Electronic commutator

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic switch unit (1000), comprising: an electronic switch (10), comprising an input terminal (E1) for receiving a first voltage (BT) with reference to a first electrical reference (GND1), and an output terminal (S1), and a logic operator (130), comprising a first input terminal (E2) for receiving a second voltage (U1) with reference to a second electrical reference (GND2), a second input terminal (E3) electrically connected to the output terminal (S1) of the electronic switch (10), and an output terminal (BS); the electronic switch (10) is configured to selectively take a first position or a second position, in which the input terminal (E1) is connected to the output terminal (S1) and in which the input terminal (E1) is disconnected from the output terminal (S1), and the logic operator (130) is configured to apply the maximum voltage of a voltage offset by a voltage offset amount present on the first input terminal (E2) and a voltage offset by the voltage offset amount present on the second input terminal (E3) to the output terminal (BS).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic switching unit and an electrical system comprising such an electronic switching unit for driving a rotating electrical machine. Background Art

[0002] Electric or hybrid vehicles are equipped with a dual voltage supply network. In this type of network, the two on-board networks have different rated DC operating voltages. The first on-board network is of the low voltage type - in the order of magnitude of about 12V, and the second on-board network is of the high voltage type - in the order of magnitude of about 48V.

[0003] Such an electric vehicle comprises a rotating electrical machine, the stator of which is multiphase and driven by a power bridge. As a non-limiting example, it can be in particular an alternator or a starter-alternator.

[0004] Generally speaking, the electrical system can connect the rotating electric machine to the vehicle network. Such an electrical system can also perform diagnostic functions, communication functions with the motor vehicle, and functions of driving the rotating electric machine.

[0005] An object of the invention is to provide an electronic switch unit and an electrical system comprising such an electronic switch unit according to the invention, making it possible to perform certain diagnostic functions for the onboard network and / or the rotating electrical machine in any power supply configuration with respect to the two onboard networks.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to provide a simple and robust electronic switching unit which can in particular limit leakage currents between two on-board power systems of a motor vehicle and selectively supply the entire or part of the electrical system via one or the other on-board power system. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, at least one of the above objects is achieved by an electronic switch unit, comprising:

[0008] · an electronic switch including a switch for receiving a first voltage referenced to a first electrical reference, and an output terminal;

[0009] · a logic operator comprising a first input terminal for receiving a second voltage referenced to a second electrical reference, a second input terminal electrically connected to said output terminal of the electronic switch, and an output terminal;

[0010] ·The electronic switch is configured to selectively assume a first position in which its input terminal is connected to its output terminal (S1) or a second position in which its input terminal is disconnected from its output terminal, and the logic operator is configured to apply a maximum voltage of a voltage present at its first input terminal offset by a voltage offset amount and a voltage present at its second input terminal offset by the voltage offset amount to its output terminal.

[0011] Therefore, by means of the electronic switch of the electronic switch unit, the output terminal of the logic operator can be selectively supplied with power via the first voltage or the second voltage.

[0012] The electronic switch unit according to the first aspect of the present invention may advantageously include at least one of the following improvements, the technical features forming these improvements can be considered individually or in combination:

[0013] Optionally, the first voltage is a DC voltage, for example provided by a battery.

[0014] Optionally, the second voltage is a DC voltage, for example provided by a battery.

[0015] Optionally, the second voltage is a regulated DC voltage, the voltage variation of which is limited to plus or minus 10%, preferably limited to plus or minus 5%.

[0016] Optionally, the electronic switch further comprises:

[0017] · a first interconnect transistor configured to be capable of electrically connecting an input terminal of the electronic switch to the intermediate electrical line when the first interconnect transistor is in its conducting state,

[0018] · a second interconnect transistor configured to be able to electrically connect the output terminal of the electronic switch to the intermediate electrical line when the second interconnect transistor is in its conducting state,

[0019] · first driving means designed to switch the first interconnected transistor from an off-state to an on-state when a voltage present at an input terminal of the electronic switch is greater than a first threshold value, and from an on-state to an off-state otherwise, and

[0020] · The control module is designed to switch the second interconnection transistor from the off state to the on state when the potential of the intermediate wire is higher than the second threshold value, and otherwise switch from the on state to the off state.

[0021] Optionally, the electronic switch further comprises:

[0022] ·a first interconnect transistor configured to be capable of electrically connecting an input terminal of the electronic switch to the intermediate electrical line when the first interconnect transistor is in its conducting state,

[0023] · a second interconnect transistor configured to be able to electrically connect the output terminal of the electronic switch to the intermediate electrical line when the second interconnect transistor is in its conducting state,

[0024] · first driving means designed to switch the first interconnected transistor from an off-state to an on-state when a voltage present at an input terminal of the electronic switch is greater than a first threshold value, and from an on-state to an off-state otherwise, and

[0025] · The control module is designed to switch the second interconnected transistor from the off state to the on state when the voltage present at the input terminal of the electronic switch is higher than a first threshold value, and otherwise switch from the on state to the off state.

[0026] Therefore, when the first interconnection transistor and the second interconnection transistor are simultaneously opened, leakage current between the power supply providing the first voltage and the power supply providing the second voltage is limited.

[0027] Optionally, the first interconnect transistor is a MOSFET.

[0028] Optionally, the first interconnect transistor is a p-channel MOSFET.

[0029] Optionally, the electronic switch further comprises a first reference terminal referenced to a first electrical reference.

