Power module with protection circuit
US11601083B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 2021 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 17, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02H7/085
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A power module for driving a motor includes: a positive bus input voltage terminal; a phase terminal for each motor phase; an inverter including a half bridge for each motor phase, each half bridge including a high-side power switch electrically coupled between the positive bus input voltage terminal and respective phase terminal, and a low-side power switch electrically coupled between the respective phase terminal and ground; a first driver circuit for driving a gate terminal of each power switch; a protection switch electrically coupled in series between the positive bus input voltage terminal and each high-side power switch, and having a greater short-circuit withstand time and a lower short-circuit current level compared to each inverter power switch; and a second driver circuit for turning on the protection switch during normal operation and turning off the protection switch in response to a detected short circuit condition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.