Drive circuit, controller and vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a driving circuit, a controller and an automobile, wherein a latch module is additionally arranged relative to the original driving circuit; when the driving circuit normally works after power-on, not only the driving module is normally enabled, but also the state of the enabled driving module is latched; thus, when the micro-control module fails, the driving module can be enabled by the latch module, the switch of the relay is attracted and turned on, and the risk that the relay cannot enter the limp mode when the micro-control module fails can be avoided; meanwhile, a short-time power-off keeping module is additionally arranged; when the driving circuit is short-time power-off, the latch module can continuously enable the driving module by the short-time power-off keeping module until the power-off is recovered, thus the risk that the switch of the relay is turned off at the moment of the short-time power-off can be avoided, and the use safety of the automobile is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive drive technology, and in particular to a drive circuit, controller, and automobile. Background Technology

[0002] With the application and development of technologies such as autonomous driving, new energy, and intelligent connectivity in the automotive field, as well as the improvement of chip processing capabilities, the current automotive electronic and electrical architecture is generally based on functional domains. These are divided into multiple functional domains according to the vehicle's functional characteristics, including body control, powertrain control, chassis control, infotainment, driver assistance, and electric drive control. The actuators and sensors in each functional domain need to be connected to the corresponding controller (i.e., zone controller, ZCU) via bus or hardwired connections. In addition, vehicles are equipped with relays between the on-board power supply (e.g., the vehicle battery) and the corresponding zone controllers to ensure the safety of vehicle starting, driving, and parking operations, as well as to disconnect the electrical system from the on-board power supply to ensure the safety of the electrical system.

[0003] Please refer to Figure 1 In one existing drive circuit, the power supply of the controller ZCU is connected to the positive terminal "+" of the vehicle power battery via power line KL30, and returns to the negative terminal "-" of the vehicle power battery via signal ground line SGND. After the car starts normally (i.e., is powered on normally), the microcontroller module MCU in the controller ZCU outputs the enable control signal MCU_EN to enable the driver module HSD (high-side driver), which in turn turns on the switch M0, thereby energizing the coil KL152 of the relay U0, causing the switch KL151 of the relay U0 to close, and outputting the first power signal KL15 (which can be called the engine hardwire wake-up signal or the car ignition signal) to power the limp home control module.

[0004] The actual operating conditions of a car are quite complex and may cause malfunctions. For example, the voltage of the power supply line KL30 may drop briefly when the car starts (Crank), or the power supply line KL30 may experience a short-term power failure when the car is involved in a collision (Crash). Additionally, malfunctions such as microcontroller module MCU reset and over / under voltage output voltage OUT of drive module HSD may occur in the controller ZCU. When a fault such as MCU program crash or reset occurs, the system basic chip (SBC) in the controller ZCU fails to feed the watchdog and enters the fault output mode. This causes the switches KL151 and KL150 of relay U0 to close. Switch KL151 supplies power to the limp home module. The limp home module outputs the limp enable signal Limp home_EN to the drive module HSD (high-side driver). Thus, the limp home module takes over from the MCU to enable the drive module HSD, putting the car into limp mode. This ensures that the loads that the controller ZCU must control (such as loads related to ensuring the personal safety of people on the car) operate normally according to the established logic, ensuring the basic functions of the car. This allows the car to still safely travel to the repair shop with the minimum required performance level, preventing secondary accidents during the driving process.

[0005] Existing relay drive circuits have the following main defects, which in turn pose safety hazards to automobiles:

[0006] (1) Please refer to Figure 9 When the MCU program crashes, the enable control signal MCU_EN becomes uncontrollable (high, low, or floating). At the same time, the power supply for the limp home control module comes from the switch KL151 of relay U0. Therefore, it cannot be guaranteed that the car can enter limp mode normally. Once the enable control signal MCU_EN becomes low or floating due to the MCU program crashing, it cannot enable the drive module HSD, which may lead to the risk of relay U0 being powered off (i.e., switch KL151 is open and KL15 becomes low).