[0030] Optionally, the first driving device further includes:

[0031] · a first control transistor, the first control transistor being a MOSFET,

[0032] · A first Zener diode is connected in series with a first pull-down resistor,

[0033] · A first Zener diode and a first pull-down resistor are connected in series between an input terminal of the electronic switch and a first reference terminal, a cathode of the first Zener diode is electrically connected to the input terminal of the electronic switch, an anode of the first Zener diode is electrically connected to a gate of the first control transistor and the first pull-down resistor, a drain of the first control transistor is electrically connected to the gate of the first interconnection transistor, and a source of the first control transistor is electrically connected to the first reference terminal.

[0034] Optionally, the first control transistor is an n-channel MOSFET.

[0035] Optionally, the second interconnect transistor is a MOSFET.

[0036] Optionally, the second interconnect transistor is a p-channel MOSFET.

[0037] Optionally, the electronic switch further comprises a second reference terminal for referencing with a second electrical reference.

[0038] Optionally, the control module further includes:

[0039] · a second control transistor, the second control transistor being a MOSFET,

[0040] · A bias resistor, in series with the second pull-down resistor,

[0041] · The bias resistor and the second pull-down resistor are connected in series between the intermediate wire and the second reference terminal, the bias resistor is electrically connected to the intermediate wire through one of its terminals and is electrically connected to the gate of the second control transistor and the second pull-down resistor through the other of its terminals, and the second pull-down resistor is electrically connected to the second reference terminal through one of its terminals and is electrically connected to the gate of the second control transistor and the bias resistor at the same time through the other of its terminals.

[0042] Optionally, the second control transistor is an n-channel MOSFET.

[0043] Optionally, the drain of the second control transistor is electrically connected to the gate of the second interconnect transistor, for example via a gate resistor.

[0044] Optionally, the source of the second control transistor is connected to a second electrical reference.

[0045] Optionally, the electronic switch further comprises a control terminal, and the control module further comprises an activation module designed to force the second interconnected transistor into its off state when a control signal is received at the control terminal of the electronic switch.

[0046] Optionally, the activation module comprises an NPN bipolar transistor having an emitter electrically connected to the second reference terminal, a collector electrically connected to the gate of the second control transistor and the intermediate wire via a bias resistor, and a base electrically connected to the control terminal of the electronic switch unit.

[0047] Optionally, the electronic switch further comprises a protection device for the intermediate wire, the protection device being designed to electrically connect the intermediate wire to the second electrical reference via the bias resistor when a voltage difference between the intermediate wire and the second electrical reference is higher than a third threshold.

[0048] Optionally, the logic operator includes a first diode and a second diode, the anode of the first diode is electrically connected to the second input terminal of the logic operator, the anode of the second diode is electrically connected to the first input terminal of the logic operator, the cathode of the first diode is electrically connected to the cathode of the second diode, and the output terminal of the logic operator is electrically connected to a point located between the cathode of the first diode and the cathode of the second diode.

[0049] Therefore, the first diode also makes it possible to limit the leakage current between the power supply providing the first voltage and the power supply providing the second voltage.

[0050] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an electrical system for controlling a rotating electrical machine of a motor vehicle is proposed, the electrical system comprising: an electronic switching unit according to the first aspect of the present invention or according to any improvement thereof, a first power supply terminal for a high voltage power supply signal referenced to a second electrical reference, a power supply source configured to provide a regulated low voltage power supply signal at a first input terminal of a logic operator of the electronic switching unit based on the high voltage power supply signal received at the first power supply terminal.

[0051] The invention will be better understood from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only and with reference to the following drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] [ Figure 1 ] shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electrical system according to the second aspect of the present invention;

[0053] [ Figure 2 ] shows the functional state of an electrical system in one embodiment of the present invention when low voltage and high voltage power supply signals are simultaneously present at the terminals of the electrical system;

[0054] [ Figure 3 ] shows the functional state of the electrical system in one embodiment of the present invention when only the high voltage supply signal is present at the terminals of the electrical system;

[0055] [ Figure 4 ] shows the functional state of the electrical system in one embodiment of the present invention when only a low voltage power supply signal is present at the terminals of the electrical system; and

[0056] [ Figure 5 ] shows an embodiment of an electronic switching unit according to the first aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] refer to[ Figure 1 ], a first exemplary embodiment of an electrical system 100 according to the second aspect of the present invention is implemented.

[0058] As mentioned above, the electrical system 100 makes it possible to interface a rotating electrical machine (not shown) with the on-board network of a motor vehicle.

[0059] [ Figure 1 The electrical system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes the following elements:

[0060] a first power supply terminal (not shown) through which a low-voltage power supply signal BT arrives from a low-voltage electrical network of the motor vehicle on which the electrical system 100 is installed. The low-voltage power supply signal BT is a low-voltage supply voltage. In a non-limiting manner, the low-voltage supply voltage has an amplitude between 6 V and 18 V;

[0061] a first electrical reference terminal (not shown), arranged as a first electrical reference (GND1) and allowing reference to the low voltage supply signal BT. Advantageously, the first electrical reference (GND1) is a first ground;

[0062] a second supply terminal (not shown) through which the high-voltage supply signal HT arrives from the on-board network of the motor vehicle on which the electrical system 100 is installed. The high-voltage supply signal HT is a high-voltage supply voltage. In a non-limiting manner, this high-voltage supply voltage HT has an amplitude between 24 V and 54 V;

[0063] a second electrical reference terminal (not shown), arranged as a second electrical reference (GND2) and allowing reference to the high voltage supply signal HT. Advantageously, the second electrical reference (GND2) is a second ground;

[0064] The switch-mode power supply 110 makes it possible to provide a voltage in the form of a regulated low-voltage supply signal based on the high-voltage supply signal HT. In a non-limiting manner, the regulated low-voltage supply signal has an amplitude of 14 V plus or minus 5%;

[0065] The electronic switch unit 1000 includes an electronic switch 10 and a logic operator 130. Figure 5 ] The electronic switch unit 1000 is described in more detail. Schematically, the electronic switch unit 1000 is configured to be able to take:

[0066] Closed circuit configuration, in which the output terminal BS of the logic operator 130 (at [ Figure 1 ] is not shown) electrically connected to the input terminal E1 of the electronic switch 10, and the low-voltage power supply signal BT is connected to the input terminal E1 via the logic operator 130 and the electronic switch 10; or

[0067] open circuit configuration, wherein the output terminal BS of the logic operator 130 (at [ Figure 1 ] (not shown) is not electrically connected to the input terminal E1 of the electronic switch 10 to which the low-voltage power supply signal BT is connected.

