Transformer-less Drive Circuit for High Voltage ESD Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high voltage driver solutions in the semiconductor industry rely on expensive components like transformers and inductors, which are susceptible to electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) events, and require costly and time-consuming implementation.
Innovation Solution
A transformer-less and inductor-less drive circuit utilizing a switch control network with switches and energy storage elements to generate drive signals, capable of withstanding ESD and EMC events, and offering a cost-effective and efficient high voltage drive capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If transformers or inductors are used for high voltage drive applications, then voltage amplitude can be boosted, but the cost increases and susceptibility to ESD and EMC events worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes transformers and inductors from the high voltage driver circuit, replacing them with a capacitor-based voltage doubling network. This extraction eliminates the harmful susceptibility to ESD and EMC events while maintaining the voltage boosting capability through an alternative mechanism using capacitors and switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, fragile magnetic components (transformers and inductors) with inexpensive capacitors and switches. The capacitor-based voltage doubling network achieves the same voltage boosting function at lower cost and with significantly improved robustness against electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic interference.
2Power
If transformers are used to boost voltage amplitude, then high voltage drive capability is achieved, but the implementation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes magnetic components (transformers and inductors) with electronic components (capacitors and switches). This substitution enables voltage boosting through electronic switching and capacitor charging/discharging cycles, eliminating the need for magnetic materials and complex magnetic core assemblies, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating principle from magnetic flux transformation to capacitive energy storage and release. By using capacitors charged to different voltage levels and switching them in series, the circuit achieves voltage doubling without requiring magnetic components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
3Power
If H-bridges are used for amplitude per volt supply, then voltage amplitude is improved, but susceptibility to ESD and EMC events increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the H-bridge configuration from the circuit, replacing it with a capacitor-based voltage doubling network. This extraction eliminates the vulnerability of the H-bridge to ESD and EMC events while maintaining the ability to achieve high voltage amplitude through capacitive multiplication rather than bridge switching.
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
The solution provides a robust and cost-efficient high voltage drive capability that is resilient to ESD and EMC events, with a peak-to-peak drive voltage range of up to 4*VIN, improving safety and performance in applications such as ultrasonic park assist systems and piezo device driving.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitor having a first terminal and a second terminal and a second capacitor having a first terminal and a second terminal
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a transformer-less drive circuit is provided that includes a switch control network having an output terminal connected to a first switch and another output terminal connected to a second switch. A driver connected to the second switch. In accordance with another embodiment, a method for generating a drive signal is provided that includes charging a first energy storage element to a first voltage level and a second energy storage element to a second voltage level. The charge stored in the second energy storage element is increased so that the second energy storage element stores a voltage at a third voltage level. The terminals of the second energy storage element are alternately connected to a fourth voltage level. The second energy storage element is used to supply or drive a driver.