Electronic fuse circuit and control method thereof, vehicle and electric device

Abstract

The invention discloses an electronic fuse circuit and a control method thereof, a vehicle and an electric device. The electronic fuse circuit comprises a current transmission path with a controllable switch, a detection circuit and a control circuit, the current transmission path is used for connecting a load to a power supply node, and the controllable switch is used for connecting or disconnecting the current transmission path according to a driving signal; the detection circuit is used for detecting electrical parameters of the current transmission path and outputting corresponding sensing signals; the control circuit is used for outputting a driving signal for turning off the controllable switch under the condition that any one sensing signal reaches or exceeds a preset parameter; wherein the electrical parameters of the current transmission path comprise electrical parameters provided by the power supply node to the load and working parameters of the controllable switch. And when any one of the parameters exceeds the expectation, the current transmission path is disconnected, so that the electronic fuse circuit realizes multi-parameter protection, and the function is not single any more.

Description

Electronic fuse circuit and control method thereof, vehicle and electrical device Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of circuits, and in particular to an electronic fuse circuit and a control method thereof, a vehicle, and an electrical device. Background Art

[0002] The operating principle of an electronic fuse (eFuse) is as follows: the load current passes through the eFuse field-effect transistor (FET) and a sense resistor. When the current through the sense resistor exceeds a preset value, the control logic disconnects the FET, cutting off the current path. The FET is connected in series with the power line and the load. It has a very low on-resistance, so it does not cause excessive current drop or power loss. However, eFuse only provides overcurrent protection, limiting its protection capabilities.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present application provides an electronic fuse circuit and a control method thereof, a vehicle and an electrical device, which can solve the problem of single function of conventional electronic fuses.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides an electronic fuse circuit, comprising:

[0006] A current transmission path having a controllable switch, for connecting a load to a power node, wherein the controllable switch is used to turn the current transmission path on or off according to a drive signal;

[0007] a detection circuit, coupled to the current transmission path, configured to detect an electrical parameter of the current transmission path and output a corresponding sensing signal; and

[0008] a control circuit connected to the detection circuit and the controllable switch, and configured to output a drive signal for turning off the controllable switch when any of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a preset parameter;

[0009] The electrical parameters of the current transmission path include electrical parameters provided by the power supply node to the load and operating parameters of the controllable switch.

[0010] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the electronic fuse circuit is provided with a current transmission path for transmitting current from a power supply node to a load. The detection circuit detects the electrical parameters on the current transmission path and the operating parameters of a controllable switch provided on the current transmission path. When any one of these parameters exceeds expectations, the control circuit generates a drive signal to disconnect the current transmission path and controls the controllable switch to disconnect the current transmission path. Due to the addition of the detection of the operating parameters of the controllable switch and the ability to turn off the controllable switch triggered by the operating parameters of the controllable switch, the electronic fuse circuit achieves multi-parameter protection and its function is no longer single.

[0011] In some embodiments, the operating parameters of the controllable switch include the operating temperature of the controllable switch, and the detection circuit includes a temperature sensing device provided on the controllable switch, wherein the temperature sensing device is used to detect the operating temperature of the controllable switch and output a switch temperature sensing signal.

[0012] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the operating temperature of the controllable switch can be detected by a temperature sensing device. The temperature sensing device, for example, uses a thermistor or other temperature sensing device to perform temperature detection of the controllable switch, which can reflect the working status of the controllable switch, thereby providing the prerequisite for temperature protection.

[0013] In some embodiments, the control circuit is connected to the temperature sensing device, and the control circuit is configured to output a drive signal to turn off the controllable switch when the switch temperature sensing signal reaches or exceeds a reference temperature.

[0014] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the operating temperature of the controllable switch is detected, and the over-temperature protection function of the electronic fuse circuit is realized when the operating temperature reaches or exceeds the reference temperature.

[0015] In some embodiments, the controllable switch comprises a field effect transistor.

[0016] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, an implementation of a controllable switch is provided.

[0017] In some embodiments, the operating parameters of the controllable switch include the voltage between the drain and source of the field effect transistor, and the detection circuit includes a first voltage detection circuit, which is used to detect the voltage between the drain and source of the field effect transistor and output a switch voltage sensing signal.

[0018] In the technical solution of the application embodiment, the voltage between the drain and source of the field effect transistor (ie, the drain-source voltage) as a controllable switch can be detected to provide a basis for the working state of the field effect transistor.

[0019] In some embodiments, the control circuit is connected to the first voltage detection circuit, and the control circuit is configured to output a drive signal to turn off the controllable switch when the switch voltage sensing signal reaches or exceeds a reference voltage.

[0020] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, by detecting the drain-source voltage of the controllable switch, when the drain-source voltage reaches or exceeds the reference voltage, the protection function of the electronic fuse circuit switch against abnormal main switch state is achieved.

[0021] In some embodiments, the electrical parameters provided by the power supply node to the load include a load current provided by the power supply node to the load, and the detection circuit includes a current detection circuit coupled to the current transmission path, and the current detection circuit is used to detect the load current and output a load current sensing signal.

[0022] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, a current detection circuit can detect the current provided to the load through the electronic fuse circuit to provide a basis for overcurrent protection.

[0023] In some embodiments, the control circuit is connected to the current detection circuit, and the control circuit is configured to output a drive signal to turn off the controllable switch when the load current sensing signal reaches or exceeds a current threshold.

[0024] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, when the load current reaches or exceeds the current threshold, a shutdown drive signal is output, thereby realizing the overcurrent protection function.

[0025] In some embodiments, the electrical parameters provided by the power supply node to the load include a load voltage provided by the power supply node to the load; the detection circuit includes a second voltage detection circuit coupled to the current transmission path, and the second voltage detection circuit is used to detect the load voltage and output a load voltage sensing signal.

[0026] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the second voltage detection circuit can detect the voltage provided to the load through the electronic fuse circuit to provide a basis for overvoltage or undervoltage protection.

[0027] In some embodiments, the control circuit is connected to the second voltage detection circuit, and the control circuit is used to output a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch when the load voltage sensing signal exceeds a preset voltage range.

[0028] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, overvoltage and undervoltage protection functions are realized.

[0029] In some embodiments, the detection circuit includes an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the sensing signal in the form of an analog signal into the sensing signal in the form of a digital signal.

[0030] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the analog signal sensing signal is converted into a digital signal through an analog-to-digital converter, so that the control circuit, for example, when an integrated circuit is used, can receive and process these parameters. It is understood that the analog-to-digital converter can be integrated into the integrated circuit or can be independent of the integrated circuit.

[0031] In some embodiments, the control circuit further comprises:

[0032] a controller configured to receive the sensing signals, output a shutdown control signal when any one of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a corresponding preset parameter, and output a conduction control signal when all the sensing signals do not reach the corresponding preset parameter; and

[0033] The latch is connected to the controller and the controllable switch, and is configured to output a driving signal for turning on the controllable switch according to the on-control signal, and is also configured to output a driving signal for turning off the controllable switch according to the off-control signal.

[0034] In the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, a controller and a latch perform logical operations based on the various sensing signals obtained by detecting the electrical parameters of the current transmission path and the operating parameters of the controllable switch. The resulting control drive signal is then output to control the controllable switch. When any of these parameters exceeds expectations, the controllable switch is driven to disconnect the current transmission path, thereby achieving a multi-parameter protection function. In addition, when the latch is in the latched state, only the components between the latch and the controllable switch in the entire electronic fuse circuit require power. Other components can be powered off or operate in a low-power standby state, thereby reducing overall power consumption.

[0035] In some embodiments, the control circuit further comprises:

[0036] a comparator, connected to the detection circuit, configured to compare a sensing signal corresponding to an electrical parameter provided by the power supply node to the load with an electrical parameter threshold, and output a shutdown control signal if the sensing signal reaches or exceeds the electrical parameter threshold, and output a conduction control signal if the sensing signal does not reach the electrical parameter threshold;

[0037] The latch is connected to the comparator and the controllable switch, and is configured to output a driving signal for turning on the controllable switch according to the on-control signal, and is also configured to output a driving signal for turning off the controllable switch according to the off-control signal.

