Rectifier Diode Replacement Circuit with Reverse Bias Cut-Off Drive

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rectifier diode circuits face challenges with high forward voltage and long reverse cut-off times, particularly when converting from forward bias to reverse bias in the discharge state, which affects their performance and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A rectifier diode replacement circuit with a reverse bias cut-off drive circuit, comprising an energy storage capacitor, low-voltage clock generator, charge pump circuit, bandgap reference circuit, hysteresis comparator, drive amplifier, and power MOS transistor, which actively detects voltages and generates a rapid discharge channel to shorten the cut-off time without compromising the low average forward on voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a rectifier diode circuit is used to achieve low average forward on voltage, then the forward voltage performance is improved, but the reverse cut-off time becomes long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforward voltageVSAvoidreverse cut-off time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the discharge time period variable based on circuit conditions. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the discharge timing and duration of the energy storage capacitor, switching between different discharge modes (first discharge circuit and second discharge circuit) depending on the operating state, thereby optimizing both forward voltage performance and reverse cut-off time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through the control circuit that monitors the voltages at both ends of the rectifier diode circuit and uses this information to control the discharge timing of the energy storage capacitor. The control circuit receives voltage signals and adjusts the discharge control signal accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes the balance between forward voltage and reverse cut-off time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If the energy storage capacitor discharge time is extended to maintain low average forward on voltage, then the forward voltage performance is improved, but the reverse cut-off time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforward voltageVSAvoiddischarge time period
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the discharge process into distinct phases using different discharge circuits. The first discharge circuit operates during normal rectification to maintain low forward voltage, while the second discharge circuit is activated specifically during reverse bias conditions to achieve rapid cut-off. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each discharge phase for its specific function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit dynamically switches between different discharge configurations based on the voltage polarity and circuit state. When reverse bias is detected, the control circuit activates the second discharge circuit to shorten the discharge time period, thereby reducing reverse cut-off time while maintaining the benefits of extended discharge during forward operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enables rapid cut-off of the rectifier diode circuit when converting from forward to reverse bias, significantly shortening the discharge period while maintaining the original low average forward on voltage performance, thus improving the rectifier diode's operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an energy storage capacitor, a low-voltage clock generator, a charge pump circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a power MOS transistor; the low-voltage clock generator is connected with both ends of the rectifier diode circuit and adapted for detecting voltages at both ends of the rectifier diode circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField effect transistor operation:

Data Source

PatentEP3416277B1Rectifier diode replacement circuit and reverse bias cut-off drive circuit
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 CHONGQING SOUTHWEST INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DESIGN
  • EP3416277B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3416277B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A rectifier diode replacement circuit having reverse bias cut-off drive, comprising a rectifier diode circuit and a reverse bias cut-off drive circuit (6). The reverse bias cut-off drive circuit detects voltages at both ends (A, K) of the rectifier diode circuit. When a cathode potential is greater than an anode potential, the reverse bias cut-off drive circuit forms a rapid charge discharge channel at a gate of a power MOS transistor (Q) to cut off the power MOS transistor, or the reverse bias cut-off drive circuit forms a rapid charge discharge channel at both ends of an energy storage capacitor (C) so that the energy storage capacitor discharges by means of the reverse bias cut-off drive circuit, and when the voltages at both ends of the energy storage capacitor are lower than an output voltage of a bandgap reference circuit (3) in the rectifier diode circuit, a hysteresis comparator (4) outputs an off signal to be amplified by a drive amplifier (5) to cut off the power MOS transistor. According to the reverse bias cut-off drive circuit, the rectifier diode circuit can be converted from a forward bias to a reverse bias, and then is rapidly cut off.