Pulse Transformer Gate Drive With Bidirectional Fault Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power module control systems in aeronautics face challenges with unreliable isolation methods, unidirectional communication, and high component complexity, which are not compliant with safety standards and increase costs and size.
Innovation Solution
A power stage control device with a primary and secondary circuit using a pulse transformer for bidirectional communication, incorporating a primary circuit malfunction detector, power control and fault detection, and a driver for precise control and fault feedback, reducing component count and ensuring isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a magnetic pulse transformer is used for isolated control, then high frequency operation and current supply capability are improved, but continuous pulse transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic square wave signals to drive the magnetic pulse transformer in alternating polarity modes. This periodic action allows the transformer to reset and recharge its magnetic core during each cycle, enabling continuous pulse transmission while maintaining high frequency operation capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are added for bidirectional communication, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic pulse transformer is designed to perform multiple functions: providing galvanic isolation, transmitting control signals, and enabling bidirectional communication. By making the transformer multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the isolation function and communication function into a single magnetic pulse transformer component. This consolidation allows bidirectional communication to be achieved without adding separate isolation components, reducing the overall component count and simplifying the device architecture.
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 reliable, compact, and cost-effective bidirectional control with rapid fault detection and isolation, meeting aeronautics safety standards by minimizing component complexity and electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
a pulse transformer (30) comprising a primary winding (32) connected to the primary circuit (10) and a secondary winding (34), connected to the secondary circuit (20), magnetically coupled to the primary winding (32) and capable of generating, from the control current it, an induced pulsed current im towards the secondary circuit (20)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a power stage comprising a control device and a power transistor, the control device comprising: - A primary circuit comprising: o A control module capable of generating a control current, o A primary circuit malfunction detector capable of detecting a malfunction, - A pulse transformer comprising a primary winding connected to the primary circuit, comprising a secondary winding connected to the secondary circuit, magnetically coupled to the primary winding and capable of generating, from the control current, an induced pulse current enabling the driving of the power transistor, - A secondary circuit comprising: o A power control and fault detection device capable of detecting a malfunction of the secondary circuit or of the power transistor,The power control and fault detection system is capable of communicating a malfunction of the secondary circuit or the power transistor to the fault detector of the primary circuit.