Intelligent electronic switch, current detection device, chip, chip product and automobile

Abstract

The invention provides an intelligent electronic switch, a current detection device, a chip, a chip product and an automobile. The intelligent electronic switch comprises a sampling end, a power switch and a control circuit. The control circuit can collect output current of the power switch and obtain first sampling current, when the first sampling current is smaller than or equal to reference current, the control circuit outputs a first indication signal to the microcontroller and outputs the first sampling current through the sampling end, and when the first sampling current is larger than the reference current, the control circuit outputs a second indication signal to the microcontroller. A second indication signal is output to the microcontroller and a second sampling current is output through the sampling end, the second indication signal is different from the first indication signal, and the second sampling current is smaller than the first sampling current and is related to the first sampling current; in this way, the microcontroller can determine the output current of the power switch according to the obtained indication signal and the collected signal, and the problem that the detection result of the microcontroller is possibly inaccurate is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of electronic circuit technology, and in particular to an intelligent electronic switch, a current detection circuit, a chip, a chip product and an automobile. Background Art

[0002] As cars become increasingly intelligent, their functions become increasingly complex. These functions require different loads and actuators. An intelligent electronic switch consists of at least one or more power switches (which function as electronic switches) and a control unit. The control unit controls the power switches to turn them on or off based on received control signals.

[0003] In the prior art, the intelligent electronic switch may further include a current sampling unit and a sampling terminal. The current sampling unit is used to collect the output current of the power switch and output a sampling current corresponding to the output current to the sampling terminal. The sampling terminal is also used to connect a detection resistor and a microcontroller, so that the microcontroller can obtain a sampling voltage corresponding to the sampling current from the sampling terminal and reasonably control the power switch.

[0004] However, in actual applications, the maximum voltage detected by the microcontroller is its rated operating voltage. Therefore, when the voltage at the sampling terminal exceeds the rated operating voltage of the microcontroller, the voltage detected by the microcontroller will be inaccurate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides an intelligent electronic switch, a current detection device, a chip, a chip product and an automobile, which are used to solve the problem that the detection results of a microcontroller may be inaccurate.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides an intelligent electronic switch, comprising a power supply terminal, a power ground terminal, a load output terminal, a sampling terminal, a power switch, and a control circuit;

[0007] The power supply terminal and the power ground terminal are used to be connected to a battery, and the power switch is used to be connected in series with a load, with a first terminal connected to the power supply terminal or the power ground terminal, a second terminal connected to the load output terminal, and a control terminal connected to the control circuit, and the control circuit is used to control the power switch to be turned on or off;

[0008] The control circuit is further connected to the sampling terminal, which is further connected to a microcontroller. The control circuit is configured to collect the output current of the power switch and obtain a first sampling current, where the first sampling current is used to represent the current flowing through the power switch. The control circuit compares the first sampling current with a reference current. When the first sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current, the control circuit outputs a first indication signal to the microcontroller and outputs the first sampling current through the sampling terminal. When the first sampling current is greater than the reference current, the control circuit outputs a second indication signal to the microcontroller and outputs a second sampling current through the sampling terminal. The second indication signal is different from the first indication signal, and the second sampling current is less than and correlated with the first sampling current, so that the microcontroller determines the output current of the power switch based on the obtained indication signal and the signal collected from the sampling terminal.

[0009] In a possible design of the first aspect, the intelligent electronic switch further includes a feedback terminal; the feedback terminal is used to connect to the control circuit and the microcontroller;

[0010] When the first sampling current is less than or equal to a reference current, the control circuit outputs a first indication signal to the microcontroller through the feedback end; when the first sampling current is greater than the reference current, the control circuit outputs a second indication signal to the microcontroller through the feedback end.

[0011] Optionally, the control circuit includes a drive unit, a first current sampling unit, and a current processing unit; the drive unit is used to connect to the microcontroller and the control terminal of the power switch, the first current sampling unit is connected to the power switch and the current processing unit, and the current processing unit is further connected to the sampling terminal and the feedback terminal;

[0012] The driving unit is used to control the power switch to turn on or off according to the switch control signal of the microcontroller; the first current sampling unit is used to collect the output current of the power switch and output the first sampling current; the current processing unit is used to compare the received first sampling current with the reference current; when the first sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current, the first sampling current is output to the sampling end and a first indication signal is output to the feedback end; when the first sampling current is greater than the reference current, the first sampling current is processed to obtain a second sampling current, the second sampling current is output to the sampling end, and a second indication signal is output to the feedback end.

[0013] Optionally, the current processing unit includes a comparison unit, a first logic unit and an operation unit;

[0014] The first input terminal of the comparison unit, the input terminal of the first logic unit, and the input terminal of the operation unit are all connected to the output terminal of the first current sampling unit, the output terminal of the comparison unit is respectively connected to the enable terminal of the first logic unit, the enable terminal of the operation unit, and the feedback terminal, and the output terminal of the first logic unit and the output terminal of the operation unit are both connected to the sampling terminal;

[0015] The comparison unit is configured to compare the first sampling current with the reference current, output a first level signal when the first sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current, and output a second level signal when the first sampling current is greater than the reference current; the first logic unit is enabled upon receiving the first level signal, and outputs the received first sampling current to the sampling end; the operation unit is enabled upon receiving the second level signal, and in the enabled state, the operation unit performs a preset operation on the received first sampling current to obtain the second sampling current, which is output to the sampling end; wherein the first indication signal includes the first level signal, and the second indication signal includes the second level signal; when the first sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current, the sampling end outputs the first sampling current; and when the first sampling current is greater than the reference current, the sampling end outputs the second sampling current.

[0016] As an example, the operation unit is a division unit, a preset value greater than 1 is stored in the division unit, and the second sampling current is equal to the value of the first sampling current divided by the preset value.

[0017] As another example, the operation unit is a subtraction unit, and the subtraction unit is further configured to access the reference current, and the second sampling current is equal to a value obtained by subtracting the reference current from the first sampling current.

[0018] In another possible design of the first aspect, the control circuit further includes a second current sampling unit, which is connected to the power switch and the current processing unit respectively;

[0019] The second current sampling unit is used to collect the output current of the power switch and output a second sampling current, the second sampling ratio of the second current sampling unit is greater than the first sampling ratio of the first current sampling unit, and the maximum value of the second sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current;

[0020] The current processing unit is configured to compare the received first sampling current with the reference current, and when the first sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current, output the first sampling current to the sampling end and output a first indication signal to the feedback end; and when the first sampling current is greater than the reference current, output the second sampling current to the sampling end and output a second indication signal to the feedback end.

[0021] Optionally, the current processing unit includes a comparison unit and a selection unit;

[0022] The first input terminal of the comparison unit is connected to the output terminal of the first current sampling unit, the second input terminal of the comparison unit is used to receive the reference current, the output terminal of the comparison unit is respectively connected to the selection unit and the feedback terminal, and the selection unit is further respectively connected to the output terminal of the first current sampling unit, the output terminal of the second current sampling unit, and the sampling terminal; the comparison unit is used to compare the first sampling current with the reference current, and output a first level signal when the first sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current, and output a second level signal when the first sampling current is greater than the reference current; the selection unit is used to select the larger current from the first sampling current and the second sampling current to output to the sampling terminal upon receiving the first level signal, and select the smaller current from the first sampling current and the second sampling current to output to the sampling terminal upon receiving the second level signal. Correspondingly, the first indication signal is the first level signal, and the second indication signal is the second level signal;

[0023] or

[0024] A first input terminal of the comparison unit is connected to the output terminal of the first current sampling unit, a second input terminal of the comparison unit is used to receive the reference current, and an output terminal of the comparison unit is respectively connected to the selection unit, the feedback terminal, and the enable terminal of the second current sampling unit. The selection unit is further connected to the output terminal of the first current sampling unit, the output terminal of the second current sampling unit, and the sampling terminal, respectively. The comparison unit is configured to compare the first sampling current with the reference current and output a first level signal when the first sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current, and output a second level signal when the first sampling current is greater than the reference current. The second current sampling unit is enabled upon receiving the second level signal to collect the output current of the power switch and output a second sampling current. The selection unit is configured to output the received first sampling current to the sampling terminal upon receiving the first level signal and output the received second sampling current to the sampling terminal upon receiving the second level signal. Correspondingly, the first indication signal is the first level signal, and the second indication signal is the second level signal.

[0025] In the above-mentioned possible designs of the first aspect, the reference current is related to the sampling capability of the microcontroller, and the current output by the control circuit to the sampling end is within the rated sampling range of the microcontroller.

