Power Semiconductor Control Signal Transmission via Digital Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transmitting control and data signals between control devices for power semiconductor devices require multiple physical transmission channels, leading to increased operational costs and complexity due to the need for separate channels for time-deterministic real-time signals and additional data information, which cannot be efficiently managed using conventional data protocols like Ethernet or CAN.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting control and first data signals simultaneously through a common physical channel using digital modulation or coding, with feedback signals transmitted in the opposite direction using shorter coding lengths, eliminating the need for additional physical channels and reducing mechanical error sources by minimizing the number of connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate physical transmission channels are used for control signals and data signals, then signal interference is avoided, but operational costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines control signals and data signals into a single physical transmission channel by modulating control signals with data information. This merging approach reduces the number of required cables and interfaces while maintaining signal integrity through careful modulation design that preserves the time-deterministic characteristics of control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission channel is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits both time-critical control signals and additional data information. The modulation scheme enables the single channel to handle different types of signals with different requirements, making the transmission system multi-functional and reducing overall system complexity.
2Loss of information
If conventional data protocols like Ethernet or CAN are used for control signals, then data transmission capability is improved, but time-deterministic real-time requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission channel is segmented in time, with specific time slots allocated for control signals that require deterministic delivery and other slots for data signals. This temporal segmentation ensures that control signals meet their real-time requirements while still allowing data transmission capabilities to be utilized for additional information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic transmission of control signals at predetermined intervals that guarantee time-deterministic delivery. Data signals are transmitted in between these periodic control signal transmissions, ensuring that the critical real-time control requirements are met while still providing data transmission functionality.
3Reliability
If multiple physical connections are used between control device and actuator, then signal transmission reliability is maintained, but number of mechanical error sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate physical connections are merged into a single cable that carries both control and data signals. This reduces the number of connectors and mechanical interfaces, thereby reducing the number of potential mechanical failure points while maintaining transmission reliability through signal modulation techniques.
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
This approach reduces operational costs and complexity by allowing simultaneous transmission of control and data signals over a single channel, meeting time-deterministic requirements while eliminating crosstalk and reducing the number of mechanical connections, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the first data signal is combined with the control signal via a digital modulation or coding method
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for transmitting an actuation signal (3) and a first data signal (4) between a control device (9) and an actuation device (12) of a power semiconductor device (13). In order to minimize the expenditure for the operation of the physical transmission channels and the costs for the laying of the physical connection between control device (9) and actuation device (12), it is proposed that the transmission of the actuation signal (3) and the first data signal (4) between the control device (9) and the actuation device (12) takes place simultaneously and via a common transmission channel, the first data signal (4) being combined with the actuation signal (3) by means of a digital modulation method or coding method.