Semiconductor Module Fuse-Based Short-Circuit Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power modules with semiconductor switching elements, a short-circuit failure leads to heat generation and potential fires, necessitating overcurrent protection to stop operations and require module replacement, which disrupts power control and increases risk of secondary disasters.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating fuses connected between semiconductor switches and external terminals, which quickly interrupt current flow upon detection of a short-circuit, allowing continued operation by remaining switches and preventing persistent arcs, thus enhancing reliability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If overcurrent protection function is used to stop operation when short-circuit failure is detected, then risk of secondary disaster is reduced, but power control cannot be continued and module replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protection function into two levels: fuse elements provide immediate local protection at the semiconductor element level, while the overcurrent protection function provides system-level protection. This segmentation allows the system to respond to failures at different scales, enabling continued operation of healthy elements while isolating only the failed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by placing fuse elements specifically at the input and output terminals of individual semiconductor switching elements. This localized protection ensures that when a short-circuit failure occurs, only the affected element is isolated by its associated fuses, while other elements continue to operate normally, maintaining overall system productivity.
2Productivity
If fuse elements are connected between semiconductor switches and external terminals to quickly interrupt current flow, then continued operation by remaining switches is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protection function from the semiconductor switching elements themselves and implements it separately using fuse elements. This extraction allows the switching elements to focus on their primary function while the fuse elements handle fault isolation, simplifying the design of individual switching elements while enabling continued operation of healthy elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse elements act as intermediary components between the semiconductor switching elements and the external terminals. They mediate the fault isolation process by interrupting current flow to failed elements while allowing current to flow through healthy elements, thereby enabling continued operation without requiring complex control circuitry.
3Reliability
If fuse elements are provided for each semiconductor switching element, then quick isolation of faulty switches is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fuse elements as disposable protection components that are inexpensive compared to the semiconductor switching elements. When a short-circuit failure occurs, the fuse elements are sacrificed to isolate the failed element, but their low cost means this sacrifice is economically acceptable and enables quick fault isolation without significantly increasing overall manufacturing cost.
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
The solution enables continued power control and reduces the risk of secondary disasters by quickly isolating faulty switches and preventing persistent arcs, improving the reliability of power apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a first fuse electrically connected between the first external terminal and the first semiconductor switch, and a second fuse electrically connected between the second external terminal and the first semiconductor switch
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor module according to embodiments includes a first external terminal, a second external terminal, a first semiconductor switch which is electrically connected between the first external terminal and the second external terminal and includes a first gate electrode, a second semiconductor switch which is electrically connected in parallel with the first semiconductor switch, between the first external terminal and the second external terminal, and includes a second gate electrode, a first fuse electrically connected between the first external terminal and the first semiconductor switch, and a second fuse electrically connected between the second external terminal and the first semiconductor switch.