[0026] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a current detection device, comprising the intelligent electronic switch and microcontroller described in the first aspect and various possible designs;

[0027] The microcontroller is connected to the sampling terminal of the intelligent electronic switch, and is used to determine the output current of the power switch in the intelligent electronic switch according to the indication signal received from the intelligent electronic switch and the signal collected from the sampling terminal.

[0028] In a possible design of the second aspect, the microcontroller is further connected to a feedback end of the intelligent electronic switch, and the microcontroller receives the indication signal from the feedback end.

[0029] Optionally, when the microcontroller receives a first indication signal from the feedback end, the microcontroller determines a first sampling current according to a sampling signal collected from the sampling end, and determines the output current of the power switch according to the first sampling current;

[0030] When the microcontroller receives the second indication signal from the feedback terminal, the microcontroller determines a second sampling current according to the sampling signal collected from the sampling terminal, and determines the output current of the power switch according to the second sampling current.

[0031] In another possible design of the second aspect, the current detection device further includes a detection resistor;

[0032] A first end of the detection resistor is connected to the microcontroller and the sampling end, and a second end thereof is connected to a ground potential. The detection resistor is used to determine the sampling accuracy of the microcontroller.

[0033] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an integrated circuit chip, comprising the intelligent electronic switch described in the first aspect and each possible design, wherein the power supply end is a power supply pin, the power ground end is a power ground pin, the load output end is a load output pin, and the sampling end is a sampling pin.

[0034] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a chip product, comprising the intelligent electronic switch described in the first aspect and each possible design, wherein components of the intelligent electronic switch other than a power switch and some components of the control circuit are located on a first integrated circuit chip, and the power switch and some components of the control circuit are located on a second integrated circuit chip;

[0035] Among them, the power supply end is a power supply pin, the power ground end is a power ground pin, the load output end is a load output pin, and the sampling end is a sampling pin. The power supply pin, the power ground pin and the sampling pin are all located on a first integrated circuit chip, and the load output pin is located on a second integrated circuit chip.

[0036] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide an automobile, comprising the intelligent electronic switch described in the first aspect and its possible designs, or the integrated circuit chip described in the third aspect, or the chip product described in the fourth aspect, or the current detection device described in the second aspect and its possible designs;

[0037] It also includes a battery and a load, wherein the positive pole of the battery is connected to the power supply end, the negative pole of the battery is connected to the power ground end, one end of the load is connected to the load output end, and the other end of the load is connected to the power ground end or the power supply end.

[0038] The present application provides an intelligent electronic switch, current detection circuit, chip, chip product, and automobile. The intelligent electronic switch includes a power supply terminal, a power ground terminal, a load output terminal, a sampling terminal, a power switch, and a control circuit. After collecting the output current of the power switch and obtaining a first sampled current, the control circuit can compare the first sampled current with a reference current. When the first sampled current is less than or equal to the reference current, the control circuit outputs a first indication signal to a microcontroller and outputs the first sampled current through the sampling terminal. When the first sampled current is greater than the reference current, the control circuit outputs a second indication signal to the microcontroller and outputs a second sampled current through the sampling terminal. The second indication signal is different from the first indication signal, and the second sampled current is less than and correlated with the first sampled current. In this way, the signals output by the intelligent electronic switch through the sampling terminal are all within the sampling capability of the microcontroller. The microcontroller can determine the output current of the power switch based on the indication signal obtained from the intelligent electronic switch and the signal collected from the sampling terminal, thereby resolving the problem of inaccurate detection results from the microcontroller. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0040] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of a circuit module of an intelligent electronic switch and its peripheral components provided in the first embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit module of an intelligent electronic switch and its peripheral components provided in the second embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a circuit structure of a current processing unit is shown;

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit module of an intelligent electronic switch and its peripheral components provided in the third embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 5A and Figure 5B yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a current processing unit in the embodiment shown is shown.

[0045] The above drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and the textual description are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of the present application to those skilled in the art by reference to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0047] The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof as used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or modules is not limited to the listed steps or modules, but may optionally include steps or modules not listed, or may optionally include other steps or modules that are inherent to the process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0048] In addition, the terms "first", "second" and "third" are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. The electrical connection in this application includes direct electrical connection and indirect electrical connection. Indirect electrical connection means that other electronic components, pins, etc. may exist between the two electrically connected components. The XX end mentioned in this application may be an actual terminal or may not be an actual terminal, for example, it is only one end of a component or one end of a wire. The "and / or" mentioned in this application includes three cases. For example, A and / or B includes three cases: A, B, and A and B.

[0049] With the acceleration of the automotive intelligent industry transformation, more and more electronic switches are installed in cars. In practical applications, intelligent electronic switches, due to their high reliability, flexibility, low power consumption, small size and light weight, are used to drive and switch loads in the car, and to protect and diagnose the loads. Therefore, intelligent electronic switches have gradually become the trend of switch development.

[0050] For example, an intelligent electronic switch includes a current measurement circuit to measure the load current of the power switch. The current measurement value of the current measurement circuit can be used to implement overcurrent protection functions (e.g., overcurrent shutdown, current limiting, etc.). The intelligent electronic switch can also output the current measurement value so that the microcontroller can process it. To achieve this purpose, the intelligent electronic switch can have a sampling terminal and output a sampled current or a sampled voltage through the sampling terminal. The sampled current or sampled voltage can represent the current measurement value or one or more parameters of the intelligent electronic switch.

[0051] In practical applications, the sampling terminal of an intelligent electronic switch is connected to a sense resistor and a microcontroller, allowing the microcontroller to obtain a sampled voltage corresponding to the sampled current from the sampling terminal. Typically, this sampled voltage is equal to the product of the sampled current and the sense resistor. Therefore, when the sense resistor is fixed, the greater the sampled current, the greater the sampled voltage, and the smaller the sampled current, the smaller the sampled voltage. Currently, because intelligent electronic switches have a wide output current range, the range of the sampled current output to the sampling terminal is also wide, and correspondingly, the range of the sampled voltage at the sampling terminal is also wide. Since the maximum voltage detected by the microcontroller from the sampling terminal is its rated operating voltage, if the sampled voltage at the sampling terminal exceeds the rated operating voltage of the microcontroller, the voltage detected by the microcontroller will be inaccurate.

[0052] For example, the output current Iout at the load output terminal of an intelligent electronic switch ranges from 0 to 10A, and the sampling ratio of the current measurement circuit (e.g., the ratio of the output current to the sampling current) is k. Thus, the sampling current Ics output by the intelligent electronic switch to the sampling terminal is Iout / k. Assuming k = 5000, the output current Iout at the load output terminal = 10A, and the detection resistor Rsen = 2kΩ, the sampling current Ics output to the sampling terminal is 2mA (10A / 5000), and the sampling voltage Vcs is 4V (2mA*2kΩ). Since the rated operating voltage (i.e., the supply voltage) of a microcontroller is generally 3.6V, when the sampling voltage Vcs is greater than or equal to 3.6V, the microcontroller defaults to detecting a voltage of 3.6V, resulting in inaccurate detection results.

[0053] In the related art, in order to solve the above problem, the resistance of the detection resistor Rsen can be reduced, for example, from 2kΩ to 1kΩ. In this way, when the sampling current remains unchanged, the sampling voltage at the sampling end is at most 2V, which will not exceed the rated operating voltage of the microcontroller. However, this will also cause a new problem. When the output current changes slightly, the sampling current also changes slightly, resulting in a small change in the sampling voltage at the sampling end, which may not be detected by the microcontroller. For example, when the sampling ratio k of the current measurement circuit is 5000 and the detection resistor Rsen is 1kΩ, if the output current Iout at the output end changes by 100mA, the sampling current Ics changes by 0.02mA. Correspondingly, the change in the sampling voltage Vcs is 20mV, which exceeds the detection accuracy of the microcontroller, resulting in the microcontroller being unable to detect the output current change at the output end, resulting in a large error and low detection sensitivity. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an intelligent electronic switch that enables the microcontroller to accurately detect the change in output current when the resistance value of the external detection resistor at the sampling end remains unchanged.

