A Single Passive Gate-Driver for Series-Connected Power Devices in DC Circuit Breaker Applications

This letter proposes a novel single passive gate driver solution based on passive devices to control series-connected power semiconductor devices for dc circuit breaker (DCCB) applications. The transient suppression devices (e.g., metal oxide varistors) are utilized to achieve natural voltage balancing among the series devices, while providing the discharge path of the gate capacitor of the upper devices. The proposed method is very simple, cost effective and more compact compared with conventional voltage balancing method-based DCCBs. Besides, gate voltage oscillation during the voltage recovery process is mitigated by the addition of an extra gate capacitor. Simulation and experimental results are provided to verify the effectiveness of proposed method.

Automated summary

This letter introduces a novel single passive gate driver solution for controlling series-connected power semiconductor devices in DCCB applications, utilizing transient suppression devices to achieve natural voltage balancing, provide a discharge path for gate capacitors, and mitigate gate voltage oscillation. Simulation and experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method, which is simple, cost-effective, and compact compared to conventional methods.