Slua 963 B
Slua 963 B
Application Note
HEV/EV Traction Inverter Design Guide
Using Isolated IGBT and SiC Gate Drivers
Audrey Dearien
ABSTRACT
This document describes how to design a HEV/EV traction inverter drive system using the advantages of TI’s
isolated gate drivers diagnostic and protection features.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction.............................................................................................................................................................................2
2 HEV/EV Overview....................................................................................................................................................................3
2.1 HEV/EV Architectures........................................................................................................................................................ 3
2.2 HEV/EV Traction Inverter System Architecture..................................................................................................................5
2.3 HEV/EV Traction Inverter System Performance Impact.....................................................................................................7
3 Design of HEV/EV Traction Inverter Drive Stage................................................................................................................. 9
3.1 Introduction to UCC217xx-Q1............................................................................................................................................ 9
3.2 Designing a Traction Inverter Drive System Using UCC217xx-Q1.................................................................................... 9
3.3 Description of Protection Features...................................................................................................................................10
3.4 Protection Features of UCC217xx-Q1............................................................................................................................. 10
3.5 UCC217xx-Q1 Protection and Monitoring Features Descriptions.................................................................................... 11
3.6 Introduction to UCC5870-Q1............................................................................................................................................19
3.7 Designing a Traction Inverter Drive System Using UCC5870-Q1....................................................................................19
3.8 Description of Protection Features...................................................................................................................................20
3.9 Protection Features of UCC5870-Q1............................................................................................................................... 20
3.10 UCC5870-Q1 Protection and Monitoring Features Descriptions................................................................................... 21
4 Isolated Bias Supply Architecture...................................................................................................................................... 31
5 Summary............................................................................................................................................................................... 33
6 References............................................................................................................................................................................ 34
7 Revision History................................................................................................................................................................... 35
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Introduction www.ti.com
1 Introduction
Intelligent means of vehicle monitoring and protection are necessary due to the full electrification of vehicles
and the stringent safety requirements that vehicle manufacturers are held to. The electronics systems and
components must remain functional throughout the vehicle's lifetime in order to maintain safe operation.
The traction inverter is vital to the drive system and includes protection and monitoring auxiliary circuits to
prevent system-level failure modes such as over- and under-torque, unintentional motor commutation, or motor
shutdown. This design guide reviews HEV/EV architectures, the failure modes of the traction inverter system,
and how the gate driver and surrounding circuits can be used to enhance the reliability of the system. Texas
Instruments’ UCC217xx-Q1 family of reinforced isolated gate drivers have integrated protection and monitoring
features that simplify the design of high-power traction inverter systems. This family of drivers is developed
under the TI Functional Safety Quality-Managed process. Such features include fast over-current protection or
short-circuit protection, isolated temperature and voltage sensing, and under voltage lockout. Additionally, the
advanced feature UCC5870-Q1 basic isolated gate driver includes integrated SPI-programmable diagnostic,
protection and monitoring functions and is developed under the Functional Safety-Compliant TI process. For
more information regarding the categories of TI's safety chips, visit TI's Functional Safety web page.
2 HEV/EV Traction Inverter Design Guide SLUA963B – JUNE 2020 – REVISED OCTOBER 2022
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2 HEV/EV Overview
This section describes the key components of an HEV/EV automotive powertrain system.
2.1 HEV/EV Architectures
The electrification of vehicles has revolutionized the transportation industry and has resulted in technological
advancements in both the automotive and semiconductor industries. Electrified vehicles including both hybrid
electric (HEV) and full electric (EV) vehicles consist of various power electronics systems for regulating power
from the grid, managing the battery storage element, and ultimately driving the vehicle. Electric motors are used
to drive the wheels of the vehicle or to act as a generator to transfer mechanical energy into electric energy
to store in the battery. HEVs use a combination of electric motors and generators, used as a low-power starter
and alternator or to fully drive the vehicle, along with the internal combustion engine (ICE) typically used as the
primary source of the vehicle's motion. The EV, on the other hand, utilizes electric motors as the primary source
of vehicle motion as well as for regeneration.
The main HEV architectures are series, parallel and combination of series and parallel, shown in Figure 2-1. In
the series configuration (a), the ICE is indirectly tied to the transmission through the electric motor. The power
electronics three-phase drive derives power from the ICE through the generator as well as from the battery. In
this architecture, the ICE is optimized for a certain range of speed allowing for minimized size and increased
efficiency. This is the simplest HEV architecture with regards to mechanical complexity since there is no coupling
of mechanical energy.