[0054] To address the above technical issues, the inventors have conducted extensive research and improvements on intelligent electronic switches, and have provided an intelligent electronic switch comprising a power supply terminal, a power ground terminal, a load output terminal, a sampling terminal, a power switch, and a control circuit. In the intelligent electronic switch, after sampling the output current of the power switch and obtaining a first sampled current, the control circuit can compare the first sampled current with a reference current. When the first sampled current is less than or equal to the reference current, the control circuit outputs a first indication signal to a microcontroller and outputs the first sampled current through the sampling terminal. When the first sampled current is greater than the reference current, the control circuit outputs a second indication signal to the microcontroller and outputs a second sampled current through the sampling terminal. The second indication signal is different from the first indication signal, and the second sampled current is less than and correlated with the first sampled current. In this way, the signals output by the intelligent electronic switch through the sampling terminal are all within the sampling capability of the microcontroller. The microcontroller can determine the output current of the power switch based on the obtained indication signal and the signal collected from the sampling terminal, thereby resolving the problem of inaccurate detection results by the microcontroller.

[0055] It is understood that in practical applications, the intelligent electronic switch may further include a temperature detection circuit and / or a voltage detection circuit. The temperature detection circuit is used to measure the temperature of the power switch (or intelligent electronic switch), and the voltage detection circuit can be used to detect the power supply voltage (the voltage at the power supply terminal) of the intelligent electronic switch. In this case, the intelligent electronic switch can also output the temperature measurement value or the power supply voltage measurement value through the sampling terminal in response to control by an external signal. For example, the intelligent electronic switch further includes a diagnostic terminal (SEN) and a selector output terminal (SEL). The intelligent electronic switch can determine the type of sampled signal (current signal, temperature signal, or voltage signal) output through the sampling terminal based on the external signals received by the diagnostic terminal (SEN) and the selector output terminal (SEL).

[0056] The following specific embodiments describe in detail the technical solution of the present application and how the technical solution of the present application solves the above-mentioned technical problems. The following specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. The embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Schematic diagram of the circuit module of the intelligent electronic switch and its peripheral components provided in the first embodiment of the present application. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the intelligent electronic switch 20 includes a power supply terminal VCC, a power ground terminal GND, a load output terminal OUT, a sampling terminal CS, a power switch K1 and a control circuit 200 .

[0058] The power supply terminal VCC and the power ground terminal GND are used to connect to the battery 10, and the power switch K1 is used to be connected in series with the load 30. Its first terminal is connected to the power supply terminal VCC or the power ground terminal GND, its second terminal is connected to the load output terminal OUT, and its control terminal is connected to the control circuit 200. The control circuit 200 is used to control the power switch K1 to turn on or off. For example, in Figure 1A In the embodiment shown, the first terminal of the power switch K1 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery 10. In this case, the power switch K1 is connected as a high-side switch (high-side switch), which is a switch connected between the positive electrode of the battery 10 and the load 30. Figure 1B In the embodiment shown, the first end of the power switch K1 is connected to the negative electrode of the battery 10, that is, the power switch K1 is connected between the negative electrode of the battery 10 and the load 30. At this time, the power switch K1 is connected as a low-side switch (low-side switch), which will not be described in detail here.

[0059] Continue to refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, in this embodiment, the control circuit 200 is further connected to the sampling terminal CS, which is further connected to a microcontroller unit (MCU) 40. The control circuit 200 is further configured to collect the output current Iout of the power switch K1 and obtain a first sampled current Ics1. The first sampled current Ics1 is used to represent the current flowing through the power switch K1. The control circuit 200 compares the first sampled current Ics1 with a reference current Iref. When the first sampled current Ics1 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref, the control circuit 200 outputs a first indication signal to the microcontroller 40 and outputs the first sampled current Ics1 through the sampling terminal CS. When the first sampled current Ics1 is greater than the reference current Iref, the control circuit 200 outputs a second indication signal to the microcontroller 40 and outputs a second sampled current Ics2 through the sampling terminal CS. The second indication signal is different from the first indication signal, and the second sampled current Ics2 is less than and correlated with the first sampled current Ics1. This allows the microcontroller 40 to determine the output current Iout of the power switch K1 based on the obtained indication signal and the signal collected from the sampling terminal CS.

[0060] In actual applications, when the power switch K1 in the intelligent electronic switch 20 is turned on, a current will flow through the load 30 and the branch where the power switch K1 is located. This current can also be referred to as the output current Iout of the power switch K1. In the embodiment of the present application, the intelligent electronic switch 20 is connected to an external sense resistor Rsen via the sampling terminal CS. A reference current Iref is preset in the control circuit 200. When the resistance value of the sense resistor Rsen is fixed, the reference current Iref is related to the rated operating voltage of the microcontroller 40, and the reference voltage of the reference current Iref at the sampling terminal CS is less than or equal to the rated operating voltage of the microcontroller 40. In this way, the control circuit 200 can compare the acquired first sampling current Ics1 with the reference current Iref. If the first sampling current Ics1 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref, it indicates that the first sampling voltage Vcs1 corresponding to the first sampling current Ics1 is less than or equal to the rated operating voltage of the microcontroller 40. In this case, the control circuit 200 can directly output the first sampling current Ics1 through the sampling terminal CS. Accordingly, the control circuit 200 outputs a first indication signal to the microcontroller 40 to indicate that the signal output by the sampling terminal CS is an actual sampling signal. If the first sampling current Ics1 is greater than the reference current Iref, it indicates that the first sampling voltage Vcs1 corresponding to the first sampling current Ics1 is higher than the rated operating voltage of the microcontroller 40, exceeding the sampling capability of the microcontroller 40. In this case, the first sampling current Ics1 can be processed to obtain a second sampling current Ics2, and the second sampling current Ics2 can be output through the sampling terminal CS. Accordingly, the control circuit 200 outputs a second indication signal to the microcontroller 40 to indicate that the signal output by the sampling terminal CS is a processed sampling signal.

[0061] It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the second sampling current Ics2 is less than the first sampling current Ics1 and is correlated with the first sampling current Ics1. Furthermore, the second sampling current Ics2 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref. In other words, the second sampling current Ics2 outputted via the sampling terminal CS is within the sampling capability of the microcontroller 40. The reference current Iref is related to the sampling capability of the microcontroller 40. Once the reference current Iref is determined, the current outputted by the control circuit 200 to the sampling terminal CS must be within the rated sampling range of the microcontroller 40 within the output current range of the power switch K1.

[0062] Optionally, the second indication signal is different from the first indication signal. For example, when the first indication signal is a first-level signal or no output signal, the second indication signal is a second-level signal; or, when the first indication signal is a second-level signal, the second indication signal is a first-level signal. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the first indication signal and the second indication signal.

[0063] For example, refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, assuming that the detection resistor Rsen connected to the sampling terminal CS is 2kΩ, the output current range of the power switch K1 is 0-10A, the first sampling ratio k1 of the control circuit 200 is 5000, and the reference current Iref is 1mA, when the output current Iout of the power switch K1 is equal to 5A, the first sampling current Ics1 output to the sampling terminal CS is equal to 1mA (5A / 5000), and the first sampling voltage Vcs1 obtained by the microcontroller 40 at the sampling terminal CS is equal to 2V. When the output current Iout of the power switch K1 becomes 4 When the output current Iout of the power switch K1 changes by 100 mA, the first sampled current Ics1 output to the sampling terminal CS is equal to 0.98 mA, and the first sampled voltage Vcs1 obtained by the microcontroller 40 at the sampling terminal CS is 1.96 V. This difference is 40 mV. This means that for every 100 mA change in the output current Iout of the power switch K1, the first sampled voltage Vcs at the sampling terminal CS changes by 40 mV, resulting in an accuracy of 40 mV. This is significantly higher than the 20 mV accuracy when the intelligent electronic switch 20 is connected to a 1 kΩ sense resistor Rsen, and is also within the rated sampling range of the microcontroller 40. The implementation principle when the first sampled current Ics1 is greater than the reference current Iref is similar, differing only in that the control circuit 200 first performs a preset process on the first sampled current Ics1 to obtain the second sampled current Ics2 before outputting it to the sampling terminal CS. This will not be described in detail here.

[0064] It is understood that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the manner in which the control circuit 200 outputs the indication signal to the microcontroller 40. As an example, the control circuit 200 may output the indication signal through the sampling terminal CS. For example, the first indication signal may be output to the microcontroller 40 before the first sampling current Ics1, or may be sent to the microcontroller 40 together with the first sampling current Ics1 as a prefix of the first sampling current Ics1.