[0038] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, a comparator is also provided on the branch that detects the electrical parameters provided by the power supply node to the load. When the supplied electrical parameters exceed expectations, a shutdown control signal is generated, causing the latch to output a drive signal that causes the controllable switch to disconnect the current transmission path. This increases the redundancy of the electronic fuse circuit's protection against electrical parameters that do not meet expectations, thereby improving the reliability of the system. In addition, when the latch is operating in the latched state, only the components between the latch and the controllable switch in the entire electronic fuse circuit need to be powered. Other components can be powered off or operate in a low-power standby state, thereby reducing overall power consumption. Moreover, when neither the electrical parameters on the current transmission path nor the operating parameters of the controllable switch exceed expectations, the controllable switch is driven to conduct the current transmission path, thereby realizing load power supply.

[0039] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to output an enable signal when any one of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a corresponding preset parameter, and output a disable signal when all the sensing signals do not reach the corresponding preset parameter;

[0040] The latch is further configured to operate in an output synchronization state according to the enable signal, and to operate in a latching state according to the disable signal.

[0041] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, by configuring the controller to implement control logic according to the detected sensing signal, multi-parameter monitoring of the electronic fuse circuit is achieved, so that the electronic fuse circuit operates in a correct state.

[0042] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to attempt a preset power restoration operation, wherein the power restoration operation is as follows: when the latch operates in a latched state of outputting a drive signal that turns off the controllable switch, and when the input end receives the conduction control signal, after a preset time, the enable signal is output, so that the latch operates in an output synchronization state according to the enable signal and outputs a drive signal that turns on the controllable switch according to the conduction control signal.

[0043] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, an attempt can be made to restore power to the load. If power supply abnormality still occurs, the operation is stopped to avoid damaging the circuit or the load.

[0044] In some embodiments, the current detection circuit includes:

[0045] a shunt connected in series with the controllable switch;

[0046] The amplifier is coupled to the shunt and is used to amplify the voltage difference between the two ends of the shunt to output the load current sensing signal.

[0047] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, a method for detecting load current using a shunt and an amplifier is provided, and the current detection method is simple and reliable.

[0048] In some embodiments, the controllable switch includes one or more NMOS transistors connected in parallel.

[0049] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, multiple NMOS tubes connected in parallel are used to realize switch control, which can realize power supply for large current loads.

[0050] In some embodiments, the control circuit further includes: a driving module connected to the output terminal of the latch and the gate of the NMOS tube, configured to drive the NMOS tube to turn on according to the driving signal that turns on the controllable switch, and configured to drive the NMOS tube to turn off according to the driving signal that turns off the controllable switch.

[0051] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the driving module is used to provide a stable bias voltage to the NMOS tube, which can enable the NMOS tube to work stably and improve the reliability of the electronic fuse circuit.

[0052] In some embodiments, the controllable switch includes a plurality of PMOS transistors connected in parallel, and gates of the PMOS transistors are connected to the output end of the latch.

[0053] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, multiple PMOS tubes connected in parallel are used to realize switch control, which can realize power supply of large current loads. Compared with the method of using NMOS tubes, the driving module can be omitted.

[0054] In some embodiments, the electronic fuse circuit is disposed in an integrated circuit, thereby improving the versatility of the electronic fuse circuit and reducing its manufacturing cost.

[0055] In a second aspect, the present application provides a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes the above-mentioned electronic fuse circuit, and the electronic fuse circuit is arranged on a power supply line in the vehicle.

[0056] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the vehicle adopts the above-mentioned electronic fuse circuit to achieve multi-parameter protection, ensure the vehicle's electrical safety, and improve the reliability and safety of the vehicle.

[0057] In a third aspect, the present application provides an electrical device, which includes the electronic fuse circuit as described above.

[0058] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the electrical device using the above-mentioned electronic fuse circuit can achieve multi-parameter protection, ensure the safety of vehicle power consumption, and improve the reliability and safety of the vehicle.

[0059] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a control method for an electronic fuse circuit, wherein the electronic fuse circuit includes a current transmission path having a controllable switch, the current transmission path is used to connect a load to a power node, and the controllable switch is used to turn the current transmission path on or off according to a drive signal, the control method comprising:

[0060] detecting electrical parameters of the current transmission path to obtain corresponding sensing signals, wherein the electrical parameters of the current transmission path include electrical parameters provided by the power supply node to the load and operating parameters of the controllable switch;

[0061] When any one of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a preset parameter, a driving signal is output to turn off the controllable switch.

[0062] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the electrical parameters on the current transmission path that transmits current from the power node to the load, as well as the operating parameters of the controllable switch arranged on the current transmission path, are detected. When any one of these parameters exceeds expectations, a drive signal is generated to disconnect the current transmission path and control the controllable switch to disconnect the current transmission path. Since the detection of the operating parameters of the controllable switch is added and the controllable switch can be triggered to turn off the controllable switch by the operating parameters of the controllable switch, the electronic fuse circuit realizes multi-parameter protection and its function is no longer single.

[0063] In some embodiments, the operating parameter of the controllable switch includes an operating temperature of the controllable switch, and detecting the electrical parameter of the current transmission path to obtain a corresponding sensing signal includes:

[0064] The operating temperature of the controllable switch is detected to obtain a switch temperature sensing signal.

[0065] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the operating temperature of the controllable switch can be detected by a temperature sensing device, which can reflect the working state of the controllable switch, thereby providing the prerequisite for temperature protection.

[0066] In some embodiments, when any one of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a preset parameter, outputting a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch includes:

[0067] When the switch temperature sensing signal reaches or exceeds a reference temperature, a driving signal is outputted to turn off the controllable switch.

[0068] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the operating temperature of the controllable switch is detected, and the over-temperature protection function of the electronic fuse circuit is realized when the operating temperature reaches or exceeds the reference temperature.

[0069] In some embodiments, the controllable switch includes a field effect transistor, the operating parameter of the controllable switch includes a voltage between a drain and a source of the field effect transistor, and detecting the electrical parameter of the current transmission path to obtain a corresponding sensing signal includes:

[0070] The voltage between the drain and source of the field effect tube is detected to obtain a switch voltage sensing signal.

[0071] In the technical solution of the application embodiment, the voltage between the drain and source of the field effect transistor (ie, the drain-source voltage) as a controllable switch can be detected to provide a basis for the working state of the field effect transistor.

[0072] In some embodiments, when any one of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a preset parameter, outputting a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch includes:

[0073] When the switch voltage sensing signal reaches or exceeds a reference voltage, a driving signal is outputted to turn off the controllable switch.

[0074] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, by detecting the drain-source voltage of the controllable switch, when the drain-source voltage reaches or exceeds the reference voltage, the protection function of the electronic fuse circuit switch against abnormal main switch state is achieved.

[0075] In some embodiments, the electrical parameter provided by the power node to the load includes a load voltage provided by the power node to the load, and detecting the electrical parameter of the current transmission path to obtain a corresponding sensing signal includes:

[0076] The load voltage is detected and a load voltage sensing signal is output.

[0077] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the second voltage detection circuit can detect the voltage provided to the load through the electronic fuse circuit to provide a basis for overvoltage or undervoltage protection.

[0078] In some embodiments, when any one of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a preset parameter, outputting a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch includes:

[0079] When the load voltage sensing signal exceeds a preset voltage range, a driving signal is output to turn off the controllable switch.

[0080] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, overvoltage and undervoltage protection functions are realized.

[0081] In some embodiments, the electrical parameter provided by the power node to the load includes a load current provided by the power node to the load, and detecting the electrical parameter of the current transmission path to obtain a corresponding sensing signal includes:

[0082] The load current is detected and a load current sensing signal is output.

