Multi-channel trigger sensor for pyrotechnic fuse

Abstract

The invention discloses a multi-channel trigger sensor for a pyrotechnic fuse. In some embodiments, the current sensor may include a multi-channel input-triggered pyrotechnic fuse for electric vehicle (EV) applications that is fast, reliable, and operates with different trigger sources and different vehicle modes.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 624,928, filed on January 25, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 666,777, filed on July 2, 2024, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of circuit protection devices. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to multi - channel trigger sensors for pyrotechnic fuses. Background art

[0004] Fuses are typically implemented in electrical systems to provide over - current protection. Most fuses are "passive" devices that include a fuse element configured to carry a rated current during normal operation. If the current flowing through the fuse element exceeds the rated current of the fuse element, the fuse element will melt, break apart, or otherwise separate, thereby interrupting the current flow to prevent or mitigate damage to the connected electrical components.

[0005] In some cases, it may be desirable to "actively" create a physical open circuit in the circuit regardless of the amount of current flowing through the circuit. For example, if a vehicle is in a collision, it may be desirable to physically disconnect the circuit in the vehicle to ensure that the connected electrical components are de - energized, thereby reducing the risk of fire and / or electric shock after the collision. To this end, so - called pyrotechnic interrupters (PIs) have been developed, which can be selectively actuated upon the occurrence of a specific event to interrupt the current flow in the circuit. For example, in the case of a vehicle collision, a controller (e.g., an airbag control unit, a battery management system, etc.) can send a firing signal to the PI, causing the pyrotechnic igniter within the PI to be detonated. The resulting increase in pressure within the PI rapidly forces a piston or blade to cut through a conductor extending through the PI. The current flowing through the PI is thereby interrupted, and a piston formed of a dielectric material provides an electrical insulation barrier between the separated portions of the conductor to prevent arcing therebetween.

[0006] In certain applications, it may be desirable to provide multi - channel trigger sensors for pyrotechnic fuses. It is with respect to these and other considerations that the improvements of the present invention can be useful. Summary of the invention

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to assist in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] In one method, a current sensor can include a multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse for electric vehicle (EV) applications, the multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse being fast, reliable, and operable with different trigger sources and different vehicle modes.

[0009] In another method, a trigger sensor capable of operating with a fuse module, the trigger sensor can include: a programmable logic device and a diagnostic microcontroller unit, which are capable of operating to receive outputs from a Hall sensor and one or more external sources, and provide an output to the fuse module. The trigger sensor can further include: a plurality of mode switching sources, which communicate with the programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit, wherein the programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit determine the vehicle operation mode from a plurality of vehicle operation modes.

[0010] In another method, a multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse for electric vehicle (EV) applications, the multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse can include: a programmable logic device and a diagnostic microcontroller unit, which can be operated to receive outputs from a Hall sensor and one or more external sources, and provide an output to the fuse module. The multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse for EV applications can further include: a plurality of mode switching sources, which communicate with the programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit, wherein the programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit determine the vehicle operation mode from a plurality of vehicle operation modes.

[0011] In another method, a multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse for electric vehicle (EV) applications, the multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse can include: a programmable logic device and a diagnostic microcontroller unit, which can be operated to receive outputs from a Hall sensor and one or more external sources, and provide an output to the fuse module. The multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse for EV applications can further include: a plurality of mode switching sources, which communicate with the programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit, wherein the programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit determine the vehicle operation mode from a plurality of vehicle operation modes, and wherein the programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit determine the overcurrent detection response time. Description of the Drawings

[0012] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary methods of the disclosed embodiments designed to date for the practical application of their principles, and in the drawings:

[0013] Figure 1 A perspective view of an active / passive fuse module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted;

[0014] Figure 2 is of an Figure 1 active / passive fuse module including a multi-channel input trigger sensor; and

[0015] Figure 3 is of an Figure 1 active / passive fuse module including a multi-channel input trigger sensor.

[0016] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely illustrative and are not intended to depict the specific parameters of the present disclosure. The drawings are intended to depict exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and should not therefore be considered limiting in scope. In the drawings, like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0017] In addition, for clarity of illustration, some elements in some of the figures may be omitted or not drawn to scale. Cross-sectional views may be in the form of "slices" and / or "close-up" cross-sectional views, so that for clarity of illustration, some background lines that would otherwise be visible in a "true" cross-sectional view are omitted. In addition, for clarity, some reference numerals may be omitted in some of the figures. Detailed Description

[0018] The components, devices, systems, and methods according to the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments are shown. The components, devices, systems, and methods may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will be able to convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0019] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse for electric vehicle (EV) applications, which is fast, reliable, and operates with different trigger sources. In some cases, triggering can occur within a fraction of a millisecond to ensure current limiting and thus protect the HV system including the battery. To increase reliability, the trigger sensor can include diagnostics, including in-range supply voltage, ground loss, Hall IC internal diagnostics, and squib resistance diagnostics, such as resistance measurement and short circuit / open circuit detection, such as low current (e.g., 50 mA) periodic (e.g., 10 ms) pulses for evaluating the resistance. The results of all these diagnostics are continuously communicated to the battery management system (BMS) or engine control unit (ECU) of the EV via a digital communication bus, pulse width modulation (PWM) output, or other customer-selected means.

