Power Semiconductor Circuit Assembly for Synchronized Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern power semiconductor components, such as IGBTs, experience asynchronous switching behavior and interference due to parasitic inductances and strong magnetic fields, leading to reduced durability and reliability, especially when using long gate lines, and existing solutions require specialized control circuits for data processing and overload prevention.

Innovation Solution

A circuit arrangement with a switching time circuit that generates individual switching signals for each power semiconductor component, allowing for asynchronous switching behavior correction and extended service life, using a control signal to set switching offsets and incorporating a measuring device for dynamic adjustments, which can operate with conventional control circuits and avoid overloading by interrupting module activation when limit values are exceeded.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual switching offsets are applied to correct asynchronous switching behavior, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching behavior synchronizationVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into modular units, each managing switching offsets for individual power semiconductor components. The switching time circuit is divided into multiple channels, with each channel handling a specific driver and component, allowing independent adjustment of switching offsets without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Switching offsets are predetermined and pre-configured for each power semiconductor component based on its characteristics and position in the circuit. These offsets are calculated and stored in advance, allowing the switching time circuit to automatically apply the correct compensation without real-time complex calculations, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If switching time circuits with individual switching signals are implemented, then service life is extended, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit arrangement service lifeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The switching time circuit is designed as a universal module that can control multiple power semiconductor components through standardized interfaces. Each module can be configured for different applications by adjusting switching offsets, but the fundamental circuit architecture remains the same, simplifying manufacturing while extending service life through improved switching control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing different circuit architectures for different applications, the invention adjusts operational parameters (switching offsets and timing) of a standardized switching time circuit. This allows the same basic circuit design to be manufactured universally, then customized through parameter adjustment to extend service life across various applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If switching offsets are used to compensate for asynchronous switching, then temperature load is reduced through uniform distribution, but control signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature load distributionVSAvoidcontrol signal processing
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching time circuit dynamically adjusts switching offsets based on real-time operating conditions while maintaining uniform temperature distribution. The circuit monitors switching timing and automatically modifies offsets to compensate for temperature variations and load changes, achieving thermal management through adaptive control rather than static configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where switching performance and temperature data are monitored and fed back to the switching time circuit. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of switching offsets to maintain uniform temperature distribution, with the control system learning from operational patterns to optimize switching timing without requiring complex external control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2343804B1Circuit assembly for power semiconductor components
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 SEMIKRON DANFOSS ELEKTRONIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2343804B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2343804B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2e

AI summary

The circuit arrangement has multiple modules (M1,M2,M3,M4), in which drivers (3) are connected with a power semiconductor devices (2) over an electric line (4). A switching time circuit (5) is provided which is connected with the driver over another electric line (6). The switching signals generated with the switching time circuit are so tuned to each other that a parameter controlling the switching time of the power semiconductor device is compensated and a simultaneous switching of the power semiconductor device is attained. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a power semiconductor device.