[0083] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, a current detection circuit can detect the current provided to the load through the electronic fuse circuit to provide a basis for overcurrent protection.

[0084] In some embodiments, when any one of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a preset parameter, outputting a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch includes:

[0085] When the load current sensing signal exceeds a current threshold, a driving signal is outputted to turn off the controllable switch.

[0086] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, when the load current reaches or exceeds the current threshold, a shutdown drive signal is output, thereby realizing the overcurrent protection function.

[0087] In some embodiments, when any one of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a preset parameter, outputting a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch includes:

[0088] When any of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a corresponding preset parameter, outputting a shutdown control signal;

[0089] A drive signal for turning off the controllable switch is output according to the turn-off control signal.

[0090] In the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, a controller and latch can be used to perform logical operations based on various sensing signals, and then output a control drive signal related to the result to control a controllable switch. When any of these parameters exceeds the expected value, the controllable switch is driven to disconnect the current transmission path, thereby achieving a multi-parameter protection function. In addition, when the latch is operating in the latched state, only the components between the latch and the controllable switch in the entire electronic fuse circuit require power. Other components can be powered off or operate in a low-power standby state, thereby reducing overall power consumption.

[0091] In some embodiments, the control method further includes:

[0092] When all the sensing signals do not reach the corresponding preset parameters, outputting a conduction control signal;

[0093] A driving signal for turning on the controllable switch is output according to the conduction control signal.

[0094] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, power can be supplied to the load in a safe manner.

[0095] In some embodiments, after outputting the driving signal for turning off the controllable switch according to the shutdown control signal, further attempting a preset power restoration operation, wherein the attempting the preset power restoration operation includes:

[0096] When the conduction control signal is received, after a preset time, a driving signal for turning on the controllable switch is output according to the conduction control signal.

[0097] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, an attempt can be made to restore power to the load. If power supply abnormality still occurs, the operation is stopped to avoid damaging the circuit or the load.

[0098] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0099] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below. The accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be considered as limiting the present application. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to represent the same components. In the drawings:

[0100] FIG1 is a module diagram of an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0101] FIG2 is a principle block diagram of an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0102] FIG3 is a principle block diagram of an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0103] FIG4 is a principle block diagram of an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0104] FIG5 is a principle block diagram of an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0105] FIG6 is a principle block diagram of an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0106] FIG7 is a flow chart of a method for controlling an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0107] FIG8 is a flow chart of a method for controlling an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0108] FIG9 is a flow chart of a method for controlling an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0109] The reference numerals in the specific implementation manner are as follows: current transmission path 120, detection circuit 130, control circuit 140; load 200, power supply node 300, main control chip 400; drain-source voltage Vds, temperature sensor R, NMOS transistors M1~Mn, PMOS transistors Q1~Qn; conductor 122, controllable switch 121, shunt 131, amplifier 132, voltage detection circuit 133; controller 141, latch 142, comparator 143, logic communication module 144. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0110] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0111] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0112] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is more than two, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0113] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0114] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0115] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "multiple" refers to more than two (including two). Similarly, "multiple groups" refers to more than two groups (including two groups), and "multiple pieces" refers to more than two pieces (including two pieces).

[0116] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0117] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, technical terms such as "installed," "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; internal connections between two components or interactions between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application based on specific circumstances.

[0118] Currently, with changes in demand and technology, overcurrent protection devices (such as fuses) have evolved into some special products based on traditional one-time overcurrent protection devices, such as electronic fuses (eFuse).

[0119] Generally speaking, an eFuse is an integrated circuit that can replace large conventional fuses or other protective devices, such as resettable polymer fuses. They use a small plastic package to integrate the control circuit and a low on-resistance power switch, connecting the input port and the load. Unlike traditional circuit protection, eFuse provides faster and more accurate intervention and does not need to be replaced after activation. Typical applications of eFuse are energy storage devices, vehicles, HDD (Hard Disk Drive, mechanical hard disk) / SSD (Solid State Drives, solid state drives) arrays and servers, industrial and network hot-swappable boards, and electrical equipment powered by a separate external AC adapter. Vehicles can be fuel vehicles, gas vehicles or new energy vehicles. New energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles or extended-range vehicles.

[0120] However, the eFuses used for power distribution in general cars only have a single function of overcurrent protection; they also have a high failure rate and may need to be replaced due to failure during the life of the car.

[0121] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG1 , which is a block diagram of an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application, the present application provides an electronic fuse circuit including a current transmission path 120 , a detection circuit 130 , and a control circuit 140 .

[0122] The current transmission path 120 has a controllable switch 121, which is used to connect the load 200 to the power supply node 300; the controllable switch 121 is used to turn on or off the current transmission path 120 according to a driving signal; the detection circuit 130 is coupled to the current transmission path 120, and is used to detect the electrical parameters of the current transmission path 120 and output a corresponding sensing signal; the control circuit 140 is connected to the detection circuit 130 and the controllable switch 121, and is used to output a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch 121 when any sensing signal reaches or exceeds a preset parameter; wherein the electrical parameters of the current transmission path include the electrical parameters provided by the power supply node 300 to the load 200, and the operating parameters of the controllable switch 121.

[0123] In one example, the current transmission path 120 connects the load 200 to the power node 300 via a conductor 122. The controllable switch 121 is connected in series to the conductor 122, which may be a cable, a metal bar, or the like. The controllable switch 121 may be a conventional semiconductor power switch, a relay, or a contactor. The drive signal output by the control circuit 140 to turn off the controllable switch 121 can be considered an off-drive signal, and the drive signal output by the control circuit 140 to turn on the controllable switch 121 can be considered an on-drive signal. The controllable switch 121 can be turned on by the on-drive signal, or turned on or off by the off-drive signal. The load 200 can be any electrical circuit or device, such as a motor or a compressor. The power node 300 can be an output terminal of a power supply, such as a power battery or an AC power output terminal; or it can be an intermediate node for transmitting power, such as the output of a switching power supply or a drive device.

[0124] Detection circuit 130 is coupled to conductor 122 and is configured to detect electrical parameters provided by power node 300 to load 200. Detection circuit 130 is also coupled to controllable switch 121 and is configured to detect operating parameters of controllable switch 121. Examples of electrical parameters provided by power node 300 to load 200 include voltage, current, and power. Examples of operating parameters of controllable switch 121 include operating temperature, operating voltage, and operating current. Specifically, detection circuit 130 detects the electrical parameters provided by power node 300 to load 200 on current transmission path 120, as well as the operating parameters of controllable switch 121, and outputs corresponding sensing signals. Control circuit 140 then performs calculations based on these sensing signals to generate a drive signal that controls controllable switch 121 to open or close the current transmission path 120. This multi-parameter detection and calculation capability allows the electronic fuse circuit to implement multi-parameter protection, extending its functionality beyond a single function.

[0125] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG. 2 , FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application. The operating parameters of the controllable switch 121 include the operating temperature of the controllable switch 121. The detection circuit 130 includes a temperature sensor R disposed on the controllable switch 121. The temperature sensor R is used to detect the operating temperature of the controllable switch 121 and output a switch temperature sensing signal. That is, the sensing signal includes the switch temperature sensing signal. Detecting the operating temperature of the controllable switch 121 generally reflects the operating status of the controllable switch 121, thereby providing a prerequisite for temperature protection. The temperature sensor R can be disposed anywhere around or on a surface of the controllable switch 121. The temperature sensor R, for example, is a thermistor. The temperature sensor R senses the operating temperature of the controllable switch 121. Alternatively, the temperature sensor R can detect the operating current or real-time resistance of the controllable switch 121 and calculate the operating temperature of the controllable switch 121 based on the relationship between the operating current or real-time resistance of the controllable switch 121 and the operating temperature. It is understandable that the relationship between the operating current or real-time resistance of the controllable switch 121 and the operating temperature is known and preset in the temperature sensing device R or the control circuit 140 .

