Self-balancing current sharing module for parallel power
This technology solves a well-known headache in high-power electronics: when multiple transistors (switches) are wired in parallel to share a heavy electrical load, tiny differences in the wiring layout cause them to carry unequal current, which stresses some transistors more than others and shortens device life. The inventors' insight is to deliberately engineer the wiring connections so that any imbalance they introduce is predictable and consistent in direction, overriding the random, hard-to-control imbalances caused by transistor manufacturing variation. By making the interconnect layout the dominant cause of current distribution, the design becomes deterministic and correctable — rather than unpredictably variable. This approach is especially relevant for power modules used in inverters, motor drives, and power converters where parallel transistors are standard practice.
What you could build
A power module or integrated circuit for motor drives, EV inverters, or industrial power converters that guarantees balanced current sharing across parallel transistors without added sensing or control circuitry; target buyers are power semiconductor manufacturers and power electronics module integrators.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense and aerospace prime contractors in Northern Virginia (Northrop Grumman, Leidos, SAIC) and data center power infrastructure companies use high-power electronics where transistor balancing is a reliability concern.
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
- Chi-Ming WANG, Yincan MAO, Zichen MIAO, Khai NGO
- Granted
- March 20, 2018
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9923560
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.