[0007] (2) Please refer to Figure 10In the case of car start-up (Crank) and car collision (Crash), the power supply line KL30 (which changes from high level to low level) loses power briefly. Even if the on-board capacitor C0 provides power so that MCU_EN can maintain a high level, the power loss of the power supply line KL30 cannot guarantee the power supply of the driver module HSD and the switch KL151. Consequently, it cannot be guaranteed that the switch KL151 will remain closed until the power supply line KL30 is restored. There is still a risk that the relay U0 will be de-energized (i.e., the switch KL151 will open and KL15 will go low). Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a drive circuit, controller, and automobile that can still ensure the engagement and conduction of relay switches and other components in the event of a microcontroller module failure or a short-term power outage, thereby ensuring the safety performance of the automobile.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a driving circuit comprising:

[0010] The drive module has an output terminal coupled to a relay. When enabled, it energizes the coil of the relay, causing the relay switch to close and conduct, thereby generating a first power signal.

[0011] A microcontroller module, coupled to the enable terminal of the drive module, is used to output a corresponding enable control signal when the drive circuit is normally powered on, so as to enable the drive module.

[0012] A latching module is coupled between the output terminal of the microcontroller module and the enable terminal of the drive module. It is used to receive the enable control signal output by the microcontroller module and latch the state that enables the drive module. When the drive circuit experiences a short-term power failure or the microcontroller module fails, the drive module is enabled according to the latched state, so that the relay switch remains energized and conducting.

[0013] A short-time power failure retention module is coupled to the power supply terminal of the drive module and is used to supply power to the drive module after a short-time power failure occurs in the drive circuit, so that the latching module continuously enables the drive module according to the latching state, and maintains the relay switch continuously engaged and conducting until the short-time power failure is recovered.

[0014] The limp control module is coupled to the switch of the relay and the enable terminal of the drive module. It is triggered when the microcontroller module fails, draws power from the first power signal, and outputs a limp enable signal to enable the drive module.

[0015] Optionally, the power supply terminal of the drive module and one end of the switch of the relay are both coupled to the positive terminal of the power supply that powers the drive circuit. The short-time power failure retention module includes a first capacitor, one end of which is coupled to the power supply terminal of the drive module and the positive terminal of the power supply, and the other end of which is coupled to the negative terminal of the power supply.

[0016] Optionally, the latching module includes:

[0017] The first latching circuit is coupled to an output terminal of the microcontroller module and the enable terminal of the drive module. When the microcontroller module is powered on and working normally, it receives the first enable control signal output by the microcontroller module and latches the state that enables the drive module.

[0018] The second latch circuit is coupled to another output terminal of the microcontroller module, the output terminal of the driver module, and the first latch circuit. It is used to receive the second enable control signal output by the microcontroller module. After the microcontroller module is powered on normally and the driver module is enabled, it and the first latch circuit back each other up so that the driver module can be enabled by mutual backup after the microcontroller module fails.

[0019] Optionally, the first latching circuit includes a first to a third switch, a first resistor, and a second capacitor; the first terminal of the first switch and the control terminal of the second switch are both coupled to the microcontroller module to receive a first enable control signal output by the microcontroller module; the second terminal of the first switch is coupled to the enable terminal of the drive module and one end of the first resistor; the control terminal of the first switch is coupled to the second terminal of the second switch and the second terminal of the second switch; the control terminal of the third switch is coupled to the other end of the first resistor and one end of the second capacitor; and the first terminal of the second switch, the first terminal of the third switch, and the other end of the first capacitor are all grounded.

[0020] Optionally, the second latching circuit includes a fourth switch, a fifth switch, a third resistor, and a third capacitor; the control terminal of the fourth switch is coupled to one end of the third resistor and one end of the third capacitor, the second terminal of the fourth switch is coupled to the other end of the third resistor and the output terminal of the drive module, the first terminal of the fourth switch is coupled to the second terminal of the fifth switch and forms the output terminal of the second latching circuit, and is also coupled to the first latching circuit, the first terminal of the fifth switch is grounded, and the control terminal of the fifth switch is coupled to the other output terminal of the microcontroller module to receive the second enable control signal.

[0021] Optionally, the second latching circuit further includes a first diode and a second diode, the anode of the first diode being coupled to the output terminal of the driving circuit, the cathode of the first diode being coupled to the second terminal of the fourth switch, the cathode of the second diode being coupled to the control terminal of the fourth switch, and the anode of the second diode being grounded.

[0022] Optionally, the latch circuit further includes a second OR logic module, the first input terminal of the second OR logic module being coupled to the output terminal of the second latch circuit, the second input terminal of the second OR logic module being coupled to the microcontroller module to receive the first enable control signal, and the output terminal of the second OR logic module being coupled to the first latch circuit.

[0023] Optionally, the driving circuit further includes a first OR logic module, with a first input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the latch module to receive the enable control signal, a second input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the limp control module to receive the limp enable signal, and an output terminal coupled to the control terminal of the driving module.

