Vehicle backup power system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "vehicle backup power system". A power system for a vehicle includes an interface electrically connected to a node, and a battery electrically connected to the interface. The interface includes a circuit element that allows current to flow between the battery and the node only when and if a voltage of the node is below a threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicle electrical systems. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles generate power both to propel the vehicle and to supply electricity to various electrical loads within it. Types of powertrains include: conventional powertrains, which include an internal combustion engine coupled to a transmission that transmits rotational motion to the wheels; electric powertrains, which include a battery, an electric motor, and a transmission that transmits rotational motion to the wheels; and hybrid powertrains, which include elements of both conventional and electric powertrains. In vehicles with conventional powertrains, an alternator converts the rotational kinetic energy from the engine into electrical energy for the electrical loads. In fully electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, a DC / DC converter can switch between high-voltage electrical energy for propulsion and low-voltage energy for the electrical loads. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The electrical system for a vehicle includes an interface electrically connected to a node, and a battery electrically connected to that interface. The interface includes circuitry that allows current to flow between the battery and the node only when the node's voltage is below a threshold value.

[0004] The power system may also include a control module, and an interface may be communicatively coupled to the control module. When the voltage of a node falls below a threshold, the circuitry of the interface may transmit a signal to the control module. The control module may be programmed to instruct the vehicle computer to place the vehicle in a minimum-risk condition in response to the node's voltage falling below the threshold. Placing the vehicle in a minimum-risk condition may involve pulling the vehicle to the side of the road.

[0005] At least one of the circuit elements of the interface may be a field-effect transistor (FET) electrically connected to the node and the battery. The circuit elements of the interface may include multiple FETs, including the stated FET, and the FET may be electrically connected in parallel with the node and the battery. The circuit elements of the interface may include multiple comparators electrically connected to the respective FETs.

[0006] The circuitry elements of the interface may include an OR gate electrically connected to each of the field-effect transistors. The power system may also include a control module, and the OR gate may be electrically connected to the control module.

[0007] The battery can be the first battery, and the power system can also include a second battery electrically connected to the node.

[0008] Electrical systems for vehicles include batteries and means that allow current to flow between the battery and the node only when the voltage of the node is below a threshold.

[0009] The power system may also include means for placing a vehicle in a minimum-risk condition in response to a node voltage falling below a threshold. Placing a vehicle in a minimum-risk condition involves pulling the vehicle to the side of the road.

[0010] The control module includes a processor and a memory storing processor-executable instructions. The processor is programmed to instruct the vehicle's autonomous driving computer to place the vehicle in a minimum-risk condition in response to a signal from the interface indicating that the node voltage is below a threshold. The vehicle's electrical system includes the node, and the interface is electrically connected to the node and the battery.

[0011] Putting a vehicle in a situation of minimum risk can be done by pulling it over to the side of the road. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an example vehicle.

[0013] Figure 2 It is used for Figure 1 A circuit diagram of an example vehicle's electrical system.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A circuit diagram of an example interface for a power system.

[0015] Figure 4 It is used for Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an example of how to respond to a power system fault.

[0016] Figure 5 It is used to Figure 1 The process flowchart illustrates an example of placing a vehicle in a minimum risk condition. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the electrical system 30 for vehicle 32 includes at least one interface 34 electrically connected to one of at least one power grid 36, 38; and at least one MRC battery 40 electrically connected to the interface 34. The interface 34 includes circuit elements 42, 44, 46 that allow current to flow between the battery and the power grid 36, 38 if and only if the voltage of the power grid 36, 38 is below a threshold value.

[0018] The power system 30 provides high reliability. In the event of a voltage drop in the power grids 36 and 38, interface 34 connects the MRC battery 40 to the power grids 36 and 38, ensuring power supply to the load 48 connected to the power grids 36 and 38. During normal operation, the MRC battery 40 is disconnected from the power grids 36 and 38. Therefore, the MRC battery 40 does not experience aging effects, such as waste accumulation caused by charging and discharging, which could make battery performance less predictable. Furthermore, the MRC battery 40 is always in a known state of charge, eliminating the need for a battery monitoring system or a charging strategy, either of which could introduce additional unreliability. The power system 30 can meet ASIL D level, the highest level in the range of automotive safety integrity levels defined by ISO 26262 and popularized by the International Organization for Standardization.

