Power Electronic Circuit and System Therewith

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a power electronics circuit and system that integrates an active switching element (such as an IGBT or MOSFET), a driver circuit, control logic, and a special interface circuit. The key innovation is the use of a single galvanically isolated interface (e.g., transformer) that transfers both data (control and configuration information) and auxiliary power from a central controller to the local gate driver and microcontroller, reducing the number of required connections and enhancing isolation and reliability. The control logic is programmable via serial data sent through the interface and can manage measurements, regulation, and other advanced functions, making the system suitable for modular, distributed control in power electronics.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• On-board chargers for electric vehicles, where safe and isolated communication between the control unit and high voltage switching modules is needed.
• Multiport DC/DC converters or bidirectional converters used in energy management systems to efficiently control multiple power paths.
• Motor drives and inverters for industrial automation, robotics, or electric vehicles, ensuring reliable and noise-immune control of high-speed switches.
• Solar power inverters that convert DC output from solar panels to grid-compatible AC, needing precise and safe switch control.
• Any power electronic systems requiring multiple isolated gate drivers with centralized programming and low wiring complexity, e.g., renewable energy systems, smart grids, or industrial power supplies.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces the number of physical connections and wiring complexity by combining power and data in one isolated interface.
• Minimizes coupling capacitance, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of galvanic isolation and reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI).
• Enables reliable high-frequency operation without signal degradation such as jitter or delay, even with fast-switching devices like SiC or GaN transistors.
• Improves system reliability and safety by limiting the amount of circuitry crossing the isolation barrier and by centralizing configuration and monitoring.
• Supports modular and scalable designs, as multiple modules can be controlled via simple two-wire bus connections.
• Allows for easy integration of advanced functions such as local measurement, regulation, and programmable logic in the isolated gate driver unit.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

A circuit comprises an active element (102), a driver circuit (108) for the active element (102) and activation logic (110) for providing an activation signal for the driver circuit (108). Further provided is an interface circuit (112), which comprises a primary terminal (114) for receiving a primary signal (120) and a secondary terminal (116), which is electrically isolated from the primary terminal (114). The interface circuit (112) is designed to provide the primary signal (120) received at the primary terminal (114) via the secondary terminal (116) of the activation logic (110) and to provide an auxiliary energy signal (126), based on the primary signal (120) received at the primary terminal (114), for the driver circuit (108) at the secondary terminal (116) by means of a rectifier circuit.