The parallel HEV configuration (b) utilizes a combination of the ICE and electric motor mechanically coupled.
The electric drive is primarily used as a low-power starter and alternator in this architecture, and is thus lower
power. The efficiency of the ICE is lower due to the larger operating range but the size of the electric motor is
minimized because it does not need to provide as much power as the ICE.
The series/parallel configuration (c) combines the two previous methods to achieve better efficiency. Mechanical
coupling is performed by a planetary gear and the ICE and electric drives combine the traction power. In this
case, the electric motor and ICE can be designed to operate within specified output ranges to improve their
efficiency.
In each case, the three phase inverter is used to drive the electric motor. The inverter design varies based on the
power output requirements which depends on architecture. The proper control of the inverter directly impacts the
motor's efficiency and the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
Fuel Fuel Fuel
ICE ICE
ICE
Generator Generator
The pure electric vehicle, on the other hand, does not have an ICE and relies solely on the energy of the battery.
Some different configurations of electric motor is shown in Figure 2-2. Similar to the HEV, each architecture
results in different power requirements for the inverter. The electric motor may be directly tied to the wheel as
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shown in configurations (a) and (b) or tied to the wheel through a differential as shown in (a) and (c). Direct
in-wheel drives has the benefit of simplicity and high efficiency with low maintenance, but must typically be larger
in size due to low-speed requirements. The differential drive allows for high power density such that the motor
can operate at a high RPM while the differential provides a fixed gear ratio. The drawback is that the mechanical
gears require maintenance and has transmission loss.
High-voltage Li-ion batteries are commonly used as the energy storage unit to provide the maximum amount of
capacity, minimal weight, and highest efficiency. With current technology, including various battery chemistries
and power electronics efficiency, EVs still have limited range compared to HEV and plug-in HEVs. High
performance EVs rely on increased power level of the traction inverter, minimization of the electronics' size,
and complex controls based on sensed signals.
By increasing the efficiency and robustness of the inverter comes the increase of overall vehicle efficiency. The
gate drivers makes an impact by providing the driving force behind each power switch in the inverter, as well as
protection and monitoring to reduce the likelihood of failure.
EM EM EM EM Differential
EM
Battery
Battery Battery
EM
EM
Differential EM EM
Differential
The key blocks of an EV powertrain system are the electric motor, the traction inverter drive, the DC/DC
converter, the Li-ion battery, the AC/DC grid-tied on-board charger (OBC), and controllers (MCU and PMIC),
as shown in Figure 2-3. The traction inverter system, highlighted in red, is described in detail in the following
sections. This system alone incorporates many of the protection and monitoring features utilized to achieve high
safety levels.
Battery
Monitoring/
Management
Infrastructure / Charging Spot
Electric AC/DC
Traction HV Li-ion DC/DC
Motor / Converter
Inverter Battery Converter
Generator (PFC+PLC)
On-BoardCharger
4 HEV/EV Traction Inverter Design Guide SLUA963B – JUNE 2020 – REVISED OCTOBER 2022
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DC Bus
Voltage HV Battery
Sensing
Signal
Isolation
VCE
Monitoring DC-link IGBT
Capacitor Modules
PMIC Short-Circuit
Isolated Bias
Monitoring/
Supply(s)
Protection
CAN Bus
Isolated HS
HS Driver
HS Driver
Shoot- Driver
through M
MCU protection
and RESET
control Isolated LS
HS Driver
Driver
Pos.
HS
Driver
Signal Temperature
Temperature
Temperature
Isolation Sensing
Sensing
Sensing
Current
Sensing
Voltage
Sensing
Position
Sensing
A closer look at the inverter, shown in Figure 2-5, reveals six total semiconductor power switching devices with
a gate driver to amplify the PWM signal from the MCU. The three legs of the inverter convert the DC battery
voltage into three phases of AC voltage and current to drive the motor. Two current measurements and a
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position measurement are fed back to the MCU for FOC which utilizes mathematical transformations to generate
the proper signals for the six switches to control the output voltages at phases A, B and C.
