Pulse Transformer Drive Circuit Self-Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power semiconductor drive circuit devices lack self-diagnosis capabilities to detect and address malfunctions or signal delays caused by noise, leading to potential failures in signal transfer and operation in hybrid automobiles and electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a self-diagnosis functional block in the signal transfer circuit device that compares control input and output signals for fidelity, using transformers with galvanically isolated windings to prevent interference and detect malfunctions, and implementing feedback mechanisms to restore signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a photocoupler is used for galvanic isolation in the signal transfer circuit, then isolation between transmitter and receiver sides is achieved, but signal timing shifts and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the photocoupler (optical isolation device) with a pulse transformer (electromagnetic isolation device). This substitution eliminates the timing shifts and power consumption issues associated with photocouplers while maintaining galvanic isolation between transmitter and receiver sides through magnetic coupling of primary and secondary windings.
2Loss of energy
If a pulse transformer is used for galvanic isolation, then power consumption is reduced and timing shifts are minimized, but the device lacks self-diagnosis capability to detect malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a self-diagnosis functional block that compares the control input signal with the control output signal to detect malfunctions. This feedback mechanism monitors signal fidelity through the pulse transformer and enables detection of isolation failures or signal transfer errors without significantly increasing power consumption or device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If galvanic isolation is implemented using traditional components, then noise resistance is improved, but signal transfer delays and timing errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces photocoupler-based optical isolation with pulse transformer-based electromagnetic isolation. This substitution reduces signal transfer delays and timing errors while maintaining noise resistance through the galvanic isolation provided by the transformer's primary and secondary windings, which are electrically independent yet magnetically coupled.
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
Enables early detection of malfunctions, prevents signal transfer failures, and maintains the power semiconductor drive circuit within safe operating ranges by ensuring signal fidelity and noise resistance, thereby enhancing the reliability of hybrid and electric vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
a pulse transformer is used... The transformer 108 is formed with a primary winding 108A and a secondary winding 108B... The primary windings 108A and 120A, and the secondary windings 108B and 120B are connected to a ground potential A (GND A), and to a ground potential B (GND B) galvanically isolated from the ground potential A, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A power semiconductor drive circuit device includes: an electronic control device generating a control input signal; a signal transfer circuit device having a main path and a self-diagnosis functional block; and a power semiconductor driven by the control output signal from the signal transfer circuit device. The self-diagnosis functional block includes: a feedback pulse transmitter circuit; a second signal transfer circuit; and a second receiver circuit. The second receiver circuit compares the control output signal with the control input signal so as to find out whether the control output signal is matched or unmatched with the control input signal, and then outputs a result to a comparison signal output terminal. A signal outputted to the comparison signal output terminal is transferred to the electronic control device.