[0068] The electronic module 120 makes it possible to generate a plurality of supply undervoltages U4, in particular based on a supply signal present at the output terminal BS of the electronic switch unit 1000, said supply signal being respectively a low-voltage supply signal BT or a regulated low-voltage supply signal according to the closed-circuit or open-circuit configuration of the electronic switch unit 1000. The supply undervoltage U4 generated by the electronic module 120 makes it possible to supply power to some electronic components of the electrical system. As non-limiting examples, the amplitude of the supply undervoltage U4 generated by the electronic module 120 may be equal to 1V or 3V or 5V or 6V. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electronic module 120 may be implemented by an SBC (acronym for “system basis chip”) circuit;

[0069] The controller unit 180 makes it possible to perform a variety of functions, such as analysis or diagnostic functions for the electrical system and / or for the rotating electrical machine and / or for the electrical network of the motor vehicle or for some other component thereof. The controller unit 180 is advantageously powered by one of the supply undervoltages U4 provided by the electronic module 120. In other words, it is necessary to power at least the electronic module 120 in order to use the analysis and diagnostic functions of the controller unit 180;

[0070] one or more controller units 190 generating a plurality of control signals U3 for the gates of power transistors of one or more power modules 200 for driving a rotating electrical machine, said control signals U3 being transmitted by the electrical system 100 to the one or more power modules 200. The one or more controller units 190 are powered by one of the supply undervoltages U4 and / or by a regulated low-voltage supply signal;

[0071] The communication bus 160 allows communication with other components of the motor vehicle and / or with the rotating electrical machine. The communication bus 160 is advantageously powered by:

[0072] a specific low-voltage supply 150 which makes it possible to generate a supply signal for the communication bus 160 on the basis of the voltage supply voltage BT arriving at the electrical system 100 ; and / or

[0073] At least one of the supply undervoltages U4 is provided by the electronic module 120 .

[0074] It should be noted that the communication bus 160 operates normally when powered by the specific low voltage supply 150 and the at least one supply undervoltage U4 at the same time.

[0075] Depending on the configuration of the motor vehicle, one or more of the power supply signals BT, HT may be available, or both power supply signals BT, HT may be available simultaneously to supply power to the electrical system 100. Available means that the corresponding power supply signal is within the above-mentioned value range. More specifically, when the amplitude is zero or close to zero, the power supply signal BT, HT is not available.

[0076] [ Figure 1 ] The electrical system 100 shown in the figure also includes an electromagnetic filter 140, which is electrically connected to the electronic switch 10 and the first power supply terminal (the low-voltage power supply signal BT arrives through the first power supply terminal) so as to isolate or at least reduce the electromagnetic interference generated by other electrical devices 100 working near the electrical system 100 to the low-voltage electrical signal BT and the first electrical reference GND1.

[0077] Alternatively, the electrical system 100 may not include the electromagnetic filter 140 .

[0078] [ Figure 2 ]to[ Figure 4 ] shows the functional state of the above-mentioned electrical system 100, in particular the configuration of the electronic switch unit 1000, depending on the availability of power supply signals BT, HT.

[0079] It should be noted that when neither of the power supply signals BT, HT is available, the electronic switch unit 1000 is configured in its open circuit configuration in order to isolate the low-voltage electrical network of the motor vehicle from the high-voltage electrical network.

[0080] [ Figure 2 ] shows a first state in which the low-voltage supply signal BT and the high-voltage supply signal HT are simultaneously non-zero, i.e., they are simultaneously available at the first supply terminal and the second supply terminal of the electrical system 100. In this case, the electronic switch unit 1000 is configured to be in its open circuit configuration in order to isolate the low-voltage electrical network of the motor vehicle from the high-voltage electrical network and to prevent the low-voltage network of the motor vehicle from being damaged. The low-voltage supply signal BT arriving through the first supply terminal of the electrical system 100 propagates at the level of a specific supply 150, which then generates a supply signal for the communication bus 160. Similarly, the high-voltage supply signal HT arriving through the second supply terminal of the electrical system 100 propagates at the level of the switch-mode supply 110, which generates a regulated low-voltage supply signal. The regulated low-voltage supply signal is then transmitted through the output terminal BS of the logic operator 130 and reaches the electronic module 120, which generates a supply undervoltage U4 to power the communication bus 160, the controller module 180 and one or more controller units 190.

[0081] Thus, in this first state of the electrical system, said electrical system 100 is fully functional and all logic and / or analysis and / or power functions of the electrical system 100 are active, in particular to drive the rotating electrical machine.

[0082] [ Figure 3 ] shows a second state in which the low-voltage supply signal BT is zero or close to zero and the high-voltage supply signal HT is non-zero. In other words, the low-voltage supply signal BT is not available at the first supply terminal; and the high-voltage supply signal HT is available at the second supply terminal of the electrical system 100. In this case, the electronic switch unit 1000 is configured to be in its open circuit configuration in order to isolate the low-voltage electrical network of the motor vehicle from the high-voltage electrical network and to prevent the low-voltage network of the motor vehicle from being damaged. Since the low-voltage supply signal BT arriving via the first supply terminal of the electrical system 100 has an amplitude of zero or close to zero, the communication bus 160 is not powered by its specific power supply 150 and is therefore inactive: in this case, communication with other components of the motor vehicle and with the rotating electrical machine is not possible.