S1 S3 S5
Voltage / current /
Driver Driver Driver position
MCU
In vector modulation, eight total states are available where two are zero vectors and the rest are active vectors
used to apply the necessary voltage to the motor to generate the proper amount of torque. Table 2-1 shows the
states where switch pairs S1 and S6, S3 and S4, and S5 and S2 are complementary to one another.
Table 2-1. Space Vector Modulation States
Vector S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6
{000} OFF ON OFF ON OFF ON
{100} ON ON OFF ON OFF OFF
{100} ON ON ON OFF OFF OFF
{010} OFF ON ON OFF OFF ON
{011} OFF OFF ON OFF ON ON
{001} OFF OFF OFF ON ON ON
{101} ON OFF OFF ON ON OFF
{111} ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF
There are various methods of implementing SVM. Tradeoffs between the SVM methods include reduction
of switching losses, bus voltage maximum utilization, reduced harmonic content, while still achieving precise
control. One such method is seven segment SVM, which is beneficial to produce a voltage waveform with low
harmonics, and thus less distortion when driving the motor. The gating sequence is shown in Figure 2-6. A single
skipped or extra gate signal as a result of an MCU control error or gate driver latched output as a result of a
failure could result in inverter output distortion. Overlap of complementary switches in a phase leg could result
in shoot through, and must always be avoided. As shown, the commutation of the motor is dependent on very
specific gating sequences. Thus, it would be very difficult to unintentionally commutate the motor with a one-off
gate driver failure.
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VAN
VBN
VCN
VGE,S1
VGE,S2
VGE,S3
VGE,S4
VGE,S5
VGE,S6
Aside from an effective gating sequence as generated by the MCU, a smart drive system includes gate drivers
with protection and monitoring capabilities to protect the power switch. The following sections discuss the
traction inverter system impact due to various failures within the system and how the gate drive and surrounding
circuits are used to enhance the reliability of the system.
2.3 HEV/EV Traction Inverter System Performance Impact
The failure modes must all be considered throughout the traction inverter's design and implementation to ensure
safe and efficient operation. Some mechanical or electronics failures that can impact the motor's performance
related to the inverter system are shown in Table 2-2. Causes such as a motor short or open due to mechanical
failure will not be discussed in this application note. Those failures that occur from the vantage point of the power
electronics' will be discussed in more detail and the prevention mechanisms outlined in this section.
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The voltage applied to the three windings of the motor, as previously discussed, determine the speed and
torque of the motor. Disturbances can occur due to a variety of events. The power switching devices in the
inverter, referred to as the IGBTs from this point on, may become shorted or open due to a mechanical failure,
over-heating, etc. The gate driver itself could be a source for failure if it is damaged due to over-temperature
or mechanical reasons, has a latched output, receives an incorrect signal from the MCU, or has experienced
isolation barrier failure. To cover a variety of potential failures, the gate driver and auxiliary circuits are used to
monitor the power switch for short circuit, proper gate voltage and other signals to protect the IGBTs and gate
drivers. Additionally, circuitry is included to perform self-tests on critical functions in the case of a latent failure
which occurs after a cycle of operation. Aside from the gate driver circuits, the MCU or PMIC should also have
redundant monitoring circuits to prevent controller failure or supply failure.
The following sections introduce the UCC217xx-Q1 and the UCC5870-Q1 drivers, their integrated protection and
diagnostic functions, and how they simplify the design of the traction inverter system. External circuits are also
described, when necessary, to assist in performing self-tests and diagnostics.
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Isolation
Barrier Driver
Self-Test Diagnostics Protection
Function
OVLO_MON
OVLO_MON From isolated
Digital
UVLO_TEST supply
UVLO_TEST Isolator(s)
DC-link 3 x Power
OVLO_TEST OVLO_TEST Capaci tor Stage
UVLO_TEST TEST
IN+ VDD
PWM+ 10 VDD
5
Shoot- UVLO
IN- PWM To high-side dr iver
through
Input
PWM- 11 protection COM
Short
12V Battery Circuit 3
Clampi ng M
OUTH
VCC 4 Pos.
