Semiconductor Module Internal Controller for Operating Characteristic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor modules that internally generate PWM signals require a microprocessor or PWM signal source, limiting their size reduction and making it difficult to change operating characteristics without external communication and trigger signals, necessitating additional terminals.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor module with an internal controller that receives data and trigger signals from an external controller, storing and transferring set values to a control circuit to change operating characteristics, eliminating the need for dedicated terminals by integrating communication within existing standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a semiconductor module internally generates a PWM signal using a microprocessor or PWM signal source, then the operating characteristics can be changed, but the module size increases and additional terminals are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the microprocessor and PWM signal source from the semiconductor module, placing them in an external controller instead. This eliminates the need for internal control components while maintaining the ability to change operating characteristics through external programming, thereby reducing module size while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The external controller serves multiple functions: it generates PWM signals, controls the semiconductor module operation, and enables changes in operating characteristics through programmable instructions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated internal control components in the semiconductor module.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a semiconductor module internally generates a PWM signal using a microprocessor or PWM signal source, then the operating characteristics can be changed, but additional terminals are required for communication
Solution Approach 1:
The external controller integrates multiple control functions including PWM generation, operating characteristic configuration, and timing control into a single device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate dedicated terminals for each control function, reducing overall terminal count while maintaining full control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of operating characteristic setting and trigger signal generation into a single communication interface between the external controller and the semiconductor module. This merging of functions reduces the number of required terminals while maintaining the ability to change operating characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a semiconductor module uses an internal controller to change operating characteristics, then adaptability is improved, but the module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal controller is extracted from the semiconductor module and relocated to an external controller. This extraction removes the area occupation of control components from the module while preserving the adaptability function through external programming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functionality is copied to an external controller, allowing the semiconductor module to maintain its simple, compact structure while still achieving operating characteristic changes through the external controller's programmed instructions.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor module includes: a control circuit for controlling first and second transistors operating complementarily; and an internal controller receiving a data signal including a set value of an operating characteristic from an external controller to store the data signal in a memory and then transferring the set value of the operating characteristic to the control circuit. The data signal is sent to the internal controller in the order of the set value of the operating characteristic and a specific trigger value. The internal controller transfers the set value of the operating characteristic to the control circuit in timed relation to writing of the specific trigger value into the memory. The control circuit includes first and second drivers. The control circuit changes settings of the first and second drivers to thereby change the operating characteristic of the semiconductor module.