[0083] The high-voltage supply signal HT arriving through the second supply terminal of the electrical system 100 allows the switch-mode supply 110 to be powered to generate a regulated low-voltage supply signal. The logic operator 130 is configured to connect its output terminal BS to its first input terminal E2 so as to direct the regulated low-voltage supply signal in the direction of the electronic module 120, thus contributing to the electrical isolation between the low-voltage part and the high-voltage part of the electrical system 100. The electronic module 120 is then powered and is therefore active: it generates a plurality of supply undervoltages U4, which allows the controller module 180 of the electrical system to be activated. In a comparable manner, one or more controller units 190 for the gates of the power transistors of one or more power modules 200 are powered and are therefore active.

[0084] Thus, in the second state of the electrical system 100 , said electrical system 100 can operate in “autonomous” mode, without the need to communicate with other components of the motor vehicle, while still being able to drive a rotating electrical machine via its power module 200 .

[0085] [ Figure 4] shows a third state, in which the low-voltage supply signal BT is non-zero and the high-voltage supply signal HT is zero or close to zero. In other words, the low-voltage supply signal BT is available at the first supply terminal, and the high-voltage supply signal HT is not available at the second supply terminal of the electrical system 100. In this case, the electronic switch unit 1000 is configured to be in its closed-circuit configuration so as to allow a low-voltage supply of power to at least some components of the electrical system 100. More specifically, the electronic switch 10 of the electronic switch unit 1000 is configured to electrically connect its output terminal S1 to its input terminal E1, and the logic operator 130 of the electronic switch unit 1000 is configured to electrically connect its output terminal BS to its second input terminal E3, which in turn is connected to the output terminal S1 of the electronic switch 10.

[0086] The low-voltage supply signal BT arriving through the first supply terminal of the electrical system 100 then propagates through the electronic switch unit 1000 until it reaches the electronic module 120 in order to generate a plurality of supply undervoltages U4, which then make it possible to activate the communication bus 160 and the controller module 180 of the electrical system in order to perform at least some analysis functions for said electrical system and / or for the rotating electrical machine.

[0087] In addition, and as referenced [ Figure 2 ] As described above, the low-voltage supply signal BT arriving via the first supply terminal of the electrical system 100 also propagates at the level of the specific supply 150, which then generates a supply signal for the communication bus 160. The communication bus is active, since it is supplied simultaneously via the specific low-voltage supply 150 and by supplying the undervoltage U4, so that in this case communication with other components of the motor vehicle and with the rotating electrical machine is possible.

[0088] exist[ Figure 4 ] In the exemplary operation shown in FIG. 1 , the rotating electrical machine cannot be driven by one or more power modules 200 because the high voltage power supply signal HT arriving through the second power supply terminal of the electrical system 100 is zero or close to zero.

[0089] Thus, in the third state of the electronic switch unit 1000 and by using the electronic switch unit 1000, the electrical system 100 can perform diagnostic functions even if the high voltage supply signal HT is not available, for example due to a fault. Such an advantageous configuration is not possible with hitherto known electrical systems.

[0090] [ Figure 5 ] shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an electronic switch unit 1000 according to the first aspect of the present invention and implemented on the above-mentioned electrical system 100.

[0091] [ Figure 5 The electronic switch unit 1000 shown in FIG. 1 comprises:

[0092] an electronic switch 10, and

[0093] Logical operator 130.

[0094] The electronic switch 10 comprises:

[0095] an input terminal E1 , referenced to the first electrical reference GND1 and used to receive a first voltage BT,

[0096] Output terminal S1,

[0097] Control terminal BC,

[0098] The first reference terminal is referenced to a first electrical reference GND1, and

[0099] The second reference terminal is referenced to a second electrical reference GND2.

[0100] The first voltage BT is a low voltage. In other words, the amplitude of the first voltage BT is within the range of 6V to 18V.

[0101] The electronic switch is further configured to selectively adopt a first position, in which the input terminal E1 is connected to the output terminal S1 , and a second position, in which the input terminal E1 is disconnected from the output terminal S1 .

[0102] The logic operator 130 includes:

[0103] The first input terminal E2 is referenced to the second electrical reference GND2 and is used to receive the second voltage U1,

[0104] The second input terminal E3 is electrically connected to the output terminal S1 of the electronic switch 10.

[0105] Output terminal BS,

[0106] The second voltage U1 is a regulated low voltage. In the example described here, the value of the second voltage U1 is 14V+ / -5%.

[0107] Therefore, the electronic switch unit 1000 includes: two different inputs, namely the input terminal E1 of the electronic switch 10 and the first input terminal E2 of the logic operator 130, the control terminal BC, the output terminal BS, the first reference terminal referenced to the first electrical reference GND1, and the second reference terminal referenced to the second electrical reference GND2.

[0108] When the electronic switch unit 1000 is integrated into the above-described electrical system 100 , the output terminal BS allows the electronic module 120 to be powered.

[0109] In the exemplary embodiment described here, the logic operator 130 is a diode OR. Therefore, the logic operator 130 includes a first diode D12 and a second diode D11. The anode of the first diode D12 is electrically connected to the second input terminal E3, the anode of the second diode D1 is electrically connected to the first input terminal E2, the cathode of the first diode D112 is electrically connected to the cathode of the second diode D11, and the output terminal BS is electrically connected to the cathode of the first diode D12 and the cathode of the second diode D11.

