CHARGE PUMP GATE DRIVER CIRCUIT WITH AN ADJUSTABLE PUMP VOLTAGE FOR ACTIVE DV/DT CONTROL

Abstract

The disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods implementing a charge pump gate driver (CPGD) that offers adjustable pump voltage, enabling online and active dv/dt and di/dt control for power devices, including the wide bandgap devices, such as SiC MOSFETs and GaN HEMTs. The disclosed CPGD allows a flexible pump voltage adjustment through the pre-charging interval control. Both the turn-on and turn-off switching speed (both dv/dt and di/dt) of power devices can be online regulated rapidly within each switching cycle, without interrupting the power converter operation. The disclosed CPGD has a simple structure and eliminates the extra power supplies to reduce circuit cost and footprint.

Description

BACKGROUND

Electrical switching devices, such as transistors, generally require an input current or voltage to switch the state of the switching device. The switching current or voltage may be greater than the current or voltage that the circuit controlling the switching device can produce. This is common in applications where the controller is a microcontroller or other integrated circuit, and the switching device is a high-power device such as a power MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor). Gate driver circuits are used to amplify the output current or voltage of the control circuit to produce a current and/or voltage large enough to switch the state of the switching device.

The recent wide bandgap (WBG) devices, such as SiC MOSFETs and GaN HEMTs, have gained significant attention in high-frequency and high-power applications due to their advantages, including the fast switching speed, low switching and conduction losses, and enhanced capacity to withstand high junction temperature. However, the inherent fast switching characteristics of WBG devices usually result in challenges, such as severe electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions, false-triggering and other adverse effects during switching transients.

To balance the switching losses and the side effects caused by the fast switching speed, active gate drivers (GDs) have been developed. The existing active GDs fall into several categories: (1) variable gate resistance GD; (2) variable input capacitance GD; (3) variable gate current GD; and (4) variable voltage source GD (VSGD). The variable gate resistance GD is realized by either paralleling multiple series branches of “gate resistor +switch” or directly paralleling multiple totem poles, each connecting with different gate resistances. By controlling these switches and totem pole drivers, the effective gate resistance inserted into the gate loop can be adjusted during switching transients, thereby changing dv/dt and di/dt. However, the added switches or totem poles in the implementation increase the circuit cost and complexity. The variable input capacitance GD is realized by combining multiple series branches of “capacitor+switch” between the gate-drain and gate-source terminals, acting as external gate-drain and gate-source capacitance. The total effective gate-drain and gate-source capacitances can be modified by inserting different external capacitors through controlling switches, which in turn results in different dv/dt and di/dt. However, this approach has many drawbacks, including heightened complexity, increased costs, added turn-on and -off delays, the need for high-voltage rated capacitors, and increased crosstalk risks. The variable gate current GD is achieved by employing multiple current sources or a controlled current mirror circuit. This configuration allows for the alteration of gate charging/discharging current during the switching transients, to change dv/dt and di/dt. However, the implementation of high gate current magnitudes often requires substantial inductors. The variable VSGD attracts the most attention since it utilizes the adjustable gate driving reference voltages, which working principle is similar with the conventional fixed two-level VSGD. However, this approach requires adding additional power supplies, or alternatively, programmable power supplies with capability for rapid adjustability during switching cycles. Moreover, precise timing control should be properly implemented to avoid overcharging issues.

All these existing active GDs require not only additional passive components, switches and power supplies, but also dedicated timing control. These requirements limit the use of these active GDs.

Therefore, what is needed are devices, methods, and systems overcome challenges in the art, some of which are described above. In particular, devices, methods, and systems implementing a charge pump gate driver circuit with an adjustable pump voltage for active dv/dt control are desired.

SUMMARY

Disclosed and described herein are embodiments of devices, methods, and systems for implementing a CPGD that provides an adjustable and flexible pump voltage spanning from the driving reference voltage to twice its value. This innovation enables active dv/dt and di/dt control for power devices. Furthermore, the disclosed CPGD enables fast online regulation of both turn-on and turn-off switching speeds during each switching cycle. These advantages are achieved without the need for extra power supplies, which in turn reduces circuit costs and space requirement, and dedicated timing control to avoid overcharging issues.

Other systems, methods, features and/or advantages will be or may become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and/or advantages be included within this description and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary circuit schematic of an embodiment of a CPGD.

FIG. 2 illustrates operational waveforms of a CPGD during the turn-on process.

FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate equivalent circuits corresponding to subintervals during the turn-on process of a CPGD.

FIG. 4 illustrates operational waveforms of a CPGD during the turn-off process.

FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate equivalent circuits corresponding to subintervals during the turn-off process of a CPGD.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate tum-on switching waveforms of a CPGD with different V_Cd1 (V_Cd1 is the “positive” pump voltage across totem-pole driver decoupling capacitor C_d1.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate turn-off switching waveforms of a CPGD with different V_Cd2 (V_Cd2 is the “negative” pump voltage across totem-pole driver decoupling capacitor C_d2).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited to specific synthetic methods, specific components, or to particular compositions. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps. “Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

The present methods and systems may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the Examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary circuit schematic of an embodiment of a CPGD 100. The embodiment in FIG. 1 comprises two power supplies, V_cc 102 and V_ee 104, that provide positive and negative reference voltages, respectively. The voltage level of V_cc 102 is determined by the required positive driving voltage for the power device 112 , typically within the range of about 12V to about 20V. The voltage level of −V_ee 104 is determined by the required negative driving voltage for the power device 112, typically within the range of about −8V to about −3V. FIG. 1 further illustrates two charge pumps (CPs) identified by dashed lines, CP-1106 and CP-2108, that control the turn-on and turn-off switching speed of power device (here, power device is SiC MOSFET 112), respectively. Each CP comprises of one pair of MOSFETs, one diode (D₁ for CP-1, and D₂ for CP-2), and one flying capacitor (C_f1 for CP-1 or C 12 for CP-2). The voltage rating of MOSFETs and diode in CP-1 should be higher than V_cc 102. The voltage rating of MOSFETs and diode in CP-2 should be higher than V_ee 104. These components are not limited to any particular manufacturer. The capacitance values for C_f1 and C_f2 are determined based on the specifications of power device 112, and are calculated using equations (1) and (3), below. Further comprising the CPGD 100 of FIG. 1 is a MOSFET based totem-pole driver 110 with two decoupling capacitors, C_d1 and C_d2, and split outputs to connect the external ON and OFF gate resistors, R_gon,ext and R_goff,ext. The capacitance values for C_d1 and C_d2 are determined by the maximum “positive” pump voltage, V_Cd1,max, and the maximum “negative” pump voltage, V_Cd2,max, respectively, which are calculated using equations (2) and (4), below. The Vcamax value is in the range of about OV to about VCd1,thl, while VCd2,max value is in the range of about 0V to about V_Cd2,th1. R_gon,ext and R_goff,ext are configured in accordance with the power device 112 specifications and the specific requirements of the application. Typically, their values can range from about 0 ohms to about 30 ohms.

In FIG. 1, S_c1, S_c2 and S_g are control signals for CP-1106, CP-2108, and totem-pole driver 110, respectively. v_Cf1 and V_Cf2 are the voltages across C_f1 and C_f2, respectively. These voltages are variables that change during the pre-charge and discharge processes of CP operation. The voltage v_Cf1 has a dynamic range from −V_df to V_cc−V_df, while the voltage v_Cf2 has a dynamic range from −V_df to V_ee−V_df. v_cd1 and v_Cd2 are the voltages across C_d1 and C_d2, respectively. v_gs, v_ds and i_d are the internal gate-source voltage, drain-source voltage, and drain current of the power device 112. R_g.int is the internal gate resistor of power device 112. The forward voltage drop of D₁ or D₂ is V_df. v_gs, v_ds, and i_d are variables. v_gs, has a dynamic range from about −(V_ee+V_df) to about (V_cc−V_df). v_ds has a dynamic range from about 0 to V_dc (dc-link voltage). i_d has a dynamic range from about 0 to about the maximum load current, which is determined by the application. The internal gate resistor is inside the power device 112 and it is determined by the power device manufacturer. The CPGD 100 regulates the switching speed (both the current slew rate, di/dt, and voltage slew rate, dv/dt) of power device 112 without adding additional power supplies or dedicated timing circuits, which enables the circuit cost and footprint reduction. Moreover, the switching speed regulation of CPGD 100 can be rapidly accomplished within each individual switching cycle.

The operation of the CPGD 100 is described below. FIG. 2 illustrates operational waveforms of CPGD 100 during the turn-on process. By adjusting the pulse width of S_c1, C_f1 can be pre-charged to varying levels, allowing v_Cf1 to attain different magnitudes at t₁. The pulse width range is set based on the power device specifications and the desired turn-on switching speed for the specific application. Typically, it can vary from about 0 to several hundred nanoseconds. The pre-charging value can be changed by adjusting the pulse width of S_C1, and it is in the range of about −V_df to about (V_cc−V_df). The attained different magnitudes can be changed by adjusting the pulse width of S_c1, and it is in the range of −V_df to (V_ee−V_df). Subsequently, C_d1 is charged by discharging C_f1, which in turn pumps vcdi to varying voltage levels during the subinterval [t₁˜t₂]. The pump voltage level of vcdl is varied according to the given pulse width of S_c1, and it is in the range of about (V_cc−V_df) to about V_Cd1,th1, where the V_Cd1,th1 is derived in equation (5), below. The different pump voltage of v_cd1 at t₂ leads to varying gate current, which depends on the specifications of the power device 112 and the setting of R_gon,ext, after the totem-pole driver is tied to high output voltage at t₂, enabling different i_d current rising rate and v_ds voltage falling rate of power device 112. As shown by the solid lines in FIG. 2, with a longer pulse width of S_c1, a higher pump voltage is applied (e.g., V_Cd1,th1>V_Cd1,x), a higher gate current is therefore activated after the totem-pole driver is tied to high output voltage, in turn, results in faster turn-on switching speed, including accelerated i_d current rising rate, i.e., (t₄t₃)<(t_4x−t₃), and accelerated v_ds voltage falling rate, i.e., (t₅t₄)<(t_5x−t_4x). The fastest turn-on switching speed is expressed by the minimum id current rising time and the minimum v_ds voltage falling time derived in equations (6)-(7), below, while the slowest turn-on switching speed is expressed by the maximum i_d current rising time and the maximum v_ds voltage falling time derived in equations (8)-(9), below. The “faster” speed here means it is closer to the fastest turn-on switching speed. The i_d current rising rate=i_load/i_d current rising time. The v_ds voltage falling rate=V_dc/v_ds voltage falling time. The accelerated i_d current rising rate and v_ds voltage falling rate mean that the corresponding i_d current rising time and v_ds voltage falling time are closer to the results derived in equations (6)-(7), below.