[0126] According to some embodiments of the present application, the control circuit 140 is connected to the temperature sensing device R, and the control circuit 140 is configured to output a shutdown driving signal when the switch temperature sensing signal reaches or exceeds a reference temperature.

[0127] The reference temperature can be pre-set in the control circuit 140. It is understood that the operating temperature and reference temperature of the controllable switch 121 are represented by voltage or current values ​​in the control circuit 140. By detecting the operating temperature of the controllable switch 121, when the operating temperature reaches or exceeds the reference temperature, a shutdown drive signal is output to disconnect the current transmission path 120. Based on this shutdown drive signal, the control circuit 140 drives the controllable switch 121 to disconnect the current transmission path 120, thereby implementing the overtemperature protection function of the electronic fuse circuit.

[0128] According to some embodiments of the present application, the controllable switch 121 includes a field effect transistor. The controllable switch 12 uses a field effect transistor, which has low power consumption and good reliability.

[0129] According to some embodiments of the present application, the operating parameter of the controllable switch 121 includes the voltage between the drain and source of the field-effect transistor, i.e., the drain-source voltage (Vds), as shown in Figure 2. The detection circuit includes a first voltage detection circuit (not shown), which is configured to detect the voltage between the drain and source of the field-effect transistor and output a switch voltage sensing signal. In other words, the sensing signal includes the switch voltage sensing signal.

[0130] The first voltage detection circuit can be a differential amplifier, with its two input terminals connected to the drain and source of the field-effect transistor, respectively, and its output terminal outputting a switch voltage sensing signal with a proportional gain of the drain-source voltage. The first voltage detection circuit can also be two voltage dividers connected to the drain and source of the field-effect transistor, respectively, and an operational amplifier capable of calculating the voltage difference between the outputs of the two voltage dividers, and the operational amplifier outputting the switch voltage sensing signal.

[0131] The switch voltage sensing signal obtained by the first voltage detection circuit can monitor the working range and power state of the field-effect transistor and prevent breakdown. For example, the drain-source bias voltage can be adjusted, and the field-effect transistor can be adjusted to operate in linear mode or saturation mode. For example, the field-effect transistor can be controlled to operate in linear mode to maintain a relatively stable resistance value, or the field-effect transistor can be controlled to operate in saturation mode to maintain a relatively stable power and prevent breakdown.

[0132] In some embodiments, the control circuit 140 is connected to the first voltage detection circuit, and the control circuit 140 is configured to output a turn-off driving signal when the switch voltage sensing signal reaches or exceeds a reference voltage.

[0133] By detecting the drain-source voltage of controllable switch 121, when the switch voltage sensing signal reaches or exceeds a reference voltage, control circuit 140 outputs a shutdown drive signal that disconnects current transmission path 120, thereby implementing the electronic fuse circuit's main switch state abnormality protection function. For example, when the electronic fuse circuit requires a relatively stable resistance value, the drain-source bias voltage should be controlled to operate the field-effect transistor in a linear mode. In this case, the reference voltage value should be less than the value that controls the field-effect transistor in saturation mode. For example, when the electronic fuse circuit requires a relatively stable power value, the drain-source bias voltage should be controlled to operate the field-effect transistor in a saturation mode. In this case, the reference voltage value should be greater than the value that controls the field-effect transistor in linear mode but less than the value that breaks down the field-effect transistor.

[0134] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrical parameter provided by the power node 300 to the load 200 includes a load current provided by the power node 300 to the load 200. The detection circuit 130 includes a current detection circuit coupled to the current transmission path 120. The current detection circuit is configured to detect the load current and output a load current sensing signal. That is, the sensing signal detected by the detection circuit 130 includes a current sensing signal. Detecting the load current provided by the power node 300 to the load 200 can monitor the operating status of the load 300 and provide a prerequisite for overcurrent protection.

[0135] According to some embodiments of the present application, the control circuit 140 is connected to the current detection circuit and is configured to output a shutdown drive signal when the load current sensing signal reaches or exceeds a current threshold. The shutdown drive signal drives the controllable switch 121 to turn off, disconnecting the current transmission path 120 and implementing an overcurrent protection function.

[0136] According to some embodiments of the present application, please continue to refer to Figure 2. The current detection circuit includes a shunt 131 and an amplifier 132. The shunt 131 is connected in series to the conductor 122; the amplifier 132 is coupled to the shunt 131 and is used to amplify the voltage difference across the shunt to output a load current sensing signal.

[0137] It is understood that to reduce energy consumption in the electronic fuse circuit, shunt 131 can be configured with a relatively low resistance, such as less than 1 ohm. Amplifier 132 can be a differential amplifier to filter out common-mode interference. The two inputs of amplifier 132 are connected to the two ends of shunt 131, respectively. The input is the voltage difference across shunt 131, which varies with the load current. This current detection method is simple and reliable.

[0138] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrical parameters provided by the power node 300 to the load 200 include the load voltage provided by the power node 300 to the load 200, that is, the sensing signal includes a load voltage sensing signal. The detection circuit 130 includes a second voltage detection circuit 133 coupled to the current transmission path 120, and the second voltage detection circuit 133 is used to detect the load voltage and output a load voltage sensing signal. Detecting the load voltage provided by the power node 300 to the load 200 can monitor the working state of the load 300 and provide the prerequisites for overvoltage protection or undervoltage protection. Exemplarily, the second voltage detection circuit 133 is connected to the conductor 122. The second voltage detection circuit 133 can be, for example, a voltage divider network including resistors, which is low in cost, simple and reliable.

[0139] According to some embodiments of the present application, the control circuit 140 and the second voltage detection circuit 133 are configured to output a shutdown drive signal when the load voltage sensing signal exceeds a preset voltage range. The preset voltage range can be a voltage range between the lowest rated voltage and the highest rated voltage of the load 200, or a voltage range between the lowest drain-source voltage and the drain-source voltage between breakdown when the field effect transistor of the controllable switch 121 operates in linear mode. When the load voltage sensing signal exceeds the preset voltage range, the control circuit 140 outputs a shutdown drive signal that drives the controllable switch 121 to disconnect the current transmission path 120, thereby implementing overvoltage and undervoltage protection functions.

[0140] According to some embodiments of the present application, the detection circuit 130 includes an analog-to-digital converter (not shown), which is configured to convert a sensing signal in the form of an analog signal into a sensing signal in the form of a digital signal.

[0141] The analog sensing signal is converted into a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter, so that the control circuit 140 , for example, when an integrated circuit is used, can receive and process these parameters.

[0142] There can be one or more analog-to-digital converters. When there is one analog-to-digital converter, it has multiple input pins and multiple output pins, which respectively receive the above-mentioned sensing signals and the operating parameters of the controllable switch 121 and convert them into corresponding digital signals, which are output from different output pins. When there are multiple analog-to-digital converters, they respectively receive the above-mentioned sensing signals and the operating parameters of the controllable switch 121 and convert them into corresponding digital signals, which are output to the control circuit 140. It is understandable that the analog-to-digital converter can be integrated into the integrated circuit of the control circuit 140, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 with multiple input pins ADC1 to ADC4, or it can be independent of the integrated circuit.

[0143] According to some embodiments of the present application, please continue to refer to Figure 2. The control circuit 140 includes a controller 141 and a latch 142. The controller 141 is configured to receive sensing signals and output a shutdown control signal when any sensing signal reaches or exceeds a corresponding preset parameter, and output a conduction control signal when all sensing signals do not reach the corresponding preset parameters; the latch 142 is connected to the controllable switch 121 and is configured to output a conduction drive signal that causes the controllable switch 121 to conduct the current transmission path 120 according to the conduction control signal, and is also configured to output a shutdown drive signal that causes the controllable switch 121 to disconnect the current transmission path 120 according to the shutdown control signal.