[0065] As another example, refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, the intelligent electronic switch further includes a feedback terminal FB; the feedback terminal FB is configured to connect to the control circuit 200 and the microcontroller 40. Accordingly, when the first sampled current Ics1 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref, the control circuit 200 outputs a first indication signal to the microcontroller 40 via the feedback terminal FB. When the first sampled current Ics1 is greater than the reference current Iref, the control circuit 200 outputs a second indication signal to the microcontroller 40 via the feedback terminal FB. It will be appreciated that, in practical applications, the feedback terminal FB can reuse existing terminals of the intelligent electronic switch 20, such as the input terminal INPUT, the diagnostic enable terminal SEN, the function selection terminals SEL0 / SEL1, etc. The feedback terminal FB can also be a newly added terminal of the intelligent electronic switch 20, which is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0066] Optionally, in this embodiment, the power switch K1 may be an N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (NMOS FET, referred to as NMOS tube), a PMOS tube, a junction field effect transistor (JFET), or an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), etc. The figure uses an N-type MOS tube as an example for illustration. In another possible design of this embodiment, the power switch K1 may also be implemented as a silicon device, or may be implemented using other semiconductor materials, such as silicon carbide (SiC), gallium arsenide (GaAs), or gallium nitride (GaN), etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the form of the power switch K1.

[0067] Optionally, a fuse (not shown) may be connected in series between the battery 10 and the power supply terminal VCC to prevent malfunctions caused by excessive current in the line. Other components, such as a parallel-connected anti-reverse polarity diode and a current-limiting resistor, may also be provided between the power ground terminal GND and the negative terminal of the battery 10 to improve the stability of the intelligent electronic switch 20. This embodiment of the present application does not limit the peripheral components of the intelligent electronic switch 20.

[0068] Optional, in Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe schematic diagram does not show the connection between the control circuit 200 and the power supply unit. However, in actual applications, a power supply unit may be provided within the intelligent electronic switch 20, with one end of the power supply unit connected to the control circuit 200 and the other end connected to the control circuit 200 and other circuits. This allows the power supply unit to step down the voltage at the power supply terminal VCC before supplying it to the control circuit 200 or other circuits. In other embodiments, the intelligent electronic switch 20 may not include a power supply unit. In this case, a step-down unit is required between the power supply terminal VCC and the positive electrode of the battery 10 to step down the voltage input to the power supply terminal VCC to the rated operating voltage of the control circuit 200 and other circuits, so that the voltage at the power supply terminal VCC can directly power the circuits within the intelligent electronic switch 20. This is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present application, an intelligent electronic switch includes a power supply terminal, a power ground terminal, a load output terminal, a sampling terminal, a power switch, and a control circuit. Thus, after the control circuit samples the output current of the power switch and obtains a first sampling current, it can determine whether the first sampling current needs to be processed and then output to the sampling terminal based on the relationship between the first sampling current and a reference current, and determine an indication signal that needs to be output to a microcontroller. That is, when the first sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current, the first indication signal is output to the microcontroller and the first sampling current is output through the sampling terminal. When the first sampling current is greater than the reference current, the second indication signal is output to the microcontroller and the second sampling current is output through the sampling terminal. The first indication signal and the second indication signal are different, and the second sampling current is less than the first sampling current and is related to the first sampling current. In this way, the microcontroller can determine the output current of the power switch based on the obtained indication signal and the signal collected from the sampling terminal. This technical solution, when outputting a current signal through the sampling end, also indicates whether the current signal is a processed current through an indication signal. It does not require reducing the size of the detection resistor and can also ensure that the signal output by the sampling end of the intelligent electronic switch is within the sampling capability of the microcontroller, thereby solving the problem of inaccurate or undetectable detection results of the microcontroller and improving the detection accuracy of the microcontroller.

[0070] The above embodiment provides a general introduction to the intelligent electronic switch 20. The following describes the principle of the control circuit 200 in the intelligent electronic switch 20 through different embodiments. Figure 1A The explanation is made based on the embodiment shown (with the feedback terminal FB).

[0071] In one possible design, Figure 2 This is a circuit module diagram of the intelligent electronic switch and its peripheral components provided in the second embodiment of the present application. Figure 2The intelligent electronic switch 20 shown in FIG. 1 shows a circuit structure of a control circuit 200. Figure 2 As shown, in the intelligent electronic switch 20 , the control circuit 200 may include a driving unit 201 , a first current sampling unit 202 and a current processing unit 203 .

[0072] Reference Figure 2 As shown, the driving unit 201 is used to connect with the microcontroller 40 and the control terminal of the power switch K1, the first current sampling unit 202 is connected with the power switch K1 and the current processing unit 203, and the current processing unit 203 is further connected with the sampling terminal CS and the feedback terminal FB.

[0073] In this embodiment, the driving unit 201 is used to control the power switch K1 to turn on or off according to the switch control signal of the microcontroller 40; the first current sampling unit 202 is used to collect the output current Iout of the power switch K1 and output a first sampling current Ics1; the current processing unit 203 is used to compare the received first sampling current Ics1 with the reference current Iref; when the first sampling current Ics1 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref, the current processing unit 203 is used to output the first sampling current Ics1 to the sampling terminal CS and output a first indication signal to the feedback terminal FB; when the first sampling current Ics1 is greater than the reference current Iref, the current processing unit 203 is used to process the first sampling current Ics1 to obtain a second sampling current Ics2, output the second sampling current Ics2 to the sampling terminal CS, and output a second indication signal to the feedback terminal FB.

[0074] In this embodiment, the drive unit 201 is connected to the microcontroller 40 and is capable of receiving a switch control signal from the microcontroller 40 and driving the power switch K1 to turn on or off based on the switch control signal. For example, when the switch control signal is an on control signal, the drive unit 201 drives the power switch K1 to turn on. After the power switch K1 is turned on, the power supply terminal VCC supplies power to the load 30 through the power switch K1, causing current to flow through the branch where the power switch K1 and the load 30 are located. Therefore, during operation, the first current sampling unit 202 is capable of collecting the output current Iout of the power switch K1 and outputting a first sampled current Ics1. In one possible example, the first current sampling unit 202 is a mirrored current sampling unit. Assuming that the mirror ratio of the output current Iout to the first sampled current Ics1 is a first sampling ratio k1, the first sampled current Ics1 is equal to Iout / k1.

[0075] Accordingly, the current processing unit 203 is connected to the first current sampling unit 202 and can receive the first sampled current Ics1 from the first current sampling unit 202 and compare the first sampled current Ics1 with the reference current Iref. As an example, when the first sampled current Ics1 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref, the current processing unit 203 directly outputs the first sampled current Ics1 to the sampling terminal CS and outputs a first indication signal to the feedback terminal FB. However, when the first sampled current Ics1 is greater than the reference current Iref, the current processing unit 203 can first process the first sampled current Ics1 to obtain a second sampled current Ics2, then output the second sampled current Ics2 to the sampling terminal CS and output a second indication signal to the feedback terminal FB.

[0076] Optionally, the second sampling current Ics2 can be the difference between the first sampling current Ics1 and the reference current Iref, or the ratio of the first sampling current Ics1 to a preset value. For example, the reference current Iref can be a current value such as 1 / 3, 1 / 2, or 2 / 3 of the maximum sampling current (Iout(max) / k1), and the preset value can be 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific values ​​of the reference current Iref and the preset value, which can be selected according to actual circumstances, as long as the second sampling current Ics2 meets the following conditions: the second sampling current Ics2 is less than the first sampling current Ics1 and the magnitude of the second sampling current Ics2 is within the sampling capability range of the microcontroller 40.

[0077] In practical applications, the control circuit 200 can implement the above functions in a variety of different implementations. Accordingly, the current processing unit 203 can have different component structures.

[0078] In one possible design of this application, Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A circuit structure diagram of a current processing unit is shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, in this possible design, the current processing unit 203 includes a comparison unit CP, a first logic unit 2031 and an operation unit 2032 .

[0079] The first input terminal of the comparison unit CP, the input terminal of the first logic unit 2031, and the input terminal of the operation unit 2032 are all connected to the output terminal of the first current sampling unit 202. The output terminal of the comparison unit CP is respectively connected to the enable terminal of the first logic unit 2031, the enable terminal of the operation unit 2032, and the feedback terminal FB. The output terminal of the first logic unit 2031 and the output terminal of the operation unit 2032 are both connected to the sampling terminal CS.

[0080] In this embodiment, the comparison unit CP is configured to compare the first sampling current Ics1 with the reference current Iref. When the first sampling current Ics1 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref, the comparison unit CP outputs a first-level signal, which serves as a first indication signal and an enable signal for the first logic unit 2031. When the first sampling current Ics1 is greater than the reference current Iref, the comparison unit CP outputs a second-level signal, which serves as a second indication signal and an enable signal for the operation unit 2032. Thus, upon receiving the first-level signal, the first logic unit 2031 is enabled and outputs the received first sampling current Ics1 to the sampling terminal CS. The operation unit 2032 is enabled upon receiving the second-level signal and, in the enabled state, performs a predetermined operation on the received first sampling current Ics1 to generate a second sampling current Ics2, which is output to the sampling terminal CS. Therefore, the first indication signal includes a first level signal, the second indication signal includes a second level signal, and when the first sampling current Ics1 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref, the sampling terminal CS outputs the first sampling current Ics1; when the first sampling current Ics1 is greater than the reference current Iref, the sampling terminal CS outputs the second sampling current Ics2.