Taking the fast switching waveforms shown in FIG. 2 as an example, equivalent circuits corresponding to each subinterval during the turn-on process are depicted in FIGS. 3A-3E, and the operation during the turn-on process is briefly explained below.

FIG. 3A illustrates the subinterval before t₀. As shown in FIG. 3A, both S_c1 and S_g remain at the low level. C_f1 is fully discharged (during the steady OFF state of power device) and clamped by D₁. C_d1 is clamped by V_cc through D₁. During this subinterval, v_Cf2=−V_df and v_Cd1=V₀₊=V_cc−V_df.

FIG. 3B illustrates the subinterval [t₀˜t₁]. At to, S_c1 changes to the high level, initiating the pre-charging of C_f1 through D₁ using V_cc supply 102. This pre-charging continues until or completes before ti. During this subinterval, v_Cf1 increases and v_cd1 remains unchanged.

FIG. 3C illustrates the subinterval [t₁˜t₂]. At t₁, S_c1 changes to the low level, allowing C_f1 is series with V_cc supply 102 to charge C_d1, v_cd1 therefore increases and reaches the “positive” pump voltage (i.e., V_Cd1,th1 shown in FIG. 2) at t₂. Due to the charge transfer mechanism, v_Cf1 decreases, and the difference between v_Cf1 and v_Cd1 reaches a level of V_cc at t₂.

FIG. 3D illustrates the subinterval [t₂-t₆]. At t₂, S_g changes to the high level, resulting in the discharging of both C_d1 and C_f1. This discharging process provides the gate current to charge the gate-source capacitance C_gs of power device. During this subinterval, v_gs increases, ultimately reaching the threshold voltage V_th of power device at t₃. Following t₃, the drain current i_d of power device 112 starts to rise, reaching its peak value at t₄ when v_gs reaches the Miller voltage V_miller. Following t₄, v_ds of power device starts to fall until it reaches approximately 0 at t₅. After t₅, v_gs continues to rise until it reaches the steady-state value of V₀₊ at t₆. During this subinterval, both v_Cf1 and v_Cd1 decrease and subsequently are fully discharged at t₆, that is v_Cf1=−V_df, and v_Cd1=V₀₊.

FIG. 3E illustrates the subinterval after t₆. Dconducts, causing both v_Cd1 and v_gs to be clamped by V_cc supply 112 through D₁, which remains during rest of the steady ON state of power device.

FIG. 4 illustrates operational waveforms of CPGD 100 during the turn-off process. By adjusting the pulse width of S₂, C_f2 can be pre-charged to varying levels, allowing V_Cf2 to attain different magnitudes at ti. The pulse width range is set based on the power device 112 specifications and the desired turn-off switching speed for the specific application. Typically, it can vary from about 0 to several hundred nanoseconds. The pre-charging value can be changed by adjusting the pulse width of Sc2, and it is in the range of about −V_df to about (V_ee−V_df). The attained different magnitude can be changed by adjusting the pulse width of Sc2, and it is in the range of about −V_df to about (V_ee−V_df). Subsequently, C_d2 is charged by discharging C_f2, which in turn pumps v_Cd2 to varying voltage levels during the subinterval [t₁˜t₂]. The pump voltage level of v_Cd2 is varied according to the given pulse width of Sc2, and it is in the range of about (Vee-Vdf) to about V_Cd2,th1, where V_Cd2,th1 is derived in equation (10), below. The different pump voltage of v_Cd2 at t₂ leads to varying gate current after the totem-pole driver is tied to low output voltage at t₂, enabling different v_ds voltage rising rate and i_d current falling rate of power device. As shown by the soli_d lines in FIG. 4, with a longer pulse width of S_c2, a higher pump voltage is applied (e.g., V_Cd2,th1>V_Cd2,x), a higher gate current is therefore activated after the totem-pole driver is tied to low output voltage, in turn, results in faster turn-off switching speed, including accelerated vdsvoltage rising rate, i.e., (t₄-t₃)<(t_4x-t₃), and accelerated i_d current falling rate, i.e., (t₅-t₄)<(t_5x-t_4x). “Voltage rising rate” means the v_ds voltage rising rate, which is the slew rate of v_ds voltage during its rising interval. “Current falling rate” means the i_d current falling rate, which is the slew rate of i_d current during its falling interval. The fastest turn-off switching speed is expressed by the minimum v_ds voltage rising time and the minimum i_d current falling time derived in equations (11)-(12), below, while the slowest turn-off switching speed is expressed by the maximum v_ds voltage rising time and the maximum i_d current falling time derived in equations (13)-(14), below. The “faster” speed here means it is closer to the fastest turn-off switching speed.

