Self-diagnostics within power electronics

A method performed by a DSP unit for examining a status of a power electronic device electrically coupled to an electric machine installed at an operational site, the method comprising:

• powering a logic section in the DSP unit of the power electronic device;
• verifying that an initial set of communication logic signals in the logic section is zero;
• verifying that an initial set of gate signals is at a first predetermined level, the initial set of gate signals being measured at an output of a gate driver board;
• activating, in response to the verification that the initial set of communication logic signals is zero and the initial set of gate signals is at the first predetermined level, a plurality of electronic switches in a predetermined sequence to update the initial set of communication logic signals to a second set of communication logic signals in the DSP unit of the power electronic device;
• detecting a waveform at the output of the gate driver board;
• and
• determining a status of the power electronic device by comparing the waveform against a reference waveform.

An electric machine system comprising:

• a stator;
• a rotor having a rotational axis configured to move relative to the stator;
• a power electronic device for powering the electric machine system, comprising:
• a capacitor bank for stably storing a direct current power source;
• a pre-charge section connecting to a power grid via a fuse, the pre-charge section charging the capacitor bank using power from the power grid;
• a front end active rectifier for converting an alternating current power source to a direct current power;
• an electric machine inverter for converting the direct current power source to an alternating current power source;
• and
• a DSP unit configured to:
• power a logic section in the DSP unit of the power electronic device;
• verify that an initial set of communication logic signals in the logic section is zero;
• verify that an initial set of gate signals is at a first predetermined level, the initial set of gate signals being measured at an output of a gate driver board;
• activate, in response to the verification that the initial set of communication logic signals is zero and the initial set of gate signals is at the first predetermined level, a plurality of electronic switches in a predetermined sequence to update the initial set of communication logic signals to a second set of communication logic signals in the DSP unit of the power electronic device;
• detect a waveform at the output of the gate driver board;
• and
• determine a status of the power electronic device by comparing the waveform against a reference waveform.