[0081] For example, in Figure 3 In the schematic diagram shown, the first input terminal of the comparison unit CP is used as the non-inverting terminal, and the second input terminal of the comparison unit CP is used as the inverting terminal for exemplary description. In this case, the first level signal is a low level signal, and the second level signal is a high level signal. It is understood that in other embodiments of the present application, the first input terminal of the comparison unit CP may also be the inverting terminal, and the corresponding second input terminal of the comparison unit CP may be the non-inverting terminal. In this case, the first level signal is a high level signal, and the second level signal is a low level signal.

[0082] Continue to refer to Figure 3 As shown, the first logic unit 2031 is enabled when it receives a first level signal (low level signal 0) and directly outputs the received first sampling current Ics1 to the sampling terminal CS, and is disabled when it receives a high level signal. The first logic unit 2031 does not receive the first sampling current Ics1 or prevents the first sampling current Ics1 from being output to the sampling terminal CS. That is, the first logic unit 2031 can be interpreted as an output switch for the first sampling current Ics1. When it receives a first level signal (low level signal 0), it is turned on, allowing the first sampling current Ics1 to be output to the sampling terminal CS, and when it receives a second level signal (high level signal 1), it is turned off, preventing the first sampling current Ics1 from being output to the sampling terminal CS. Accordingly, in Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the operation unit 2032 is enabled upon receiving the second level signal (high level signal 1), and in the enabled state, performs a preset operation on the received first sampling current Ics1 to obtain the second sampling current Ics2, and outputs the second sampling current Ics2 to the sampling terminal CS. However, when receiving the first level signal (low level signal), the operation unit 2032 is disabled, and the first sampling current Ics1 is not received or the received first sampling current Ics1 is not processed.

[0083] In this embodiment, when the first sampling current Ics1 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref, the intelligent electronic switch 20 outputs the first sampling current Ics1 through the sampling terminal CS and outputs a first indication signal through the feedback terminal FB. When the first sampling current Ics1 is greater than the reference current Iref, the computing unit 2032 first processes the first sampling current Ics1 to obtain a second sampling current Ics2, then outputs the second sampling current Ics2 to the sampling terminal CS and outputs a second indication signal through the feedback terminal FB. The second sampling current Ics2 is less than the first sampling current Ics1 and correlated with the first sampling current Ics1, and the second sampling current Ics2 is within the sampling capability range of the microcontroller 40. Consequently, the current output by the intelligent electronic switch 20 to the sampling terminal CS, i.e., the voltage at the sampling terminal CS, is within the sampling capability range of the microcontroller 40. This solves the problem of inaccurate detection by the microcontroller and avoids the problem of inability of the microcontroller 40 to detect due to an excessively small sampling current.

[0084] Optionally, in other embodiments of the present application, the current processing unit 203 may further include a feedback unit (not shown), the input end of the feedback unit being connected to the output end of the comparison unit CP, and the output end of the feedback unit being connected to the feedback end FB, that is, the feedback unit is connected between the output end of the comparison unit CP and the feedback end FB. The feedback unit outputs a first indication signal to the feedback end FB when receiving a first level signal, and outputs a second indication signal to the feedback end FB when receiving a second level signal. The first indication signal may be a first level signal or other preset signal. Similarly, the second indication signal may be a second level signal or other preset signal. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the forms of expression of the first indication signal and the second indication signal.

[0085] Optional, in Figure 3 In the current processing circuit shown, the operation unit 2032 can be implemented by a division unit, a subtraction unit, or other methods, which are not limited in this embodiment.

[0086] As an example, Figure 3The arithmetic unit 2032 is a division unit, which stores a preset value greater than 1. Accordingly, when the division unit is enabled, it divides the received first sampled current Ics1 by the preset value. Thus, the second sampled current Ics2 output by the division unit is equal to the value of the first sampled current Ics1 divided by the preset value. The preset value can be selected based on actual needs. Specifically, the second sampled current Ics2 output by the division unit after processing the first sampled current Ics1 needs to be both less than the reference current Iref and within the sampling capability of the microcontroller 40.

[0087] As another example, Figure 3 The arithmetic unit 2032 in the embodiment is a subtraction unit. In this case, the subtraction unit is also used to input the reference current Iref. Therefore, when the subtraction unit is enabled, the subtraction unit subtracts the reference current Iref from the received first sampled current Ics1. That is, the second sampled current Ics2 output by the subtraction unit is equal to the value obtained by subtracting the reference current Iref from the first sampled current Ics1. It will be appreciated that the value of the reference current Iref can be selected based on actual needs. That is, the second sampled current Ics2 obtained by subtracting the reference current Iref from the first sampled current Ics1 must also be within the sampling capability of the microcontroller 40.

[0088] It is understandable that in different possible designs, when the first sampling current Ics1 is the same, the second sampling current Ics2 obtained after the calculation process may be different, which can be determined according to actual conditions and is not limited in this embodiment.

[0089] Optionally, in other embodiments of the present application, the control circuit 200 may also be implemented by other component structures. For example, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit module of an intelligent electronic switch and its peripheral components provided in the third embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 Improvements to the embodiment shown, which Figure 2 The difference between the illustrated embodiment and the control circuit 200 is that the control circuit 200 may include two current sampling units.

[0090] Reference Figure 4 As shown in the above Figure 2 On the basis of the illustrated embodiment, the control circuit 200 may further include a second current sampling unit 204 , which is connected to the power switch K1 and the current processing unit 203 , respectively.

[0091] In an embodiment of the present application, the second current sampling unit 204 is configured to collect the output current Iout of the power switch K1 and output a second sampled current Ics2. The second sampling ratio of the second current sampling unit 204 is greater than the first sampling ratio of the first current sampling unit 202, and the maximum value of the second sampled current Ics2 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref. Accordingly, the current processing unit 203 is configured to compare the received first sampled current Ics1 with the reference current Iref. When the first sampled current Ics1 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref, the current processing unit 203 outputs the first sampled current Ics1 to the sampling terminal CS and outputs a first indication signal to the feedback terminal FB. When the first sampled current Ics1 is greater than the reference current Iref, the current processing unit 203 outputs the second sampled current Ics2 to the sampling terminal CS and outputs a second indication signal to the feedback terminal FB.

[0092] Typically, the external sense resistor Rsen connected to the sampling terminal CS of the intelligent electronic switch 20 remains unchanged, and the output current range of the power switch K1 is relatively wide. When a current sampling unit with a fixed sampling ratio is used to sample the output current Iout of the power switch K1, the following problems may arise: If the sampling ratio of the current sampling unit (the ratio of the output current Iout to the mirror image of the sampled current) is small and the output current Iout of the power switch K1 is large, the sampled current output to the sampling terminal CS will be large. Accordingly, the sampled voltage at the sampling terminal CS will also be large, which may exceed the rated operating voltage of the microcontroller 40 and cause an erroneous detection result of the microcontroller 40. Conversely, if the sampling ratio of the current sampling unit (the ratio of the output current Iout to the mirror image of the sampled current) is large and the output current Iout of the power switch K1 is small, the sampled current output to the sampling terminal CS will be small. Accordingly, the sampled voltage at the sampling terminal CS will also be small, which may result in the microcontroller 40 being unable to detect the current.

[0093] Therefore, to address the above-mentioned issues, the inventors of the present application have discovered through practical research that improvements can be made to the control circuit 200. For example, two current sampling units are provided in the intelligent electronic switch 20 (i.e., the control circuit 200 of the present application). Specifically, the control circuit 200 includes a first current sampling unit 202 and a second current sampling unit 204 that are independent of each other and have different sampling ratios. For example, the second sampling ratio of the second current sampling unit 204 is greater than the first sampling ratio of the first current sampling unit 202, and the maximum value of the second sampled current Ics2 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref. In this case, in the intelligent electronic switch 20, the first current sampling unit 202 and the second current sampling unit 204 can be used to sample the output current Iout of the power switch K1.

