Rectifier Circuit Reducing Forward Conduction Losses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rectifiers, particularly in power conversion applications, experience significant losses due to the high forward biasing of diodes, which are proportional to the current flowing through them, leading to inefficiencies in energy conversion.

Innovation Solution

The proposed circuit arrangement includes a first rectifier circuit with a load path and a voltage tap, coupled with a second rectifier circuit that can be switched on and off by a drive signal, and a drive circuit that uses electrical power from the first rectifier's voltage tap to drive the second rectifier, reducing losses by bypassing the diode during forward biasing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a diode is used as a rectifier, then the rectifier can block reverse current, but significant power losses occur during forward conduction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereverse current blocking capabilityVSAvoidforward conduction losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by switching between different rectifier circuits (first and second rectifier circuits) based on the polarity of the input voltage. The second rectifier circuit is selectively activated during specific half-cycles to bypass the diode's forward conduction losses, while the first rectifier circuit handles the other half-cycle. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by avoiding the diode's harmful forward voltage drop when high current flows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rectification process is segmented into two separate rectifier circuits, each handling different portions of the AC cycle. The first rectifier circuit with diode provides reverse blocking, while the second rectifier circuit with controllable switching element provides low-loss forward conduction during specific intervals. This segmentation allows each circuit to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between blocking capability and conduction losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If high current flows through a diode rectifier, then rectification function is achieved, but power losses increase proportionally with current

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverectification current handling capabilityVSAvoidcurrent-proportional power losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically switches between rectifier configurations based on operating conditions. During high-current intervals, the second rectifier circuit with its controllable switching element is activated to bypass the diode, thereby maintaining high productivity while reducing the current-proportional losses that would otherwise occur in the diode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by selectively activating different rectifier circuits based on the input voltage polarity and current conditions. This parameter change allows the system to operate in a low-loss mode during high-current forward conduction by using the second rectifier circuit, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining high current handling capability and reducing proportional power losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a simple diode rectifier is used, then the circuit structure remains simple, but energy efficiency deteriorates in power conversion applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverectifier circuit structureVSAvoidpower conversion losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The rectifier is segmented into two circuits: a simple first rectifier circuit that maintains structural simplicity and provides reverse blocking, and a second rectifier circuit that reduces losses during specific intervals. This segmentation allows the overall system to achieve better efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the entire rectifier, thus balancing complexity reduction with energy loss mitigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first rectifier circuit serves multiple functions: it provides reverse current blocking during its active half-cycle and also serves as the basis for the enhanced two-circuit configuration. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain a relatively simple base structure while adding loss-reduction capabilities, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9960704B2Circuit arrangement with a rectifier circuit

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 INFINEON TECH AUSTRIA AG

AI summary

In accordance with an embodiment, a method includes receiving by a drive circuit electrical power from a voltage tap of a first rectifier circuit that includes a load path and a voltage tap, and using the electrical power by the drive circuit to drive a second rectifier circuit that includes a load path. The load path of the first rectifier circuit and the load path of the second rectifier circuit are coupled to a common circuit node.