Pulse Gate Drive Circuit for Multi-Switch High-Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling voltage switching in high-voltage applications, such as x-ray tubes, require complex and bulky hardware, leading to increased size, weight, and cost, and suffer from slow energy dissipation after switch activation or deactivation, limiting operational speed.
Innovation Solution
A gate drive circuit device with positive and negative pulse circuit portions, including diodes and resistor-capacitor assemblies, is used to activate switches with positive and negative voltage pulses, allowing for concurrent control of multiple switches at different high voltages using a single transformer winding, reducing the need for multiple transformers and simplifying the control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional isolated gate drives are used to control voltage switching at high voltages, then the switches can be controlled independently, but the hardware becomes physically large, adding size, weight, and cost to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gate drive circuits into a single integrated gate drive device that can control multiple switches simultaneously. The gate drive device includes multiple gate drivers that share common power supply circuits and control logic, merging previously separate isolated gate drives into one unified component that reduces overall hardware size and weight while maintaining independent switch control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The gate drive device is designed with multi-functionality to control multiple switches referenced to different high voltages using a single device. The device includes configurable gate drivers that can be programmed to control different numbers and types of switches (e.g., IGBTs, MOSFETs) at various voltage levels, replacing multiple specialized isolated gate drives with one universal control unit
2Ease of operation
If conventional isolated gate drives are used for high-voltage switching control, then multiple switches can be controlled independently, but the system complexity and cost increase due to multiple transformers and power supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple isolated gate drive systems into a single integrated gate drive device that controls multiple switches. The device shares common power supply circuits, control logic, and housing among multiple gate drivers, eliminating the need for separate transformers and power supplies for each switch while maintaining the ability to control multiple switches independently
Solution Approach 2:
The gate drive device incorporates universal control capabilities that can adapt to control different types and numbers of switches referenced to different high voltages. The device includes configurable gate drivers with programmable parameters that allow a single device to perform the functions previously requiring multiple specialized isolated gate drives
3Reliability
If conventional gate drive controls are used at high voltages, then switching control is achieved, but the energy dissipation time is prolonged, limiting operational speed
Solution Approach 1:
The gate drive device employs periodic pulse-width modulation (PWM) control to manage switch operation and energy dissipation. By using periodic control pulses with adjustable duty cycles and frequencies, the device can rapidly cycle switches on and off, controlling energy transfer in discrete periods that accelerate the dissipation of stored energy compared to conventional continuous control methods
Solution Approach 2:
The gate drive device incorporates dynamic control parameters that can be adjusted in real-time based on operating conditions. The control logic dynamically modifies gate drive voltages, current limiting parameters, and protection thresholds to optimize switching performance and accelerate energy dissipation during transient conditions while maintaining stability during steady-state 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
This solution enables fast and efficient switching between high and low voltage levels, improving energy separation and reducing system size and cost, while allowing for rapid voltage changes and energy transfer, enhancing the performance of high-voltage applications like CT imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer device having a primary winding and secondary windings. The primary winding is inductively coupled with the secondary windings
Implementation Method 2
a first resistor-capacitor assembly connected in series. The first resistor-capacitor assembly includes a positive pulse resistor and a positive pulse capacitor connected in parallel with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A gate drive circuit device includes positive and negative pulse circuit portions each including a pulse diode and a pulse assembly connected in parallel with each other. The pulse assemblies each include another pulse diode and a resistor-capacitor assembly connected in series. The resistor-capacitor assembly includes a pulse resistor and a pulse capacitor connected in parallel. Each pulse circuit portion is connected with a different switch. Each pulse circuit portion is a passive device that is configured to activate a different switch responsive to receiving one or more voltage pulses from a power supply.