18099639. PASSIVE DISCHARGE CIRCUIT FOR BIDIRECTIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR SWITCHES simplified abstract (Infineon Technologies Austria AG)
Contents
PASSIVE DISCHARGE CIRCUIT FOR BIDIRECTIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR SWITCHES
Organization Name
Infineon Technologies Austria AG
Inventor(s)
Kennith Kin Leong of Villach (AT)
Gerhard Maderbacher of Gleisdorf (AT)
PASSIVE DISCHARGE CIRCUIT FOR BIDIRECTIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR SWITCHES - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18099639 titled 'PASSIVE DISCHARGE CIRCUIT FOR BIDIRECTIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR SWITCHES
The semiconductor device described in the abstract includes a semiconductor body with an active region and a substrate region, a bidirectional switch with gate structures to control a channel in the active region, and a passive discharge circuit in parallel with the bidirectional switch.
- The semiconductor device features a bidirectional switch with gate structures for controlling the conductive state of a channel in the active region.
- A passive discharge circuit is included to switch on a transistor device during the off-state of the bidirectional switch and during zero-voltage switching transition periods.
- The passive discharge circuit utilizes a fraction of the voltage across the input-output terminals to connect the substrate region to the input-output terminal at the lower potential.
Potential Applications: - Power electronics - Renewable energy systems - Electric vehicles
Problems Solved: - Efficient control of semiconductor devices - Reduction of power losses - Improved performance in high-power applications
Benefits: - Enhanced energy efficiency - Increased reliability - Cost-effective solutions for power management
Commercial Applications: Title: Advanced Power Semiconductor Devices for Energy-Efficient Applications This technology can be utilized in various commercial applications such as power supplies, motor drives, and renewable energy systems, leading to improved energy efficiency and performance in high-power applications.
Questions about Semiconductor Devices with Passive Discharge Circuits: 1. How does the passive discharge circuit contribute to the efficiency of the semiconductor device? The passive discharge circuit helps switch on a transistor device during off-states of the bidirectional switch, improving overall efficiency. 2. What are the potential advantages of integrating a passive discharge circuit in semiconductor devices? Integrating a passive discharge circuit can lead to reduced power losses, improved performance, and enhanced reliability in high-power applications.
Original Abstract Submitted
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor body having an active region and a substrate region beneath the active region; a bidirectional switch having first and second gate structures configured to control a conductive state of a channel in the active region, and first and second input-output terminals electrically connected to the channel; and a passive discharge circuit in parallel with the bidirectional switch and configured to utilize a fraction of a voltage across the first and second input-output terminals to switch on a transistor device that electrically connects the substrate region to the input-output terminal at the lower potential during an off-state of the bidirectional switch and during ZVS (zero-voltage switching) transition periods.