[0144] In one example, the controller 141 receives a switch temperature sensing signal, a switch voltage sensing signal, a load current sensing signal, and a load voltage sensing signal. If at least one of the signals reaches or exceeds a corresponding preset parameter (i.e., the reference temperature, reference voltage, current threshold, and preset voltage range), the controller 141 may trigger a protection function and output a shutdown control signal (e.g., a low-level signal). If none of the signals reaches or exceeds a corresponding preset parameter, the controller 141 may output a conduction control signal (e.g., a high-level signal). The latch 142 may output a conduction drive signal based on the conduction control signal and a shutdown drive signal based on the shutdown control signal.

[0145] In addition, in this embodiment, the latch 142 is used to utilize its latching function. For example, when the protection function is not triggered, the output conduction drive signal (such as a high-level signal) can be kept output all the time; for example, when the protection function is triggered, when each sensing signal has not recovered below the corresponding preset parameter, the output off drive signal (such as a low-level signal) can be kept output all the time, so that the circuit is always in its original stable state, providing circuit reliability, not easily disturbed, and thus avoiding errors.

[0146] At the same time, the controller 141 only needs to provide a shutdown control signal or a conduction control signal to cause the latch 142 to latch and then execute the corresponding drive. In this way, for example, when the latch 142 is operating in the latched state and the controllable switch 121 is kept on / off, only the link between the latch 142 and the controllable switch 121 in the entire electronic fuse circuit needs to be powered normally. Other components can be powered off or operate in a low-power standby state, which can reduce the overall power consumption of the circuit.

[0147] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG3 , which is a block diagram of an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application, the control circuit 140 further includes a comparator 143 , which is connected to the detection circuit 130 . The comparator 143 is configured to compare a sensed signal corresponding to an electrical parameter provided by the power supply node 300 to the load 200 (i.e., a load current sensed signal and / or a load voltage sensed signal) with an electrical parameter threshold, and output a shutdown control signal if the sensed signal reaches or exceeds the electrical parameter threshold, and output a conduction control signal if the sensed signal does not reach the electrical parameter threshold. The latch 142 is connected to the comparator 143 and the controllable switch 121 , and is configured to output a conduction drive signal to cause the controllable switch 121 to conduct to the current transmission path 120 based on the conduction control signal, and to output a shutdown drive signal to cause the controllable switch 121 to turn off to disconnect the current transmission path 120 based on the shutdown control signal.

[0148] In particular, a comparator can be provided on the branch for load voltage detection, or a comparator 143 can be provided on the branch for load current detection (as shown in FIG3 ), or both can be provided simultaneously. In the example, when the load current sensing signal detected on the branch for load current detection reaches or exceeds the current threshold, the comparator 143 will generate a shutdown control signal, causing the latch 142 to output a shutdown drive signal, disconnecting the current transmission path 120; and when the load current sensing signal does not reach the current threshold, the comparator 143 will generate a conduction control signal, causing the latch 142 to output a conduction drive signal. In addition to the digital signal processing by the controller 141 in the aforementioned embodiment, the analog signal processing by the comparator 143 is also added to improve the redundancy of the electronic fuse circuit's protection against electrical parameters that do not meet expectations, thereby improving the reliability of the system. In addition, when the latch 142 operates in a latched state and keeps the controllable switch 121 on / off, only the link between the latch 142 and the controllable switch 121 of the entire electronic fuse circuit needs normal power supply. Other components can be powered off or operate in a low-power standby state, which can reduce the overall power consumption of the circuit.

[0149] It is understandable that in the above two embodiments, the controllable switch 121 is also used to turn on the current transmission path 120 according to the conduction drive signal to realize power supply to the load 200. In addition, if it is necessary to change the switching state of the controllable switch 121, it is necessary to change the latch 142 from the latch state to the output synchronization state. Specifically, the controller 141 is also configured to receive the sensing signal, output an enable signal when any sensing signal reaches or exceeds the corresponding preset parameter, and output a disable signal when all sensing signals do not reach the corresponding preset parameter; the latch 142 is also configured to operate in the output synchronization state according to the enable signal, and operate in the latch state according to the disable signal.

[0150] In the embodiment shown in FIG2 , the controller 141 has an enable terminal and an output terminal. The output terminal of the controller 141 is connected to the input terminal of the latch 142 for providing a shutoff control signal or a conduction control signal to the input terminal of the latch 142. The enable terminal of the controller 141 is connected to the enable terminal of the latch 142 for providing an enable signal (e.g., a high level signal) or a disable signal (e.g., a low level signal) to the enable terminal of the latch 142. In the embodiment shown in FIG3 , the controller 141 has an enable terminal. The enable terminal of the controller 141 is connected to the enable terminal of the latch 142 for providing an enable signal or a disable signal to the enable terminal of the latch 142. The output terminal of the comparator 143 is connected to the input terminal of the latch 142 for providing a shutoff control signal or a conduction control signal to the input terminal of the latch 142.

[0151] In one example, when the load current sensing signal reaches or exceeds the current threshold, the controller 141 outputs an enable signal at its enable terminal, and the latch 142 receives the enable signal and enters the output synchronization state. In addition, the controller 141 also outputs a shutdown control signal at the output terminal (as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2 ) when the load current is overcurrent, or the comparator 143 outputs a shutdown control signal (as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3 ) when the load current is overcurrent, to the input terminal of the latch 142. The latch 142 outputs a shutdown drive signal, thereby driving the controllable switch 121 to shut off the current transmission path 120. At this time, the load current sensing signal will not reach or exceed the current threshold, all sensing parameters and the operating parameters of the controllable switch 121 will return to below the preset parameters, the controller 141 will output a disable signal at its enable terminal, and the latch 142 will latch in the output shutdown drive signal state. At this time, the input terminal of the latch 142 has a conduction control signal input.

[0152] According to some embodiments of the present application, the controller 141 is also configured to attempt a preset power restoration operation, and the power restoration operation is: when the latch 142 works to output the latched state of the shutdown drive signal and the input end receives the on-control signal, after a preset time, an enable signal is output, so that the latch 142 works in the output synchronization state according to the enable signal and outputs the on-drive signal according to the on-control signal.

[0153] Continuing with the above example, when latch 142 is in a latched state outputting a shutdown drive signal and a conduction control signal is input to the input terminal of latch 142, after a preset time, controller 141 outputs an enable signal, causing latch 142 to enter an output synchronization state. Latch 142 then outputs a conduction drive signal at its output terminal following the input conduction control signal, driving controllable switch 121 to close and restore power to load 200. This process can be considered as controller 141 controlling latch 142 or the entire electronic fuse circuit to reset, attempting to restore power to load 200. If at least one of the sensing signal and the operating parameter of controllable switch 121 reaches or exceeds the corresponding preset parameter, this attempt to control latch 142 to reset and restore power to load 200 will not exceed a preset number of times, for example, 3 to 5. Thus, after multiple attempts to restore power to load 200, if power supply is still abnormal, no further attempts are made, and an alarm is issued to alert the user to repair the problem, thereby preventing damage to the electronic fuse circuit or load 200.

[0154] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG3 , the output of comparator 143 is further connected to controller 141, and a shutdown control signal or a conduction control signal can be input to controller 141. This allows controller 141 to determine whether the load current sensing signal reaches or exceeds the current threshold based on the shutdown control signal or the conduction control signal, thereby improving the system's detection accuracy of the sensing signal. If an abnormality is found, an alarm can be issued to remind the user to conduct maintenance.

[0155] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG. 4 , FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application. The control circuit 140 can utilize a logic communication module 144 to implement the aforementioned functions of the controller 141, latch 142, and comparator 143. The signals output by the detection circuit 120 and output to the controllable switch 121 all originate from the logic communication module 144. For example, when overcurrent, overvoltage, or overtemperature occur, the controllable switch 121 is shut down based on the logic communication module 144's judgment. Furthermore, the detected load current, load voltage, operating temperature of the controllable switch 121, and the drain-source voltage of the controllable switch 121 can be output to the main control chip 400 of the device, thereby saving computing power and serial port usage of the main control chip 400.

