Thyristor Drive Circuit Using Voltage Detection to Eliminate Dead Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thyristor driving methods suffer from conduction and driving dead zones due to delayed signal provision and response times, which hinder efficient energy consumption and performance.

Innovation Solution

A semi-controllable device driving method and apparatus that utilize a voltage detection switch connected in series with the thyristor, turning on when the potential difference is not greater than the on-state voltage and turning off after the thyristor is on, along with a semiconductor switch and capacitor configuration to minimize dead zones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If voltage detection circuit controls electronic switch to be turned on only when detecting that voltage at two ends of main loop of thyristor are greater than on-state voltage, then driving power is reduced, but driving dead zone increases due to lagged driving signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving powerVSAvoiddriving dead zone
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage detection switch is turned on in advance when the potential difference is not greater than the on-state voltage, before the thyristor actually conducts. This preliminary action eliminates the driving dead zone by ensuring the driving signal is ready before the voltage threshold is reached, while the switch turns off automatically after detection to minimize continuous power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If voltage detection switch is turned on when potential difference is not greater than on-state voltage, then conduction dead zone is eliminated, but response time requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconduction dead zoneVSAvoidresponse speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage detection switch uses the potential difference across the thyristor as feedback to control its own switching state. When the potential difference indicates the thyristor is conducting (greater than on-state voltage), the switch turns off automatically. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for external response time coordination and eliminates conduction dead zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If conventional thyristor driving method is used, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but both conduction dead zone and driving dead zone exist

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit simplicityVSAvoiddead zone
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage detection switch is configured to automatically turn on and off based on the potential difference across the thyristor terminals. It serves itself by using the thyristor's own voltage state to control the driving signal, eliminating the need for complex external control circuits while eliminating both conduction and driving dead zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach eliminates conduction and driving dead zones, enhances response speed, reduces energy consumption, and increases the frequency range of the semi-controllable device, achieving efficient and low-power operation.

Implementation Method 1

an input end of the voltage detection switch is connected to two ends of a semi-controllable device that needs to be driven; the voltage detection switch is connected, in series, in a driving loop of the semi-controllable device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage detection: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP3407495B1Half-controlled-type device drive method and apparatus, and hybrid device
Publication Date: 2020.10.28 GUANGZHOU JINSHI ELECTRONICS
  • EP3407495B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3407495B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3407495B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A half-controlled-type device drive method and apparatus, which are a drive method suitable for making a half-controlled-type device, such as a thyristor, have no drive blind area or a minimal drive blind area, a half-controlled-type drive apparatus suitable for being used in a drive loop of a half-controlled-type device, such as a thyristor, and having no conductive blind area or a minimal conductive blind area, and a hybrid device having no conductive blind area or a minimal conductive blind area. In the half-controlled-type device drive method, a voltage detection switch is used, wherein an input end of the voltage detection switch is connected to two ends of the half-controlled-type device needing to be driven; the voltage detection switch is connected in series in a drive loop of the half-controlled-type device; the voltage detection switch is conducted when the potential difference between the two ends of the half-controlled-type device is not greater than an on-state voltage of the half-controlled-type device; and the voltage detection switch is cut off when detecting that the half-controlled-type device is conducted. The half-controlled-type device drive apparatus has the advantage of having no drive blind area or a minimal drive blind area.