[0024] Optionally, the driving circuit further includes a system base chip module coupled to the microcontroller module and the limp control module, used to trigger the limp control module to operate when the microcontroller module fails.

[0025] Optionally, the driving circuit further includes an on-board capacitor, one end of which is coupled to the power supply terminal of the system base chip module, and the other end of which is grounded.

[0026] Optionally, the driving module includes an operational amplifier and a driving switch. The first input terminal of the operational amplifier is the enable terminal of the driving module, the second input terminal of the operational amplifier receives a threshold voltage, the output terminal of the operational amplifier is coupled to the control terminal of the driving switch, the first terminal of the driving switch is coupled to the short-time power-down retention module, and the second terminal of the driving switch is the output terminal of the driving module.

[0027] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a controller, which includes the drive circuit described in the present invention.

[0028] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides an automobile, which includes: the controller described in the present invention, and a power supply and a relay respectively coupled to the controller; and the controller draws power from the power supply when it is normally powered on, and energizes the coil of the relay, so that the switch of the relay is energized and turned on.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0030] (1) A latching module is added between the microcontroller module (MCU) and the driver module (HSD) in the original drive circuit. When the drive circuit is powered on normally, it not only enables the driver module (HSD) normally, but also latches the state of the enabled driver module (HSD). Thus, when the microcontroller module (MCU) fails, the latching module can be used to enable the driver module (HSD) to ensure that the relay switch is engaged and conducting, thus ensuring that the limp mode is entered. This avoids the risk that the relay will be powered off and the limp mode cannot be entered when the microcontroller module fails.

[0031] (2) A short-time power failure retention module is further added. When the drive circuit experiences a short-time power failure, the short-time power failure retention module is further used to enable the latching module to continue to enable the drive module until the power failure is restored. This avoids the risk of the relay switch being disconnected during a short-time power failure and ensures the safety of the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Those skilled in the art will understand that the accompanying drawings are provided to better understand the invention and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of the invention. Wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of an existing drive circuit.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a driving circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a specific circuit design example of the driving circuit.

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows another specific circuit design example of the driving circuit.

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a specific circuit design example of the drive module in the drive circuit shown.

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a specific circuit design example of the limp control module in the drive circuit.

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows the timing sequence of the drive circuit when it is powered on normally and the MCU is faulty.

[0040] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows the timing sequence of the drive circuit during a short-term power outage.

[0041] Figure 9 This is the timing diagram of the existing drive circuit when it is powered on normally and the MCU is faulty.

[0042] Figure 10 This is the timing diagram of the existing drive circuit when a short-term power failure occurs. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid confusion with the invention. It should be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, providing these embodiments will make the disclosure thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected to" or "coupled to" other elements, it may be directly connected to other elements, or there may be intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as "directly connected to" other elements, there are no intervening elements. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "comprising" is used to identify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups. When used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0044] The technical solution proposed by the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The advantages and features of the present invention will become clearer from the following description. It should be noted that the drawings are all in a very simplified form and use non-precise proportions, and are only used to facilitate and clarify the illustration of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] Please refer to Figure 2 An embodiment of the present invention provides a driving circuit that can be integrated into an on-board area controller ZCU. The driving circuit includes a system base chip module SBC, a microcontroller module MCU, a latch module Elatch, a first OR logic module OR1, a driving module HSD, a trigger switch KL150, a limp control module Limp home, and a short-time power failure retention module U1.

[0046] The microcontroller module (MCU), latch module (ELatch), and first input terminal of first OR logic module (OR1) are sequentially coupled. The output terminal of first OR logic module (OR1) is coupled to the enable terminal of driver module (HSD). The second input terminal of first OR logic module (OR1) is coupled to the output terminal of limp control module (Limp home). The power supply terminal (not shown) of limp control module (Limp home) is coupled to switch KL151 of relay U0. The output terminal of driver module (HSD) is coupled to coil KL152 of relay U0. The power supply terminal of driver module (HSD) and one end of short-time power failure retention module (U1) are coupled and connected to the positive terminal "+" of external power supply battery of controller ZCU via power line KL30. The power supply terminal of system base chip module (SBC) and one end of relay switch KL151 are also connected to the positive terminal "+" of power supply battery via power line KL30. The ground terminal SGND of controller ZCU is connected to the negative terminal "-" of power supply battery. The system base chip module SBC is also coupled to the power supply terminal of the microcontroller module MCU and the control terminal of the trigger switch KL150. The system base chip module SBC supplies power to the microcontroller module MCU and controls the on or off of the trigger switch KL150.