Output
From MOD DEMO D
15 Stage
PMIC OUTL
VCC
6 Motor
GND UVLO
PMIC To OC position
9 VEE
2-Level +
Soft 8 Miller
Turn-off Clamp
To VCC RDY Secondary To AIN
Logic CLMPE
CAN Bus V_Core V_IO RDY 12 Miller
clamp 7 Gate-Source/
PWM+, Primary Fault control Emitter
nFLT DEMO D MOD VGE_MON
PWM- Logic Decode Monito ring
System Test VGE_TEST
nFLT 13 TEST
(VGE_TEST, OC_TEST, Phase
AIN_TEST, UV_TEST, OV_TEST) OC VDC Current
Voltage
MCU System interrupts nRST/EN Sensing Sensing
Fault OCP Sensing
(nFLT, RDY, VGE_MON) 2 TEST OC_TEST
nRST/EN 14 Encode Logic
System Rese t/Enable
To MCU
(nRST/EN)
AIN
APWM
APWM PWM Analog-2-
APWM 16 DEMO D MOD 1 TEST AIN_TEST
Driver PWM
UCC21732-Q1
VGE_MON VGE_MON
VGE_TEST Digital VGE_TEST
Isolator(s)
OC_TEST OC_TEST
AIN_TEST AIN_TEST
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Isolation
Barrier
Isolated Bias
Supply
OVLO Monitor
OVLO Monitor
HV Battery
UVLO Test UVLO Test OVLO
OVLO Test OVLO Test OVLO
Digital Test
VGE Monitoring Isolator(s) VGE Monitoring
VGE Test VGE Test DC-link
12V Battery OC Test OC Test Capacitor
AIN Test AIN Test
F1
PMIC x
V_IO
VCC UVLO VDD UVLO
V_Core UVLO Test
F4
PWM+ PWM Input + x
MCU Short Circuit
PWM Anti Shoot M
PWM- Clamping
Through
F2 Pos.
x Voltage
RDY
Monitor Driver Output
Interrupt
Sensors
External nFLT
Interrupt and Short Circuit
GPIO Interrupt
SC Protection
OC Test
nRST/EN Reset and
Enable
Figure 3-2. Possible Traction Inverter System-Level Failures and Prevention Circuits Using UCC21732-Q1
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UCC217xx-Q1
RDY VDD
UVLO_int to MCU UVLO
IN+
PWM from MCU
IN- OUTH
VCC OUTL
UVLO
GND COM
VCC VDD2 R1
Digital Isolator
+
OVLO_int to MCU R2 C1
GND COM
R3
D1
UCC21732-Q1
Deglitch Filter
OC
150ns
+
OC Fault
+
VOCTH
± CFILT RShunt
Control
Logic
COM
Figure 3-4. Overcurrent and Short Circuit Protection (UCC21732-Q1 and UCC21710-Q1)
Desaturation detection, or DESAT is a method most commonly used with IGBTs because of their well-defined
knee point in the I-V curve at which the device moves from the linear to the active region as a short circuit
occurs. The DESAT pin utilizes this information by monitoring the voltage across the IGBT when it is turned
on. The DESAT pin is connected to the collector of the IGBT through a series resistor and HV diode, DHV. DHV
becomes forward biased when the voltage at the IGBT increases beyond the DESAT threshold voltage of 9 V.
RDESAT limits the current flowing to the DESAT pin. The timing is controlled by CBLK, which charges up to the
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threshold voltage when the driver turns on. The DESAT threshold voltage can be adjusted manually with the
addition of more DHV diodes in series or by adding a Zener diode in series.
UCC21750-Q1
VDD RDESAT DHV
ICHG
DESAT +
Fault DESAT
+
VDESAT
±
CBLK
COM
The self-test circuit for the OC or DESAT detection is performed via external circuitry controlled by the MCU
through a digital isolator, shown in Figure 3-6. A digital isolator is used to drive the gate of a NMOS FET to
enable a fault at the DESAT/OC pin. The NMOS FET is turned on and causes the upper PMOS FET to become
turned on, which allows current sourced from VDD to increase the voltage at the pin to beyond the threshold
voltage. At this point, the nFLT will trigger. The input, IN+, must be high during this self-test for nFLT to trigger. If
nFLT is triggered, then the short circuit detection is working properly. For more information on this circuit design
and implementation, please read SiC/IGBT Isolated Gate Driver Reference Design With Thermal Diode and
Sensing FET.
