Self-Adaptive Voltage Balancing for Series Semiconductor Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage-balancing systems for series-connected semiconductor devices suffer from permanent losses due to resistors and require external control signals, and they fail to adapt to technological dispersions and temperature differences, leading to voltage imbalances that can exceed individual diode withstand voltages.
Innovation Solution
A self-adaptive voltage-balancing circuit using a comparator and an adjustable MOS transistor to balance voltages across semiconductor elements, where the comparator samples voltage data from the midpoint of a resistive dividing bridge and adjusts the resistive element to maintain equilibrium, eliminating the need for external control signals and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resistors are connected in parallel with each diode to achieve static balance, then voltage balance is improved, but permanent energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static balancing resistors with dynamic control using MOS transistors whose resistance values are continuously adjusted based on real-time voltage measurements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain voltage balance while minimizing energy dissipation, as the resistive elements only conduct when necessary for balancing rather than continuously as in the resistor-based approach
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the resistance parameter of MOS transistors dynamically based on the voltage imbalance detected across series-connected semiconductor elements. By adjusting the resistance values adaptively rather than using fixed resistor values, the system achieves both voltage balance and reduced energy losses
2Reliability
If external control signals are used to balance voltages, then voltage balance is achieved, but system complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-balancing system where each parallel circuit independently monitors its own semiconductor element's voltage and automatically adjusts its MOS transistor resistance accordingly. The system uses local feedback from voltage dividers and comparators to self-regulate without requiring external control signals, thereby reducing system complexity and control infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs local feedback loops where the voltage across each semiconductor element is measured by a voltage divider, compared against a reference, and used to control the MOS transistor in that same parallel circuit. This decentralized feedback mechanism enables autonomous voltage balancing without external intervention
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 effectively reduces power losses and adapts to voltage imbalances, ensuring that each semiconductor element in the series connection withstands its share of the total voltage, thereby preventing overvoltage conditions without permanent losses or external control.
Implementation Method 1
a comparator of data representative of the voltage between the terminals of the semiconductor element with a reference voltage
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable value resistive element that is controlled by the comparator
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for balancing a voltage across a semiconductor element series-connected with other semiconductor elements of the same type may include a comparator configured to compare data representative of a voltage across the semiconductor element with a reference voltage, and a resistive element of adjustable value and configured to be controlled by the comparator.