[0047] The microcontroller module (MCU) is used to output corresponding enable control signals (i.e., the first enable control signal MCU_EN1 and the second enable control signal MCU_EN2) when the drive circuit is powered on normally (i.e., the controller ZCU is powered on normally) to enable the drive module HSD.

[0048] When the drive module HSD is enabled, it can energize the coil 152 of the relay U0, causing the switch KL151 of the relay U0 to be energized and conduct. The switch KL151 of the relay U0 outputs the first power signal KL15.

[0049] The latch module Elatch is used to receive the first enable control signal MCU_EN1 and the second enable control signal MCU_EN2 output by the microcontroller module MCU when the drive circuit is powered on normally, and latches the state of the enable drive module HSD. In the event of a short-term power failure in the drive circuit or a failure of the microcontroller module MCU (such as a reset or program crash), the drive module HSD is enabled according to the latched state, thereby ensuring that the switch KL151 of the relay U0 can still remain energized and conducting.

[0050] The limp home control module is triggered by the system base chip module SBC when the microcontroller module MCU fails. It draws power from the first power signal KL15 and outputs the limp enable signal Limp home_EN. The first OR logic module OR1 enables the driver module HSD based on the limp enable signal Limp home_EN.

[0051] The short-time power failure retention module U0 is coupled to the power supply terminal of the drive module HSD. It is used to continuously supply power to the drive module HSD after a short-time power failure occurs in the drive circuit (i.e., the power line KL30 experiences a short-time power failure or a short-time undervoltage). This allows the latch module Elatch to continuously enable the drive module HSD and maintain the switch KL151 of the relay U0 continuously engaged and conducting until the short-time power failure is recovered.

[0052] Optionally, the driving circuit further includes an on-board capacitor C0 and a diode D0. The anode of the diode D0 is connected to the power supply line KL30, the cathode is connected to one end of the on-board capacitor C0 and the power supply terminal of the system base chip module SBC, and the other end of the on-board capacitor is grounded to SGND.

[0053] The working principle of the driving circuit in this embodiment is as follows:

[0054] First, please combine Figure 2 and Figure 7 After the car starts normally (i.e., is powered on normally), the power supply line KL30 is at a high level, meaning that the power from the power supply battery is delivered through the power supply line KL30 to the system basic chip module SBC, the switch KL151 of the relay U0, and the drive module HSD. The system base chip module SBC supplies power to the microcontroller module MCU. The first enable control signal MCU_EN1 output by the microcontroller module MCU is at a high level, and the second enable control signal MCU_EN2 is at a low level. The latch module Elatch is turned on and latches the first enable control signal MCU_EN1. The first enable control signal MCU_EN1 is then passed through the latch module Elatch and the first OR logic module OR1 and output to the enable terminal of the driver module HSD, enabling the driver module HSD. In turn, the driver module HSD energizes the coil KL152 of the relay U0, causing the switch KL151 of the relay U0 to close and output the first power signal KL15 (which can be called the engine hard-wire wake-up signal or the car ignition signal) to supply power to the corresponding loads externally coupled to the controller ZUC, enabling these loads to work and realize the corresponding functions.

[0055] Please continue to combine Figure 2 and Figure 7When a fault occurs in the controller ZCU, such as a reset of the microcontroller module MCU, program crash, or over / under voltage of the output voltage OUT of the driver module HSD, the system basic chip SBC (system basic chip) fails to feed the watchdog timer (i.e., fails to clear the watchdog timer) and enters the fail output mode. It then controls the trigger switch KL150 to close, so that the closed relay U0's KL151 can supply power to the limp home module. The limp home module is thus triggered to work and outputs a high-level limp enable signal Limp home_EN to the first OR logic module OR1. At this time, the first enable control signal MCU_EN1 output by the microcontroller module MCU becomes low. However, due to the latching effect of the latch module Elatch, its output signal to the first OR logic module OR1 is still high. Therefore, the first OR logic module OR1 enables the driver module HSD (high-side driver) based on the high-level limp enable signal Limp home_EN and the high-level signal output by the latch module Elatch. In other words, when a fault occurs such as a MCU reset or program crash, the latch module Elatch ensures that the relay U0 switch KL151 remains engaged and conducting, avoiding the risk of the first power signal KL15 being de-energized. This ensures that the first power signal KL15 can supply power to the limp home module in this situation, thus ensuring that the vehicle (or controller ZCU) can enter limp mode normally. Once in limp mode, the limp home module essentially takes over from the MCU to enable the drive module HSD, allowing the loads that the controller ZCU must control (such as loads related to ensuring the safety of passengers in the vehicle) to operate normally according to predetermined logic, ensuring the vehicle's basic functions. This allows the vehicle to safely travel to a repair shop with the minimum required performance level, preventing secondary accidents during the repair process.