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DESAT
UCC217xx-Q1 OC
R1
nFLT VDD
R2
DESAT_FLT to MCU
DESAT
IN+ /OC
PWM from MCU
IN- OUTH
VCC OUTL
GND COM
RShunt
VCC VDD2
Digital Isolator
DESAT_TEST from MCU
GND COM
R3
R4
UCC217xx-Q1
nFLT VDD
DESAT_FLT to MCU
DESAT
IN+ /OC
PWM from MCU
IN- OUTH
VCC OUTL
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UCC21732-Q1
Deglitch Filter
150ns
+
OC
+
VOCTH
±
OUTL
CFILT RShunt
Control COM
Logic
2-Level
VEE
Turn-off
UCC21750-Q1
VDD RDESAT DHV
ICHG
Deglitch Filter
150ns
+
DESAT
+
VDESAT
± CBLK
OUTL
Control COM
Logic
Soft
VEE
Turn-off
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UCC217xx-Q1
VDD
IN+
PWM from MCU
IN- OUTH
RG,tot
VCC OUTL
GND COM
VCC VDD2
Digital Isolator
+
VGE_mon to MCU R1 C1
GND COM
R2
D1
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UCC217xx-Q1
nFLT VDD
OC/
IN+ DESAT
Input_HS
Anti Shoot-
through
IN- Circuitry OUTH
VCC OUTL
GND COM
MCU
UCC217xx-Q1
nFLT VDD
OC/
IN+ DESAT
Input_LS
Anti Shoot-
IN- through OUTH
Circuitry
VCC OUTL
GND COM
OUTH
CLMPE
Control
Input Circuitry OUTL
Signal
VEE
COM
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UCC217xx-Q1
In Module or
VCC VDD
Discrete
13V to
+
+ 3V to 33V
±
± 5.5V
Isolation barrier
Temp. Sensor
APWM AIN
+
µC DEMOD MOD Rfilt
OSC
Cfilt
GND
COM Thermal NTC or
Diode PTC
D1 D2
OUTH
Control
Circuitry OUTL
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UCC217xx-Q1
VDD
OUTL
Control
Circuit
VEE
COM
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Legend
Isolation Driver
Self-Test Diagnostics Protection
Barrier Function
DC-link 3 x Power
From isolated supply Capacitor Stage
GND1 DESAT
1 36
VCC2 VCE DESAT
NC VREG2 Clamp 35
VCC2
2
VEE2
Diagnostics Diagnostics To high-side driver
NC Monitor VCECLP
3 34
12V Battery
NC 33 VBST
4 VCC / VREG1 Monitor M
TEST TEST OUTH
NC 5 2-Level / Output 32
Pos.
ASC ASC_EN Soft Turn-off Stage
PMIC From OUTL
ASC_EN 6 31
PMIC Motor
nFLT1 Die to Die Die to Die Miller VEE2 position
To MCU 7 30 Miller
Comm Comm Gate clamp Clamp
To VCC1 nFLT2/DOUT monitor control CLAMP
CAN Bus V_Core V_IO To MCU 8 29
UCC5870-Q1
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HV Battery
Isolation
Barrier
F1
x
PMIC VCC2
V_IO VREG2
VCC / VREG
VEE2
Monitor
V_Core Monitor
F4
Driver Output
MCU PWM+ I/O Miller Clamp
x
PWM Shoot through Gate Voltage M
PWM- protection Monitor
F2 Pos.
x SDO
Digital Core Digital Core
SDI, CLK, nCS Sensors
ASC_IN
ASC
HV Controller
Vx
ADC Core
UCC5870-Q1 F3
x
Figure 3-16. Possible Traction Inverter System-Level Failures and Prevention Circuits Using UCC5870-Q1
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(SiC MOSFET or IGBT). The UVLO function prevents overheating damage to the IGBTs/MOSFETs from being
under-driven while OVLO is implemented to prevent gate oxide degredation (shortened lifetime) of the IGBT or
MOSFET due to over-voltage when turned on.
The UCC5870-Q1 Analog Built-In Self-Test (ABIST) function runs diagnostics automatically on all under-voltage
comparators monitoring VCC1, VCC2, and VEE2, and internal regulators during the power up process.
During the test an over-voltage and under-voltage condition is simulated while the actual voltage rails remain
unchanged, and the disturbance is not observable. A failure in this routine will set a fault.
