second logic functions or parameters to be used by the high-side and low-side circuits. The integrated circuit includes a write port that receives data to be written to the high-side and low-side programmable circuits, internal wiring that connects the high-side and low-side programmable circuits in a daisy chain configuration, and a level shifter that is provided in the internal wiring connecting the low-side programmable circuit to the high-side programmable circuit, and that connects a low-side signal system and a high-side signal system.