Semiconductor Device Control Element Delaying Switching to Prevent Arm Short-Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing semiconductor devices are prone to arm short-circuits when the high-voltage and low-voltage semiconductor elements are simultaneously turned on, leading to potential breakage due to excessive electric current flow.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device configuration that includes control elements generating driving signals for semiconductor elements, where one control element delays the switching of the other semiconductor element from a blocked state to an electrical communication state based on the input signals, preventing simultaneous switching and thus avoiding arm short-circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the first semiconductor element is switched from blocked state to electrical communication state without delay, then the switching speed is improved, but arm short-circuit risk increases due to simultaneous turning-on with the second semiconductor element
Solution Approach 1:
The control element monitors the state of the second semiconductor element before switching the first semiconductor element. When the second semiconductor element is detected to be in electrical communication state, the control element delays the switching of the first semiconductor element to prevent simultaneous conduction and arm short-circuit. This preliminary checking and delayed switching action resolves the contradiction by prioritizing reliability over switching speed during critical conditions.
2Reliability
If the first semiconductor element is delayed from switching, then arm short-circuit is prevented, but the response time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control element performs preliminary monitoring of the second semiconductor element's state before initiating the switching of the first semiconductor element. The delay is applied only when the second semiconductor element is in electrical communication state, allowing normal switching to occur otherwise. This selective delay approach maintains high productivity while ensuring reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching delay is not a fixed value but is dynamically applied based on the real-time state of the second semiconductor element. The control element adjusts the switching timing of the first semiconductor element according to whether the second element is conducting, creating a dynamic control system that optimizes both reliability and productivity rather than using a static delay.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes: a first semiconductor element to switch between an electrical communication state and a blocked state in accordance with a first driving signal; a first control element to generate the first driving signal based on a first input signal; a second semiconductor element to switch between an electrical communication state and a blocked state in accordance with a second driving signal; and a second control element to generate the second driving signal based on a second input signal. The second input signal is input to the first control element, and thus the first control element determines whether or not the second semiconductor element is in the electrical communication state based on the second input signal. When the second semiconductor element is in the electrical communication state, the first control element delays switching of the first semiconductor element from the blocked state to the electrical communication state.