[0056] Please combine Figure 2 and Figure 9 When a short-term power failure occurs on power line KL30 (i.e., KL30 changes from high to low), the on-board capacitor C0 supplies power to the system base chip module SBC. The first enable control signal MCU_EN1 also goes low after a delay. After the short-term power failure, during the period from when the first enable control signal MCU_EN1 changes from high to low and the power failure is resolved, the second enable control signal MCU_EN2 remains low. The latching function of the Elatch module keeps its output signal high. Simultaneously, due to the short-term power failure holding module U1 (i.e., ... Figure 2The first capacitor C1 in the system continuously supplies power to the drive module HSD after a short-term power failure, thus enabling the drive module HSD to remain enabled during the period from the occurrence of the short-term power failure to its recovery. As a result, even if the power line KL30 experiences a short-term power failure, the switch KL151 of the relay U0 can still remain energized and conducting, avoiding the risk of the switch KL151 of the relay U0 being disconnected due to a short-term power failure, and ensuring the safety of the vehicle during short-term power failures.

[0057] It should be understood that the system base chip module SBC, microcontroller module MCU, latch module Elatch, first OR logic module OR1, driver module HSD, trigger switch KL150, limp control module Limphome, and short-time power failure retention module U1 in the drive circuit of this embodiment can be implemented using any suitable circuit design, as long as the function of the module can be achieved. This invention does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0058] For example, the first OR logic module OR1 is implemented using two diodes. The anode of one diode is coupled to the output of the latch module Elatch, and the anode of the other diode is coupled to the output of the limp control module Limp home. The cathodes of the two diodes are connected together to form the output of the first OR logic module OR1.

[0059] For example, the latch module Elatch in this embodiment includes a second OR logic circuit OR2, a first latch circuit U2, and a second latch circuit U3.

[0060] One input terminal of the first latch circuit U2 is coupled to one output terminal of the microcontroller module MCU and one input terminal of the second OR logic circuit OR2. The other input terminal of the first latch circuit U2 is coupled to the output terminal of the second OR logic circuit OR2. The output terminal of the first latch circuit U2 drives the enable terminal of the HSD module. The first latch circuit U2 is used to receive the first enable control signal MCU_EN1 output by the microcontroller module MCU when the microcontroller module MCU is powered on and working normally, and to latch the state of the HSD module.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 3As an example, the first latch circuit U2 includes first to third switches T1 to T3, a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, and a second capacitor C2. T1 to T3 can be switching elements such as MOS transistors or bipolar junction transistors, or any suitable integrated circuit for switching. The following explanation details the connection relationships of the electronic components in the first latch circuit U2, using the example of T1 being a PNP transistor, T2 to T3 being NPN transistors, the first terminals of T1 to T3 being the emitters of the transistors, the control terminals of T1 to T3 being the bases of the transistors, and the second terminals of T1 to T3 being the collectors of the transistors. Specifically, the emitter of T1 is coupled to the output of the second OR logic module OR1, the collector of T1 is coupled to one end of R1 and one end of resistor R2, the other end of R2 is coupled to the enable terminal IN of the driver module HSD, the base of T1 is coupled to the collectors of T2 and T3, the base of T2 is coupled to one input of the microcontroller module MCU and the second OR logic circuit OR2 to receive the first enable control signal MCU_EN1, the base of T3 is coupled to the other end of R1 and one end of C2, and the emitters of T2, T3 and the other end of C2 are all grounded to SGND.