[0110] In addition to the exemplary embodiment described herein, the diodes D11 and D12 are selected to have the same threshold voltage. Therefore, in the exemplary embodiment, the logic operator 130 is configured to apply the maximum voltage of the voltage present on the first input terminal E2 offset by the first voltage offset and the voltage present on the second input terminal E3 offset by the same voltage offset, which is equal to the value of the threshold voltage of the diodes D11 and D12, to the output terminal BS.

[0111] The logic operator 130 thus makes it possible to selectively connect its output terminal BS to the low voltage electrical signal BT present at its second input terminal E3 shifted by a voltage offset or to a regulated low voltage electrical signal present at its first input terminal E2 shifted by the same voltage offset.

[0112] In other words, in order to be within the voltage offset, when the electronic switch is in its first position, the electronic switch unit 1000 makes it possible to selectively connect its output terminal BS to the low voltage electrical signal BT present at its input terminal E1, or to a regulated low voltage electrical signal present at its first input terminal E2.

[0113] exist[ Figure 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the electronic switch 10 of the electronic switch unit 1000 further includes an intermediate wire INT, a first interconnected transistor Q1 and a second interconnected transistor Q3.

[0114] The first interconnection transistor Q1 is configured to electrically connect the input terminal E1 to the intermediate wire INT when the first interconnection transistor Q1 is in the on state, and to electrically disconnect the input terminal E1 from the intermediate wire INT when the first interconnection transistor Q1 is in the off state. In other words, in the on or off state, the interconnection transistor Q1 behaves as a closed or open switch, respectively.

[0115] The second interconnection transistor Q3 is configured to be able to electrically connect or disconnect the output terminal S1 of the electronic switch 10 to the intermediate wire INT according to the on or off state of the second interconnection transistor Q3. In particular, when the second interconnection transistor Q3 is configured to be in its off state, the intermediate wire INT is not electrically connected to the output terminal S1. However, when the second interconnection transistor Q3 is configured to be in its on state, the intermediate wire INT is electrically connected to the output terminal S1.

[0116] In other words, the intermediate electric line INT allows the input terminal E1 and the output terminal S1 of the electronic switch 10 to be electrically connected when the first and second interconnected transistors are in their conducting state.

[0117] The first interconnected transistor Q1 and the second interconnected transistor Q3 are preferably p-channel MOSFETs.

[0118] A source of the first interconnected transistor Q1 is electrically connected to the input terminal E1 , and a drain of the first interconnected transistor Q1 is electrically connected to the intermediate wire INT.

[0119] The drain of the second interconnected transistor Q3 is electrically connected to the output terminal S1 of the electronic switch 10 , and the source of the second interconnected transistor Q3 is electrically connected to the intermediate electric line INT.

[0120] When the first interconnected transistor Q1 and the second interconnected transistor Q3 are configured to be in their on-states at the same time, the electronic switch unit 1000 is said to be in its above-mentioned closed-circuit state, with reference to [ Figure 4 ]. In all other configurations of the conductive state of the first and second interconnected transistors Q1, Q3, the electronic switch unit 1000 is referred to as being in its above-mentioned open circuit state, with particular reference to [ Figure 2 ]and[ Figure 3 ].

[0121] Optionally, a protective Zener diode D3 for the first interconnected transistor Q1 is placed on the branch between its source and its gate in order to protect said gate of said first interconnected transistor Q1 .

[0122] Optionally, a pull-down resistor R4 for the first interconnect transistor Q1 is placed in parallel with the protective Zener diode D3 for the first interconnect transistor Q1.

[0123] Optionally, a protective diode D13 for the second interconnected transistor Q3 is placed on the branch between its source and its gate so as to protect said gate of said second interconnected transistor Q3. Advantageously, the protective diode D13 is a Zener diode.

[0124] Optionally, a pull-down resistor R12 for the second interconnect transistor Q3 is placed in parallel with a protective diode D13 for the second interconnect transistor Q3.

[0125] [ Figure 5 ] The electronic switch 10 shown in FIG. 1 further comprises first drive means 11 to allow the gate of the first interconnected transistor Q1 to be biased according to the value of the voltage BT present at the input terminal E1. Thus, when the value of the voltage BT present at the input terminal E1 and measured relative to the first electrical reference GND1 exceeds a threshold value, for example a predetermined threshold value, the drive means 11 drives the gate of the interconnected transistor Q1 so as to place it in an on state. Conversely, when the value of the voltage BT present at the terminal E1 is below the same threshold value, the drive means 11 drives the gate of the first interconnected transistor Q1 so as to place it in an off state.

[0126] In this exemplary embodiment, the first driving device 11 comprises:

[0127] The first control transistor Q2 is configured to drive the first interconnection transistor Q1 to an on state.

[0128] A first Zener diode D1 is connected in series with a pull-down resistor R1 , and the first Zener diode D1 and the pull-down resistor R1 are connected in series between an input terminal E1 of the electronic switch 10 and a first electrical reference GND1 .

[0129] In the example described here, the first control transistor Q2 is an n-channel MOSFET. The drain of the first control transistor Q2 is electrically connected to the gate of the first interconnected transistor Q1, and the source of the first control transistor Q2 is electrically connected to the first electrical reference GND1. In addition, the cathode of the first Zener diode D1 is electrically connected to the input terminal E1 of the electronic switch 10, and the anode of the first Zener diode D1 is electrically connected to the gate of the first control transistor Q2 and the pull-down resistor R1.

[0130] In other words, the middle point between the first diode D1 and the pull-down resistor R1 is electrically connected to the gate of the first control transistor Q2 of the first driving device 11 , eg via the gate resistor R2 in the example described here.

