Power Semiconductor Module Terminal Multiplexing for Fault Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power semiconductor modules require an increased number of input and output terminals to output fault signals, which is inefficient and complicates the design.
Innovation Solution
A power semiconductor module configuration where the terminal used for outputting fault signals is shared with other applications when no fault is present, allowing fault signals to be output without increasing the number of terminals, utilizing a control circuit that deactivates the power semiconductor element's control electrode and outputs a fault signal from a single terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated output terminal is provided for fault signals, then fault detection capability is improved, but the number of terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a terminal to serve dual purposes: outputting fault signals when abnormalities occur and performing other applications when no fault is present. This allows the power semiconductor module to maintain fault detection capability while avoiding an increase in the total number of terminals, as the same terminal dynamically switches between different functions based on operational status
2Device complexity
If the number of terminals is reduced, then device complexity is decreased, but fault signal output capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the terminal's function changeable based on operational conditions. The terminal dynamically switches between fault signal output mode and other application mode depending on whether a fault is detected. This dynamic reconfiguration ensures that fault signal output capability is preserved when needed, while allowing terminal count to be reduced during normal operation
Data Source
AI summary
A power semiconductor module includes a power semiconductor element; a control circuit which controls the power semiconductor element; and multiple terminals. The control circuit deactivates a gate terminal, which is a control electrode of the power semiconductor element, in an event of a fault in the power semiconductor element or the power semiconductor module, and outputs from a first output terminal a fault signal indicating the event of the fault in the power semiconductor module. When there is no fault in the power semiconductor element and the power semiconductor module, the control circuit uses the first output terminal for other applications such as for outputting temperature information on the power semiconductor module, for example. This allows the fault signal to be output without increasing the number of terminals of the power semiconductor module more than necessary.