Hiroki Niikura

Title: Hiroki Niikura: Innovator in Switching Circuit Technology

Introduction

Hiroki Niikura is a prominent inventor based in Kyoto, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering, particularly in the development of advanced switching circuits. With a total of seven patents to his name, Niikura's work has had a substantial impact on the industry.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is the "Gate drive circuit of switching circuit including n-channel type transistor." This invention features a switching circuit that includes a high-side transistor and a low-side transistor, both of which are of an N-channel type. The design incorporates a switch and a rectifying element of a PMOS transistor arranged in series between a constant voltage line and a bootstrap line. A comparison circuit operates using a high-side power supply voltage to generate a detection signal that indicates the relationship between the high-side power supply voltage and a threshold voltage. Additionally, a level shift circuit adjusts the detection signal to a lower ground voltage, while a PMOS driver asynchronously drives the switch in response to the output of the level shift circuit.

Another notable patent is the "Resonant gate driver circuit." This invention includes an H-bridge circuit and a resonant inductor integrated on a semiconductor substrate. The first leg of the H-bridge circuit consists of a first high-side transistor, a first output node, and a first low-side transistor arranged side-by-side in a defined region. The second leg mirrors this arrangement with a second high-side transistor, a second output node, and a second low-side transistor. The resonant inductor serves as a parasitic inductance that occurs in the coupling means electrically connecting the first and second output nodes.

Career Highlights

Hiroki Niikura is currently employed at Rohm Co., Ltd., a leading company in semiconductor technology. His innovative work has positioned him as a key figure in the development of efficient switching circuits, contributing to advancements in various electronic applications.

Collaborations

Niikura has collaborated with notable coworkers, including Takafumi Morinaka and Shinya Karasawa. Their combined expertise has fostered a creative environment that encourages innovation and the development of cutting-edge technologies.

Conclusion

Hiroki Niikura's contributions to the field of electrical engineering through his patents and collaborations highlight his role as a significant inventor.