SiC-Based Intelligent Power Stage with Device Prognosis & Diagnosis and ZVRT Capability

A SiC-based intelligent power stage (IPS) with zero-voltage-ride-through (ZVRT) and device prognosis & diagnosis (P&D) capability is proposed for power electronics grid interface systems. Compared to other grid-tied power converters, the proposed IPS embeds online health monitoring of SiC device into its intelligent and integrated gate drivers (i2GDs). In addition, a low-latency hardware-based approach with fast-response is developed to suppress large inrush current during ZVRT transients. The fiber-optic based robust communication architecture to transfer SiC device health status signals, P&D information, PWM signals, as well as fault signals between IPS local controller and i2GDs are illustrated. A 50kW IPS prototype is built and tested in the laboratory. Simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the advanced features of proposed IPS.