Taking the fast switching waveforms shown in FIG. 4 as an example, equivalent circuits corresponding to each subinterval during the turn-off process are depicted in FIGS. 5A-5E, and the operation during the turn-off process is briefly explained below.

FIG. 5A illustrates the subinterval before t₀. S_c2 remains at the low level and S_g remains at the high level. C_f2 is fully discharged (during the steady ON state of power device) and clamped by D₂. C_d2 is clamped by V_ee through D₂. During this subinterval, v_Cf2=−V_df and v_Cd2=V₋=V_ee−V_df.

FIG. 5B illustrates the subinterval [t₀-t₁]. At to, Sa changes to the high level, initiating the pre-charging of C_f2 through D2 using Vee supply. This pre-charging continues until or complete before ti. During this subinterval, v_Cf2 increases and v_Cd2 remains unchanged.

FIG. 5C illustrates the subinterval [t₁-t₂]. At ti, 5,2 changes to the low level, allowing C_f2 is series with V_ee supply to charge C_d2, v_Cd2 therefore increases and reaches the “negative” pump voltage (i.e., V_Cd2,th1 shown in FIG. 4) at t₂. Due to the charge transfer mechanism, v_Cf2 decreases, and the difference between v_Cf2 and v_Cd2 reaches a level of V_ee at t₂.

FIG. 5D illustrates the subinterval [t₂-t₆]. At t₂, S_g changes to the low level, resulting in the discharging of both C_d2 and C_f2. This discharging process provides the gate current to discharge C_gs of power device. During this subinterval, v_gs decreases, ultimately reaching V_miller of power device at t₃. Following t₃, v_ds of power device starts to rise until it reaches its peak value at t₄. Following t₄, i_d of power device starts to fall, reaching zero at t₅ when v_gs reaches V_th. After t₅, v_gs continues to fall until it reaches the steady-state value of V₀₋ at t₆. During this subinterval, both V_Cf2 and v_Cd2 decrease and subsequently are fully discharged at t₆, that is v_Cf2=−V_df, and v_cd2=V₀₋.

FIG. 5E illustrates the subinterval after t₆. D₂ conducts, causing both v_Cd2 and v_gs to be clamped by V_ee supply through D₂, which remains during rest of the steady OFF state of power device.

The design equations for C_f1, C_da, C_f2 and C_d2 are illustrated as follows for selecting proper capacitance for C_f1, C_d1, C_f2 and C_d2 for the disclosed CPGD 100.

To prevent the overcharging issue, the selection of C_f1 should guarantee that the maximum pre-charged charge of C_f1 during subinterval [t₀-t₁] aligns with the total gate charge needed for the power device during the turn-on process, which can be determined as (1).

$\begin{array}{cc}{C}_{f1}=\frac{C_{\mathrm{gs}}\left(V_{\mathrm{cc}}+V_{\mathrm{ee}}-2V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)+Q_{\mathrm{gd}}}{V_{\mathrm{cc}}}& \left(1\right)\end{array}$

where Q_gd is the equivalent gate-to-drain charge of SiC MOSFET at V_dc.

The value of C_d1 determines the maximum “positive” pump voltage, V_cd1,max, which can be determined by (2) based on the charge conservation.

$\begin{array}{cc}{C}_{d1}=C_1\left(\frac{V_{\mathrm{cc}}}{V_{\mathrm{Cd}1,\max }-V_{\mathrm{cc}}+V_{\mathrm{df}}}-1\right)& \left(2\right)\end{array}$

where V_Cd1,max is determined based on the desired maximum turn-on switching speed in real applications.

To prevent the overcharging issue, the selection of C_f2 should guarantee that the maximum pre-charged charge of C_f2 during subinterval [t₀-t₁] aligns with the total gate charge needed for the power device during the turn-off process, which can be determined as (3).

$\begin{array}{cc}{C}_{f2}=\frac{C_{\mathrm{gs}}\left(V_{\mathrm{cc}}+V_{\mathrm{ee}}-2V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)+Q_{\mathrm{gd}}}{V_{\mathrm{ee}}}& \left(3\right)\end{array}$

The value of C_d2 determines the maximum “negative” pump voltage, V_Cd2,max, which can be determined by (4) based on the charge conservation.

$\begin{array}{cc}{C}_{d2}=C_{f2}\left(\frac{V_{\mathrm{ee}}}{V_{\mathrm{Cd}2,\max }-V_{\mathrm{ee}}+V_{\mathrm{df}}}-1\right)& \left(4\right)\end{array}$

V_Cd2,max is determined based on the desired maximum turn-off switching speed in real applications.

Given the selected C_f1, C_d1, C_f2 and C_d2 the “positive” and “negative” pump voltage, V_Cd1 and V_Cd2, are determined by the pulse widths assigned to Sc1 and Sc2. The actual VCd1 and V_Cd2 determine the turn-on and turn-off switching speed of power device, respectively.

The actual turn-on switching speed of power device depends on the relationship of actual Vcdi and the derived threshold pump voltages in (5).

