Soft-switching gate driver for power converters
This technology is a smarter gate driver circuit for power switches—the components that control when electricity flows in devices like inverters, motor drives, and power supplies. Instead of switching abruptly, the circuit ramps the charging and discharging current gradually, using an inductive component to shape the switching waveform. This softer, controlled switching reduces the voltage and current spikes that normally occur during rapid switching, which in turn cuts electromagnetic interference and switching losses. The result is a power switch that turns on and off more cleanly and efficiently.
What you could build
A gate driver integrated circuit (IC) or reference design for use in EV inverters, industrial motor drives, and solar inverters where soft-switching is critical; target buyers are power semiconductor companies and power electronics module makers seeking drop-in driver solutions.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense and aerospace contractors in Northern Virginia (e.g., those supplying power electronics for military vehicles or shipboard power systems) and data center power supply manufacturers in the region would have direct interest.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Jongwon SHIN, Chi-Ming Wang, Khai Ngo
- Granted
- December 27, 2016
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9531378
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.