[0094] As an example, when the output current Iout of the power switch K1 is large, the first sampled current Ics1 obtained by sampling the output current Iout using the first current sampling unit 202 is also large. For example, the first sampled current Ics1 is greater than the reference current Iref. If the first sampled current Ics1 is output to the sampling terminal CS at this time, the voltage at the sampling terminal CS will exceed the rated operating voltage of the microcontroller 40, resulting in inaccurate detection results from the microcontroller 40. However, the second sampled current Ics2 obtained by sampling the output current Iout by the second current sampling unit 204 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref. Therefore, when the first sampled current Ics1 is greater than the reference current Iref, the current processing unit 203 can output the second sampled current Ics2 to the sampling terminal CS. The sampled voltage at the sampling terminal CS does not exceed the rated operating voltage of the microcontroller 40, thereby resolving the problem of potentially erroneous detection results from the microcontroller 40 when the output current Iout of the power switch K1 is large.

[0095] As another example, when the output current Iout of the power switch K1 is relatively small, the first sampling current Ics1 obtained by sampling the output current Iout using the first current sampling unit 202 is not large. For example, the first sampling current Ics1 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref. In this case, the second sampling current Ics2 obtained by sampling the output current Iout using the second current sampling unit 204 is even smaller. If the second sampling current Ics2 is output to the sampling terminal CS, the second sampling voltage at the sampling terminal CS will be very small, which may cause the microcontroller 40 to be unable to detect the current. Therefore, when the first sampling current Ics1 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref, the current processing unit 203 outputs the first sampling current Ics1 to the sampling terminal CS. At this time, the voltage at the sampling terminal CS will neither exceed the rated operating voltage of the microcontroller 40 nor cause the microcontroller 40 to be unable to detect the current due to the relatively small output current Iout of the power switch K1.

[0096] It is understood that, in practical applications, the embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of current sampling units provided in the intelligent electronic switch 20 (i.e., the control circuit 200 of the present application), and the number can be set according to actual needs. For example, in other embodiments, the number of current sampling units can be three or more, and accordingly, the reference current can also be set to two or more levels. For example, when the number of current sampling units is three, the reference current has two levels; when the number of current sampling units is four, the reference current has three levels, and so on.

[0097] Accordingly, in Figure 4 Based on the embodiment shown, the current processing unit 203 has Figure 3The current processing unit 203 shown has different composition structures. For example, Figure 5A and Figure 5B yes Figure 4 The following are two schematic diagrams of the structure of the current processing unit in the embodiment shown. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, in this embodiment, the current processing unit 203 includes a comparison unit CP and a selection unit 2033 .

[0098] As a possible implementation, refer to Figure 5A As shown, a first input terminal of the comparison unit CP is connected to the output terminal of the first current sampling unit 202, a second input terminal of the comparison unit CP is used to access the reference current Iref, and an output terminal of the comparison unit CP is respectively connected to the selection unit 2033 and the feedback terminal FB. The selection unit 2033 is further respectively connected to the output terminal of the first current sampling unit 202, the output terminal of the second current sampling unit 204, and the sampling terminal CS.

[0099] In this possible implementation, the comparison unit CP is configured to compare the first sampling current Ics1 with the reference current Iref, outputting a first-level signal when the first sampling current Ics1 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref, and outputting a second-level signal when the first sampling current Ics1 is greater than the reference current Iref. Accordingly, the selection unit 2033 is configured to, upon receiving the first-level signal, select the larger current from the first sampling current Ics1 and the second sampling current Ics2 and output it to the sampling terminal CS. Accordingly, the first indication signal received by the feedback terminal FB is a first-level signal. The selection unit 2033 is further configured to, upon receiving the second-level signal, select the smaller current from the first sampling current Ics1 and the second sampling current Ics2 and output it to the sampling terminal CS. Accordingly, the second indication signal received by the feedback terminal FB is a second-level signal.

[0100] As an example, when the first sampling current Ics1 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref, the comparison unit CP outputs a first level signal. On the one hand, the first level signal is output to the feedback terminal FB as a first indication signal. On the other hand, the first level signal serves as a first function enable signal of the selection unit 2033. When the selection unit 2033 receives the first level signal, the first function of the selection unit 2033 is enabled, that is, the selection unit 2033 functions as a maximum value selector. At this time, the selection unit 2033 selects the larger first sampling current Ics1 from the received first sampling current Ics1 and the second sampling current Ics2 and outputs it to the sampling terminal CS. At this time, the first indication signal is used to indicate that the current sampling ratio of the intelligent electronic switch 20 is the first sampling ratio (the sampling ratio of the first current sampling unit 202).

[0101] As another example, when the first sampling current Ics1 is greater than the reference current Iref, the comparison unit CP outputs a second level signal. On the one hand, the second level signal is output to the feedback terminal FB as a second indication signal. On the other hand, the second level signal serves as a second function enable signal of the selection unit 2033. When the selection unit 2033 receives the second level signal, the second function of the selection unit 2033 is enabled, that is, the selection unit 2033 can be used as a minimum selector. At this time, the selection unit 2033 selects the smaller second sampling current Ics2 from the received first sampling current Ics1 and the second sampling current Ics2, and outputs it to the sampling terminal CS. At this time, the second indication signal is used to indicate that the current sampling ratio of the intelligent electronic switch 20 is the second sampling ratio (the sampling ratio of the second current sampling unit 204).

[0102] As a possible implementation, refer to Figure 5B As shown, a first input terminal of the comparison unit CP is connected to the output terminal of the first current sampling unit 202, a second input terminal of the comparison unit CP is used to access the reference current Iref, and an output terminal of the comparison unit CP is respectively connected to the selection unit 2033, the feedback terminal FB, and the enable terminal of the second current sampling unit 204. The selection unit 2033 is also respectively connected to the output terminal of the first current sampling unit 202, the output terminal of the second current sampling unit 204, and the sampling terminal CS.

[0103] and Figure 5A Similar to the example in FIG, in this possible implementation, the comparison unit CP is used to compare the first sampling current Ics1 with the reference current Iref, output a first level signal when the first sampling current Ics1 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref, and output a second level signal when the first sampling current Ics1 is greater than the reference current Iref. Figure 5A The difference between the scheme and the embodiment is that, in this possible implementation, the second current sampling unit 204 does not work when receiving the first level signal, but is enabled (starts working) when receiving the second level signal to collect the output current of the power switch and output the second sampling current Ics2. Accordingly, the selection unit 2033 is configured to output the received first sampling current Ics1 to the sampling terminal CS when receiving the first level signal. In this case, the first indication signal received by the feedback terminal FB is the first level signal. The selection unit 2033 is further configured to output the received second sampling current Ics2 to the sampling terminal CS when receiving the second level signal. In this case, the second indication signal received by the feedback terminal FB is the second level signal.

[0104] As an example, when the first sampling current Ics1 is less than or equal to the reference current Iref, the comparison unit CP outputs a first-level signal. This first-level signal is output to the feedback terminal FB as a first indication signal. Furthermore, this first-level signal can serve as an indication signal for the selection unit 2033 to output the received first sampling current Ics1 to the sampling terminal CS. As another example, when the first sampling current Ics1 is greater than the reference current Iref, the comparison unit CP outputs a second-level signal. This second-level signal is output to the feedback terminal FB as a second indication signal. Furthermore, this second-level signal serves as an enable signal for the second current sampling unit 204, enabling the second current sampling unit 204 to start operating. Furthermore, this second-level signal can serve as an indication signal for the selection unit 2033 to output the received second sampling current Ics2 to the sampling terminal CS.

[0105] It can be understood that this embodiment ( Figure 5A and Figure 5B The working principle of the comparison unit CP in ) is similar to Figure 3 The working principle of the comparison unit CP in is similar. For the specific implementation, please refer to Figure 3 The second sampling current Ics2 in this embodiment can be the same as the above Figure 3 The second sampling currents Ics2 in the illustrated embodiment are the same or may be different, which is not limited in this application.

[0106] In an embodiment of the present application, the intelligent electronic switch collects the output current of the power switch through two current sampling units with different sampling ratios and correspondingly outputs a first sampling current and a second sampling current. The first sampling current is compared with a reference current through a comparison unit, and a first indication signal or a second indication signal is output based on the comparison result of the comparison unit, and an appropriate sampling current is selected from the first sampling current and the second sampling current to be output to the sampling end. This not only solves the problem that the sampling voltage of the sampling end exceeds the rated operating voltage of the microcontroller when the output current of the power switch is large, but also avoids the problem that the microcontroller cannot detect when the output current of the power switch is small, thereby improving the current detection accuracy.

[0107] It is understandable that other parts not detailed in the above embodiments can be found in the records of other embodiments of the present application and will not be described in detail here.