$\begin{array}{cc}\{\begin{array}{c}{V}_{\mathrm{Cd}1,\mathrm{th}1}=\frac{C_{\mathrm{gs}}\left(V_{\mathrm{cc}}+V_{\mathrm{ee}}-2V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)+Q_{\mathrm{gd}}}{C_{f1}+C_{d1}}+\left(V_{\mathrm{cc}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)\\ V_{\mathrm{Cd}1,\mathrm{th}2}=\frac{C_{\mathrm{gs}}\left(V_{\mathrm{miller}}+V_{\mathrm{ee}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)+Q_{\mathrm{gd}}}{C_{f1}+C_{d1}}+\left(V_{\mathrm{cc}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)\\ V_{\mathrm{Cd}1,\mathrm{th}3}=\frac{C_{\mathrm{gs}}\left(V_{\mathrm{miller}}+V_{\mathrm{ee}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)}{C_{f1}+C_{d1}}+\left(V_{\mathrm{cc}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)\\ V_{\mathrm{Cd}1,\mathrm{th}4}=\frac{C_{\mathrm{gs}}\left(V_{\mathrm{th}}+V_{\mathrm{ee}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)}{C_{f1}+C_{d1}}+\left(V_{\mathrm{cc}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)\\ V_{\mathrm{Cd}1,\mathrm{th}5}=\left(V_{\mathrm{cc}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)\end{array}& \left(5\right)\end{array}$

where V_miller=i_load/_gfs. i_load is the load current and g_fs is the transconductance of power device.

If V_Cd1=V_Cd1,th1, the maximum turn-on switching speed is achieved. This results in the minimum turn-on delay time, i.e., (t₃-t₂), and the maximum values for i_d current rising rate, v_ds voltage falling rate, and v_gs voltage rising rate after the Miller plateau.

If V_Cd1,th2≤V_Cd1<V_cd1,th1, the turn-on delay time, i_d current rising rate and v_ds voltage falling rate undergo the full acceleration. The v_gs voltage rising rate after the Miller plateau undergoes a partial acceleration, and it remains consistent with that of conventional VSGD once V_Cd1=V_Cd1,th1.

If V_Cd1,th3≤V_Cd1<V_cd1,th2, both the turn-on delay time, and i_d current rising rate undergo the full acceleration, while the v_gs voltage rising rate after the Miller plateau remains consistent with that of the conventional VSGD. The v_ds voltage falling rate undergoes a partial acceleration, and it remains consistent with that of conventional VSGD once V_Cd1=V_Cd1,th3.

If V_Cd1,th4≤V_Cd1<V_cd1,th3, only the turn-on delay time undergoes the full acceleration, while the v_gs voltage rising rate after the Miller plateau and the v_ds voltage falling rate remain consistent with that of the conventional VSGD. The i_d current rising rate undergoes a partial acceleration, and it remains consistent with that of the conventional VSGD once V_Cd1=V_Cd1,th4.

If V_Cd1,th5≤V_Cd1<V_cd1,th4, the minimum turn-on switching speed is achieved, which aligns with the performance of conventional VSGD, This results in the minimum values for i_d current rising rate, v_ds voltage falling rate, and v_gs voltage rising rate after the Miller plateau. While the turn-on delay time undergoes a partial acceleration, it remains consistent with that of the conventional VSGD once V_Cd1=V_Cd1,th5.

The turn-on switching waveforms of CPGD 100 with different V_Cd1 are compared in FIGS. 6A-6D, Please note that the dashed lines depicted in FIGS. 6A-6D represent waveforms attributed to the conventional VSGD, serving as a reference for comparison.

In FIG. 6A, V_Cd1=V_Cd1,th1.

In FIG. 6B, V_Cd1=V_Cd1,th2.

In FIG. 6C, V_Cd1=V_Cd1,th3.

In FIG. 6D, V_Cd1=V_Cd1,th4.

As previously discussed, the maximum turn-on switching speed occurs when V_Cd1=V_Cd1,th1, while the minimum turn-on switching speed occurs when V_Cd1<V_Cd1,th4.

The maximum turn-on switching speed can be calculated as (6)-(7):

$\begin{array}{cc}\{\begin{array}{c}{t}_{\mathrm{cr},\min }=R_{\mathrm{gon}}{C}_{e1}\ln \frac{\left(C_{e1}\left(V_{\mathrm{Cd}1,\mathrm{th}1}+V_{ee}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)-C_{\mathrm{gs}}\left(V_{\mathrm{th}}+V_{ee}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)\right)}{\left(C_{e1}\left(V_{\mathrm{Cd}1,\mathrm{th}1}+V_{ee}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)-C_{\mathrm{gs}}\left(V_{\mathrm{miller}}+V_{ee}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)\right)},\\ C_{e1}=\frac{\left(C_{f1}+C_{d1}\right)C_{\mathrm{gs}}}{C_{f1}+C_{d1}+C_{\mathrm{gs}}}\end{array}& \left(6\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}{t}_{\mathrm{vf},\min }=R_{\mathrm{gon}}\left(C_{f1}+C_{d1}\right)\ln \frac{1}{1-\frac{Q_{\mathrm{gd}}}{\begin{array}{c}\left(C_{d1}+C_{f1}\right)\left(V_{\mathrm{Cd1},\mathrm{th}1}-V_{\mathrm{miller}}\right)-\\ C_{\mathrm{gs}}\left(V_{\mathrm{miller}}+V_{ee}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)\end{array}}}& \left(7\right)\end{array}$

where t_cr,min is the minimum i_d current rising time, t_vf,min is the minimum v_ds voltage falling time, and R_gon=R_g,int+R_gpn.ext.

