Power Switch Characterization Device Voltage Clipping Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing power switches are inefficient in measuring low voltage dynamics due to high voltage saturation issues, leading to poor resolution and increased costs with existing voltage clipping circuits and current mirror circuits.
Innovation Solution
A characterization device with a power supply circuit that includes multiple DC voltage sources and diodes connected in series, along with a voltage clipping circuit and measurement terminal, allowing for precise and cost-effective measurement of power switch dynamics by overcoming voltage saturation and improving resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a voltage probe is dimensioned for high voltage (1KV) to measure the open state, then the maximum voltage can be measured, but the measurement resolution at low voltage becomes very poor (50mV per division)
Solution Approach 1:
A voltage clipping circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the power switch and the oscilloscope. This clipping circuit limits the voltage range presented to the oscilloscope, allowing the use of a probe with better resolution while protecting against high voltage damage. The clipping circuit acts as a mediator that transforms the wide voltage range (0-1KV) into a manageable range for high-resolution measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the voltage parameter range presented to the measurement device by using a voltage clipping circuit. Instead of measuring the full 0-1KV range directly, the clipping circuit restricts the voltage to a smaller range (e.g., 0-20V) where the oscilloscope can provide adequate resolution. This parameter transformation enables high-resolution measurement without exposing the measurement device to high voltages.
2Measurement precision
If an oscilloscope caliber below the maximum voltage is chosen to improve low voltage measurement, then measurement resolution improves, but high voltage causes saturation of the oscilloscope entry
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage clipping circuit serves as a protective intermediary that prevents high voltage from reaching the oscilloscope. By placing this circuit between the power switch and the oscilloscope, high voltage is clipped before it can cause saturation or damage to the measurement device, while allowing low voltage signals to pass through for accurate measurement.
3Measurement precision
If voltage clipping circuits with multiple diodes and current mirror circuits are used, then voltage saturation is overcome, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from complex voltage clipping circuits. Instead of using multiple diodes in series, current mirror circuits, and differential probes, the invention uses a single diode and simple voltage divider circuitry to achieve the same voltage clipping function. This component reduction significantly lowers manufacturing cost while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex components (multiple diodes, current mirror circuits, differential probes) with cheaper, simpler components (single diode, voltage divider). The simpler circuitry achieves the same functional result at a fraction of the cost, making the measurement system more economically viable.
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
The solution enables faster, more precise, and cost-effective characterization of power switches with improved measurement resolution, capable of capturing low voltage dynamics without the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage clipping circuit comprising: a third DC voltage source; a second resistance and a second diode connected in series between the third source of DC voltage and said supply node, the second diode being connected so as to be traversed by a direct current from the third voltage source to said node of supply
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a characterization device (1) of a power switch (2), comprising: - a power supply node (33), connected to a first conduction electrode of the power switch; - a power supply circuit (3) comprising: - a first DC voltage source (311); - a first diode (313) connected in series between the first source and said power supply node; - a second DC voltage source (323); - a first resistor (322) connected in series between the second source and said power supply node (33); - a voltage clipping circuit (4) comprising: - a third DC voltage source (41); - a second resistor (42) and a second diode (43) connected in series; - a measuring terminal (45), connected to an intermediate node between the second resistor and the second diode.