[0108] In this application, Figures 1A to 5B The description is all based on the example of having a feedback end. However, in actual applications, whether the intelligent electronic switch has a feedback end and whether it is necessary to send an indication signal through the feedback end can be determined according to actual conditions. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0109] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, the present application also provides a current detection device, referring to Figures 1A to 5B As shown in the structural diagram, the current detection device may include the above Figures 1A to 5B An intelligent electronic switch 20 and a microcontroller 40 are shown.

[0110] Refer to the above Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the microcontroller 40 is connected to the sampling terminal CS of the intelligent electronic switch 20. The microcontroller 40 is used to determine the output current Iout of the power switch K1 in the intelligent electronic switch 20 based on the indication signal received from the intelligent electronic switch 20 and the signal collected from the sampling terminal CS. This can accurately monitor the real-time power consumption of the load 30, laying the foundation for precise control of the intelligent electronic switch 20.

[0111] In this embodiment, the microcontroller 40 may be pre-set with a correspondence between the indication signal and the sampling current Ics. Thus, after the microcontroller 40 obtains the indication signal, it may determine a current processing scheme for the signal collected from the sampling terminal CS based on the received indication signal, so as to accurately measure the output current Iout of the power switch K1.

[0112] For example, continue to refer to the above Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the current detection device further includes a detection resistor Rsen. A first end of the detection resistor Rsen is connected to the microcontroller 40 and the sampling terminal CS, and a second end thereof is grounded. The detection resistor Rsen is used to determine the sampling accuracy of the microcontroller 40.

[0113] Typically, the microcontroller 40 can detect the sampled voltage at the sampling terminal CS via a sense resistor Rsen connected to the sampling terminal CS, thereby inversely determining the output current Iout of the power switch K1. In this embodiment, the resistance value of the sense resistor Rsen is preset in the microcontroller 40. Thus, after collecting the voltage signal at the sampling terminal CS, the microcontroller 40 can calculate the sampled current at the sampling terminal CS according to Ohm's law, and then determine a current processing solution for the sampled current based on the received indication signal.

[0114] Optional, see above Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the microcontroller 40 is also connected to the feedback terminal FB of the intelligent electronic switch 20 . At this time, the microcontroller 40 can receive an indication signal from the feedback terminal FB.

[0115] In one embodiment of the present application, when the microcontroller 40 receives the first indication signal from the feedback terminal FB, the microcontroller 40 determines the first sampling current Ics1 according to the sampling signal collected from the sampling terminal CS, and determines the output current Iout of the power switch K1 according to the first sampling current Ics1.

[0116] In another embodiment of the present application, when the microcontroller 40 receives the second indication signal from the feedback terminal FB, the microcontroller 40 determines the second sampling current Ics2 according to the sampling signal collected from the sampling terminal CS, and determines the output current Iout of the power switch K1 according to the second sampling current Ics2.

[0117] In one possible design, the microcontroller 40 includes a built-in first sampling ratio and preset current calculation logic (which functions oppositely to the calculation unit 2032 in the intelligent electronic switch 20). The first sampling ratio corresponds to the first indication signal, and the preset current calculation logic and the first sampling ratio both correspond to the second indication signal. Therefore, when the microcontroller 40 receives the first indication signal, the current at the sampling terminal CS is the first sampling current Ics1. The microcontroller 40 can calculate the output current Iout of the power switch K1 based on the first sampling ratio and the first sampling current Ics1. For example, if the first sampling ratio is 5000 and the first sampling current Ics1 is 0.8 mA, the microcontroller 40 can calculate that the output current Iout of the power switch K1 is 4 A (0.8 mA × 5000). When the microcontroller 40 receives the second indication signal, the current at the sampling terminal CS is the second sampling current Ics2. Therefore, the microcontroller 40 first processes the second sampling current Ics2 according to the preset current calculation logic to obtain the first sampling current Ics1. Then, the microcontroller 40 determines the output current Iout of the power switch K1 based on the first sampling current Ics1 and the first sampling ratio. For example, if the first sampling ratio is 5000, the second sampling current Ics2 is 0.8 mA, the preset current calculation logic is addition, and the preset reference current Iref is 1 mA, the microcontroller 40 first adds the second sampling current Ics2 (0.8 mA) and the reference current Iref (1 mA) to obtain the first sampling current Ics1 equal to 1.8 mA (1 mA + 0.8 mA). Then, based on the first sampling ratio and the first sampling current Ics1, the microcontroller 40 calculates the output current Iout of the power switch K1 equal to 9 A (1.8 mA × 5000).

[0118] In another possible design, the microcontroller 40 is pre-set with a first sampling ratio and a second sampling ratio, with the first sampling ratio corresponding to the first indication signal and the second sampling ratio corresponding to the second indication signal. Thus, when the microcontroller 40 receives the first indication signal, the current at the sampling terminal CS is the first sampling current Ics1, and the microcontroller 40 can calculate the output current Iout of the power switch K1 based on the first sampling ratio and the first sampling current Ics1. For example, if the first sampling ratio is 5000 and the first sampling current Ics1 is 0.8 mA, the microcontroller 40 can calculate that the output current Iout of the power switch K1 is 4 A (0.8 mA × 5000). When the microcontroller 40 receives the second indication signal, the current at the sampling terminal CS is the second sampling current Ics2, and the microcontroller 40 can calculate the output current Iout of the power switch K1 based on the second sampling ratio and the second sampling current Ics2. For example, the second sampling ratio is 10000, and the second sampling current Ics2 is 0.8 mA. At this time, the microcontroller 40 can calculate that the output current Iout of the power switch K1 is equal to 8 A (0.8 mA×10000).

[0119] It is understandable that when the indication signal of the feedback terminal FB is the second indication signal, the microcontroller 40 can calculate the accurate output current Iout of the power switch K1 according to the corresponding current processing scheme, as long as the microcontroller 40 and the intelligent electronic switch 20 have a good agreement, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0120] It is understandable that for other parts not described in detail in the above-mentioned current detection device embodiment, reference can be made to the contents described in the above-mentioned embodiments of the intelligent electronic switch 20, and no further description is given here.

[0121] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, an embodiment of the present application further provides an integrated circuit chip, comprising the intelligent electronic switch 20 described in the above embodiments. That is, the intelligent electronic switch 20 described above can be fabricated on the same semiconductor substrate. The power supply terminal VCC is a power supply pin, the power ground terminal GND is a power ground pin, the load output terminal OUT is a load output pin, and the sampling terminal CS is a sampling pin.

[0122] Optionally, other embodiments of the present application further provide a chip product, which may include the above-mentioned intelligent electronic switch 20, wherein components of the intelligent electronic switch 20 other than the power switch K1 and some components of the control circuit 200 are located on a first integrated circuit chip, and the power switch K1 and some components of the control circuit 200 are located on a second integrated circuit chip. That is, the first integrated circuit chip is fabricated on one semiconductor substrate, and the second integrated circuit chip is fabricated on another semiconductor substrate.

[0123] The power supply terminal VCC is a power supply pin, the power ground terminal GND is a power ground pin, the load output terminal OUT is a load output pin, and the sampling terminal CS is a sampling pin. The power supply pin, the power ground pin, and the sampling pin are all located on the first integrated circuit chip, and the load output pin is located on the second integrated circuit chip. It is understood that the first integrated circuit chip and the second integrated circuit chip may further include additional pins, omit relevant pins, or combine relevant pins as needed. Here, the first integrated circuit chip and the second integrated circuit chip are packaged into a single product.

[0124] In addition, in other embodiments of the present application, a car is also provided. The car can be an electric car, such as an electric passenger car or an electric commercial vehicle, or a hybrid car, a fuel car, or a car. The car can include the above-mentioned Figures 1A to 5B The vehicle may further include the intelligent electronic switch 20, the integrated circuit chip, the chip product, or the current detection device described above. Furthermore, the vehicle may include a battery 10 and a load 30. The positive electrode of the battery 10 is connected to the power supply terminal VCC, and the negative electrode of the battery 10 is connected to the power ground terminal GND. One end of the load 30 is connected to the load output terminal OUT, and the other end of the load 30 is connected to the power ground terminal GND or the power supply terminal VCC.

[0125] The battery 10 is typically a storage battery that provides a voltage of 12V, 24V, 48V, or the like, but may also be other types of batteries. The load 30 includes at least one of a resistive load, an inductive load, and a capacitive load. Resistive loads include, for example, seat adjustment devices, auxiliary heating devices, window heating devices, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), rear lighting, or other resistive loads. Inductive loads include, for example, pumps, actuators, motors, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic braking systems (EBS), fans, or other systems including inductive loads for one or more wiper systems. Capacitive loads include, for example, lighting elements, such as xenon arc lamps.