The minimum turn-on switching speed can be calculated as (8)-(9):

$\begin{array}{cc}{t}_{\mathrm{cr},\max }=R_{\mathrm{gon}}{C}_{\mathrm{gs}}\ln \frac{V_{\mathrm{cc}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}-V_{\mathrm{th}}}{V_{\mathrm{cc}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}-V_{\mathrm{miller}}}& \left(8\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}{t}_{\mathrm{vf},\max }=R_{\mathrm{gon}}\frac{Q_{\mathrm{gd}}}{V_{\mathrm{cc}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}-V_{\mathrm{miller}}}& \left(9\right)\end{array}$

where t_cr,max is the maximum i_d current rising time, t_vf,max is the maximum vas voltage falling time, and V_dc is the dc-link voltage.

The actual turn-off switching speed of power device depends on the relationship of actual V_Cd2 and the derived threshold pump voltages in (10):

$\begin{array}{cc}\{\begin{array}{c}{V}_{\mathrm{Cd}2,\mathrm{th}1}=\frac{C_{\mathrm{gs}}\left(V_{\mathrm{cc}}+V_{\mathrm{ee}}-2V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)+Q_{\mathrm{gd}}}{C_{f2}+C_{d2}}+\left(V_{\mathrm{ee}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)\\ V_{\mathrm{Cd}2,\mathrm{th}2}=\frac{C_{\mathrm{gs}}\left(V_{\mathrm{cc}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}-V_{\mathrm{th}}\right)+Q_{\mathrm{gd}}}{C_{f2}+C_{d2}}+\left(V_{\mathrm{ee}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)\\ V_{\mathrm{Cd}2,\mathrm{th}3}=\frac{C_{\mathrm{gs}}\left(V_{\mathrm{cc}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}-V_{\mathrm{th}}\right)+Q_{\mathrm{gd}}}{C_{f2}+C_{d2}}+\left(V_{\mathrm{ee}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)\\ V_{\mathrm{Cd}2,\mathrm{th}4}=\frac{C_{\mathrm{gs}}\left(V_{\mathrm{cc}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}-V_{\mathrm{th}}\right)+Q_{\mathrm{gd}}}{C_{f2}+C_{d2}}+\left(V_{\mathrm{ee}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)\\ V_{\mathrm{Cd}2,\mathrm{th}5}=\left(V_{\mathrm{ee}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}\right)\end{array}& \left(10\right)\end{array}$

If V_Cd2=V_Cd2,th1, the maximum turn-on switching speed is achieved. This results in the minimum turn-on delay time, i.e., (t₃-t₂), and the maximum values for i_d current rising rate, i_d current falling rate, and v_gs voltage falling rate reaching V_th.

If V_Cd2,th2≤V_Cd2<V_cd2,th1, the turn-on delay time, v_ds voltage falling rate undergo the full acceleration. The v_gs voltage rising rate after reahing V_th undergoes a partial acceleration, and it remains consistent with that of conventional VSGD once V_Cd2=V_Cd2,th2.

If V_Cd2,th3≤V_Cd2<V_cd2,th3, both the turn-off delay time, and v_ds voltage rising rate undergp the full acceleration, while the v_gs voltage falling rate after reaching V_th remains consistent with that of the conventional VSGD. The i_d current falling rate undergoes a partial acceleration, and it remains consistent with that of conventional VSGD once V_Cd2=V_Cd2,th3.

If V_Cd2,th3≤V_Cd2<V_cd2,th3, only the turn-on delay time undergoes the full acceleration, while the v_gs voltage falling rate after reaching V_th and the i_d current falling rate remain consistent with that of the conventional VSGD. The i_d current rising rate undergoes a partial acceleration, and it remains consistent with that of the conventional VSGD once V_Cd1=V_Cd1,th4.

If V_Cd2,th5≤V_Cd2<V_cd2,th4, the minimum turn-on switching speed is achieved, which aligns with the performance of conventional VSGD. This results in the minimum values for v_ds voltage rising rate, i_d current falling rate, and v_gs voltage falling rate after reaching V_th. While the turn-on delay time undergoes a partial acceleration, it remains consistent with that of conventional VSGD once V_Cd2=V_Cd2,th5.

The turn-off switching waveforms of CPGD 100 with different V_Cd2 are compared in FIGS. 7A-7D. Please note that the dashed lines depicted in FIG. 7A-7D represent waveforms attributed to the conventional VSGD, serving as a reference for comparison.

In FIG. 7A, V_Cd2=V_Cd2,th1.

In FIG. 7B, V_Cd2=V_Cd2,th2.

In FIG, 7C, V_Cd2=V_Cd2,th3.

In FIG. 7D, V_Cd2=V_Cd2,th4. As previously discussed, the maximum turn-off switching speed occurs when V_Cd2=V_Cde,th1, while the minimum turn-off switching speed occurs when V_Cd2<V_Cde,th4.

