Series High-Voltage Switching With Synchronized Voltage Sharing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-voltage semiconductor switching devices face challenges in minimizing switching transients and energy losses due to longer switching times, and they often suffer from uneven voltage sharing and the risk of overvoltage during transitions, which can lead to device damage.
Innovation Solution
A series configuration of switching devices with a voltage limiter and switching time synchronizer, where the first switching device is directly modulated by a control signal, and the voltage limiter ensures equal voltage distribution and the synchronizer synchronizes the switching times of successive devices to minimize energy losses and prevent overvoltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional high-voltage semiconductor switching devices are used, then voltage blocking capability is achieved, but switching time is extended causing energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The high-voltage switching device is segmented into multiple series-connected switching elements (first switching element, second switching element, third switching element) with individual control. This segmentation allows each element to switch faster at lower voltage stress, achieving overall ultra-fast switching while reducing energy losses compared to conventional single-device high-voltage switching.
2Reliability
If series configuration of switching devices is used, then voltage distribution is achieved, but uneven voltage sharing and overvoltage risk occur during transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit employs preliminary action through carefully designed RC time constants for each switching element. The resistors (R1, R2, R3) and capacitors (C1, C2, C3) are configured to pre-chARGE the gate capacitances in a controlled sequence, ensuring that voltage transitions occur uniformly across all series-connected elements and preventing overvoltage conditions during switching transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
Resistors R1, R2, and R3 serve as intermediary elements that control the charging current to each gate capacitor. These intermediary components regulate the voltage distribution during transitions, ensuring smooth and uniform voltage sharing across the series-connected switching elements while preventing harmful overvoltage spikes.
3Reliability
If longer switching times are used, then device reliability is maintained, but energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements dynamic switching control where each switching element can be independently and rapidly switched on and off. The ultra-fast switching capability (nanosecond range) is achieved through optimized gate drive circuits with appropriate RC time constants, allowing the system to dynamically respond to switching requirements while maintaining device reliability through controlled transition profiles.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for switching a high-voltage source, comprising: a plurality of switching devices coupled in series starting from a first switching device and ending in a last switching device, said device enabling coupling of said high-voltage source with at least a selected one of said switching devices; a voltage limiter coupled with said switching devices; and a switching time synchronizer; wherein said first switching device is configured to directly receive a control signal for changing a switching state of said device, said first switching device is configured to facilitate a cascaded transition of switching states in successive said switching devices in said series, where said switching time synchronizer is configured to synchronize a time at which transitions to said switching states of successive said switching devices take effect, and said voltage limiter is configured to limit overvoltage conditions to said switching devices during said transitions.