Transistor Startup Module Without High-Voltage Resistors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In power supply systems, traditional start-up circuits using resistors consume high energy continuously, leading to increased power consumption and longer start-up times, and are difficult to integrate due to high impedance and complex semiconductor processing, often requiring external discrete resistors that increase system volume and cost.
Innovation Solution
A transistor module with a first and second transistor, where the first transistor functions as a power transistor and the second transistor provides start-up current, allowing for a start-up circuit that operates without a high-voltage integrating resistor, with the gate of the depletion mode transistor coupled to the source of the enhancement mode transistor to control the start-up current, reducing power consumption and integrating complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a high impedance start up resistor is used to lower power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but start up time is prolonged and integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the impedance of the start-up circuit dynamic rather than static. The second transistor is configured to automatically adjust the impedance: during start-up stage, the impedance is low to provide sufficient start-up current; during operation stage, the impedance becomes high to minimize power consumption. This dynamic impedance adjustment resolves the contradiction between fast start-up (requiring low impedance) and low power consumption (requiring high impedance).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the impedance parameter of the start-up circuit based on operating conditions. By using a transistor-based start-up circuit instead of a fixed resistor, the impedance parameter can be dynamically changed: low impedance during start-up to enable fast charging of the control circuit capacitor, and high impedance during normal operation to reduce power consumption. This parameter change approach simultaneously achieves fast start-up and low standby power consumption.
2Loss of energy
If a high impedance start up resistor is used to lower power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but integration complexity increases and chip size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/resistive component (discrete high-impedance resistor) with an electronic component (transistor-based active circuit). Instead of using a passive resistor that requires external mounting and occupies significant chip area, the invention uses an active transistor circuit that can be fully integrated using standard semiconductor fabrication processes. This substitution reduces both integration complexity and chip size while achieving the desired low power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the start-up circuit function with the existing power transistor structure. The second transistor is integrated within the same semiconductor device, sharing common terminals and fabrication processes with the power transistor. This merging eliminates the need for external discrete components and reduces overall device complexity, allowing the start-up function to be achieved through integrated circuit techniques rather than discrete component assembly.
3Loss of energy
If a discrete external resistor is used for start up circuit, then power consumption is reduced, but system volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the start-up circuit and power transistor into a single integrated semiconductor device. The second transistor that provides start-up current is fabricated on the same chip as the power transistor, sharing common terminals and packaging. This integration eliminates the need for external discrete resistors and reduces system volume, while the transistor-based design inherently provides low power consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the start-up circuit (second transistor) is embedded within the overall power device structure. The start-up transistor is nested alongside the power transistor, sharing common packaging and terminals. This nested arrangement minimizes system volume by eliminating separate external components while maintaining the low power consumption benefit of the high-impedance start-up circuit during operation.
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 achieves low power consumption during normal operation and fast start-up times by maintaining low impedance during the start-up stage and high impedance during operation, eliminating the need for external resistors and enhancing integration density.
Implementation Method 1
a start up circuit configured to provide a start up current for a control circuit, the start up circuit comprising a depletion mode transistor
Implementation Method 2
a power transistor comprising an enhancement mode transistor controlled by the control circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A transistor module including a first transistor and a second transistor for start up control is provided. Wherein the first end of the first transistor is coupled to the first end of the second transistor, the second end of the first transistor is coupled to the control end of the second transistor, and the second end of the second transistor provides a start up current for a control circuit.