Semiconductor Switching Driver Using Constant Current for Speed Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driving devices for semiconductor switching elements face challenges in varying the switching speed with minimal power loss and reduced manufacturing costs, as they often rely on regulators that increase power loss and costs.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a constant-current driver and a rate varying unit that adjusts the constant current based on correlation information between the power supply voltage and current, allowing for precise control of the switching speed without the need for voltage regulators, using a buck-boost converter with isolated power supply systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a regulator is used to regulate the power supply voltage, then the control precision of switching speed is improved, but the power loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precision of switching speedVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the regulator component from the driving device, extracting the voltage regulation function and replacing it with a constant current source that directly controls the switching speed based on power supply voltage correlations, thereby eliminating the power loss associated with voltage regulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a constant current source as an intermediary between the power supply voltage and the switching element control terminal. This constant current source uses correlation information to adjust the charging/discharging current, achieving precise switching speed control without requiring voltage regulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a regulator is used to regulate the power supply voltage, then the control precision of switching speed is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precision of switching speedVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the regulator component from the driving device, extracting the voltage regulation function and replacing it with a constant current source that directly controls the switching speed based on power supply voltage correlations, thereby eliminating the manufacturing cost associated with voltage regulation components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the expensive regulator with a simpler constant current source implementation that uses basic electronic components, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining control precision through software-based correlation adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If the output voltage is directly applied to the control terminal, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision deteriorates due to voltage fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcontrol precision of switching speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a constant current source as an intermediary between the power supply voltage and the switching element control terminal. This constant current source uses correlation information to adjust the charging/discharging current, achieving precise switching speed control without requiring voltage regulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the driving device receives correlation information between power supply voltage and switching speed, and uses this information to adjust the constant current output, thereby maintaining precise control despite voltage fluctuations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution effectively reduces power loss and manufacturing costs while accurately varying the switching speed of semiconductor switching elements, even with fluctuating power supply voltages, by eliminating the need for additional regulators and optimizing the control of switching states.

Implementation Method 1

The constant-current driver is configured to perform at least one of charging and discharging of the on-off control terminal of the semiconductor switching element using the generated constant current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

an isolated power supply system including a transformer having a primary coil and a secondary coil magnetically coupled to the primary coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10081253B2Driving device for semiconductor switching element and control system for power converter

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 DENSO CORP

AI summary

In a driving device for changing a semiconductor switching element, having an on-off control terminal, between an on state and an off state according to a power supply voltage input thereto, a constant-current driver generates a constant current based on the power supply voltage. The constant-current driver performs one of charging and discharging of the on-off control terminal of the semiconductor switching element based on the generated constant current so as to change the semiconductor switching element from one of the on state and off state to the other thereof. A rate varying unit adjusts, based on correlation information between the power supply voltage and the constant current, a value of the constant current so as to vary a rate of changing the semiconductor switching element from one of the on state and the off state to the other thereof.