Patent ID: 11909384

Abstract:
A protected direct-drive depletion-mode (D-mode) GaN semiconductor half-bridge power module is disclosed. Applications include high power inverter applications, such as 100 kW to 200 kW electric vehicle traction inverters, and other motor drives. The high-side switch is a normally-on D-mode GaN semiconductor power switch Q1 in series with a normally-off LV Si MOSFET power switch M1 and the low-side switch is a normally on D-mode GaN semiconductor power switch Q2. The gates of both Q1 and Q2 are directly driven. M1 in series with Q1 provides a high-side switch which is a normally-off device for start-up and fail-safe protection. M1 may also be used for current sensing and overcurrent protection. For example, a control circuit determines an operational mode of M1 responsive to a UVLO signal and a voltage sense signal indicative of an overcurrent event. Examples of single phase and three-phase half-bridge modules and driver circuits are described.