[0156] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG5 , which is a block diagram of an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application, in some embodiments, the controllable switch 121 includes a single NMOS transistor, or multiple NMOS transistors M1 to Mn connected in parallel, as shown in FIG5 . Using multiple NMOS transistors connected in parallel to implement switch control enables powering of a high-current load 200.

[0157] According to some embodiments of the present application, please continue to refer to Figure 5, the control circuit 140 also includes: a driving module 145, the driving module 145 is connected to the latch 142 and the gate of the NMOS tube, and is configured to turn on the NMOS tube according to the on-drive signal, and is configured to turn off the NMOS tube according to the off-drive signal.

[0158] In the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, driver module 145 is used to provide a drive voltage, i.e., a bias voltage, to the gate of the NMOS transistor. Driver module 145 can generally employ a driver chip adapted for NMOS transistors, providing a stable bias for the NMOS transistor, enabling the NMOS transistor to reliably turn on or off, thereby improving the reliability of the electronic fuse circuit.

[0159] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG6 , which is a block diagram of an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application, in some embodiments, the controllable switch 121 includes a PMOS transistor or multiple PMOS transistors Q1 to Qn connected in parallel, as shown in FIG6 .

[0160] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, multiple PMOS tubes Q1 to Qn connected in parallel are used to implement switch control, which can power the large current load 200. Compared with the method of using NMOS tubes, the driving module 145 can be omitted.

[0161] According to some embodiments of the present application, a method for controlling an electronic fuse circuit is provided. Referring to FIG. 7 , which is a flow chart of the method for controlling an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application, in conjunction with FIG. 1 and FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, a method for controlling an electronic fuse circuit is provided, wherein the electronic fuse circuit 100 includes a current transmission path 120 having a controllable switch 121 , the current transmission path 120 being used to connect a load 200 to a power node 300 , and the controllable switch 121 being used to switch the current transmission path 120 on or off according to a drive signal. The control method includes:

[0162] Step S110 , detecting electrical parameters of the current transmission path 120 and outputting corresponding sensing signals, wherein the electrical parameters of the current transmission path include electrical parameters provided by the power node 300 to the load 200 and operating parameters of the controllable switch 121 ;

[0163] Step S120 : When any sensing signal reaches or exceeds a preset parameter, output a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch 121 .

[0164] The driving signal output by the control circuit 140 to turn off the controllable switch 121 can be considered as a turn-off driving signal, and the driving signal output by the control circuit 140 to turn on the controllable switch 121 can be considered as a turn-on driving signal.

[0165] In one example, the current transmission path 120 connects the load 200 to the power node 300 via a conductor 122. The controllable switch 121 is connected in series to the conductor 122. The conductor 122 may be a cable, a metal bar, or the like. The controllable switch 121 may be a conventional semiconductor power switch, a relay, or a contactor. In step S110, the electrical parameters of the current transmission path 120 may be detected by the detection circuit 130 according to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6.

[0166] The electrical parameters provided by the power node 300 to the load 200 include, for example, voltage, current, and power; the operating parameters of the controllable switch 121 include, for example, operating temperature, operating voltage, and operating current. Specifically, the detection circuit 130 detects the electrical parameters provided by the power node 300 on the current transmission path 120 to the load 200, as well as the operating parameters of the controllable switch 121, and outputs corresponding sensing signals. The control circuit 140 performs calculations based on these sensing signals to generate a drive signal that controls the controllable switch 121 to open or close the current transmission path 120. The ability to perform multi-parameter detection and calculations enables the electronic fuse circuit to implement multi-parameter protection, extending its functionality beyond a single function.

[0167] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figure 2 , the operating parameters of the controllable switch 121 include the operating temperature of the controllable switch 121. Specifically, step S110 includes: detecting the operating temperature of the controllable switch 121 to obtain a switch temperature sensing signal.

[0168] The operating temperature of the controllable switch 121 can be detected by a temperature sensor R provided on the controllable switch 121. Detecting the operating temperature of the controllable switch 121 can generally reflect the working state of the controllable switch 121, thereby providing a prerequisite for temperature protection.

[0169] According to some embodiments of the present application, specifically, step S120 includes: when the switch temperature sensing signal reaches or exceeds a reference temperature, outputting a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch 121 .

[0170] The reference temperature can be pre-set in the control circuit 140. When the operating temperature reaches or exceeds the reference temperature, the output drives a shutdown drive signal to disconnect the current transmission path 120. The control circuit 140 drives the controllable switch 121 to disconnect the current transmission path 120 according to the shutdown drive signal, thereby realizing the over-temperature protection function of the electronic fuse circuit.

[0171] According to some embodiments of the present application, the controllable switch 121 includes a field effect tube, and the operating parameters of the controllable switch 121 include the voltage between the drain and source of the field effect tube, that is, the drain-source voltage (Vds), please refer to Figure 2. Specifically, step S110 includes: detecting the voltage between the drain and source of the field effect tube to obtain a switch voltage sensing signal. By detecting the voltage between the drain and source of the field effect tube, the working area and power state of the field effect tube can be monitored and prevented from being broken down. For example, the drain-source bias voltage can be adjusted, and the field effect tube can be adjusted to operate in linear mode or saturation mode. For example, the field effect tube can be controlled to operate in linear mode to maintain a relatively stable resistance value, and the field effect tube can be controlled to operate in saturation mode to maintain a relatively stable power and prevent the field effect tube from being broken down.

[0172] According to some embodiments of the present application, specifically, step S120 includes: when the switch voltage sensing signal reaches or exceeds the reference voltage, outputting a drive signal to turn off the controllable switch 121, thereby realizing the protection function of the electronic fuse circuit against abnormal main switch state.

[0173] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrical parameter provided by the power node 300 to the load 200 includes the load current provided by the power node 300 to the load 200. Specifically, step S110 includes: detecting the load current and outputting a load current sensing signal. This can monitor the operating status of the load 300 and provide a prerequisite for overcurrent protection. In one example, referring to FIG. 2 , a current sensing circuit can be used to detect the load current. The current sensing circuit includes a shunt 131 and an amplifier 132. The shunt 131 is connected in series to the conductor 122. The amplifier 132 is coupled to the shunt 131 and is configured to amplify the voltage difference across the shunt to output a load current sensing signal.

[0174] According to some embodiments of the present application, specifically, step S120 includes: when the load current sensing signal exceeds the current threshold, outputting a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch 120 to implement an overcurrent protection function.

[0175] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrical parameter provided by the power node 300 to the load 200 includes a load voltage provided by the power node 300 to the load 200. Specifically, step S110 includes detecting the load voltage and outputting a load voltage sensing signal. This can monitor the operating status of the load 300 and provide a prerequisite for overcurrent protection.

[0176] According to some embodiments of the present application, specifically, step S120 includes: when the load voltage sensing signal exceeds a preset voltage range, outputting a drive signal to turn off the controllable switch 121. According to the off drive signal, the controllable switch 121 is driven to turn off, disconnecting the current transmission path 120, thereby implementing an overcurrent protection function.

[0177] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG8 , FIG8 is a flow chart of a method for controlling an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application. In conjunction with FIG2 , FIG3 and FIG8 , specifically, step S120 includes:

[0178] Step S121 : outputting a shutdown control signal when any of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a corresponding preset parameter.

[0179] Step S122: outputting a driving signal for turning off the controllable switch according to the turn-off control signal.

[0180] In one example, please continue to refer to Figure 2, the controller 141 receives the sensing signal, and outputs a control shutdown control signal when any sensing signal reaches or exceeds the corresponding preset parameter. The latch 142 outputs a shutdown drive signal that causes the controllable switch 121 to disconnect the current transmission path 120 according to the shutdown control signal. Specifically, the controller 141 obtains the switch temperature sensing signal, the switch voltage sensing signal, the load current sensing signal, and the load voltage sensing signal of the controllable switch 121. When at least one of them reaches or exceeds the corresponding preset parameter (i.e., the above-mentioned reference temperature, reference voltage, current threshold, preset voltage range), the protection function is triggered and the shutdown control signal (such as a low-level signal) is output. The latch 142 can output the shutdown drive signal according to the shutdown control signal.