[0062] Further optional, please refer to Figure 4 The first latch circuit U2 also includes resistors R4 to R9. One end of R4 is coupled to an input terminal of the microcontroller module MCU and the second OR logic circuit OR2 to receive the first enable control signal MCU_EN1. The other end of R4 is coupled to one end of R5 and the base of T2, and the other end of R5 is grounded. R4 and R5 are used to divide the voltage of the first enable control signal MCU_EN1 input to the base of T2 to prevent it from exceeding the withstand capability of T2. One end of R6 is coupled to the connection node of R1 and C2. The other end of R6 is coupled to one end of R7 and the base of T3, and the other end of R7 is grounded. R6 and R7 are used to divide the voltage of the signal input to the base of T3 to prevent it from exceeding the withstand capability of T3. One end of R8 is coupled to the connection node between the second OR logic circuit OR2 and the emitter of T1, and the other end of R8 is coupled to one end of R9 and the base of T1. R9 is coupled between the connection node between the base of T1 and the collectors of T2 and T3. R8 and R9 are used to divide and limit the signal at the base of T1 to prevent it from exceeding the withstand capability of T1 to T3.

[0063] The first input terminal of the second latch circuit U3 is coupled to the other output terminal of the microcontroller module MCU, and the second input terminal is coupled to the output terminal OUT of the driver module HSD. The output terminal of the second latch circuit U3 is coupled to the other input terminal of the second OR logic circuit OR2. The second latch circuit U3 is used to receive the second enable control signal MCU_EN2 output by the microcontroller module MCU. After the microcontroller module MCU is powered on normally and the driver module HSD is enabled, it and the first latch circuit U2 are mutually backed up so that the driver module HSD can be enabled by mutual backup after the microcontroller module MCU fails.

[0064] As an example, the second latch circuit U3 includes a fourth switch T4, a fifth switch T5, a first diode D1, a second diode D2, a third resistor R3, and a third capacitor C3. T4 to T5 can be switching elements such as MOS transistors or bipolar junction transistors, or any suitable switching integrated circuit. The following explanation details the connections of the electronic components in the second latch circuit U3, using the example of T4 to T5 being NPN bipolar junction transistors, their first terminals being the emitters, their control terminals being the bases, and their second terminals being the collectors. Specifically, the base of T4 is coupled to the cathode of D2, one end of C3, and one end of R3; the collector of T4 is coupled to the other end of R3 and the cathode of D1; the anode of D1 is coupled to the output terminal OUT of the driver module HSD; the emitter of T4 is coupled to the collector of T5 and the other input terminal of the second OR logic circuit OR2; and the base of T5 is coupled to the other output terminal of the microcontroller module MCU to receive the second enable control signal MCU_EN2. The emitter of T5, the anode of D2, and the other end of C3 are all grounded to SGND.

[0065] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 4 The second latch circuit U3 also includes resistors R10 to R12 and capacitor C4. One end of R10 is coupled to another output terminal of the microcontroller module MCU, and the other end of R10 is coupled to one end of R11 and the base of T5. The other end of R11 is grounded. R10 and R11 are used to divide and limit the signal at the base of T5 to prevent it from exceeding the withstand capability of T5. R12 is coupled between the emitter of T4 and the collector of T5 for current limiting. One end of C4 is coupled to the connection node between R12 and T4, and the other end of C4 is grounded.

[0066] For example, please refer to Figure 5The driver module HSD includes a driver switch M0, an operational amplifier U4, a resistor R13, and a diode D4. M0 can be a switching element such as a MOSFET or a transistor. Its input terminal (e.g., the drain of an NMOS transistor) is coupled to a short-time power-down retention module U1 and a power line KL30. Its output terminal (e.g., the source of an NMOS transistor) is coupled to the coil KL152 of the relay U0 and the anode of the diode D4. Its control terminal (e.g., the gate of an NMOS transistor) is coupled to the output terminal of the operational amplifier U4, one end of the resistor R3, and the cathode of the diode D4. The other end of the resistor R3 receives a voltage signal V1, which originates from the power supply battery. One input terminal of the operational amplifier U4 is the enable terminal IN of the driver module HSD, coupled to the first OR logic module OR1 (this module is not in...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the other input of operational amplifier U4 receives a threshold voltage Vth. Operational amplifier U4 compares the signal magnitudes at the two inputs to control the control terminal voltage of drive switch M0, thereby causing drive switch M0 to turn on or off.

[0067] For example, please refer to Figures 2 to 5 The short-time power failure retention module U1 includes a diode D3 and a first capacitor C1. One end of C1 is coupled to the cathode of D3, the anode of D3 is coupled to the power supply line KL30, and the other end of C1 is grounded to SGND.

