Semiconductor Device Terminal Arrangement for Chopper Circuit Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor devices require separate configurations for step-down, step-up, and step-up/step-down chopper circuits, necessitating multiple circuit elements and increasing costs, as well as complicating user selection between these circuits.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a diode element and switching element arranged in a case, featuring externally connected terminals that allow for easy formation of step-up, step-down, or step-up/step-down chopper circuits by user-selectable electrical connections, reducing the burden and cost on the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate semiconductor devices are prepared for first type circuit and second type circuit, then circuit functionality is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single semiconductor device that can function as both first type circuit (step-down/step-up/step-up-down chopper circuits) and second type circuit (step-up chopper circuits). The device includes a diode element and switching element with terminal arrangements that support both circuit configurations, allowing one device to replace two separate devices and provide multiple circuit functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the circuit configuration changeable through external terminal connections. The semiconductor device includes terminals that can be connected in different configurations to switch between first type and second type circuits. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the same physical device to adapt its circuit topology based on connection configuration, resolving the need for multiple fixed-function devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate semiconductor devices are prepared for different circuit types, then circuit requirements are met, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by enabling a single semiconductor device to serve multiple circuit type requirements. Instead of manufacturing separate devices for first type and second type circuits, the universal device design allows one manufacturing process to produce devices that can be configured for different circuit types through terminal connections, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate semiconductor devices (first type circuit device and second type circuit device) into a single unified device. By combining the diode element, switching element, and terminal structures into one device that supports both circuit configurations, the patent eliminates the need for separate manufacturing processes and reduces total device count, leading to cost savings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple semiconductor devices are used for different chopper circuits, then user requirements are satisfied, but user burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces user burden by providing a dynamic, reconfigurable device that allows users to select different chopper circuit modes (step-up, step-down, step-up-down) through simple terminal connections rather than selecting from multiple separate devices. The user can change circuit configuration by connecting terminals in different ways, making the device adaptable to user needs without requiring knowledge of multiple device specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal semiconductor device allows users to access multiple chopper circuit functionalities from a single device, eliminating the need for users to compare and select between multiple specialized devices. The user simply connects terminals according to the desired circuit type, and the same physical device adapts to provide the required functionality, greatly simplifying the user selection process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a semiconductor device capable of selecting a desired circuit (step-down circuit (or step-up/step-down circuit) and step-up circuit) on the user side at low cost. A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a diode element and a switching element (IGBT). An anode terminal of the diode element and one main electrode terminal of the switching element are adjacently arranged at a predetermined distance from each other. In addition, a cathode terminal of the diode element and the other main electrode terminal of the switching element are adjacently arranged at another predetermined distance from each other.