Adjusting structural impedances for optimal electric power transmission at circuit and system level in electronic power conversion equipment

A novel use of dielectric materials, with permittivity values that can vary over a wide range (5⩽ε_r⩽1200), for optimizing switch-node operation of power electronic circuitry is discussed. The method can be applied to power connections at circuit level or at the system level with benefits such as reduced system losses and improved operational safety of active devices. Two experimental examples illustrating the general principle of impedance matching in power electronic circuits are given. One method applies conventional materials to match a gate turn-off thyristor gate triggering circuit while the other applies new high ε_r ceramic materials to match the load connection of a chopper to its load. The proposed planar connection geometries are suitable for low cost/mass production. Existing CAD/CAM facilities can be used in the design and manufacturing processes. Commercially available analysis programs can be used for the design phase