[0181] In addition, in this embodiment, the latch 142 is used to utilize its latching function. For example, when the protection function is not triggered, the output conduction drive signal (such as a high-level signal) can be kept output all the time; for example, when the protection function is triggered, when each sensing signal has not recovered below the corresponding preset parameter, the output off drive signal (such as a low-level signal) can be kept output all the time, so that the circuit is always in its original stable state, providing circuit reliability, not easily disturbed, and thus avoiding errors.

[0182] At the same time, the controller 141 only needs to provide a shutdown control signal or a conduction control signal to cause the latch 142 to latch and then execute the corresponding drive. In this way, for example, when the latch 142 is operating in the latched state and the controllable switch 121 is kept on / off, only the link between the latch 142 and the controllable switch 121 in the entire electronic fuse circuit needs to be powered normally. Other components can be powered off or operate in a low-power standby state, which can reduce the overall power consumption of the circuit.

[0183] In another example, a comparator can be provided on the load voltage detection branch, or on the load current detection branch (as shown in FIG. 3 ), or both can be provided simultaneously. In this example, when the load current sensing signal detected on the load current detection branch reaches or exceeds a current threshold, comparator 143 generates a shutdown control signal, causing latch 142 to output a shutdown drive signal that shuts down controllable switch 121, thereby disconnecting current transmission path 120. In addition to the digital signal processing performed by controller 141 in the aforementioned embodiment, analog signal processing by comparator 143 is also added, enhancing the redundancy of the electronic fuse circuit's protection against electrical parameters not meeting expectations, thereby improving system reliability. Furthermore, when latch 142 operates in a latched state, maintaining controllable switch 121 on / off, only the link between latch 142 and controllable switch 121 in the entire electronic fuse circuit requires normal power supply. Other components can be powered off or operate in a low-power standby state, reducing overall circuit power consumption.

[0184] It is understood that in the above two examples, if the switching state of the controllable switch 121 needs to be changed, the latch 142 needs to be changed from the latched state to the output synchronization state. Specifically, the controller 141 is further configured to receive the sensing signals, output an enable signal when any sensing signal reaches or exceeds the corresponding preset parameters, and output a disable signal when all sensing signals do not reach the corresponding preset parameters; the latch 142 is further configured to operate in the output synchronization state according to the enable signal, and to operate in the latched state according to the disable signal.

[0185] In the embodiment shown in FIG2 , the controller 141 has an enable terminal and an output terminal. The output terminal of the controller 141 is connected to the input terminal of the latch 142 for providing a shutoff control signal or a conduction control signal to the input terminal of the latch 142. The enable terminal of the controller 141 is connected to the enable terminal of the latch 142 for providing an enable signal (e.g., a high level signal) or a disable signal (e.g., a low level signal) to the enable terminal of the latch 142. In the embodiment shown in FIG3 , the controller 141 has an enable terminal. The enable terminal of the controller 141 is connected to the enable terminal of the latch 142 for providing an enable signal or a disable signal to the enable terminal of the latch 142. The output terminal of the comparator 143 is connected to the input terminal of the latch 142 for providing a shutoff control signal or a conduction control signal to the input terminal of the latch 142.

[0186] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG9 , FIG9 is a flow chart of a control method of an electronic fuse circuit according to some embodiments of the present application. In combination with FIG2 , FIG3 and FIG9 , the control method further includes:

[0187] Step S130: outputting a conduction control signal when all sensing signals do not reach corresponding preset parameters;

[0188] Step S140 : outputting a driving signal for turning on the controllable switch 121 according to the conduction control signal.

[0189] In the example of Figure 2, the controller 141 obtains the switch temperature sensing signal, the switch voltage sensing signal, the load current sensing signal, and the load voltage sensing signal, and can output a conduction control signal (such as a high-level signal) when none of the signals reaches or exceeds the corresponding preset parameters. In the example of Figure 3, when the load current sensing signal does not reach the current threshold, the comparator 143 will generate a conduction control signal to enable the latch 142 to output a conduction drive signal. The latch 142 can output a conduction drive signal according to the conduction control signal. The latch 142 has a latching function. For example, when the protection function is not triggered, the output conduction drive signal can be maintained so that the circuit is always in its original stable state, thereby providing circuit reliability and not being easily disturbed to avoid errors.

[0190] At the same time, the controller 141 only needs to provide a shutdown control signal or a conduction control signal to cause the latch 142 to latch and then execute the corresponding drive. In this way, for example, when the latch 142 is operating in the latched state and the controllable switch 121 is kept on / off, only the link between the latch 142 and the controllable switch 121 in the entire electronic fuse circuit needs to be powered normally. Other components can be powered off or operate in a low-power standby state, which can reduce the overall power consumption of the circuit.

[0191] According to some embodiments of the present application, after step S122, a preset power restoration operation is further attempted, wherein attempting the preset power restoration operation includes: upon receiving a conduction control signal, after a preset time, outputting a drive signal to turn on the controllable switch 121 according to the conduction control signal.

[0192] Continuing with the above example, when latch 142 is in a latched state outputting a shutdown drive signal and a conduction control signal is input to the input terminal of latch 142, after a preset time, controller 141 outputs an enable signal, causing latch 142 to enter an output synchronization state. Latch 142 then outputs a conduction drive signal at its output terminal following the input conduction control signal, driving controllable switch 121 to close and restore power to load 200. This process can be considered as controller 141 controlling latch 142 or the entire electronic fuse circuit to reset, attempting to restore power to load 200. If at least one of the sensing signal and the operating parameter of controllable switch 121 reaches or exceeds the corresponding preset parameter, this attempt to control latch 142 to reset and restore power to load 200 will not exceed a preset number of times, for example, 3 to 5. Thus, after multiple attempts to restore power to load 200, if power supply is still abnormal, no further attempts are made, and an alarm is issued to alert the user to repair the problem, thereby preventing damage to the electronic fuse circuit or load 200.

[0193] According to some embodiments of the present application, a vehicle is provided, comprising an electronic fuse circuit 100 as described in any of the aforementioned embodiments. The electronic fuse circuit 100 is disposed on a power supply line within the vehicle. The two ends of a conductor in the electronic fuse circuit 100 are connected to the power supply line within the vehicle, typically in series. This electronic fuse circuit 100 can provide multi-parameter detection and protection for the vehicle, ensuring reliable and safe power usage.

[0194] According to some embodiments of the present application, an electrical device is provided, comprising the above electronic fuse circuit, such as energy storage equipment, vehicles, HDD / SSD arrays and servers, industrial and network hot-swappable boards, etc.

[0195] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below.

[0196] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments can still be modified, or some or all of the technical features therein can be replaced by equivalents. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and they should all be included in the scope of the claims and specification of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any way. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic fuse circuit, in, include: A current transmission path having a controllable switch, for connecting a load to a power node, wherein the controllable switch is used to turn on or off the current transmission path according to a driving signal; A detection circuit, coupled to the current transmission path, for detecting an electrical parameter of the current transmission path and outputting a corresponding sensing signal; as well as A control circuit connected to the detection circuit and the controllable switch, and configured to output a drive signal for turning off the controllable switch when any of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a preset parameter; The electrical parameters of the current transmission path include electrical parameters provided by the power supply node to the load and operating parameters of the controllable switch.

2. The electronic fuse circuit as claimed in claim 1, in, The operating parameters of the controllable switch include the operating temperature of the controllable switch. The detection circuit includes a temperature sensor device arranged on the controllable switch. The temperature sensor device is used to detect the operating temperature of the controllable switch and output a switch temperature sensing signal.

