Semiconductor Device With Dynamic Gate Resistance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face challenges in reducing Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) noise and switching loss, particularly with the increasing switching speed of wide-bandgap semiconductor switching elements, which affects their performance in various applications such as harmonic suppressors and inverter circuits, and leads to noise issues in compact packages.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a switching element and a gate control circuit that adjusts switching speed based on external signals, allowing selection between different switching speeds to optimize performance for specific applications, reducing EMI noise and switching loss by varying the gate resistance and voltage, while maintaining a simple package configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the switching speed of the switching element is increased to reduce switching loss, then the switching loss is reduced, but the EMI noise intensifies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching speed adjustment by providing multiple switching speed settings (first switching speed and second switching speed) that can be selectively changed based on operational conditions. The control circuit dynamically switches between different gate resistance values to optimize performance, allowing the system to adapt switching speed to different operating scenarios rather than using a fixed switching speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the gate resistance parameter to control switching speed. By providing at least two different gate resistance values (first gate resistance and second gate resistance) and selectively switching between them, the system can adjust the switching speed parameter to balance switching loss reduction with EMI noise suppression.
2Productivity
If the switching speed is increased to improve productivity, then the switching loss is reduced, but the EMI noise increases causing control interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit dynamically adjusts switching speed based on operational requirements. During normal operation, higher switching speed maintains productivity. When EMI noise becomes problematic and threatens control stability, the system dynamically switches to lower switching speed to suppress noise and maintain reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent proactively manages EMI noise by providing predetermined switching speed settings optimized for different conditions. The control circuit can preemptively switch to noise-reducing switching speeds before EMI noise causes control interruption, preventing reliability issues rather than merely reacting to them.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple switching speed settings are provided to reduce EMI noise, then the EMI noise is suppressed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple switching speed control functions into a unified control circuit that manages both the first and second switching speeds through a single control architecture. The control circuit combines noise suppression functionality with normal switching control, avoiding the need for separate independent control systems and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both normal switching control and EMI noise suppression through the same hardware structure. The control circuit universally manages switching operations across different speed settings, eliminating the need for dedicated noise suppression hardware and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A gate voltage control/gate resistance changing circuit (21) is accommodated in the same package (P1) as a switching element (11), and outputs a driving signal to the switching element (11) to control turning on and off of the switching element (11). When an external signal is input from outside of the package (P1) to a terminal (3c) of the package (P1), a changing unit (221) accommodated in the package (P1) changes the switching speed of the switching element (11) based on the signal.