[0131] Thus, if the value of the voltage BT exceeds a first threshold value defined by the Zener voltage of the first Zener diode D1, a reverse current flows through the first Zener diode D1 and biases the gate of the first control transistor Q2 together with the pull-down resistor R1 so as to configure it in its on-state. However, as long as the value of the voltage BT is below the threshold value, the first Zener diode D1 is off and no current flows to the gate of the first control transistor Q2: the latter is then configured in its off-state.

[0132] Optionally, and in the example described here, the drain of the first control transistor Q2 is electrically connected to the gate of the first interconnect transistor Q1 via a gate resistor R3.

[0133] In the example described here and also optionally, the diode D2 is connected between the source and the gate of the first control transistor Q2. More precisely, the cathode of the diode D2 is connected to the gate of the first control transistor Q2, and the anode of the diode D2 is connected to the source of the first control transistor Q2. The use of the diode D2 placed on the branch between the gate and the source of the transistor Q2 makes it possible to avoid applying an excessive voltage between the source and the gate of the first control transistor Q2, thereby protecting the latter from potential overvoltage. Preferably, the diode D2 is a Zener diode.

[0134] In an alternative embodiment of the first driving device 11, the transistor Q2 is an NPN bipolar transistor. In this variant embodiment:

[0135] The anode of the first Zener diode D1 is electrically connected to the base of the first control transistor Q2 and the pull-down resistor R1 via the resistor R2.

[0136] The collector of the first control transistor Q2 is electrically connected to the gate of the first interconnection transistor Q1, and

[0137] The emitter of the first control transistor Q2 is electrically connected to the first electrical reference GND1.

[0138] [ Figure 5 ]The electronic switch 10 shown in FIG. 1 further includes a control module 15 for controlling the conduction state of the second interconnected transistor Q3.

[0139] In the exemplary embodiment, the control module 15 includes a second drive device 14 and an activation module 13 .

[0140] As a variant, the control module 15 comprises only the second drive device 14 .

[0141] The second driving means 14 is configured to drive the bias of the gate of the second interconnected transistor Q3. In particular, the second driving means 14 comprises a second control transistor Q4 configured to drive the conductive state of the second interconnected transistor Q3.

[0142] The second control transistor Q4 of the second driver 14 may be an NPN bipolar transistor or an n-channel MOSFET. In the example described here, the second control transistor Q4 is an n-channel MOSFET. The drain of the second control transistor Q4 is electrically connected to the gate of the second interconnect transistor Q3, for example via a gate resistor R11. The source of the second control transistor Q4 of the second driver 14 is connected to the second electrical reference GND2.

[0143] Therefore, if the second control transistor Q4 is configured to be in the on-state, the gate of the second interconnected transistor Q3 is biased, and then the second interconnected transistor Q3 is configured to be in its on-state. However, if the second control transistor Q4 of the second driving device 14 is configured to be in the off-state, the gate of the second interconnected transistor Q3 is not biased, and then the second interconnected transistor Q3 is configured to be in its off-state.

[0144] The on or off state of the second control transistor Q4 and thus the second interconnection transistor Q3 is determined by a voltage dividing bridge formed by a biasing resistor R10 in series with a second pull-down resistor R13 connected in series between the intermediate electrical line INT and the second electrical reference GND2.

[0145] Furthermore, the bias resistor R10 is electrically connected to the intermediate wire INT through one of its terminals, and is electrically connected to the gate of the second control transistor Q4 and the second pull-down resistor R13 through the other of its terminals. In addition, the second pull-down resistor R13 is electrically connected to the second electrical reference GND2 through one of its terminals, and is electrically connected to the gate of the second control transistor Q4 and the bias resistor R10 through the other of its terminals.

[0146] Thus, if a voltage higher than the second threshold value is present on the intermediate wire INT, the second control transistor Q4 of the second drive device 14 is configured to be in its on state, and then the second interconnection transistor Q3 is also configured to be in its on state. In the embodiment described here. The first threshold value is equal to or higher than the second threshold value added to the voltage drop across the terminals of the interconnection transistor Q1. In other words, if the value of the voltage BT exceeds the first threshold value, the first interconnection transistor Q1 is turned on, and the voltage on the intermediate wire INT is sufficient to bias the second control transistor Q4 so that the transistor is turned on.

[0147] Optionally, a protective diode D14 for the gate of the second control transistor Q4 of the second driver 14 is placed in parallel with the pull-down resistor R13. The protective diode D14 and the pull-down resistor R13 are each placed in parallel between the gate and the source of the second control transistor Q4. The cathode of the diode D14 is electrically connected to the gate of the second control transistor Q4, and the anode of the diode D14 is connected to the source of the second control transistor Q4. Advantageously, the diode D14 is a Zener diode.

[0148] The activation module 13 comprises an NPN bipolar transistor Q5, wherein:

[0149] The emitter is electrically connected to a second electrical reference GND2;

[0150] The collector is electrically connected to the gate of the second control transistor Q4 and to the intermediate wire INT via a bias resistor R10;

[0151] The base is electrically connected to a control terminal BC of the electronic switch 10 .

[0152] Optionally, as mentioned above, the activation module 13 further comprises an internal base resistor R8 located between the base of the bipolar transistor Q5 and the control terminal BC.

[0153] Optionally, the activation module 13 further comprises a pull-down resistor R9 located on the branch between the base and the emitter of the bipolar transistor Q5 .

[0154] Optionally, the activation module 13 further comprises a diode D15 , the cathode of which is connected to the collector of the transistor Q5 , and the anode of which is connected to the gate of the second control transistor Q4 and to the terminal of the bias resistor R10 .

[0155] The control terminal BC of the activation module 13 can be selectively set to:

[0156] a first potential, allowing the second interconnect transistor Q3 to be biased to be configured in its off state, or

[0157] The second potential allows the second interconnect transistor Q3 to be biased in its conductive state.