3. The electronic fuse circuit as claimed in claim 2, in, The control circuit is connected to the temperature sensing device, and is used for outputting a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch when the switch temperature sensing signal reaches or exceeds a reference temperature.

4. The electronic fuse circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The controllable switch includes a field effect transistor.

5. The electronic fuse circuit as claimed in claim 4, in, The operating parameters of the controllable switch include the voltage between the drain and the source of the field effect tube, and the detection circuit includes a first voltage detection circuit, which is used to detect the voltage between the drain and the source of the field effect tube and output a switch voltage sensing signal.

6. The electronic fuse circuit as claimed in claim 5, in, The control circuit is connected to the first voltage detection circuit, and is used for outputting a driving signal for turning off the controllable switch when the switch voltage sensing signal reaches or exceeds a reference voltage.

7. The electronic fuse circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in, The electrical parameters provided by the power supply node to the load include a load current provided by the power supply node to the load, and the detection circuit includes a current detection circuit coupled to the current transmission path, and the current detection circuit is used to detect the load current and output a load current sensing signal.

8. The electronic fuse circuit as claimed in claim 7, in, The control circuit is connected to the current detection, and is used for outputting a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch when the load current sensing signal reaches or exceeds a current threshold.

9. The electronic fuse circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in, The electrical parameters provided by the power supply node to the load include a load voltage provided by the power supply node to the load; the detection circuit includes a second voltage detection circuit coupled to the current transmission path, and the second voltage detection circuit is used to detect the load voltage and output a load voltage sensing signal.

10. The electronic fuse circuit as claimed in claim 9, in, The control circuit is connected to the second voltage detection circuit, and the control circuit is used to output a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch when the load voltage sensing signal exceeds a preset voltage range.

11. The electronic fuse circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in, The detection circuit includes an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the sensing signal in the form of an analog signal into the sensing signal in the form of a digital signal.

12. The electronic fuse circuit as claimed in claim 11, in, The control circuit comprises: a controller configured to receive the sensing signals, output a shutdown control signal when any of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a corresponding preset parameter, and output a conduction control signal when all of the sensing signals do not reach the corresponding preset parameter; and The latch is connected to the controller and the controllable switch, and is configured to output a driving signal for turning on the controllable switch according to the on-control signal, and is also configured to output a driving signal for turning off the controllable switch according to the off-control signal.

13. The electronic fuse circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in, The control circuit further comprises: a comparator, connected to the detection circuit, for comparing a sensing signal corresponding to the electrical parameter provided by the power supply node to the load with an electrical parameter threshold, and outputting a shutdown control signal when the sensing signal reaches or exceeds the electrical parameter threshold, and outputting a conduction control signal when the sensing signal does not reach the electrical parameter threshold; The latch is connected to the comparator and the controllable switch, and is configured to output a driving signal for turning on the controllable switch according to the on control signal, and is also configured to output a driving signal for turning off the controllable switch according to the off control signal.

14. The electronic fuse circuit according to claim 12 or 13, in, The controller is further configured to output an enable signal when any of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a corresponding preset parameter, and to output a disable signal when all of the sensing signals do not reach the corresponding preset parameter; The latch is further configured to operate in an output synchronization state according to the enable signal, and to operate in a latch state according to the disable signal.

15. The electronic fuse circuit of claim 14, in, The controller is also configured to attempt a preset power restoration operation, wherein the power restoration operation is as follows: when the latch operates in a latched state of outputting a drive signal that turns off the controllable switch, and when the input end receives the conduction control signal, after a preset time, the enable signal is output, so that the latch operates in an output synchronization state according to the enable signal to output a drive signal that turns on the controllable switch according to the conduction control signal.

16. The electronic fuse circuit of claim 7, in, The current detection circuit comprises: A shunt connected in series with the controllable switch; The amplifier is coupled to the shunt and is used to amplify the voltage difference between the two ends of the shunt to output the load current sensing signal.

17. The electronic fuse circuit according to any one of claims 13 to 15, in, The controllable switch includes one or more NMOS tubes connected in parallel.

18. The electronic fuse circuit of claim 17, in, The control circuit further comprises: A driving module is connected to the output end of the latch and the gate of the NMOS tube, and is configured to drive the NMOS tube to turn on according to a driving signal that turns on the controllable switch, and is configured to drive the NMOS tube to turn off according to a driving signal that turns off the controllable switch.

19. The electronic fuse circuit according to any one of claims 13 to 15, in, The controllable switch includes a plurality of PMOS tubes connected in parallel, and the gates of the PMOS tubes are connected to the output ends of the latches.

20. The electronic fuse circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 19, in, The electronic fuse circuit is arranged in an integrated circuit.

21. A vehicle, in, The vehicle comprises the electronic fuse circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 20, and the electronic fuse circuit is arranged on a power supply line in the vehicle.

22. An electrical device, in, The electrical device comprises the electronic fuse circuit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20.

23. A control method for an electronic fuse circuit, in, The electronic fuse circuit includes a current transmission path having a controllable switch, the current transmission path is used to connect a load to a power node, and the controllable switch is used to turn on or off the current transmission path according to a drive signal, and the control method includes: Detecting the electrical parameters of the current transmission path to obtain a corresponding sensing signal, wherein the current transmission path The electrical parameters include the electrical parameters provided by the power supply node to the load, and the operating parameters of the controllable switch; When any of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a preset parameter, a driving signal is output to turn off the controllable switch.

24. The control method according to claim 23, in, The operating parameter of the controllable switch includes the operating temperature of the controllable switch, and the detecting the electrical parameter of the current transmission path to obtain the corresponding sensing signal includes: Detecting the operating temperature of the controllable switch to obtain a switch temperature sensing signal; When any of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a preset parameter, outputting a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch comprises: When the switch temperature sensing signal reaches or exceeds a reference temperature, a driving signal is outputted to turn off the controllable switch.

25. The control method according to claim 23 or 24, in, The controllable switch includes a field effect transistor, the operating parameter of the controllable switch includes the voltage between the drain and the source of the field effect transistor, and the detecting the electrical parameter of the current transmission path to obtain the corresponding sensing signal includes: Detecting the voltage between the drain and the source of the field effect tube to obtain a switch voltage sensing signal; When any of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a preset parameter, outputting a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch comprises: When the switch voltage sensing signal reaches or exceeds a reference voltage, a driving signal is outputted to turn off the controllable switch.

26. The control method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, in, The electrical parameter provided by the power node to the load includes a load voltage provided by the power node to the load, and the detecting the electrical parameter of the current transmission path to obtain a corresponding sensing signal includes: detecting the load voltage and outputting a load voltage sensing signal; When any of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a preset parameter, outputting a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch comprises: When the load voltage sensing signal exceeds a preset voltage range, a driving signal is output to turn off the controllable switch.

27. The control method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, in, The electrical parameter provided by the power node to the load includes a load current provided by the power node to the load, and the detecting the electrical parameter of the current transmission path to obtain a corresponding sensing signal includes: Detecting the load current and outputting a load current sensing signal; When any of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a preset parameter, outputting a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch comprises: When the load current sensing signal exceeds a current threshold, a driving signal is outputted to turn off the controllable switch.

28. The control method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, in, When any of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds a preset parameter, outputting a driving signal to turn off the controllable switch comprises: When any of the sensing signals reaches or exceeds the corresponding preset parameter, output a shutdown control signal, and / or when all the sensing signals do not reach the corresponding preset parameter, output a conduction control signal; A driving signal for turning off the controllable switch is output according to the turn-off control signal, and / or a driving signal for turning on the controllable switch is output according to the turn-on control signal.

29. The control method according to claim 28, in, After the driving signal for turning off the controllable switch is output according to the shutdown control signal, a preset power restoration operation is attempted, wherein the preset power restoration operation is attempted including: When the conduction control signal is received, after a preset time, a driving signal for turning on the controllable switch is output according to the conduction control signal.

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