PCB dual-switch fuse with energetic materials embedded: Application for new fail-safe and fault-tolerant converters
Résumé
In this article a generic and passive dual-switch fuse is designed to symmetrically disconnect a switching cell against a leg short circuit failure. A compact FR4 copper tracks – PCB structure is proposed combining a dual-fuse mode and a passive dual-switch mode thanks to the integration of energetic material embedded in the thickness of the assembly. Firstly, we present the mechanical design of the dual-switch and the first tests of rupture by means of assisted an energetic material buried. In a second step, we describe the design of the dual-fuse on PCB and electrothermal finite elements simulations by means of Comsol 3D™. Finally, a combined dual-switch fuse prototype is fully integrated and validated at DC350V–AC15A in a voltage source inverter.