Switching Device Impedance Matching Signal Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed switching devices experience reduced switching speed due to surge voltage and ringing noise caused by reflection of control signals, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies that use gate resistors to suppress surge voltage.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a switching device with a main circuit and a control circuit, where the characteristic impedance of signal lines is set between the output impedance of the control circuit and the input impedance of the main circuit to minimize reflection coefficients, thereby reducing ringing noise while maintaining high switching speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a gate resistor is provided on the signal line to suppress surge voltage, then ringing noise is reduced, but the switching speed of the switching element is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveringing noiseVSAvoidswitching speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an impedance-matching layer (signal line with specific characteristic impedance) as an intermediary between the control circuit and the switching element. This intermediary transforms the impedance mismatch problem into a controlled impedance transmission line problem, allowing high-speed switching signals to be transmitted without causing excessive reflections or ringing noise. The signal line acts as a mediator that adapts the control circuit's output impedance to the switching element's input impedance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the signal line (characteristic impedance, length, width, thickness) to optimize signal transmission. By carefully controlling these parameters, the signal line achieves impedance matching between the control circuit and switching element, suppressing ringing noise while maintaining high switching speed. The parameter optimization includes setting the characteristic impedance to a specific value and adjusting the signal line dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If high-speed switching operation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but surge voltage and ringing noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching frequencyVSAvoidsurge voltage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the signal line with optimized impedance characteristics before the switching operation occurs. The impedance-matching design is established in advance to prevent surge voltage and ringing noise from occurring during high-speed switching. This proactive approach eliminates the need for reactive suppression measures after the problem occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes multiple parameters of the signal line simultaneously (characteristic impedance, length, width, thickness, material properties) to enable high-speed switching while suppressing surge voltage. The parameter optimization creates a balanced design that achieves both high switching frequency and low surge voltage, resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the characteristic impedance of signal lines is matched between control circuit output impedance and main circuit input impedance, then ringing noise is suppressed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveringing noiseVSAvoidsignal line design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by optimizing only the critical signal line parameters (characteristic impedance, length, width) that directly affect impedance matching and ringing noise suppression. Rather than redesigning the entire device, the solution focuses on local modifications to the signal line structure. This localized optimization achieves impedance matching without requiring complex system-wide changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent simplifies the design process by establishing clear parameter specifications for the signal line (target characteristic impedance value, length constraints, width-to-thickness ratio). These parameter guidelines provide a straightforward design methodology that reduces complexity while achieving impedance matching. The parameter-based approach transforms a complex impedance matching problem into a systematic parameter optimization task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10312897B2Switching device
Publication Date: 2019.06.04 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD
  • US10312897B2 patent drawing
  • US10312897B2 patent drawing
  • US10312897B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A switching device according to the present invention comprises: a main circuit including a switching element; a control circuit which generates a control signal for switching the switching element between an on state and an off state; and a first signal line and a second signal line which transfer the control signal outputted from the control circuit, to the main circuit. The value of the characteristic impedance (Zcd) of the first and second signal lines is set between the value of the output impedance (Zab) of the control circuit and the value of the input impedance (Zef) of the main circuit.