Single-Winding Gate Drive for High-Voltage Circuit Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for controlling semiconductor power switches in high-voltage applications face challenges with electromagnetic interference (EMI) and high costs due to the use of multiple secondary windings in transformers, which are complex and expensive to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device using a single secondary winding transformer with electronic voltage level shifter circuits based on charge pumps to generate driver voltages for semiconductor power switches, reducing EMI and costs by simplifying the design and eliminating the need for multiple secondary windings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple secondary windings are used in the transformer to provide driver voltages at different reference levels, then the control of semiconductor power switches in high-voltage applications is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to the required dielectric strength and high-quality insulation materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple secondary windings into a single secondary winding by using an isolated voltage multiplier circuit. This circuit generates multiple output voltages at different reference levels (e.g., 15V, 500V, 1000V) from a single transformer secondary winding, thereby eliminating the need for multiple windings and their associated insulation requirements while maintaining the ability to control multiple semiconductor power switches in high-voltage applications
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple secondary windings are used in the transformer, then driver voltages can be provided at different reference levels, but the cost increases due to the use of high-quality and more expensive insulation materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an isolated voltage multiplier circuit as an intermediary component between the transformer and the semiconductor power switches. This circuit acts as a mediator that converts the single secondary winding output into multiple voltage levels at different reference potentials, thereby providing the required adaptability without incurring the high costs associated with multiple secondary windings and their insulation materials
3Ease of operation
If conventional transformer design with multiple secondary windings is used, then driver voltages are provided, but electromagnetic interference is transmitted to the primary side and causes voltage spikes on further secondary windings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage multiplication and reference level generation function from the transformer itself and places it in a separate isolated voltage multiplier circuit on the secondary side. This extraction prevents electromagnetic interference generated by the power switches from coupling back to the primary side through multiple windings, as the single secondary winding design with isolated voltage multiplication breaks the interference path while still providing the necessary driver voltages for switch operation
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 results in a more compact and cost-effective device with reduced EMI interference, achieving efficient control of semiconductor power switches in high-voltage applications while minimizing the need for transformer and EMI filter components.
Implementation Method 1
driver voltages UL1, UH1 and UH2 are generated by means of a transformer with a plurality of output voltages
Implementation Method 2
The charge pump comprises a capacitor C1 connected at one end to that end of the load Load 1 which is connected to the switch S1
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for controlling a plurality of semiconductor circuit breakers by means of driver voltages for the synchronous operation of a plurality of loads in the high-voltage range, where the driver voltages can be provided by a transformer. According to the invention, the driver voltages for the semiconductor circuit breakers are tapped from a single secondary winding of the transformer, where electronic voltage level converter circuits are provided to obtain the driver voltages from the secondary winding of the transformer at the required magnitude.