Pulse Current Commutation Circuit for Equal Semiconductor Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulse current application devices face challenges in efficiently applying a pulse current to multiple semiconductor elements due to variations in forward voltages, requiring large power supplies and long evaluation times, which can lead to damage and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A pulse current application device with multiple parallel commutation circuits and a regenerative diode configuration that allows for sequential commutation of current through multiple semiconductor elements, ensuring equal current application and reducing evaluation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pulse current is applied to multiple semiconductor elements using conventional methods, then the evaluation of degradation can be performed, but the evaluation time becomes excessively long and power supply requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the evaluation process into sequential stages by segmenting the current path. Multiple semiconductor elements are connected in series within a single commutation circuit, allowing the pulse current to be applied sequentially to each element rather than requiring simultaneous application to multiple parallel circuits. This segmentation reduces the number of required power supplies and commutation circuits while maintaining comprehensive evaluation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single commutation circuit is designed to serve multiple functions by evaluating multiple semiconductor elements in sequence. The circuit can switch between different series-connected elements, making one circuit perform the work of what would traditionally require multiple separate circuits. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity and power supply requirements.
2Reliability
If conventional pulse current application methods are used with multiple semiconductor elements, then degradation evaluation is possible, but large power supplies are required
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the semiconductor elements into a series connection within a single commutation circuit, the power supply only needs to provide the required current for one element at a time rather than simultaneously powering multiple parallel elements. This reduces the total power capacity requirement compared to conventional parallel connection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The regenerative diode recovers energy from the inductive load when the switching element turns off, returning it to the power supply. This energy recovery mechanism reduces the net power consumption and allows the use of smaller power supplies by reusing the stored magnetic energy rather than dissipating it.
3Productivity
If semiconductor elements with varying forward voltages are connected in parallel, then current distribution becomes unequal, but conventional methods still attempt to apply pulse current
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of connecting elements in parallel where current distribution issues occur, the invention segments elements into a series connection within the commutation circuit. This ensures that the same current flows through all elements sequentially, eliminating the current distribution uniformity problems inherent in parallel connections of elements with varying forward voltages.
Solution Approach 2:
The commutation circuit applies pulse current periodically to each semiconductor element in the series chain through controlled switching. Each element receives the full pulse current in sequence, ensuring equal and uniform current application despite variations in forward voltage characteristics among the elements.
4Loss of energy
If the third switching element is turned on during inductive load current increase, then current flow to the power supply occurs, but energy return efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control method delays turning on the third switching element until after the inductive load current has fully increased and the switching element is turned off. This preliminary timing ensures that the magnetic energy is fully stored in the inductor before the regenerative path is activated, maximizing energy return efficiency and preventing premature current diversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The regenerative diode provides a continuous energy return path to the power supply whenever the third switching element is off and current flows through the inductive load. This continuous energy recovery mechanism ensures that no useful energy is lost during the operation cycles, maintaining high energy efficiency throughout the system operation.
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 device enables simultaneous and efficient application of pulse currents to multiple semiconductor elements, reducing evaluation time and preventing damage by equalizing current distribution and sharing energy return paths.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive load connected in series with the first switching element, the inductive load and the first switching element being connected between a power supply and a reference potential
Implementation Method 2
a regenerative diode connected between the power supply and a connection point of the inductive load and the third switching element, the regenerative diode being configured to return a current flowing therethrough back to the power supply
Data Source
AI summary
A pulse current application device, including: a first switching element and an inductive load connected in series between a power supply and a reference potential; a plurality of first commutation circuits connected in parallel to the inductive load between the reference potential and a connection point of the first switching element and the inductive load, and each including a current application target and a second switching element connected in series; a second commutation circuit connected in parallel to the inductive load; a third switching element connected between the inductive load and the reference potential; and a regenerative diode connected between the power supply and a connection point of the inductive load and the third switching element, the regenerative diode being configured to return a current flowing therethrough back to the power supply while the third switching element is in a cut-off state.