PWM Control Circuit Using N-Type HEMTs for Low-Loss GaN Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-side integrated driver circuits using Gallium Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) face challenges such as power loss, large size, and high cost due to the complexity of logic circuits requiring both p-type and n-type HEMTs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of PWM control circuits using only n-type HEMTs to generate PWM signals, reducing power loss and simplifying the circuit design by eliminating the need for p-type HEMTs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If logic circuits using both p-type and n-type HEMTs are implemented, then circuit functionality is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the p-type HEMT component from the logic circuit, retaining only n-type HEMTs to perform all logical operations. This extraction eliminates the complexity associated with dual-polar transistor integration while preserving essential circuit functionality through clever use of n-type transistor configurations and gating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The n-type HEMT is made universal by configuring it to perform multiple logical functions that traditionally required both p-type and n-type transistors. Through various gating schemes and circuit topologies, a single n-type HEMT configuration can implement AND, OR, NOT, and other logical operations, eliminating the need for separate p-type devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If both p-type and n-type HEMTs are used in logic circuits, then complete logic functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves homogeneity by using only n-type HEMTs throughout the logic circuit, eliminating the need for heterogeneous p-type and n-type transistor integration. This homogeneous approach simplifies the manufacturing process, as only single-polar transistor fabrication techniques are required, reducing manufacturing costs and process complexity.
3Loss of energy
If traditional logic circuits are used, then power control is achieved, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through pulse-width modulation (PWM) control, where power delivery is achieved through periodic switching of the n-type HEMT rather than continuous conduction. This periodic switching allows for precise power control while minimizing resistive losses, as the transistor operates in efficient switching modes rather than linear regions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are described herein for generating a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal having a specific duty cycle. In one embodiment, the system includes a square wave generator and a logic device. The square wave generator is configured to delay a input square wave signal to generate a plurality of square wave signals. The logic device is configured to perform a logic operation to two of square wave signals of the plurality of square wave signals, which in turn generates the PWM signal having a duty cycle corresponding to the two square wave signals.