The maximum turn-off switching speed can be calculated as (11)-(12):

$\begin{array}{cc}{t}_{\mathrm{vr},\min }=R_{\mathrm{goff}}\left(C_{f2}+C_{d2}\right)\ln \frac{1}{1-\frac{Q_{\mathrm{gd}}}{\begin{array}{c}\left(C_{d2}+C_{f2}\right)\left(V_{\mathrm{Cd}2,\mathrm{th}1}+V_{\mathrm{miller}}\right)-\\ C_{\mathrm{gs}}\left(V_{\mathrm{cc}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}-V_{\mathrm{miller}}\right)\end{array}}}& \left(11\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}\{\begin{array}{c}{t}_{\mathrm{cf},\min }=R_{\mathrm{goff}}{C}_{e2}\ln \frac{1}{1-\frac{C_{\mathrm{gs}}\left(V_{\mathrm{miller}}-V_{\mathrm{th}}\right)}{\begin{array}{c}{C}_{e2}\left(V_{\mathrm{Cd}2,\mathrm{th}1}+V_{\mathrm{miller}}\right)-\frac{C_{e2}}{C_{d2}+C_{f2}}\\ \left(C_{\mathrm{gs}}\left(V_{cc}-V_{\mathrm{df}}-V_{\mathrm{miller}}\right)+Q_{\mathrm{gd}}\right)\end{array}}}\\ C_{e2}=\frac{\left(C_{f2}+C_{d2}\right)C_{\mathrm{gs}}}{C_{f2}+C_{d2}+C_{\mathrm{gs}}}\end{array}& \left(12\right)\end{array}$

where t_vr,min is the minimum v_ds voltage rising time, t_cf,min is the minimum i_d current falling time, and R_goff=R_g,int+R_goff,ext.

The minimum turn-off switching speed can be calculated as (13)-(14):

$\begin{array}{cc}{t}_{\mathrm{vr},\max }=R_{\mathrm{goff}}\frac{Q_{\mathrm{gd}}}{V_{\mathrm{ee}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}+V_{\mathrm{miller}}}& \left(13\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}{t}_{\mathrm{cf},\max }=R_{\mathrm{goff}}{C}_{\mathrm{gs}}\ln \frac{V_{\mathrm{miller}}+V_{\mathrm{ee}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}}{V_{\mathrm{th}}+V_{\mathrm{ee}}-V_{\mathrm{df}}}& \left(14\right)\end{array}$

where t_vr,max is the maximum v_ds voltage rising time, t_cf,max is the maximum i_d current falling time.

While the methods and systems have been described in connection with preferred

embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that the scope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as the embodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

Throughout this application, various publications may be referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which the methods and systems pertain.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A charge pump gate driver (CPGD) circuit with an adjustable pump voltage for active dv/dt control, comprising: a first power supply that provides a positive voltage reference;a second power supply that provides a negative voltage reference;a first charge pump, wherein the first charge pump controls a turn-on switching speed of a power device, said first charge pump comprising two MOSFETSs, one diode (D1), and one flying capacitor (Cf1);a second charge pump, wherein the second charge pump controls a turn-off switching speed of the power device, said second charge pump comprising two MOSFETS, one diode (D2), and one flying capacitor (Cf2); anda totem-pole driver comprising two decoupling capacitors (Cd1 and Cd2) and split outputs to connect external ON and OFF gate resistors of the power device to the CPGD circuit.

2. The CPGD circuit of claim 1, wherein the power device comprises wide bandgap devices, including SiC MOSFETs and GaN HEMTs.

3. The CPGD circuit of claim 2, wherein the power device comprises a SiC MOSFET.

4. The CPGD circuit of claim 3, wherein during a turn-on process a pulse width of a control signal (Sc1) of the first charge pump is adjusted so that the flying capacitor (Cf1) of the first charge pump is pre-charged to varying levels, allowing a voltage (vCf1) across the flying capacitor (Cf1) of the first charge pump to attain different magnitudes at a first time period (t1), then, a first one of the decoupling capacitors (Cd1) of the totem-pole driver is charged by discharging the flying capacitor (Cf1) of the first charge pump, which in turn pumps a voltage (vCd1) across the first one of the decoupling capacitors (Cd1) of the totem-pole driver to varying voltage levels during a second time subinterval [t1˜t2], wherein a different pump voltage of the voltage across the first one of the decoupling capacitors (Cd1) of the totem-pole driver at time period t2 leads to a varying gate current of the power device after the totem-pole driver is tied to a high output voltage at t2, providing different current rising rate and voltage falling rate of the power device, resulting in a faster switching speed, including an accelerated current rising rate, i.e., (t4-t3)<(t4x-t3), and an accelerated voltage falling rate, i.e., (t5-t4)<(t5x-t4) of the power device.