3.10.2 Programmable Desaturation (DESAT) Detection and Over-Current (OC)
DESAT protection prevents the power transistor from damage in case of short circuit faults, which can be a result
of incorrect control signals or a mechanical short. The DESAT input monitors the VCEsat (IGBT)/VDSon (MOSFET)
through an external resistor and diode network, shown in Figure 3-17. The configuration of the DESAT pin is
the same as the UCC21750-Q1. However, SPI programming enables the thresholds, blanking time, charging
current, and deglitch filters to be programmable in order to best fit the system requirement. When a fault occurs,
it will be indicated in a Status Register readable by the controller and can also trigger the nFLT1 output. The
turn-off of the driver output during a DESAT fault is selectable between normal, soft turn-off (STO), or two-level
turnoff (2LTO) as configured via SPI. The various configurations for DESAT allow for a high level of system
optimization based on switch type and power level. This only enhances the level of protection and ability to
mitigate failures.
Overcurrent and short circuit protection (OCP and SCP) is supported via three AIx inputs (AI2, AI4, AI6) for
shunt resistor based OCP and SCP, shown in Figure 3-18. Shunt resistor-based OCP/SCP protections are
intended for power transistors with integrated current sense FETs, similar to the configuration that can be used
with UCC21710-Q1 or UCC21732-Q1. The mirrored power transistor currents are fed into a resistor, and the
voltage is monitored at the AIx input. Once the voltage at the AIx input exceeds the threshold programmed using
the Configuration Registers, the fault is indicated in the Status Register. If unmasked, nFLTx is pulled low and
the driver output goes to the state defined by the Configuration Registers; this can be configured as normal
turn-off, STO, or 2LTO. A blanking time is used for both OCP and SCP to prevent unwanted false protection
triggering during transitions and is also selectable. The thresholds for OCP and SCP, deglitch timing, blanking
time, and reporting and driver action are all programmable via SPI.
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predefined time tVCECLP_HLD. The OV condition is reported to a Status Register and, if unmasked, nFLT1 pulls
low. The circuit implementation is shown in Figure 3-19.
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Figure 3-21. Gate voltage threshold monitoring while gate capacitor charges
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Figure 3-22. Gate voltage threshold monitoring while power transistor is in diode configuration
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the primary side, two dedicated inputs are available for the ASC control. The ASC control is also available on
the secondary side using the AI5 and AI6 inputs. The driver is configured with the secondary ASC function using
SPI. In this configuration, AI5 works as ASC_EN and AI6 is the ASC input. The primary and secondary ASC
interfaces are shown in Figure 3-24.
VBAT DBST
Charge VBST
PMIC VDD MCU Pump
Error
CBST
nRST
RGON
SPI
OUTH
INP
Isolation Barrier
WD WD
OUTL
RGOFF
ASC Control
ASC_IN GND2
Logic
ASC_EN ASC_EN VEE2
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VCC2
CLAMP
OUTH
VCC2 OUTL
ITOx
CHSEL
Temperature
AI1 OC/SC current
AI2
MUX DC Link Voltage
10bit ADC
AI3 General purpose
AI4
General purpose
AI5 General purpose
AI6
GND2
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The clock monitor circuit also integrates a diagnostic that checks the integrity of the monitoring circuit. The
diagnostic is run automatically during the start up process. Additionally, a simulated clock monitor fault can
be generated by writing to the respective Control bits for the primary or secondary sides. When enabled, the
diagnostics emulates clock failure that causes a clock monitor fault. During this self-test, the actual oscillator
frequency is not changed.
Additionally, UCC5870-Q1 uses a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) to ensure data integrity for the configuration
of the device while the driver output is active, the SPI communications (both transmitted and received), and the
internal non-volatile memory that stores the trim information ensuring the performance of the device.
3.10.15 SPI and Register Data Protection
SPI input and output data integrity is monitored as well as register data content. This is to ensure proper
communications and storage of data for setting driver parameters and functions.
When the UCC5870-Q1 transitions to the ACTIVE state, the contents of configuration and control registers are
protected by CRC engine. The configuration CRC is enabled using the proper Configuration bit. The various
registers protected by the CRC are outlined in the datasheet. The CRC fault detection is performed every
tCRCCFG (typically 1 ms). If the calculated CRC checksum for the configuration registers does not match the CRC
checksum calculated upon entering the Active state, Status bits are set and, if unmasked, the nFLT1 output goes
low. Additionally, for the secondary side CRC failure, the driver output is forced to the state pre-defined in a
Configuration register. Diagnostics for the CRC check are also available. A Control Register can be commanded
to induce a CRC error on the primary or secondary side.