[0126] It is understandable that the intelligent electronic switch, current detection device, and integrated circuit chip of this embodiment are not limited to use in automotive electronics, but can also be used in industrial automation, aerospace and other fields, which will not be described in detail here.

[0127] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present application after considering the specification and practicing the application disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present application that follow the general principles of the present application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the present application are indicated by the following claims.

[0128] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the exact structure described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An intelligent electronic switch, characterized in that: It includes a power supply terminal, a power ground terminal, a load output terminal, a sampling terminal, a power switch and a control circuit; The power supply end and the power ground end are used to be connected to a battery, the power switch is used to be connected in series with a load, a first end thereof is connected to the power supply end or the power ground end, a second end thereof is connected to the load output end, and a control end thereof is connected to the control circuit, and the control circuit is used to control the power switch to be turned on or off; The control circuit is also connected to the sampling end, and the sampling end is also used to connect to the microcontroller. The control circuit is used to collect the output current of the power switch and obtain a first sampling current, the first sampling current is used to characterize the current flowing through the power switch, and the first sampling current is compared with a reference current. When the first sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current, a first indication signal is output to the microcontroller and the first sampling current is output through the sampling end. When the first sampling current is greater than the reference current, a second indication signal is output to the microcontroller and a second sampling current is output through the sampling end. The second indication signal is different from the first indication signal, and the second sampling current is less than the first sampling current and is related to the first sampling current, so that the microcontroller determines the output current of the power switch according to the obtained indication signal and the signal collected from the sampling end.

2. The intelligent electronic switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent electronic switch also includes a feedback terminal; the feedback terminal is used to connect with the control circuit and the microcontroller; When the first sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current, the control circuit outputs a first indication signal to the microcontroller through the feedback end; when the first sampling current is greater than the reference current, the control circuit outputs a second indication signal to the microcontroller through the feedback end.

3. The intelligent electronic switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control circuit includes a driving unit, a first current sampling unit and a current processing unit; The driving unit is used to be connected to the microcontroller and the control end of the power switch, the first current sampling unit is connected to the power switch and the current processing unit, and the current processing unit is also connected to the sampling end and the feedback end; The driving unit is used to control the power switch to turn on or off according to the switch control signal of the microcontroller; the first current sampling unit is used to collect the output current of the power switch and output the first sampling current; the current processing unit is used to compare the received first sampling current with the reference current, and when the first sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current, the first sampling current is output to the sampling end and a first indication signal is output to the feedback end; when the first sampling current is greater than the reference current, the first sampling current is processed to obtain a second sampling current and the second sampling current is output to the sampling end and a second indication signal is output to the feedback end.

4. The intelligent electronic switch according to claim 3, characterized in that: The current processing unit includes a comparison unit, a first logic unit and an operation unit; The first input terminal of the comparison unit, the input terminal of the first logic unit and the input terminal of the operation unit are all connected to the output terminal of the first current sampling unit, the output terminal of the comparison unit is respectively connected to the enable terminal of the first logic unit, the enable terminal of the operation unit and the feedback terminal, and the output terminal of the first logic unit and the output terminal of the operation unit are both connected to the sampling terminal; The comparison unit is used to compare the first sampling current with the reference current, output a first level signal when the first sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current, and output a second level signal when the first sampling current is greater than the reference current; The first logic unit is enabled when receiving the first level signal, and outputs the received first sampling current to the sampling end, the operation unit is enabled when receiving the second level signal, and the operation unit performs a preset operation on the received first sampling current in an enabled state to obtain the second sampling current and output it to the sampling end; wherein the first indication signal includes the first level signal, the second indication signal includes the second level signal, when the first sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current, the sampling end outputs the first sampling current, and when the first sampling current is greater than the reference current, the sampling end outputs the second sampling current; In which, the operation unit is a division unit, a preset value greater than 1 is stored in the division unit, and the second sampling current is equal to the value of the first sampling current divided by the preset value; or, the operation unit is a subtraction unit, and the subtraction unit is also used to connect to the reference current, and the second sampling current is equal to the value of the first sampling current minus the reference current.

5. The intelligent electronic switch according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control circuit further includes a second current sampling unit, which is connected to the power switch and the current processing unit respectively; The second current sampling unit is used to collect the output current of the power switch and output a second sampling current, the second sampling ratio of the second current sampling unit is greater than the first sampling ratio of the first current sampling unit, and the maximum value of the second sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current; The current processing unit is used to compare the received first sampling current with the reference current, and when the first sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current, output the first sampling current to the sampling end and output a first indication signal to the feedback end; when the first sampling current is greater than the reference current, output the second sampling current to the sampling end and output a second indication signal to the feedback end.

6. The intelligent electronic switch according to claim 5, characterized in that: The current processing unit includes a comparison unit and a selection unit; The first input end of the comparison unit is connected to the output end of the first current sampling unit, the second input end of the comparison unit is used to access the reference current, the output end of the comparison unit is respectively connected to the selection unit and the feedback end, and the selection unit is also respectively connected to the output end of the first current sampling unit, the output end of the second current sampling unit, and the sampling end; the comparison unit is used to compare the first sampling current with the reference current, output a first level signal when the first sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current, and output a second level signal when the first sampling current is greater than the reference current; The selection unit is used to select a larger current from the first sampling current and the second sampling current to output to the sampling end when receiving the first level signal, and select a smaller current from the first sampling current and the second sampling current to output to the sampling end when receiving the second level signal. Correspondingly, the first indication signal is the first level signal, and the second indication signal is the second level signal; or The first input end of the comparison unit is connected to the output end of the first current sampling unit, the second input end of the comparison unit is used to access the reference current, the output end of the comparison unit is respectively connected to the selection unit, the feedback end and the enable end of the second current sampling unit, and the selection unit is also respectively connected to the output end of the first current sampling unit, the output end of the second current sampling unit and the sampling end; the comparison unit is used to compare the first sampling current with the reference current, output a first level signal when the first sampling current is less than or equal to the reference current, and output a second level signal when the first sampling current is greater than the reference current; The second current sampling unit is enabled upon receiving the second level signal to collect the output current of the power switch and output the second sampling current. The selection unit is used to output the received first sampling current to the sampling end upon receiving the first level signal, and output the received second sampling current to the sampling end upon receiving the second level signal. Correspondingly, the first indication signal is the first level signal, and the second indication signal is the second level signal.

7. The intelligent electronic switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The reference current is related to the sampling capability of the microcontroller, and the current output by the control circuit to the sampling end is within the rated sampling range of the microcontroller.

8. A current detection device, characterized in that: The intelligent electronic switch and microcontroller comprising the above claims 1 to 7; The microcontroller is connected to the sampling end of the intelligent electronic switch, and is used to determine the output current of the power switch in the intelligent electronic switch according to the indication signal received from the intelligent electronic switch and the signal collected from the sampling end.

9. The current detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The microcontroller is also connected to a feedback end of the intelligent electronic switch, and the microcontroller receives the indication signal from the feedback end.

10. The current detection device according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the microcontroller receives the first indication signal from the feedback end, the microcontroller determines a first sampling current according to the sampling signal collected from the sampling end, and determines the output current of the power switch according to the first sampling current; When the microcontroller receives the second indication signal from the feedback end, the microcontroller determines a second sampling current according to the sampling signal collected from the sampling end, and determines the output current of the power switch according to the second sampling current.

11. An integrated circuit chip, characterized in that: The intelligent electronic switch comprises the intelligent electronic switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the power supply terminal is a power supply pin, the power ground terminal is a power ground pin, the load output terminal is a load output pin, and the sampling terminal is a sampling pin.

12. A chip product, characterized in that: The intelligent electronic switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the components of the intelligent electronic switch except the power switch and some components of the control circuit are located on a first integrated circuit chip, and the power switch and some components of the control circuit are located on a second integrated circuit chip; Among them, the power supply end is a power supply pin, the power ground end is a power ground pin, the load output end is a load output pin, and the sampling end is a sampling pin. The power supply pin, the power ground pin and the sampling pin are all located on a first integrated circuit chip, and the load output pin is located on a second integrated circuit chip.

13. A car, characterized in that: Comprising the intelligent electronic switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or the integrated circuit chip according to claim 11, or the chip product according to claim 12, or the current detection device according to any one of claims 8 to 10; It also includes a battery and a load, wherein the positive electrode of the battery is connected to the power supply end, the negative electrode of the battery is connected to the power ground end, one end of the load is connected to the load output end, and the other end of the load is connected to the power ground end or the power supply end.

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