Transistor Gate Resistor Segmentation for Adjustable Switching Speeds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insulated gate power transistor devices have fixed resistance values between the gate node and gate-source capacitance, limiting their adaptability to different applications requiring varying switching speeds.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor chip with multiple gate pads and resistor arrangements, each providing a different electrical resistance, allowing for adjustable switching speeds by selecting the appropriate resistor for the specific application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed resistance value is preset in the semiconductor chip, then the transistor device can be manufactured with a determined switching speed, but it cannot be adapted to different applications requiring different switching speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The gate resistor is divided into multiple discrete resistance segments (first gate resistor segment, second gate resistor segment, third gate resistor segment) that can be independently selected and connected. This segmentation allows the transistor device to provide multiple different resistance values between the gate node and gate-source capacitance, enabling adaptation to different switching speed requirements without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic resistance selection mechanism where different gate resistor segments can be selectively connected or disconnected based on application requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the same semiconductor chip to be used across multiple applications with different switching speed needs, transforming a static fixed-resistance design into a flexible multi-resistance solution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different resistance values are provided for different switching speeds, then applications with varying switching speed requirements can be satisfied, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple gate resistor segments are merged into a single integrated structure within the semiconductor chip, sharing common connection points and utilizing the same manufacturing process. This merging approach allows multiple resistance values to be provided without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the resistor segments share structural elements and can be selectively activated through switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate resistor structure is designed with multi-functionality, where the same physical structure serves multiple resistance value functions. The resistor segments can be selectively connected to provide different total resistance values, allowing a single semiconductor chip design to serve multiple applications with different switching speed requirements, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized chips.
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
Enables the use of a single semiconductor chip in various applications by allowing for customizable switching speeds through the selection of different resistors, enhancing flexibility and suitability for diverse electronic applications.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of resistor arrangements has an electrical resistance, wherein the resistances of the plurality of resistor arrangements are different
Data Source
AI summary
A transistor device comprises at least one gate electrode, a gate runner connected to the at least one gate electrode and arranged on top of a semiconductor body, a plurality of gate pads arranged on top of the semiconductor body, and a plurality of resistor arrangements. Each gate pad is electrically connected to the gate runner via a respective one of the plurality of resistor arrangements, and each of the resistor arrangements has an electrical resistance, wherein the resistances of the plurality of resistor arrangements are different.