Semiconductor Switching Circuit for Power Interruption Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices face challenges in efficiently switching off a load during power interruption, leading to potential unintended power supply to the load when transitioning from an ON to an OFF state, due to the switching behavior of switch elements.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device incorporates a switching circuit with switch elements Q2 and Q4, where Q2 is switched to the ON state when the supply voltage is interrupted, and Q4 is switched from the OFF to the ON state while maintaining Q2 in the ON state, ensuring the switch element Q1 remains in the OFF state by controlling the voltage levels and signal thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single switch element is used to control power supply to the load, then the device structure is simple, but unintended power supply occurs during voltage transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single switching function into two separate switch elements (Q2 and Q4) that operate in sequence. Q2 handles the initial switching when voltage is interrupted, while Q4 handles the switching when terminal voltage changes. This segmentation prevents unintended power supply by ensuring proper switching sequence and electrical coupling during transitions.
2Reliability
If switch element Q2 is switched to ON state when supply voltage is interrupted, then power interruption is handled, but unintended power supply to load may occur during transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the circuit so that when voltage to node N1 is interrupted, Q2 automatically switches to ON state, establishing electrical coupling between N1 and PVOUT before any unintended power supply can occur. This preliminary switching action prevents the harmful effect by maintaining proper circuit state during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses switch element Q2 as an intermediary between node N1 and terminal PVOUT. When Q2 switches to ON state, it acts as a controlled intermediary that maintains proper electrical coupling, preventing direct unintended power supply paths while allowing controlled power transfer when needed.
3Reliability
If switch element Q4 is switched to ON state while maintaining Q2 in ON state, then voltage level control is achieved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching control where Q2 and Q4 are switched at different times based on voltage conditions. Q2 switches when voltage to N1 is interrupted, and Q4 switches when voltage at PVOUT changes to a lower level. This dynamic, condition-based switching achieves reliable voltage level control while managing circuit complexity through intelligent timing rather than static complex configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a first circuit. The first circuit includes a first switch element having a first end coupled to a first node to which a first voltage is supplied, a second end coupled to the first terminal, and a gate coupled between the first node and the second terminal, and a second switch element coupled between the first node and the first terminal. The first circuit is configured to switch the first switch element from OFF state to ON state when supply of the first voltage is interrupted, and switch the second switch element from OFF state to ON state while maintaining the first switch element in ON state when a voltage of the first terminal changes to a second voltage.