Switching Element Drive Device Dynamic Gate Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching element drive devices increase costs by switching gate resistor values to reduce switching loss and noise, which is not economically viable.
Innovation Solution
A switching element drive device that uses a current sensor, voltage sensor, and control part to dynamically adjust the gate drive voltage based on load current and input voltage, allowing for software-based determination of command values for the gate drive voltage, eliminating the need for additional hardware and reducing switching losses while suppressing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the gate resistor value is switched by switching the hardware to reduce switching loss, then the switching loss is reduced, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the gate drive voltage parameter dynamically based on operating conditions (on-state current and drain voltage) rather than using hardware switching of gate resistors. The control part calculates and outputs appropriate gate drive voltage command values that adapt to different operating states, achieving switching loss reduction without additional hardware cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/hardware switching mechanism (switching gate resistor values through hardware) with an electronic control mechanism (software-based calculation and output of gate drive voltage command values). This substitution eliminates the need for additional switching hardware while achieving the same functional goal of optimizing switching performance
2Loss of energy
If the switching speed is increased to reduce switching loss, then the switching loss is reduced, but noise increases due to sudden change in gate current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the gate drive voltage based on real-time operating conditions. The control part continuously monitors on-state current and drain voltage, then dynamically calculates and outputs optimal gate drive voltage command values. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize switching speed while managing noise generation, rather than using a fixed high-speed approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control by using the measured on-state current and drain voltage as input to the control part. These feedback signals enable the control part to calculate appropriate gate drive voltage command values that account for the actual operating state, thereby reducing switching loss while suppressing noise through adaptive control
Data Source
AI summary
A switching element drive device that reduces a switching loss while suppressing noise with an inexpensive configuration, is provided. The switching element drive device includes a current sensor configured to measure a load current flowing through a load, a voltage sensor configured to measure an input voltage inputted from a power supply, and a control part configured to output a command value of a gate drive voltage to a gate drive voltage supply part, the gate drive voltage supply part being configured to supply the gate drive voltage for driving a switching element disposed between the power supply and the load, wherein the control part is further configured to determine the command value of the gate drive voltage based on the load current and the input voltage.