The CRC that checks for SPI transfer are continuously updated as SPI traffic is received/sent. The CRC
is updated with every 16-bits that are received. In this set of commands, the configuration is updated and
compared on that command.
The SDI CRC checksum data is continuously calculated as SPI data frames are received. Once the MCU writes
to the to CRC Data Transmission (TX) bits, this triggers a comparison of the data in the CRC TX bits with the
internally calculated CRC. Once the comparison is complete, the CRC calculation logic is reset. When there is
a mismatch between CRC TX data and CRC calculated internally, the Status bit is set and, if unmasked, the
nFLT1 output pulls low and the output is set based on the pre-configured register setting.
The SDO CRC checksum is continuously calculated as data is clocked out of SDO. The resulting CRC is stored
in the CRC Receive (RX) Data bits. The bits are updated whenever chip select, nCS, transitions from low to
high. The CRC calculation logic is reset when the CRC RX bits are read.
After each power up, the UCC5870-Q1 performs a TRIM CRC check on the internal non-volatile memory on both
the primary and secondary sides. If the calculated CRC checksum does not match the CRC checksum stored in
the internal TRIM memory, Status bits are set and, if unmasked, the nFLT1 output goes low. Additionally for the
secondary side CRC failure, the driver output is forced to the pre-defined state.
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www.ti.com Isolated Bias Supply Architecture
Isolated
Supply Gate Gate Gate
Driver 4 Driver 5 Driver 6
The semi-distributed power consists of several transformers to generate the biases for various groups of drivers.
For example, each high-side driver may be supplied with a separate transformer whereas all the low-side
drivers may be shared. The advantage of this architecture is the simplicity of transformer construction and PCB
layout, the ability to have higher power quality for each bias supply, the distribution of weight of the supplies'
transformers, and the simplicity of control. The disadvantages include higher component count, higher cost, and
still a lack of redundancy.
Isolated
Supply Gate Gate Gate
Driver 4 Driver 5 Driver 6
Finally, the distributed power architecture provides a separate bias supply for each gate driver. Although
it requires more components, resulting in higher cost, the advantages include a high level of redundancy,
simplified layout and distribution of weight and better power quality.
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For more information on bias supplies, please see TI's portfolio of high-voltage controllers and this reference
design on bias supplies for HEV/EV traction inverters.
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www.ti.com Summary
5 Summary
The complexity of electronics in electrified vehicles is ever-increasing with enhanced performance and safety
regulations. The traction inverter contains some of the most critical components of the electric vehicle which
have a direct impact on the drive of the motor. Integrated protection and monitoring features of UCC217xx-Q1
and UCC5870-Q1 drivers are shown to enable simplification of the system, as well as enhanced performance.
For more information, please see the product folders of UCC21732-Q1,UCC21750-Q1, UCC21710-Q1 and
UCC5870-Q1 containing design help and technical documentation and visit the Power Management E2E Forum
to get answers to your questions.
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References www.ti.com
6 References
1. HEV/EV traction inverter power stage with 3 types of IGBT/SiC bias-supply solutions reference design
2. UCC217xx Family Driving and Protecting SiC and IGBT Power Modules and Transistor
3. Understanding the Short Circuit Protection for Silicon Carbide MOSFETs
4. SiC/IGBT Isolated Gate Driver Reference Design With Thermal Diode and Sensing FET
5. J. Drobnik and P. Jain, "Electric and hybrid vehicle power electronics efficiency, testing and reliability," 2013
World Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition (EVS27), Barcelona, 2013, pp. 1-12.
6. Haizhong Ye, Y. Yang and A. Emadi, "Traction inverters in hybrid electric vehicles," 2012 IEEE
Transportation Electrification Conference and Expo (ITEC), Dearborn, MI, 2012, pp. 1-6.
7. S. Jain and L. Kumar, "Fundamentals of Power Electronics Controlled Electric Propulsion," in Power
Electronics Handbook, M. H. Rashid, Ed. United Kingdom: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2018, pp. 1023-1065.
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7 Revision History
Changes from Revision A (May 2022) to Revision B (October 2022) Page
• Updated the numbering format for tables, figures, and cross-references throughout the document..................1
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