[0158] In other words, the control signal applied to the control terminal is a voltage that can take two different values, namely a first potential and a second potential.

[0159] Therefore, the control terminal BC of the activation module 13 can be selectively set to:

[0160] The first potential allows the transistor Q5 of the activation module 13 to be biased into a conducting state. In this case, the second control transistor Q4 of the second drive device 14 is biased to be configured in its off state, and the second interconnected transistor Q3 is in turn biased to be configured in its off state. In other words, when the control terminal BC of the activation module 13 is set to the first potential, the second interconnected transistor Q3 is forced into its off state independently of the potential present on the intermediate electric line INT. Then, the electronic switch unit 1000 is forced into its open state.

[0161] The second potential allows the transistor Q5 of the activation module 13 to be biased into the off state. In this case, the on or off state of the second control transistor Q4 depends on the potential present on the intermediate wire INT relative to the second electrical reference GND2, which returns to the gate of the second control transistor Q4 via the voltage divider bridge formed by the bias resistor R10 and the second pull-down resistor R13.

[0162] In the example described here, the second potential is zero and the first potential is a few volts, for example 3V or 3.3V.

[0163] In the example described here, only when the power supply signal HT is not present [ Figure 1 ], or when the microcontroller is not powered, the control terminal BC of the control module 13 is set to the second potential, for example, by the microcontroller. When the microcontroller is powered and the power supply signal HT is present in [ Figure 1 ], the control terminal BC of the control module 13 is set to the first potential. In other words, when the microcontroller is powered and when the second non-zero voltage is present on the first input terminal E2 of the logic operator 130, the control terminal BC of the control module 13 is set to the first potential.

[0164] However, transistor Q1 is in its conducting state only when voltage BT is present at the first supply terminal of the electrical system 1000. Therefore, the electronic switch unit 1000 is in its closed circuit state as described above only when Q1 is conducting (signal BT is available) and Q3 is simultaneously conducting (signal HT is not available), with reference to [ Figure 4 ].

[0165] exist[ Figure 5 ] In a specific embodiment of the invention described in the foregoing, the electronic switch 10 further comprises a protection device 12 for the intermediate wire INT. When the potential of the intermediate wire INT exceeds a threshold value, for example a threshold value predetermined based on the Zener voltage of a Zener diode, beyond which the potential of the intermediate wire INT is considered to be too large, the protection device 12 allows the intermediate wire INT to be electrically connected to the second electrical reference GND2 via the bias resistor R10.

[0166] As a variant, in another embodiment of the invention, the electronic switch 10 comprises a protection device 12 for the intermediate electric line INT.

[0167] In the example described here, the protection device 12 comprises a protection transistor Q6 and a detection Zener diode D4. The cathode of the detection Zener diode D4 is electrically connected to the intermediate wire INT. The anode of the detection Zener diode D4 is electrically connected to the base of the protection transistor Q6 via a base resistor R5. The emitter of the protection transistor Q6 is electrically connected to the second electrical reference GND2 of the electronic switch unit 1000, and the collector of the protection transistor Q6 is electrically connected to the intermediate wire INT via a resistor R10.

[0168] Optionally, as described above, the protection transistor Q6 further includes an internal base resistor R6 located in an intermediate position between the base of the protection transistor Q6 and the above-mentioned base resistor R5.

[0169] Also optionally, the protection transistor Q6 further includes an internal pull-down resistor R7 located on a branch between the base and the emitter of the protection transistor Q6.

[0170] The protection transistor Q6 of the protection device 12 is preferably an NPN bipolar transistor.

[0171] The Zener voltage of the Zener diode D4 added to the voltage drop between the base and the emitter of the protection transistor Q6 determines a threshold value, above which the potential of the intermediate wire INT is considered to be excessive. When the potential of the intermediate wire INT is higher than the Zener voltage of the detection Zener diode D4, the protection transistor Q6 is turned on. The common potential point between the resistor R10 and the protection transistor Q6 then returns to the second electrical reference GND2, and the second control transistor Q4 and the second interconnection transistor Q3 are switched to the off state.

[0172] The collector of the protection transistor Q6 is electrically connected to the gate of the second control transistor Q4 of the second driving means 14 so as to be able to drive its conductive state according to the potential of the intermediate electric line INT as described above.

[0173] The electronic switching unit thus makes it possible to control a voltage difference between the intermediate electric line INT and the second electrical reference GND2 greater than a predetermined threshold via the protection device 12. An overvoltage at the level of the intermediate electric line INT may be due to an overvoltage at the level of the input terminal E1 or to an offset between the first electrical reference GND1 and the second electrical reference GND2.

[0174] Furthermore, an electronic switching unit 1000 having such a protection device 12 also makes it possible to protect the output terminal BS of the logic operator 130 from overvoltages relative to the second electrical reference GND2 .

Claims

1. An electronic switch unit (1000), comprising: - an electronic switch (10) comprising an input terminal (E1) for receiving a first voltage (BT) referenced to a first electrical reference (GND1), and an output terminal (S1), and - a logic operator (130) comprising a first input terminal (E2) for receiving a second voltage (U1) referenced to a second electrical reference (GND2), a second input terminal (E3) electrically connected to the output terminal (S1) of the electronic switch (10), and an output terminal (BS), The electronic switch (10) is configured to selectively adopt a first position or a second position, in which its input terminal (E1) is connected to its output terminal (S1), and in which its input terminal (E1) is disconnected from its output terminal (S1), and the logic operator (130) is configured to apply the maximum voltage of the voltage offset by the voltage offset amount present at its first input terminal (E2) and the voltage offset by the voltage offset amount present at its second input terminal (E3) to its output terminal (BS).

