Programmable Universal Driver Circuit for Power Device Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Developing new power converter devices requires customized test systems due to varying electrical characteristics, leading to the need for re-designing driver networks and voltage sources for each device under test, which increases development and deployment costs.
Innovation Solution
A universal driver system comprising a controller and programmable switches that couple various voltage sources and impedance elements to output terminals, allowing for multiple configuration states to drive devices under test without custom driver circuit design, including voltage source and current source configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a customized driver network and voltage source are designed for each device under test, then the testing accuracy and suitability for specific electrical characteristics is improved, but the development cost and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal driver network that can be configured through programmable switches to accommodate multiple devices under test with different electrical characteristics. Instead of designing separate customized driver networks for each device, a single multi-functional driver network is created that can be reconfigured via control signals to match the specific requirements of different devices, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining testing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The driver network incorporates programmable switches that can dynamically reconfigure the circuit topology based on the device under test. The switches respond to control signals that program them to create appropriate voltage source or current source configurations, allowing the system to adapt its characteristics in real-time rather than being fixed, thus resolving the contradiction between customization and complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the driver network is re-designed for each device under test, then the suitability for specific electrical characteristics is improved, but the development time and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple switch states and circuit topologies in advance within the universal driver network. When a new device under test is introduced, the system can quickly select from pre-prepared configurations rather than designing from scratch. The programmable switches are designed to accept control signals that activate predetermined circuit arrangements, significantly reducing development time while maintaining adaptability to different electrical characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the driver network by programming different switch states to alter the circuit's electrical characteristics. By varying the configuration of programmable switches, the system can transform between voltage source and current source modes, and adjust impedance levels, allowing rapid adaptation to different devices without physical redesign
3Manufacturing precision
If customized driver circuits are created for each testing scenario, then the precision for specific testing requirements is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple customized driver circuit functions into a single universal driver network. By combining various voltage sources, impedance elements, and programmable switches into one integrated system, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture separate customized circuits for each testing scenario. This consolidation reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the precision required for different testing requirements through software-controlled configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a controller that is configured to generate a plurality of switch control signals; a plurality of electrical circuit elements, the plurality of electrical circuit elements being characterized by a plurality of impedances, respectively; a plurality of voltage sources; and a plurality of switches that are programmable to couple the plurality of electrical circuit elements to the plurality of voltage sources responsive to the plurality of switch control signals.