Solid State Switch Voltage Clamp for Transient Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft power distribution systems face issues with transient voltage spikes due to high current switching, leading to potential damage to power switches and components, as existing transient voltage suppressors have varying breakdown voltages, causing unintended voltage operations and high currents to flow through lower-rated switches.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a solid state switch with a controller module and a voltage clamp component, such as a Zener diode, to limit the voltage output and prevent transient voltage spikes from exceeding the breakdown voltage of transient voltage suppressors, ensuring safe operation by controlling the maximum voltage and current through the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing transient voltage suppressors are used in the power distribution system, then transient voltage suppression is provided, but the breakdown voltages vary causing unintended voltage operations and high currents to flow through lower-rated switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a voltage clamp component (such as a Zener diode) with a precisely defined clamp voltage parameter. This component clamps the control output signal to a maximum voltage that is specifically selected to be less than the minimum breakdown voltage of the transient voltage suppressors. This parameter selection ensures that the solid state switch is turned off before transient voltage spikes can exceed the suppressor breakdown voltage, thereby preventing high currents from flowing through lower-rated switches while maintaining reliable transient voltage suppression.
2Productivity
If solid state switches are used for high current switching, then power distribution control is improved, but transient voltage spikes are generated that can damage power switches and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using the voltage clamp component to preemptively limit the control output signal voltage before transient voltage spikes can occur. The clamp voltage is set to ensure that the solid state switch begins to turn off before the transient voltage can exceed the breakdown voltage of the suppressors. This preliminary action prevents the generation of damaging transient voltage spikes while maintaining the high-speed power distribution control capability of solid state switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage clamp component serves as an intermediary between the controller module and the solid state switch. It mediates the control output signal by clamping it to a maximum voltage that prevents the switch from fully turning on during transient conditions. This intermediary component protects the downstream transient voltage suppressors and other components from damaging voltage spikes while allowing normal high-speed switching operation.
3Reliability
If voltage clamp component is added to control output signal, then maximum voltage is limited preventing transient spikes, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a simple, inexpensive voltage clamp component (such as a Zener diode or TVS diode) that provides reliable voltage limiting protection. These components are typically low-cost semiconductor devices that can be easily integrated into the control circuit. While they do increase device complexity slightly, the added complexity is minimal compared to the significant improvement in reliability and protection they provide against transient voltage spikes.
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 suppresses transient voltages, preventing damage to power switches and ensuring the power distribution system operates within safe limits, reducing stress on components and preventing high power transients from propagating to lower power sections.
Implementation Method 1
a Zener diode connected to control output signal and defining a transient voltage clamp value, wherein the Zener diode is selected such that the Zener diode clamps the maximum control output signal voltage from the controller module
Implementation Method 2
enabling the transient voltage suppressor to limit the rising transient voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for operating a power distribution system, includes providing a solid state switch downstream of a power source and upstream of an electrical load, the solid state switch operable in a conducting mode that enabling conduction from upstream to the output and a non-conducting mode that disables conduction from the input to the output, and providing a transient voltage suppressor defining a breakdown voltage upstream of the solid state switch.