2. The electronic switch unit (1000) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic switch (10) further comprises: a first interconnection transistor (Q1) configured to be able to electrically connect an input terminal (E1) of the electronic switch (10) to an intermediate electric line (INT) when the first interconnection transistor (Q1) is in its conducting state, - a second interconnection transistor (Q3) configured to be able to electrically connect the output terminal (S1) of the electronic switch (10) to the intermediate electric line (INT) when the second interconnection transistor (Q3) is in its conducting state, - first driving means (11) designed to switch said first interconnected transistor (Q1) from the off-state to said on-state when the voltage present at the input terminal (E1) of said electronic switch (10) is above a first threshold value, and otherwise from said on-state to said off-state, and A control module (15) designed to switch the second interconnection transistor (Q3) from the off state to the on state when the potential of the intermediate electric line (INT) is higher than a second threshold value, and otherwise, to switch from the on state to the off state.

3. The electronic switch unit (1000) of claim 2, wherein the first interconnect transistor (Q1) is a p-channel MOSFET.

4. The electronic switch unit (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electronic switch (10) further comprises a first reference terminal referenced to a first electrical reference (GND1).

5. The electronic switch unit (1000) according to claim 3, wherein: The electronic switch (10) further comprises a first reference terminal referenced to a first electrical reference (GND1), and wherein the first driving device (11) further comprises: - a first control transistor (Q2), said first control transistor (Q2) being an n-channel MOSFET, - a first Zener diode (D1) connected in series with a first pull-down resistor (R1), The first Zener diode (D1) and the first pull-down resistor (R1) are connected in series between the input terminal (E1) of the electronic switch (10) and a first reference terminal, the cathode of the first Zener diode (D1) is electrically connected to the input terminal (E1) of the electronic switch (10), the anode of the first Zener diode (D1) is electrically connected to the gate of the first control transistor (Q2) and the first pull-down resistor (R1), the drain of the first control transistor (Q2) is electrically connected to the gate of the first interconnection transistor (Q1), and the source of the first control transistor (Q2) is electrically connected to the first reference terminal.

6. The electronic switch unit (1000) of claim 2 or 3, wherein the second interconnect transistor (Q3) is a p-channel MOSFET.

7. The electronic switch unit (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electronic switch (10) further comprises a second reference terminal referenced to a second electrical reference (GND2).

8. The electronic switch unit (1000) according to claim 6, wherein: The electronic switch (10) further comprises a second reference terminal referenced to a second electrical reference (GND2), and wherein the control module (15) further comprises: · a second control transistor (Q4), the second control transistor (Q4) being an n-channel MOSFET, the drain of the second control transistor (Q4) being electrically connected to the gate of the second interconnect transistor (Q3) and the source of the second control transistor (Q4) being connected to the second electrical reference (GND2), · A bias resistor (R10), in series with a second pull-down resistor (R13), The bias resistor (R10) and the second pull-down resistor (R13) are connected in series between the intermediate wire (INT) and the second reference terminal, the bias resistor (R10) is electrically connected to the intermediate wire (INT) through one of its terminals and is electrically connected to the gate of the second control transistor (Q4) and the second pull-down resistor (R13) through the other of its terminals, and the second pull-down resistor (R13) is electrically connected to the second reference terminal through one of its terminals and is electrically connected to the gate of the second control transistor (Q4) and the bias resistor (R10) at the same time through the other of its terminals.

9. An electronic switch unit (1000) as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the electronic switch further comprises a control terminal (BC) and wherein the control module (15) further comprises an activation module (13), the activation module being designed to force the second interconnected transistor (Q3) into its off state when a control signal is received at the control terminal (BC) of the electronic switch (10).

10. The electronic switch unit (1000) according to claim 8, wherein: The electronic switch further comprises a control terminal (BC) and wherein the control module (15) further comprises an activation module (13) designed to force the second interconnected transistor (Q3) into its off state when a control signal is received at the control terminal (BC) of the electronic switch (10), and wherein, The activation module (13) comprises an NPN bipolar transistor (Q5), wherein: · The emitter is electrically connected to the second reference terminal, · The collector is electrically connected to the gate of the second control transistor (Q4) and the intermediate wire (INT) via the bias resistor (R10), and · The base is electrically connected to a control terminal (BC) of the electronic switch unit (1000).

11. An electronic switch unit (1000) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the electronic switch (10) further comprises a protection device (12) for the intermediate wire (INT), the protection device being designed to electrically connect the intermediate wire (INT) to the second electrical reference (GND2) via the bias resistor (R10) when the voltage difference between the intermediate wire (INT) and the second electrical reference (GND2) is higher than a third threshold value.

12. An electronic switch unit (1000) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the logic operator (130) includes a first diode (D12) and a second diode (D11), the anode of the first diode (D12) being electrically connected to the second input terminal (E3) of the logic operator (130), the anode of the second diode (D11) being electrically connected to the first input terminal (E2) of the logic operator (130), the cathode of the first diode being electrically connected to the cathode of the second diode, and the output terminal (BS) of the logic operator (130) being electrically connected to a point located between the cathode of the first diode (D12) and the cathode of the second diode (D11).

13. The electronic switch unit (1000) according to claim 8, wherein: A drain of the second control transistor (Q4) is electrically connected to a gate of the second interconnect transistor (Q3) via a gate resistor (R11).

14. An electrical system (100) for controlling a rotating electrical machine of a motor vehicle, the electrical system comprising: · The electronic switch unit (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, · a first power supply terminal, for receiving a high voltage power supply signal (HT) with reference to the second electrical reference (GND2), · A power supply source (110) is configured to provide a regulated low-voltage power supply signal at a first input terminal of a logic operator (130) of the electronic switch unit based on the high-voltage power supply signal (HT) received at the first power supply terminal.

Images