Semiconductor Switch Fault Detection via Resistor Voltage Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying non-switching semiconductor switches are not reliable, especially in static operation, and require switching off the load to diagnose faults.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first and second semiconductor switch, each with a corresponding semiconductor device and resistor, and a determination unit that identifies faults based on voltage profiles across the resistors without requiring the switches to be switched off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a second power semiconductor is connected in series to ensure reliable switching, then the reliability of the current path is improved, but the costs, space requirement and power loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
A determination unit is introduced as an intermediary component that monitors voltage profiles across the semiconductor switch to detect non-switching states. This allows reliable fault detection without adding series components, resolving the contradiction by providing reliability through monitoring rather than redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of adding physical series components with an electronic monitoring system that uses voltage profile analysis. This substitution achieves the same reliability goal through measurement and evaluation rather than physical redundancy.
2Reliability
If existing monitoring methods are used to identify non-switching switches, then fault detection is possible, but the load must be switched off which affects operation
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit continuously monitors voltage profiles during normal operation to detect non-switching states before they cause failures. This preliminary detection allows for planned maintenance or switching to backup components without abrupt load interruption, maintaining productivity while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of the voltage profile across the semiconductor switch. This real-time feedback enables the determination unit to identify non-switching states during operation without requiring load shutdown, resolving the contradiction between fault detection and operational continuity.
3Measurement precision
If voltage profile monitoring is implemented to detect non-switching switches, then identification accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit serves multiple functions: it monitors voltage profiles, detects non-switching states, and can trigger alarm signals or switchover operations. This multi-functionality achieves high identification accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity, as one component performs multiple diagnostic and control tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (30) and a method for identifying a non-switching semiconductor switch (34a, 36a). The system (30) comprises a first semiconductor switch (34a), a first semiconductor component (34b), a second semiconductor switch (36a), a second semiconductor component (36b), a first resistor (64b), a second resistor (66b) and a detection unit (38). The detection unit (38) is designed to identify, on the basis of a curve of a first voltage dropping across the first resistor (64b), whether the first semiconductor switch (34a) is not switching. The detection unit (38) is designed to identify, on the basis of a curve of a second voltage dropping across the second resistor (66b), whether the second semiconductor switch (36a) is not switching.