[0019] refer to Figure 1 Vehicle 32 may be an autonomous vehicle. Vehicle computer 50 may be configured to operate vehicle 32 completely or to a lesser extent independently of human driver intervention. Vehicle computer 50 may be programmed to operate propulsion 52, braking system 54, steering 56, and / or other vehicle systems. For the purposes of this disclosure, autonomous operation means that vehicle computer 50 controls propulsion 52, braking system 54, and steering 56 without input from a human driver; semi-autonomous operation means that vehicle computer 50 controls one or both of propulsion 52, braking system 54, and steering 56, and the human driver controls the rest; and non-autonomous operation means that the human driver controls propulsion 52, braking system 54, and steering 56.

[0020] The vehicle computer 50 is a microprocessor-based computer. The vehicle computer 50 includes a processor, memory, etc. The memory of the vehicle computer 50 includes memory for storing instructions executable by the processor and memory for electronically storing data and / or databases.

[0021] Vehicle computer 50 can transmit and receive data via communication network 58 such as Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, Ethernet, WiFi, Local Area Network (LIN), On-Board Diagnostic Connector (OBD-II), and / or any other wired or wireless communication network. Vehicle computer 50 can be communicatively coupled to propulsion 52, braking system 54, steering 56, sensors 60, hybrid powertrain control module 62, battery energy control module 64, and other components via communication network 58.

[0022] The propulsion 52 of vehicle 32 generates energy and can convert that energy into motion of vehicle 32. Propulsion 52 can be a known vehicle propulsion subsystem, such as a conventional powertrain including an internal combustion engine coupled to a transmission that transmits rotational motion to the wheels; an electric powertrain including a battery, an electric motor, and a transmission that transmits rotational motion to the wheels; or a hybrid powertrain including components of both a conventional powertrain and an electric powertrain (such as...). Figure 2 (as shown); or any other type of propulsion. If it is a hybrid system, propulsion 52 may include a powertrain arranged in any hybrid configuration, such as a series hybrid powertrain, a parallel hybrid powertrain, a power-split (series-parallel) hybrid powertrain, etc. Propulsion 52 may include an electronic control unit (ECU), such as a hybrid powertrain control module 62, which communicates with and receives input from the vehicle computer 50 and / or the human driver. The human driver may control propulsion 52 via, for example, the accelerator pedal and / or the gearshift lever.

[0023] Braking system 54 is typically a known vehicle braking subsystem and is designed to resist the movement of vehicle 32, thereby slowing and / or stopping vehicle 32. Braking system 54 may include friction brakes, such as disc brakes, drum brakes, band brakes, etc.; regenerative brakes; any other suitable type of brake; or combinations thereof. Braking system 54 may include an electronic control unit (ECU), which communicates with and receives input from vehicle computer 50 and / or human driver. Human driver may control braking system 54 via, for example, the brake pedal.

[0024] Steering 56 is typically a known vehicle steering subsystem that controls wheel rotation. Steering 56 can be a rack and pinion system with electric power steering, a steer-by-wire system, such as the two known systems, or any other suitable system. Steering 56 may include an electronic control unit (ECU) that communicates with and receives input from the vehicle computer 50 and / or the human driver. The human driver can control steering 56 via, for example, a steering wheel.

[0025] Sensor 60 can provide data about the operation of vehicle 32, such as wheel speed, wheel orientation, and engine and transmission data (e.g., temperature, fuel consumption, etc.). Sensor 60 can detect the position and / or orientation of vehicle 32. For example, sensor 60 may include a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor; an accelerometer, such as a piezoelectric system or a microelectromechanical system (MEMS); a gyroscope, such as a rate gyroscope, a ring laser gyroscope, or a fiber optic gyroscope; an inertial measurement unit (IMU); and a magnetometer. Sensor 60 can detect objects and / or characteristics of the external world, such as the surrounding environment of vehicle 32, such as other vehicles, road lane markings, traffic lights and / or signs, pedestrians, etc. For example, sensor 60 may include a radar sensor, a scanning laser rangefinder, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device, and an image processing sensor (such as a camera). Sensor 60 may include communication devices, such as vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) devices or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) devices.

[0026] refer to Figure 2 The hybrid powertrain control module 62 is a microprocessor-based controller. The hybrid powertrain control module 62 may include a processor, memory, etc. The memory of the hybrid powertrain control module 62 may include memory for storing instructions executable by the processor and memory for electronically storing data and / or a database. The hybrid powertrain control module 62 can communicate with components of the propulsion 52 and can control components of that propulsion (such as an engine, transmission, etc. (not shown)) and other functions.

[0027] The battery energy control module 64 is a microprocessor-based controller. The battery energy control module 64 may include a processor, memory, etc. The memory of the battery energy control module 64 may include memory for storing instructions executable by the processor and memory for electronically storing data and / or a database. The battery energy control module 64 can communicate with the high-voltage battery 66, one or more vehicle batteries 68, etc., and can monitor and control the high-voltage battery, one or more vehicle batteries, etc., as well as other operations.

[0028] The high-voltage battery 66 can have a voltage of approximately 250 volts. The high-voltage battery 66 can be any type suitable for providing high-voltage power for operating the vehicle 32, such as a lithium-ion battery, lead-acid battery, etc. The high-voltage battery 66 can be electrically connected to the hybrid powertrain control module 62 and, via the battery energy control module 64, to the DC / DC converter 70.

[0029] DC / DC converter 70 can convert high-voltage DC from high-voltage battery 66 to low-voltage DC flowing along main power grid 36 and secondary power grid 38. The low-voltage DC can be, for example, 12 volts or 48 volts.

[0030] Power grids 36 and 38 are each electrically connected to one of the DC / DC converters 70, one of the vehicle batteries 68, one of the interfaces 34, and multiple loads 48. Each of power grids 36 and 38 is a node. For the purposes of this disclosure, a node is defined as a point on a circuit where components of that circuit meet.

[0031] Vehicle battery 68 is electrically connected to the corresponding power grids 36 and 38. Vehicle battery 68 can be a low-voltage battery, such as 12 volts or 48 volts. Vehicle battery 68 can be any suitable type of battery for supplying power to load 48, such as a lithium-ion battery, lead-acid battery, etc. Battery monitoring system 72 can be connected to each of vehicle batteries 48. Battery monitoring system 72 can transmit the state of charge of vehicle batteries 48 to, for example, battery energy control module 64. Load 48 is a component of vehicle 32 used to draw power for operation.

[0032] The MRC battery 40 is electrically connected to corresponding interfaces 34, which are electrically connected to the main power grid 36 and the secondary power grid 38, respectively. The MRC battery 40 is isolated from these power grids except for its connection via interfaces 34 to the power grids 36 and 38. The MRC battery 40 can be a low-voltage battery, and it can have the same voltage as the vehicle battery 68. The MRC battery 40 can be any suitable type of battery with sufficient stored energy to power the load 48 when the vehicle 32 is under minimum risk conditions (described below), such as a lithium-ion battery, lead-acid battery, etc. The MRC battery 40 may lack a battery monitoring system 72.

[0033] Interface 34 is electrically connected to one of the power grids 36 and 38 and to one of the MRC batteries 40. Interface 34 allows current to flow between one of the MRC batteries 40 and the corresponding power grid 36 or 38 only when the voltage of the power grid 36 or 38 is below a threshold. The threshold can be selected to ensure sufficient power flow to supply the load 48. Specifically, each interface 34 includes circuit elements 42, 44, and 46 (described in more detail below) that allow current to flow between one of the MRC batteries 40 and the corresponding power grid 36 or 38 only when the voltage of the power grid 36 or 38 is below the threshold. Alternatively, interface 34 may include or be a switch operated by a controller such as vehicle computer 50, hybrid powertrain control module 62, or battery energy control module 64, and the controller is programmed to close the switch when the voltage of the corresponding power grid 36 or 38 is below the threshold and to open the switch when the voltage of the corresponding power grid 36 or 38 is above the threshold.

[0034] refer to Figure 3Circuit elements 42, 44, and 46 may include multiple field-effect transistors 42, multiple comparators 44, and OR gates 46. Field-effect transistors 42 may be connected in parallel to the MRC battery 40 and the power grids 36 and 38; for example, the source and drain of field-effect transistor 42 may be connected to the MRC battery 40 and the power grids 36 and 38, or vice versa. The gate of field-effect transistor 42 may be connected to the corresponding comparator 44, specifically to the output of the corresponding comparator 44, and the gate of field-effect transistor 42 may be connected to the OR gate 46. Comparators 44 may be connected in parallel to the power grids 36 and 38, and to a reference voltage (such as ground); for example, the non-inverting input of comparator 44 may be connected to the power grids 36 and 38, and the inverting input of the comparator may be connected to the reference voltage. The output of comparator 44 may be connected to the gate of field-effect transistor 42 and to the OR gate 46. The corresponding input of OR gate 46 can be electrically connected to the corresponding gate of field-effect transistor 42 and the corresponding output of comparator 44. The output of OR gate 46 can be electrically connected to, for example, a hybrid powertrain control module 62 or a battery energy control module 64.

[0035] When the voltage of power grids 36 and 38 drops below a threshold, circuit elements 42, 44, and 46 establish an electrical connection between the MRC battery 40 and power grids 36 and 38, and the MRC battery 40 can then supply power to the load 48 connected to power grids 36 and 38. Comparators 44 each convert the voltage V of power grids 36 and 38... batt With reference voltage V ref (For example, grounding) for comparison. If the voltage V of power grid 36, 38 batt If the voltage is less than the reference voltage for a preset duration, each comparator applies a voltage from its output to the gate of the corresponding field-effect transistor. The preset duration can be selected to minimize the possibility of brief false alarms. Each field-effect transistor 42 turns on in response to the voltage applied by the corresponding comparator 44, thereby connecting the positive terminal of the MRC battery 40 to the power grid 36, 38. Comparator 44 also applies a voltage to an OR gate 46, causing the OR gate 46 to transmit the signal MRC_batt_active to, for example, the hybrid powertrain control module 62 or the battery energy control module 64. The corresponding parallel field-effect transistors 42 and comparators 44 provide redundancy, ensuring that interface 34 remains operational even if one or more of the field-effect transistors 42 or comparators 44 fail. The output of comparator 44 can be latched, making the electrical connection between the MRC battery 40 and the power grid 36, 38 persistent once established.

[0036] Figure 4This is a process flowchart illustrating an example procedure for responding to a fault in the power system 30. For example, the memory of the hybrid powertrain control module 62 or the battery energy control module 64 stores executable instructions for performing the steps of process 400. Generally, one of the control modules 62, 64 instructs the vehicle computer 50 to respond to the signal MRC_batt_active from interface 34, specifically from OR gate 46, i.e., the voltage V of the power grid 36, 38. batt If the risk level is below the threshold, vehicle 32 is placed in a minimum risk condition (described in more detail below in box 515 regarding process 500).

[0037] Process 400 begins in block 405, where one of the control modules 62, 64 receives the signal MRC_batt_active from interface 34. Specifically, the signal MRC_batt_active can be transmitted by OR gate 46. This signal can present indications, respectively, that the power grids 36, 38 are operating normally or have failed (i.e., voltage V) based on whether any of the comparators 44 has applied a voltage to OR gate 46. batt One of two values ​​(higher or lower than the threshold).

[0038] Next, in decision box 410, one of control modules 62 and 64 determines the voltage V of power grids 36 and 38. batt Is it above or below the threshold? If the signal MRC_batt_active is one of these two values, then the voltage V of power grid 36 and 38... batt If the voltage V of power grid 36 and 38 is above the threshold, and if the signal MRC_batt_active is the other of these two values, then the voltage V of power grid 36 and 38 will be higher. batt Below the threshold. If the voltage V batt If the voltage is above the threshold, process 400 returns to box 405 to continue monitoring the voltage V. batt .

[0039] If the voltage V batt If the value falls below the threshold, then in box 415, one of the control modules 62 and 64 instructs the vehicle computer 50 to place the vehicle 32 in a minimum risk condition. After box 415, process 400 ends.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a process flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 500 for placing vehicle 32 in a minimum risk condition. The memory of vehicle computer 50 stores executable instructions for performing the steps of process 500. Generally, vehicle computer 50 places vehicle 32 in a minimum risk condition in response to instructions from another vehicle subsystem (such as from hybrid powertrain control module 62 or battery energy control module 64) to place the vehicle 32 in a minimum risk condition.

[0041] Process 500 begins in box 505, in which vehicle computer 50 receives instructions from one of the vehicle subsystems (such as from hybrid powertrain control module 62 or battery energy control module 64), as described above with respect to box 415.

[0042] Next, in decision box 510, vehicle computer 50 determines whether the instruction is to place vehicle 32 in a minimum risk condition by reading the instruction. If the instruction is to perform an action other than placing vehicle 32 in a minimum risk condition, process 500 returns to box 505 to continue receiving instructions.

[0043] If the instruction is to place vehicle 32 in a minimum risk condition, then in box 515, vehicle computer 50 places vehicle 32 in a minimum risk condition. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), a "minimum risk condition" is a low-risk situation that an automated driving system automatically assumes when the system malfunctions or when a human driver fails to properly respond to a request to take over a dynamic driving task. For example, a minimum risk condition could be initiating a switchover to a human driver or autonomously driving vehicle 32 to the side of the road, i.e., stopping vehicle 32 outside a traffic-active lane. Vehicle computer 50 may store only programming for one type of minimum risk condition, or it may select the type of minimum risk condition based on, for example, driving scenario, such as handing over control of vehicle 32 to a human driver on a low-speed surface street and autonomously driving vehicle 32 to the side of the road on a highway. Vehicle computer 50 can execute a minimum risk condition by using known autonomous operation algorithms to control propulsion 52, braking system 54, and steering 56, for example, navigating to stop on the shoulder. After box 515, process 500 ends.

[0044] Generally speaking, the computing system and / or computing device described may employ any of many computer operating systems, including but not limited to versions and / or types of the following: Ford Applications, AppLink / SmartDevice Link middleware, Microsoft Operating system, Microsoft Operating systems, Unix operating systems (e.g., those released by Oracle Corporation of Redwood Shores, California). Operating systems: AIX UNIX (released by International Business Machines, Armonk, New York), Linux (released by Apple Inc., Cupertino, California), Mac OSX and iOS (released by Apple Inc., Cupertino, California), BlackBerry OS (released by BlackBerry Inc., Waterloo, Canada), and Android (developed by Google Inc. and the Open Handset Alliance) or supplied by QNX Software Systems. CAR infotainment platform. Examples of computing devices include, but are not limited to, in-vehicle computers, computer workstations, servers, desktop computers, laptop computers, handheld computers, or other computing systems and / or computing devices.

[0045] Computing devices typically include computer-executable instructions, which can be executed by one or more computing devices such as those listed above. Computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted from computer programs created using a variety of programming languages ​​and / or programming techniques, including but not limited to Java, alone or in combination. TM Applications include C, C++, Matlab, Simulink, Stateflow, Visual Basic, JavaScript, Perl, and HTML. Some of these applications can be compiled and executed on virtual machines, such as the Java Virtual Machine and the Dalvik Virtual Machine. Generally, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions from memory, computer-readable media, etc., and executes those instructions to perform one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described herein. Such instructions and other data can be stored and transferred using a variety of computer-readable media. Files in a computing device are typically collections of data stored on computer-readable media, such as storage media, random access memory, etc.

[0046] Computer-readable media (also known as processor-readable media) include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by the computer's processor). Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical discs or magnetic disks, as well as other persistent storage. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes main memory. Such instructions can be transmitted by one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including wires that constitute a system bus connected to a processor of an ECU. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, any other optical media, punched cards, paper tape, any other physical media with a perforated pattern, RAM, PROMs, EPROMs, FLASH-EEPROMs, any other memory chips or cartridges, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

[0047] The databases, data repositories, or other data storage areas described herein can include various mechanisms for storing, accessing, and retrieving various types of data, including hierarchical databases, a set of files in a file system, application databases in proprietary formats, relational database management systems (RDBMS), etc. Each such data storage area is typically contained within a computing device employing one of the various computer operating systems mentioned above, and is accessed via a network in any one or more of a variety of ways. File systems can be accessed from the computer operating system and can include files stored in various formats. In addition to languages ​​used for creating, storing, editing, and executing stored procedures, RDBMS typically employs a Structured Query Language (SQL), such as the PL / SQL language mentioned above.

[0048] In some instances, system elements may be implemented as computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) on one or more computing devices (e.g., servers, personal computers, etc.) and stored on an associated computer-readable medium (e.g., disks, storage devices, etc.). A computer program product may include such instructions stored on a computer-readable medium for performing the functions described herein.

[0049] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements. Additionally, some or all of these elements may be changed. Regarding the media, processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc., described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., have been described as occurring in a specific sequence, such processes can be practiced by performing the steps in an order other than that described herein. It should also be understood that some steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or some steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the description of processes herein is provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claims.

[0050] Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Many embodiments and applications beyond the examples provided will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should be determined not with reference to the foregoing description, but rather with reference to the full scope of the appended claims together with their authorized equivalents. It is anticipated and desired that various future developments will occur in the field discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In conclusion, it should be understood that the invention is capable of being modified and varied, and is limited only by the following claims.

[0051] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all terms used in the claims are intended to be given their ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. Specifically, unless the claim statement expressly limits it to the contrary, the use of singular articles such as “a,” “the,” or “the” should be interpreted as one or more of the elements indicated by the statement.

[0052] This disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than limiting. The use of "in response to" and "when determining..." indicates causal relationships, not merely temporal ones. In light of the foregoing teachings, numerous modifications and variations of this disclosure are possible, and this disclosure may be implemented in ways other than those specifically described.

[0053] According to the present invention, an electric system for a vehicle is provided, the electric system having: an interface electrically connected to a node; and a battery electrically connected to the interface; wherein the interface includes circuit elements that allow current to flow between the battery and the node if and only if the voltage of the node is below a threshold.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a control module, wherein an interface is communicatively coupled to the control module.

[0055] According to an embodiment, when the voltage of a node is below a threshold, the circuit elements of the interface send a signal to the control module.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the control module is programmed to instruct the vehicle computer to place the vehicle in a minimum risk condition in response to a node voltage falling below a threshold.

[0057] According to the embodiment, placing the vehicle in a situation of minimum risk is to drive the vehicle to the side of the road.

[0058] According to an embodiment, at least one of the circuit elements of the interface is a field-effect transistor electrically connected to the node and the battery.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the circuit elements of the interface include a plurality of field-effect transistors, the plurality of field-effect transistors including the field-effect transistors, and the field-effect transistors are electrically connected in parallel with the node and the battery.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the circuit elements of the interface include a plurality of comparators electrically connected to the respective field-effect transistors.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the circuit elements of the interface include an OR gate electrically connected to each of the field-effect transistors.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a control module, wherein an OR gate is electrically connected to the control module.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the battery is a first battery, and the power system also includes a second battery electrically connected to the node.

[0064] According to the present invention, an electric system for a vehicle is provided, the electric system having: a battery; and means for allowing current to flow between the battery and the node only when the voltage of the node is below a threshold.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a device for placing a vehicle in a minimum risk condition in response to a node voltage falling below a threshold.

[0066] According to the embodiment, placing the vehicle in a situation of minimum risk is to drive the vehicle to the side of the road.

[0067] According to the present invention, a control module is provided having a processor and a memory storing processor-executable instructions, the processor being programmed to instruct the vehicle's autonomous driving computer to place the vehicle in a minimum risk condition in response to a signal from an interface, i.e., a node voltage below a threshold; wherein the vehicle's electrical system includes the node, and the interface is electrically connected to the node and the battery.

[0068] According to the embodiment, placing the vehicle in a situation of minimum risk is to drive the vehicle to the side of the road.

Claims

1. An electrical system for a vehicle, comprising: The interface that is electrically connected to the node; as well as A battery electrically connected to the interface; The interface includes circuitry that allows current to flow between the battery and the node only when the voltage of the node is below a threshold. The circuit elements include a plurality of field-effect transistors and a plurality of comparators electrically connected to the respective field-effect transistors; Each field-effect transistor has a source, a drain, and a gate; Each comparator has two inputs and one output. The source and drain are electrically connected to the battery and the node, and one input of the comparator is connected to the node and the other input is connected to the reference voltage; as well as The gate is electrically connected to the output of the corresponding comparator.

2. The power system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a control module, wherein the interface is communicatively coupled to the control module.

3. The power system of claim 2, wherein when the voltage of the node is lower than the threshold, the circuit element of the interface transmits a signal to the control module.

4. The power system of claim 3, wherein the control module is programmed to instruct the vehicle computer to place the vehicle in a minimum risk condition in response to the voltage of the node being lower than the threshold.

5. The power system of claim 4, wherein placing the vehicle in a minimum risk condition involves driving the vehicle to the side of the road.

6. The power system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the circuit elements of the interface is a field-effect transistor electrically connected to the node and the battery.

7. The power system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of field-effect transistors includes the field-effect transistor, and the field-effect transistor is electrically connected in parallel with the node and the battery.

8. The power system of claim 7, wherein the circuit element of the interface comprises an OR gate electrically connected to each of the field-effect transistors.

9. The power system of claim 8, further comprising a control module, wherein the OR gate is electrically connected to the control module.

10. The power system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the battery is a first battery, and the power system further comprises a second battery electrically connected to the node.

11. An electrical system for a vehicle, comprising: Battery; as well as A device that allows current to flow between the battery and the node only when the voltage of the node is below a threshold. It also includes multiple field-effect transistors and multiple comparators electrically connected to the respective field-effect transistors; Each field-effect transistor has a source, a drain, and a gate; Each comparator has two inputs and one output. The source and drain are electrically connected to the battery and the node, and one input of the comparator is connected to the node and the other input is connected to the reference voltage; as well as The gate is electrically connected to the output of the corresponding comparator.

12. The power system of claim 11, further comprising means for placing the vehicle in a minimum risk condition in response to the voltage of the node being below the threshold.

13. The power system of claim 12, wherein placing the vehicle in a minimum risk condition involves driving the vehicle to the side of the road.

14. A control module comprising a processor and a memory storing processor-executable instructions, the processor being programmed to: In response to a signal from the interface that the node voltage is below a threshold, the vehicle's autonomous driving computer is instructed to place the vehicle in a minimum risk condition. The electrical system for the vehicle includes the node, and the interface is electrically connected to the node and the battery; The circuit elements include a plurality of field-effect transistors and a plurality of comparators electrically connected to the respective field-effect transistors; Each field-effect transistor has a source, a drain, and a gate; Each comparator has two inputs and one output. The source and drain are electrically connected to the battery and the node; one input of the comparator is connected to the node, and the other input is connected to a reference voltage; and The gate is electrically connected to the output of the corresponding comparator.

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