Semiconductor Circuit Protector for DC Short-Circuit Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic circuit protectors fail to effectively protect DC power supplies from overload and short-circuit conditions at both ends of the load during DC circuit applications.
Innovation Solution
The electronic circuit protector employs a unique configuration of semiconductors, diodes, and resistors, where semiconductors are connected in series to rapidly open-circuit and control power supply to prevent damage from short circuits, with resistors providing current limiting functions to safeguard against excessive currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electronic circuit protector is used, then the circuit can be protected from overload and short-circuit conditions, but the protection response time is insufficiently rapid to prevent damage from severe short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs three semiconductors (first, second, and third) connected in series that dynamically respond to short-circuit conditions. When a short circuit occurs, the second semiconductor rapidly switches off the first semiconductor, creating a dynamic protection mechanism that responds faster than conventional static protectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit is pre-configured with the second semiconductor monitoring the voltage across the first semiconductor. When the voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold indicating a short circuit, the second semiconductor immediately activates to open-circuit the first semiconductor, preventing damage before it occurs.
2Reliability
If multiple semiconductors are connected in series to achieve rapid protection, then the protection speed and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second semiconductor serves multiple functions: it monitors the voltage across the first semiconductor, detects short-circuit conditions, and activates to open-circuit the first semiconductor when needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate monitoring and protection circuits, thereby reducing overall complexity despite the series connection of three semiconductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the monitoring, detection, and protection functions into a single integrated circuit configuration where the three semiconductors work together as a unified protection system. The resistors are also strategically placed to serve both current limiting and voltage division functions, merging multiple roles into fewer components.
3Reliability
If current limiting resistors are added to protect semiconductors from excessive current, then the semiconductor reliability improves, but the energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies current limiting resistors only at critical points where semiconductors are most vulnerable to excessive current, rather than throughout the entire circuit. This localized approach provides necessary protection while minimizing overall energy loss compared to comprehensive current limiting.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistors are carefully selected with specific resistance values that balance protection requirements with energy efficiency. By optimizing the resistance parameters, the circuit achieves adequate current limiting to protect semiconductors while minimizing power dissipation in the resistors under normal operating conditions.
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
This configuration ensures rapid protection of the DC power supply by preventing power delivery to short-circuited loads and managing excessive currents, thereby preventing disasters and ensuring the circuit's reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the second semiconductor can perform the first semiconductor open-circuit action in a very short time, achieving the function of protecting the DC power circuit
Implementation Method 2
The electronic circuit protector of the present invention is provided with a first resistor with a current limiting function to prevent the first semiconductor from being damaged due to excessive gate or base current
Data Source
AI summary
The electronic circuit protector of the invention comprises a first semiconductor, a second semiconductor, a third semiconductor, a first diode, a second diode, a first resistor, a second resistor and a third resistor, constituting an application circuit with load overload or short circuit protection function, which avoids the damage caused by overload or short circuit at both terminals of the load.