5. The CPGD circuit of claim 4, wherein during a turn-off process a pulse width of a control signal (Sc2) is adjusted so that the flying capacitor (Cf2) of the second charge pump is pre-charged to varying levels, allowing a voltage (vcf2) across the flying capacitor (Cf2) of the second charge pump to attain different magnitudes at a first time period (t1), then a second one of the decoupling capacitors (Cd2) of the totem-pole driver is charged by discharging the flying capacitor (Cf2) of the second charge pump, which in turn pumps a voltage (vCd2) across the second one of the decoupling capacitors (Cd2) of the totem-pole driver to varying voltage levels during a second time subinterval [t1˜t2], wherein a different pump voltage of the voltage (vCd2) across the second one of the decoupling capacitors (Cd2) of the totem-pole driver at t2 leads to a varying gate current of the power device after the totem-pole driver is tied to a low output voltage at t2, providing different voltage rising rate and current falling rate of the power device, resulting in a faster switching speed, including an accelerated voltage rising rate, i.e., (t4-t3)<(t4x-t3), and an accelerated current falling rate, i.e., (t5-t4)<(t5x-t4x).

6. The CPGD circuit of claim 5, wherein to prevent an overcharging issue, a value of Cf1 is selected to guarantee that a maximum pre-charged charge of GI during a time subinterval [t0-t1] aligns with a total gate charge needed for the power device during the turn-on process, which is determined by:

7. The CPGD circuit of claim 6, wherein a value of Cdi determines a maximum “positive” pump voltage, VCd1,max, which is determined by:

8. The CPGD circuit of claim 7, wherein to prevent an overcharging issue, a value of Cf2 is select to guarantee that a maximum pre-charged charge of Cf2 during a time subinterval [t0-t1] aligns with a total gate charge needed for the power device during the turn-off process, which is determined as:

9. The CPGD circuit of claim 8, wherein a value of Cd2 determines a maximum “negative” pump voltage, VCd2,max, which is determined by:

10. The CPGD circuit of claim 9, wherein given the selected Cf1, Cd1, Cf2 and Cd2, the “positive” and “negative” pump voltage, VCd1 and VCd2, are determined by pulse widths assigned to Sri and Sa and actual values of VCd1 and VCd2 determine the turn-on and turn-off switching speed of the power device.

11. The GPGD circuit of claim 10, wherein an actual turn-on switching speed of the power device depends on a relationship of actual VCd1 and derived threshold pump voltages provided by:

12. The CPGD circuit of claim 11, wherein if VCd1=VCd1,th1, the maximum turn-on switching speed is achieved, resulting in a minimum turn-on delay time, i.e., (t3-t2), and maximum values for id current rising rate, vds voltage falling rate, and vgs voltage rising rate after the Miller plateau.

13. The CPGD circuit of claim 12, wherein if VCd1,th2≤VCd1<VCd1,th1, the turn-on delay time, id current rising rate, and vds voltage falling rate undergo full acceleration, the vgs voltage rising rate after the Miller plateau undergoes a partial acceleration.

14. The CPGD circuit of claim 13, wherein if VCd1,th3≤VCd1<VCd1,th2, both the turn on delay time and id current rising rate undergo the full acceleration, while the vds voltage falling rate undergoes a partial acceleration.

15. The CPGD circuit of claim 14, wherein if VCd1,th4≤VCd1<VCd1,th3, then only a turn-on delay time undergoes full acceleration, while the id current rising rate undergoes a partial acceleration.

16. The CPGD circuit of claim 15, wherein if VCd1,th5≤VCd1<VCd1,th4, a minimum turn-on switching speed is achieved, resulting in minimum values for id current rising rate, vds voltage falling rate, and r g , voltage rising rate after the Miller plateau, while the turn-on delay time undergoes a partial acceleration.

17. The CPLD circuit of claim 10, wherein a maximum turn-on switching speed is calculated as:

18. The CPGD circuit of claim 17, wherein a minimum turn-on switching speed is calculated as:

19. The CPGD circuit of claim 18, wherein an actual turn-off switching speed of the power device depends on a relationship of actual VCd2 and derived threshold pump voltages found by:

20. The CPGD circuit of claim 19, wherein if VCd2=VCd2,th1, the maximum turn-off switching speed is achieved, resulting in a minimum turn-off delay time, i.e., (t3-t2), and the maximum values for vds voltage rising rate, id current falling rate, and vgs voltage falling rate after reaching Vth.

21. The CPGD circuit of claim 20, wherein if VCd2,th2≤VCd2<VCd2,th1, the turn-off delay time, vd, voltage rising rate and id current falling rate undergo full acceleration, the vgs voltage falling rate after reaching Vth undergoes a partial acceleration.

22. The CPGD circuit of claim 21, wherein if VCd2,th3≤VCd2<VCd2,th4, both the turn-off delay time, and Vds voltage rising rate undergo the full acceleration, while the id current falling rate undergoes a partial acceleration.

23. The CPCiD circuit of claim 22, wherein if VCd2,th4≤VCd2<VCd2,th3, then only the turn-off delay time undergoes the full acceleration, while the vds voltage rising rate undergoes a partial acceleration,

24. The CPDD circuit of claim 23, wherein if VCd2,th5≤VCd2<VCd2,th4, the minimum turn-off switching speed is achieved, resulting in the minimum values for vds voltage rising rate, id current falling rate, and vgs voltage falling rate after reaching Vth, while the turn-off delay time undergoes a partial acceleration.

25. The CPGD circuit of claim 10, wherein the maximum turn-off switching speed is calculated as:

26. The CPGD circuit of claim 25, wherein a minimum turn-off switching speed is calculated as: