Automotive circuit protection device, system, and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to automotive circuit protection devices, systems, and methods. An automotive circuit protection device includes a protection field effect transistor (PROFET) and a controller connected to the PROFET, wherein the controller is configured to receive a feedback signal from the PROFET and generate and send a control signal to the PROFET based on the feedback signal, the control signal causing the PROFET to control current to a load of the automotive circuit. An automotive circuit protection method includes receiving a feedback signal from a PROFET and generating and sending a control signal to the PROFET based on the feedback signal, the control signal causing the PROFET to control current in the automotive circuit. An automotive circuit protection system includes a receiving module configured to receive a feedback signal from a PROFET, a computing module configured to generate a control signal based on the feedback signal, the control signal causing the PROFET to control current to a load of the automotive circuit, and a transmitting module configured to send the control signal to the PROFET.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive circuit protection. Specifically, this invention relates to an automotive circuit protection device, system, and method. Background Technology

[0002] In current vehicle models, relays and fuses are generally used for load drive and circuit protection. Under normal operating conditions, a fuse can carry the load current. However, when a short circuit occurs in the load circuit, the actual current flowing through it exceeds the fuse's rated current. The fuse will then blow within seconds, cutting off the power supply and protecting the load and wiring. The fuse is selected based on the load current, and the wire specifications are selected based on the fuse's rated current, ensuring that the wire's current-carrying capacity exceeds the fuse's rated current. This approach is limited by the specifications of the fuse and wires themselves, creating a certain degree of redundancy. Furthermore, the inherent characteristics of fuses result in poor protection against resistive short circuits, requiring replacement after blowing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a lightweight, reliable automotive circuit protection device, system, and method that reduces wire redundancy and has wide applicability.

[0004] To achieve one or more of the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, an automotive circuit protection device is provided, comprising: a protective metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (PROFET); and a controller connected to the PROFET; wherein the controller is configured to: receive a feedback signal from the PROFET; and generate a control signal based on the feedback signal and send the control signal to the PROFET, the control signal causing the PROFET to control the current of a load in the automotive circuit.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the PROFET is configured to control the load current of the automotive circuit based on a first actual current flowing through the PROFET.

[0007] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the invention, the controller is further configured to generate the control signal based on a second actual current derived from the feedback signal.

[0008] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the present invention, the controller is further configured to: determine one or more software protection parameters based on one or more of PROFET parameters and the load current of the automotive circuit, wherein: the PROFET parameters include a PROFET current sensing coefficient deviation range; the load current includes the inrush current of the load and the rated steady-state current of the load; and the software protection parameters include a software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient, a software protection overcurrent threshold, and a software protection activation time.

[0009] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the present invention, the controller is further configured to: determine the software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient based on the deviation range of the PROFET current sensing coefficient; and determine the software protection overcurrent threshold based on the software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient and the rated steady-state current of the load.

[0010] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the present invention, the controller is further configured to determine the software protection activation time based on the inrush current of the load.

[0011] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the present invention, the controller is further configured to: count the disconnection within a preset time when the vehicle circuit is controlled to be disconnected; turn on the vehicle circuit if the count within the preset time does not reach a preset number; and keep the vehicle circuit disconnected if the count within the preset time reaches the preset number.

[0012] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the invention, the PROFET is selected based on the inrush current of the load of the automotive circuit.

[0013] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the invention, the wiring for the load of the automotive circuit is determined based on one or more of the software protection parameters.

[0014] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the invention, the PROFET and the load of the automotive circuit are connected in series between the power supply and ground.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an automotive circuit protection method is provided, comprising the steps of: receiving a feedback signal from a protective metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (PROFET); and generating a control signal based on the feedback signal and sending the control signal to the PROFET, the control signal causing the PROFET to control the current in the automotive circuit.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes the step of: controlling the load current of the vehicle circuit by the PROFET based on a first actual current flowing through the PROFET.

[0017] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes the step of: generating the control signal based on a second actual current derived from the feedback signal.

[0018] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes the following step: determining one or more software protection parameters based on one or more of the PROFET parameters and the load current of the vehicle circuit, wherein: the PROFET parameters include the PROFET current sensing coefficient deviation range; the load current includes the inrush current of the load and the rated steady-state current of the load; and the software protection parameters include a software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient, a software protection overcurrent threshold, and a software protection activation time.

[0019] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes the following steps: determining the software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient based on the deviation range of the PROFET current sensing coefficient; and determining the software protection overcurrent threshold based on the software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient and the rated steady-state current of the load.

[0020] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes the step of determining the software protection activation time based on the inrush current of the load.

[0021] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes the following steps: when the vehicle circuit is controlled to be disconnected, counting the disconnection within a preset time period; if the count within the preset time period does not reach a preset number, turning on the vehicle circuit; and if the count within the preset time period reaches the preset number, keeping the vehicle circuit disconnected.

[0022] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an automotive circuit protection system is provided, comprising: a receiving module configured to receive a feedback signal from a protective metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (PROFET); a computing module configured to generate a control signal based on the feedback signal, the control signal causing the PROFET to control the current of a load in the automotive circuit; and a transmitting module configured to transmit the control signal to the PROFET.

[0023] According to a system of an embodiment of the present invention, the calculation module is further configured to generate the control signal based on a second actual current derived from the feedback signal.

[0024] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the present invention, the calculation module is further configured to: determine one or more software protection parameters based on one or more of the PROFET parameters and the load current of the automotive circuit, wherein: the PROFET parameters include the PROFET current sensing coefficient deviation range; the load current includes the inrush current of the load and the rated steady-state current of the load; and the software protection parameters include a software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient, a software protection overcurrent threshold, and a software protection activation time.

[0025] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the present invention, the calculation module is further configured to: determine the software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient based on the deviation range of the PROFET current sensing coefficient; and determine the software protection overcurrent threshold based on the software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient and the rated steady-state current of the load.

[0026] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the system, the calculation module is further configured to determine the software protection activation time based on the inrush current of the load.

[0027] According to another embodiment or any of the above embodiments of the present invention, the computing module is further configured to: count the disconnection within a preset time when the vehicle circuit is controlled to be disconnected; generate the control signal for turning on the vehicle circuit if the count within the preset time does not reach a preset number; and generate the control signal for keeping the vehicle circuit disconnected if the count within the preset time reaches the preset number.

[0028] The first advantage of the automotive circuit protection device, system, and method according to the present invention is that: the overall automotive circuit protection is implemented using a PROFET-based hardware and software protection strategy, replacing traditional bulky and heavy relays and fuses, and can fully utilize the short-circuit protection and diagnostic feedback current functions of PROFET, with the characteristics of lightweight and higher reliability.

[0029] The second advantage of the automotive circuit protection device, system, and method according to the present invention is that the introduction of a PROFET-based software protection strategy enables a reduction in wire diameter. The software protection overcurrent threshold is directly set based on the load current requirement and the software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient (determined according to the deviation range of the current sensing coefficient of the PROFET), setting a calculated protection requirement value. This allows for closer approximation of the load's rated steady-state current without false triggering. When selecting wire specifications, it is sufficient to ensure that their long-term carrying capacity exceeds the load's rated steady-state current and their short-term carrying capacity exceeds the software protection overcurrent threshold. Calculations and experiments have verified that this method effectively reduces the need for wire specifications. Traditionally, the method involves first selecting a fuse based on the load's rated current, and then selecting a matching wire based on the fuse's capacity. Since the specifications of both the fuse and the wire are relatively fixed and hierarchical, poor matching can occur in some cases, resulting in excessive redundancy in the selected wire's current capacity and preventing a reduction in wire diameter.

[0030] The third advantage of the automotive circuit protection device, system, and method according to the present invention is that the hardware and software protection strategies cooperate to achieve better, more accurate, and wider-range circuit protection, while also being flexible. Through software protection, it can attempt to re-output when a temporary fault occurs; if the fault is resolved, it maintains the normal operating requirements of the load; if the fault persists, it disconnects the circuit to achieve the purpose of protecting the line. On the other hand, traditional methods are limited by the fuse specification level, generally requiring the selection of the smallest specification fuse larger than the specified value. This difference leads to an increase in the protection activation value and a decrease in the protection range. Software protection can eliminate this difference, increase the protection range, and make the protection activation time more precise and accurate, achieving protection against overload and resistive short circuits. For the huge current generated by a direct short circuit, hardware protection disconnects the line with a very short activation time, reducing damage to the load and conductors. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The above and / or other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become clearer and more readily understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The drawings include:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of an automotive circuit protection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a PROFET according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 A current curve diagram 200 in an automotive circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4A schematic flowchart illustrating an automotive circuit protection method 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of the sub-steps of an automotive circuit protection method 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] In this specification, the invention is described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, the invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments given herein. The given embodiments are intended to make the disclosure herein complete and thorough, so as to more fully convey the scope of protection of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0038] Terms such as "comprising" and "including" indicate that, in addition to the units and steps that are directly and explicitly stated in the specification and claims, the technical solution of the present invention does not exclude the presence of other units and steps that are not directly or explicitly stated. Terms such as "first" and "second" do not indicate the order of the units in terms of time, space, size, etc., but are merely used to distinguish the units.

[0039] The invention is described below with reference to flowchart illustrations, block diagrams, and / or flowcharts of methods and systems according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of these flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations thereof, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to form a machine, such that these instructions, executable by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create components for implementing the functions / operations specified in these flowchart illustrations and / or blocks and / or one or more flowchart illustrations.

[0040] These computer program instructions can be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processor to cause a series of operational steps to be executed on the computer or other programmable processor, thereby constituting a computer-implemented process, such that these instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable data processor, provide steps for implementing the functions or operations specified in one or more boxes of this flowchart and / or block diagram. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions / operations shown in the boxes may not occur in the order shown in the flowchart. For example, two boxes shown sequentially may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these boxes may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions / operations involved.

[0041] Where applicable, the various embodiments provided by this disclosure may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, where applicable, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the various hardware and / or software components described herein may be combined into composite components comprising software, hardware, and / or both. Where applicable, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the various hardware and / or software components described herein may be separated into sub-components comprising software, hardware, or both. Furthermore, where applicable, it is contemplated that software components may be implemented as hardware components, and vice versa.

[0042] Now for reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of an automotive circuit protection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automotive circuit protection device 100 may include a protective metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (PROFET) 101; and a controller 102 connected to the PROFET 101. In one embodiment, the automotive circuit protection device 100 may further include a power supply 105, and the required number of PROFETs 101 and controller 102 may be housed in a fuse box 104, which may be powered by the power supply 105. The PROFET 101 may be output-controlled by the controller 102 to control the on / off state of the MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) in the PROFET 101, thereby further controlling the on / off state of the circuit in which it is located. In one embodiment, the PROFET 101 and the load 103 of the automotive circuit are connected in series between the power supply 105 and ground. Typically, the PROFET 101 may act as a high-side switch, connected in the circuit in the order of power supply 105, PROFET 101, load 103, and ground. However, it is understood that the PROFET 101 can be connected in the circuit in any manner without departing from the scope of this disclosure, as long as it serves to control the current in the circuit. For clarity and simplicity, the following description uses the PROFET 101 as a high-side switch (connected between the power supply and the load, rather than between the load and ground) as an example to illustrate the apparatus and method of this disclosure.

[0043] On one hand, controller 102 can be configured to: receive a feedback signal from PROFET 101; and generate a control signal based on the feedback signal and send the control signal to PROFET 101, the control signal causing PROFET 101 to control the current of the load in the vehicle circuit. The above operation of controlling and protecting the current of the vehicle circuit by the PROFET through the controller can be called software protection. In one embodiment, the feedback signal from PROFET 101 can be a feedback current value, which can be proportional to or have a certain functional relationship with the actual current flowing through load 103 or PROFET 101. Therefore, controller 102 can be configured to generate a control signal based on a second actual current derived from the feedback signal and send the control signal to PROFET 101. For example, under normal operating conditions, controller 102 turns on the MOSFET in PROFET 101 according to user operation or other vehicle controller instructions, thereby allowing current to flow through load 103 to power load 103. When a short circuit occurs in wire 106, for example, a resistive short circuit, or when an overload occurs in load 103, for example, during operation, controller 102 can calculate the second actual current through a feedback signal (e.g., current sensing feedback current). After the second actual current exceeds a preset software protection overcurrent threshold for a preset software protection start time, it triggers PROFET 101 to implement software protection, thereby disconnecting the MOSFET, cutting off the output, and protecting the downstream circuit.

[0044] On the other hand, PROFET 101 can be configured to control the load current of the automotive circuit based on the first actual current flowing through the PROFET; this operation can be referred to as hardware protection. PROFET 101 generally has load diagnostic and protection capabilities, and in some cases, PROFET 101 specifically designed for controlling all load types, including resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads, in harsh automotive environments can be used. These PROFETs offer extensive protection against overload, overtemperature, and short circuits in all types of automotive and industrial applications. In operation, under normal conditions, controller 102 turns on the MOSFET in PROFET 101 according to user operation or other automotive controller commands, thereby allowing current to flow through load 103 to power load 103. When a short circuit occurs in wire 106, for example, to ground, or when a short circuit occurs in load 103, for example, internally, if the first actual current flowing through load 103 and PROFET 101 exceeds the hardware protection current of PROFET 101, PROFET 101 is triggered within a very short time to implement short-circuit hardware protection, thereby disconnecting the MOSFET, cutting off the output, and protecting downstream circuitry. A schematic diagram of the PROFET 101 can be found in Figure 2As seen in the image, besides the MOSFET circuit 1011 on the right, there is also an internal circuit 1012 of the PROFET 101. The internal circuit 1012 can convert the actual current in the MOSFET circuit 1011 into a feedback signal sent to the controller 102, and can also control the conduction and disconnection of the MOSFET circuit 1011 based on the control signal from the controller 102.

[0045] In one embodiment, PROFET 101 can be selected based on the inrush current of the load in the automotive circuit. For example, when selecting a PROFET 101 with an appropriate capacity to drive the load based on the load current requirement, the hardware protection current of PROFET 101 (i.e., its own current threshold) must be greater than the inrush current or surge current of load 103 to prevent accidental disconnection of the power supply to load 103. Specifically, PROFET 101 can be selected to carry the rated steady-state current I of load 103. steady For example, 150% or more. When a short-circuit fault occurs, the PROFET 101 hardware protection condition is triggered, causing the PROFET 101 to perform hardware protection and disconnect the circuit. The corresponding current-time curve of the PROFET 101 is provided by the PROFET 101 supplier.

[0046] In one embodiment, the controller may also be configured to determine one or more software protection parameters based on one or more of the PROFET parameters and the load current of the automotive circuit. Wherein: the PROFET parameters include the PROFET current sensing coefficient deviation range; the load current includes the load inrush current and the load's rated steady-state current; and the software protection parameters include a software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient, a software protection overcurrent threshold, and a software protection activation time.

[0047] Specifically, in one implementation, the controller can be configured to: determine a software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient based on the deviation range of the PROFET current sensing coefficient; and determine a software protection overcurrent threshold based on the software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient and the rated steady-state current of the load. For example, the deviation range Δk of the current sensing coefficient of the selected PROFET 101 can be used as a reference. ILIS Determine the software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient k pro As an example, if Δk ILIS If the percentage is less than 20% but greater than or equal to 14%, then k pro We can take 1.5; if Δk ILIS If it is less than 14%, then k pro We can take 1.35. Next, we will determine the rated steady-state current I of load 103. steady Based on the above-determined software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient k proThe software protection overcurrent threshold I can be determined using the following formula. pro :

[0048] I pro =k pro ×I steady .

[0049] In another embodiment, the controller can also be configured to determine the software protection activation time t1 based on the load inrush current. For example, the software protection activation time t1 can be selected as an appropriate value based on the software's sampling capability, and should be greater than the duration of the load inrush current or surge current to avoid false tripping. Preferably, the software protection activation time can be 380ms. This allows the determination of the software protection current-time curve, see details below. Figure 3 The current curve shown in Figure 200 is shown.

[0050] Therefore, in determining the software protection overcurrent threshold I pro And after the software protection start time t1, when the second actual current calculated by the controller 102 based on the current sensing feedback current from the PROFET 101 exceeds the software protection overcurrent threshold I... pro After the software protection start time t1 is exceeded, the software protection is triggered, the MOSFET is disconnected, and the output is cut off, thereby protecting the downstream circuit.

[0051] Furthermore, in addition to the simple single-time on / off control of the circuit described above, the controller can also be configured to perform the following automotive circuit protection method: when the automotive circuit is controlled to be disconnected, counting the disconnection within a preset time; if the count within the preset time does not reach a preset number, turning on the automotive circuit; and if the count within the preset time reaches a preset number, keeping the automotive circuit disconnected.

[0052] In one specific implementation, when no fault occurs, the controller 102 can control the conduction output of the MOSFET according to user operation or other vehicle controller instructions, enabling the load 103 to operate normally. When a fault occurs, the controller 102 can be configured to: disconnect the circuit, set an overcurrent flag, increment the overcurrent count or circuit disconnection count of the MOSFET, and start a timer when a fault triggers hardware or software protection. Note that when the overcurrent flag is set, the controller 102 can be configured to prevent the MOSFET from conducting.

[0053] Next, after a preset time (e.g., 3 seconds), if the overcurrent count or circuit disconnection count has not reached the preset number (e.g., 8 times), the overcurrent flag is cleared. At this time, since the overcurrent flag is cleared, the controller 102 can attempt to turn on the MOSFET in the PROFET according to user operation or other vehicle controller instructions. The preset time is used to eliminate possible temporary faults in the circuit. The principle for eliminating temporary faults is as follows: For example, if the vehicle experiences a temporary fault (e.g., a momentary excessive current) and causes the circuit to disconnect due to overcurrent, after the preset time, the temporary fault (e.g., a momentary excessive current) should no longer exist. If the controller 102 then attempts to turn on the MOSFET in the PROFET, it can successfully restore circuit operation without disconnecting again due to overcurrent. On the other hand, if a long-term fault lasting several minutes occurs and causes the circuit to disconnect due to overcurrent, the temporary fault still exists after the preset time. If the controller 102 attempts to turn on the MOSFET in the PROFET, it cannot successfully restore circuit operation because the circuit will disconnect again due to overcurrent.

[0054] Specifically, in the event of a long-term fault in the circuit, when the circuit is first disconnected due to overcurrent, an overcurrent flag is set, the overcurrent count of the MOSFET or the circuit disconnection count is incremented, and a timer is started for a preset duration of 3 seconds (to eliminate possible temporary faults). When the 3-second preset time expires, the current count is 1, not reaching 8. At this point, the controller 102 can clear the flag (but not the overcurrent count) and attempt to output based on user operation or controller commands. Since it is a long-term fault, the circuit disconnects a second time due to overcurrent. This time, the overcurrent flag is set, the overcurrent count of the MOSFET or the circuit disconnection count is incremented, and a timer is started for a preset duration of 3 seconds. When the 3-second preset time expires, the current count is 2, not reaching 8. This cycle repeats until the count reaches 8, at which point the overcurrent flag is maintained, and relevant information is displayed to the user. The controller 102 can prevent the MOSFET from conducting until the fault is completely eliminated and the overcurrent count is cleared. Then, the load can continue to operate until another fault triggers the protection. In other words, if the controller 102 successfully attempts to re-output before the count reaches 8 (24 seconds in this example), the circuit resumes operation and clears the overcurrent count.

[0055] Optionally, the conductor 106 for the load in the automotive circuit can be determined based on one or more software protection parameters. For example, the 3000-hour current capacity (long-term carrying capacity) of conductor 106 can be greater than the rated steady-state current I of load 103. steadyThe 1-hour current capacity (short-time carrying capacity) of conductor 106 can exceed the software protection overcurrent threshold I. pro The current-time curve of the selected conductor 106 can be higher than at least one of the software protection current-time curve and the PROFET current-time curve (see details). Figure 3 Current curve (Figure 200).

[0056] Now go to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of an automotive circuit protection method 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step 301, a feedback signal is received from a protective metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (PROFET); in step 302, a control signal is generated based on the feedback signal, and in step 303, the control signal is sent to the PROFET. The order of the steps may vary; some steps may be executed in reverse order, simultaneously, or cyclically. The automotive circuit protection method 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention also performs other steps corresponding to the operations performed by the apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, which will not be described further here.

[0057] In the above method 300, the switching on and off of the MOSFET in the PROFET can also be controlled according to the following sub-step 400, that is, the presence or absence of load current.

[0058] refer to Figure 5 Sub-step 400 begins at block 401 and, after starting, turns on the MOSFET in the PROFET (block 402). When the vehicle circuit is controlled to disconnect (if determined to be yes at block 403), the disconnection time is counted for a preset period of time (block 404). If the count within the preset period of time does not reach a preset number (if determined to be no at block 405), the vehicle circuit is turned on (block 406); and if the count within the preset period of time reaches a preset number (if determined to be yes at block 405), the vehicle circuit remains disconnected (block 407). Sub-step 400 of the vehicle circuit protection method 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention also performs other steps corresponding to the operations performed by the apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention in the embodiment, which will not be described again here.

[0059] The software (such as program code and / or data) according to this disclosure may be stored on one or more computer-readable media. It is also contemplated that the software identified herein may be implemented using one or more networked and / or otherwise general-purpose or special-purpose computers and / or computer systems. Where applicable, the order of the various steps described herein may be changed, combined into compound steps, and / or separated into sub-steps to provide the features described herein.

[0060] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit this disclosure to the precise form disclosed or any particular field of use. Therefore, it is contemplated that various alternative embodiments and / or modifications of this disclosure are possible, whether expressly described or implied herein. Given that embodiments of this disclosure have been described as such, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. An automotive circuit protection device, comprising: A protective metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (PROFET), the PROFET being configured to control the load current of the automotive circuit based on a first actual current flowing through the PROFET, in order to implement hardware protection; and The controller is connected to the PROFET; The controller is configured as follows: Receive feedback signals from the PROFET; and A control signal is generated based on the feedback signal and sent to the PROFET, the control signal causing the PROFET to control the load current of the automotive circuit. Furthermore, the controller is configured to determine one or more software protection parameters based on one or more of the PROFET parameters and the load current of the vehicle circuit, wherein the PROFET parameters include the PROFET current sensing coefficient deviation range.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured to: The control signal is generated based on a second actual current derived from the feedback signal.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The load current includes the inrush current of the load and the rated steady-state current of the load; and The software protection parameters include the software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient, the software protection overcurrent threshold, and the software protection startup time.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The controller is also configured to: The software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient is determined based on the deviation range of the PROFET current sensing coefficient; and The software protection overcurrent threshold is determined based on the software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient and the rated steady-state current of the load.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The controller is also configured to: The software protection activation time is determined based on the inrush current of the load.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured to: When the vehicle circuit is controlled to be disconnected, the disconnection time within a preset time is counted. If the count within the preset time period does not reach the preset number, the vehicle circuit is activated; as well as If the count reaches the preset number within the preset time period, the vehicle circuit remains disconnected.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The PROFET is selected based on the surge current of the load in the automotive circuit.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The wires for the load of the automotive circuit are determined based on one or more of the software protection parameters.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The PROFET and the load of the automotive circuit are connected in series between the power supply and ground.

10. A method for protecting an automotive circuit, comprising the following steps: Feedback signals are received from a protected metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (PROFET), the PROFET being configured to control the load current of the automotive circuit based on a first actual current flowing through the PROFET, in order to implement hardware protection; and A control signal is generated based on the feedback signal and sent to the PROFET, the control signal causing the PROFET to control the current in the automotive circuit. The method further includes the following steps: One or more software protection parameters are determined based on one or more of the PROFET parameters and the load current of the vehicle circuit, wherein the PROFET parameters include the PROFET current sensing coefficient deviation range.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of: The control signal is generated based on a second actual current derived from the feedback signal.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The load current includes the inrush current of the load and the rated steady-state current of the load; and The software protection parameters include the software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient, the software protection overcurrent threshold, and the software protection startup time.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of: The software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient is determined based on the deviation range of the PROFET current sensing coefficient. as well as The software protection overcurrent threshold is determined based on the software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient and the rated steady-state current of the load.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of: The software protection activation time is determined based on the inrush current of the load.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of: When the vehicle circuit is controlled to be disconnected, the disconnection time within a preset time is counted. If the count within the preset time period does not reach the preset number, the vehicle circuit is activated; as well as If the count reaches the preset number within the preset time period, the vehicle circuit remains disconnected.

16. An automotive circuit protection system, comprising: A receiving module configured to receive a feedback signal from a protected metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (PROFET), the PROFET being configured to control the load current of the automotive circuit based on a first actual current flowing through the PROFET, in order to implement hardware protection. A computing module configured to generate a control signal based on the feedback signal, the control signal causing the PROFET to control the current of the load in the automotive circuit; as well as The transmitting module is configured to send the control signal to the PROFET. The computing module is further configured to: One or more software protection parameters are determined based on one or more of the PROFET parameters and the load current of the vehicle circuit, wherein the PROFET parameters include the PROFET current sensing coefficient deviation range.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein, The computing module is also configured to: The control signal is generated based on a second actual current derived from the feedback signal.

18. The system according to claim 16, wherein: The load current includes the inrush current of the load and the rated steady-state current of the load; and The software protection parameters include the software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient, the software protection overcurrent threshold, and the software protection startup time.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein, The computing module is also configured to: The software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient is determined based on the deviation range of the PROFET current sensing coefficient; and The software protection overcurrent threshold is determined based on the software protection overcurrent threshold coefficient and the rated steady-state current of the load.

20. The system according to claim 18, wherein, The computing module is also configured to: The software protection activation time is determined based on the inrush current of the load.

21. The system according to claim 18, wherein, The computing module is also configured to: When the vehicle circuit is controlled to be disconnected, the disconnection time within a preset time is counted. If the count does not reach a preset number within the preset time period, a control signal for turning on the vehicle circuit is generated; as well as If the count reaches the preset number within the preset time period, a control signal is generated to keep the vehicle circuit disconnected.

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