Switch Converter Gate Drive Using Two Voltage Levels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switch converters face inefficiencies in power conversion due to slow switching times of primary and secondary switches, which are typically field effect transistors (FETs), affecting overall power efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A driver circuit applies a first high voltage to close the switch quickly and then transitions to a lower voltage to maintain it closed, using a feedback mechanism to optimize switching times and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a high voltage is applied to close the switch quickly, then the switching speed is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The driver circuit uses periodic action by applying a first voltage level to close the switch quickly, then switching to a second voltage level to maintain the closed state. This periodic switching between voltage levels optimizes both switching speed and power consumption, as the high voltage is applied only momentarily during transition rather than continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The driver circuit dynamically adjusts the voltage level applied to the switch based on its state. When the switch needs to transition, a higher voltage is applied; when the switch is already closed, a lower voltage suffices. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between needing high voltage for fast switching and low voltage for power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a high voltage is applied to maintain the switch closed, then the switch remains reliably closed, but the power loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch closure reliabilityVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The driver circuit implements periodic action by alternating between two voltage levels. The first voltage level ensures reliable switch closure, while the second lower voltage level maintains the closed state with minimal power loss. This periodic switching between voltage levels optimizes both reliability and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The driver circuit changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on switch state. It transitions from a first voltage level during switching to a second voltage level during steady-state operation. This parameter change allows the system to achieve reliable switching while minimizing power loss during the majority of the operating cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12562633B2Using different voltage levels to close a switch in a switch converter

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 QORVO US INC

AI summary

Embodiments of a switching circuitry are disclosed. In some embodiments, the switching circuitry includes a switch and a switch control circuit. The switch has a control terminal. The driver circuit is configured to initially apply a first voltage at a first voltage level to the control terminal so that the switch goes from being open to being closed. The driver circuit is configured to apply a second voltage at a second voltage level in response to the first voltage causing a voltage at the control terminal of the switch to reach a threshold voltage level, wherein the second voltage level is smaller in magnitude than the first voltage level. By using a higher voltage level when initially closing the switch, the switch is closed quickly. Once the switch is closed a lower voltage level is used to maintain the switch closed.