[0068] For example, please refer to Figure 6 The limp home control module includes diodes D5 to D6 and resistor R14. The anode of D6 is the power supply terminal of the limp home control module, which is used to connect the power signal KL15. The cathode of D6 is connected to one end of R14, and the other end of R14 is connected to the cathode of D5 and outputs the limp power signal Limp home_EN. The anode of D5 is grounded to SGND.

[0069] Please combine Figures 2 to 4 When the microcontroller module (MCU) is powered on normally, MCU_EN1 is high, MCU_EN1 is low, T1 is turned on, and the state of T1 is latched by T3. The driver module HSD is enabled, the driver switch M0 in the driver module HSD is turned on, and the output terminal OUT of the driver module HSD is energized (i.e., the switch KL151 of relay U0 is energized). T4 is turned on, latching the state of T1 to ensure that the driver switch M0 is in the on state. When the following two conditions occur subsequently:

[0070] (1) Condition 1: After normal startup, when the MCU program crashes or is reset, MCU_EN1 changes from a high output level to an uncertain state (high level, low level, or floating). MCU_EN2 remains low, but because the output terminal OUT of the HSD driver module is energized, T4 remains on. Its latched state allows T1 to remain on, thus keeping the HSD driver module enabled. The output terminal OUT remains energized, and the control switch KL151 remains powered on, ensuring that the limp control module Limp home is powered normally and can output the limp enable signal Limp home_EN, thereby entering the limp mode normally. This avoids the risk of KL151 powering down in case of MCU failure. In addition, since the two latch circuits U2 and U3 can back each other up, and the probability of the MCU program crashing and causing MCU_EN1 to output low and MCU_EN2 to output high is very low, the reliability of the system can be improved.

[0071] (2) Working condition 2: After normal startup, the power cord KL30 may become loose and lose power for a short time due to collision or bumpy road surface. The first capacitor C1 can continue to supply power to the drive module HSD and the relay switch KL151 for a short time without being affected by the load connected to the front end of KL30 when KL30 loses power for a short time. This ensures that the latching module can continuously keep the switch KL151 energized until KL30 recovers power, thus avoiding the risk of the switch KL151 disconnecting at the moment KL30 loses power.

[0072] It should be understood that the energy storage capacity of the first capacitor C1 depends on the duration of the short-term power outage of KL30. For example, the duration of the short-term power outage of KL30 depends on the load condition of KL30, such as 10ms. The first capacitor C1 can continuously supply power for 50ms when KL30 is powered out.

[0073] Furthermore, the driving circuit described in this embodiment mainly illustrates the circuit structure related to the technical objective of the present invention. It does not limit the structure of the driving circuit of the present invention to only include these. In other embodiments of the present invention, the driving circuit may also include other circuit structures, such as a feedback module coupled to the driving module HSD. This module includes resistors R15 and R16 and capacitor C5. One end of R15 and one end of R16 are coupled to one end IS of the driving module HSD. One end of R15 and one end of C5 are both grounded to SGND. The other end of R16 is coupled to the other end of C5 and the feedback terminal of the microcontroller module MCU, so that the microcontroller module MCU can output enable control signals MCU_EN1 and MCU_EN2 according to the feedback of the driving module HSD.

[0074] Please refer to Figure 2An embodiment of the present invention also provides a controller ZCU, which includes the driving circuit described in any embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] An embodiment of the present invention also provides an automobile, which includes: the controller ZCU of the present invention, and a power supply Battery and a relay U0 respectively coupled to the controller ZCU; and the controller ZCU draws power from the power supply Battery when it is normally powered on, and energizes the coil KL152 of the relay U0, so that the switch KL151 of the relay U0 is energized and turned on.

[0076] In summary, the drive circuit, controller, and vehicle of the present invention, compared with traditional solutions, realize the functions of latching the HSD state of the drive module and continuing to work after short-term power failure, avoiding the risk of failing to enter limp home mode under fault conditions such as Crank or Crash and the risk of the short-term power failure relay switching off.

[0077] The above description is only a description of preferred embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Any changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the above disclosure shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A driving circuit, characterized in that, include: The drive module has an output terminal coupled to a relay. When enabled, it energizes the coil of the relay, causing the relay switch to close and conduct, thereby generating a first power signal. A microcontroller module, coupled to the enable terminal of the drive module, is used to output a corresponding enable control signal when the drive circuit is normally powered on, so as to enable the drive module. A latch module, including a first latch circuit and a second latch circuit; The first latch circuit is coupled to one output terminal of the microcontroller module and the enable terminal of the drive module. When the microcontroller module is powered on normally, it receives the first enable control signal output by the microcontroller module and latches the state that enables the drive module. The second latch circuit is coupled to the other output terminal of the microcontroller module, the output terminal of the drive module, and the first latch circuit. It receives the second enable control signal output by the microcontroller module. After the microcontroller module is powered on normally and the drive module is enabled, it and the first latch circuit back each other up. In the event of a short-term power failure in the drive circuit or a failure of the microcontroller module, the drive module is enabled by the mutual backup with the first latch circuit, so that the relay switch remains energized and conducting. A short-time power failure retention module is coupled to the power supply terminal of the drive module and is used to supply power to the drive module after a short-time power failure occurs in the drive circuit, so that the latching module continuously enables the drive module according to the latching state, and maintains the relay switch continuously engaged and conducting until the short-time power failure is recovered. The limp control module is coupled to the switch of the relay and the enable terminal of the drive module. It is triggered when the microcontroller module fails, draws power from the first power signal, and outputs a limp enable signal to enable the drive module.

2. The driving circuit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply terminal of the drive module and one end of the switch of the relay are both coupled to the positive terminal of the power supply that powers the drive circuit. The short-time power failure retention module includes a first capacitor, one end of which is coupled to the power supply terminal of the drive module and the positive terminal of the power supply, and the other end of which is coupled to the negative terminal of the power supply.

3. The driving circuit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first latching circuit includes first to third switches, a first resistor, and a second capacitor. The first terminal of the first switch and the control terminal of the second switch are both coupled to the microcontroller module to receive a first enable control signal output by the microcontroller module. The second terminal of the first switch is coupled to the enable terminal of the drive module and one end of the first resistor. The control terminal of the first switch is coupled to the second terminal of the second switch and the second terminal of the second switch. The control terminal of the third switch is coupled to the other end of the first resistor and one end of the second capacitor. The first terminal of the second switch, the first terminal of the third switch, and the other end of the second capacitor are all grounded.

4. The driving circuit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second latching circuit includes a fourth switch, a fifth switch, a third resistor, and a third capacitor. The control terminal of the fourth switch is coupled to one end of the third resistor and one end of the third capacitor. The second terminal of the fourth switch is coupled to the other end of the third resistor and the output terminal of the drive module. The first terminal of the fourth switch is coupled to the second terminal of the fifth switch and forms the output terminal of the second latching circuit, and is also coupled to the first latching circuit. The first terminal of the fifth switch is grounded. The control terminal of the fifth switch is coupled to the other output terminal of the microcontroller module to receive the second enable control signal.

5. The driving circuit as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second latching circuit further includes a first diode and a second diode. The anode of the first diode is coupled to the output terminal of the driving circuit, the cathode of the first diode is coupled to the second terminal of the fourth switch, the cathode of the second diode is coupled to the control terminal of the fourth switch, and the anode of the second diode is grounded.

6. The driving circuit as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The latch module further includes a second OR logic module, the first input terminal of the second OR logic module is coupled to the output terminal of the second latch circuit, the second input terminal of the second OR logic module is coupled to the microcontroller module to receive the first enable control signal, and the output terminal of the second OR logic module is coupled to the first latch circuit.

7. The driving circuit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first OR logic module, with a first input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the latch module to receive the enable control signal, a second input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the limp control module to receive the limp enable signal, and an output terminal coupled to the control terminal of the drive module.

8. The driving circuit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a system base chip module, coupled to the microcontroller module and the limp control module, for triggering the limp control module to work when the microcontroller module fails.

9. The driving circuit as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The driving circuit also includes an on-board capacitor, one end of which is coupled to the power supply terminal of the system base chip module, and the other end of which is grounded.

10. The driving circuit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The driving module includes an operational amplifier and a driving switch. The first input terminal of the operational amplifier is the enable terminal of the driving module, the second input terminal of the operational amplifier receives a threshold voltage, the output terminal of the operational amplifier is coupled to the control terminal of the driving switch, the first terminal of the driving switch is coupled to the short-time power-down retention module, and the second terminal of the driving switch is the output terminal of the driving module.

11. A controller, characterized in that, Includes the drive circuit as described in any one of claims 1-10.

12. A car, characterized in that, include: The controller as described in claim 11, and a power supply and a relay respectively coupled to the controller; wherein the controller draws power from the power supply when normally powered on and energizes the coil of the relay, causing the relay switch to engage and conduct.

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