[0020] As will be described in more detail herein, different trigger sources allow for protection via internal triggering (or in-triggering) based on the current within the trigger sensor via a built-in current sensor, which triggers the pyrotechnic fuse once a certain predetermined level is exceeded, i.e., above the maximum current under any driving or charging conditions. Different trigger sources can also allow for external protection from, for example, a squib driver, which can be part of the BMS and can be controlled by the ECU via a controller area network (CAN) bus, e.g., in the case of a collision when the battery needs to be disconnected regardless of the current level. In other examples, triggering via the OCD output of the system's main current sensor (or sensors) can be used. It will be appreciated that one or more combinations of the above are possible, although in most cases external, non-current-dependent triggering will be commonly used.

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide false trigger avoidance by ignoring short current spikes that may not be caused by the busbar current itself (e.g., in the case of EMI pulses generated by lightning strikes), which ensures that the supply voltage is stable and within an acceptable level. Otherwise, the trigger functionality is disabled.

[0022] It will be understood that more than one pyrotechnic squib can be connected in parallel and triggered in parallel, i.e., simultaneously. The pyrotechnic squibs will also be diagnosed, e.g., whether all squibs are normal or at least one squib is abnormal.

[0023] Reference Figure 1, which shows a cross-sectional view of an active / passive fuse module 10 (hereinafter referred to as "fuse module 10") according to an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. The fuse module 10 can generally include a base 12, a bus bar 14, and a pyrotechnic interruptor (PI) 18. The base 12 can be formed of an electrically insulating material, such as plastic, polymer, ceramic, etc. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard. The base 12 can include a cavity 20 formed in its top surface.

[0024] The bus bar 14 can be formed of a single piece or single length of conductive material (e.g., stamped from a single sheet of copper or the like) and can include a fuse element 22 and first and second terminal portions 26a and 26b extending from opposite ends of the fuse element 22. The bus bar 14 can be disposed on the top surface of the base 12 in a horizontal orientation, with the fuse element 22 extending above the cavity 20. The first and second terminal portions 26a and 26b can extend beyond the sides of the base 12, or outside the sides of the base 12, to facilitate connection of the fuse module 10 within a circuit.

[0025] The fuse element 22 can be configured to melt, disintegrate, or otherwise open if the current flowing through the bus bar 14 exceeds a predetermined threshold or "rated current" of the fuse module 10. In various examples, the fuse element 22 can include perforations, slots, thinned or narrowed sections, and / or various other features for making the fuse element 22 more likely to melt or open than other portions of the bus bar 14. In a non-limiting example, the fuse element 22 can be configured to have a rated current in the range between 30 amperes and 1000 amperes. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0026] The PI 18 can include a housing 36 having a mounting flange 38 protruding from its lower portion. The housing 36 can be disposed on top of the base 12, where mechanical fasteners 40a, 40b extend through the mounting flange 38 and into the base 12 for fastening the components together in a vertically stacked relationship. The housing 36 can include a hollow, vertically oriented shaft 43 extending therethrough. The shaft 43 can have an open bottom end directly above the fuse element 22 and the cavity 20.

[0027] The housing 36 can contain a movable piston or blade 42 (hereinafter referred to as "piston 42") disposed within the hollow shaft 43 above the cavity 20 of the base 12. The housing 36 can also contain one or more pyrotechnic igniters 44 disposed within the shaft 43 above the piston 42.

[0028] In some embodiments, since the fuse element 22 begins to separate (e.g., melt) before the pyrotechnic igniter 44 detonates and drives the piston 42, the fuse element 22 is weakened (e.g., partially melted) before the piston 42 is driven through it, making it easier for the piston 42 to cut through the fuse element 22. Thus, the fuse element 22 can be thicker / larger (and thus capable of handling higher currents) than might be possible, for example, in a conventional fuse module incorporating a pyrotechnic disconnector if the piston 42 were required to penetrate an unweakened portion of the bus bar 14 (i.e., a portion of the bus bar 14 other than the partially melted fuse element 22).

[0029] Figure 2 It is shown that the fuse module 10 can operate with a current sensor 60. In various embodiments, the current sensor 60 can be triggered via self-triggering by current level measurement, via an external signal from a squib driver, and via an external signal of an over current detection (OCD) signal from another current sensor. More particularly, the current sensor 60 can be a multi-channel current sensor that is operable to receive outputs from a Hall sensor 66 and one or more external sources and provide an output to the fuse module 10 via a trigger positive terminal 78 and a trigger negative terminal 79. In some embodiments, the pyrotechnic igniter 44 is connected between the trigger positive terminal 78 and the trigger negative terminal 79. More particularly, a signal for activating the igniter 44 can be sent from the current sensor 60 terminals, the trigger positive terminal 78, and the trigger negative terminal 79.

[0030] As shown, the current sensor 60 can include a low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator 61 that communicates with a filter (e.g., 12V) 62 and a power good detector 63. The filter 62 and the power good detector 63 can communicate with a squib circuit 64. As further shown, the current sensor 60 can include a fault level shifter device 65 that communicates with the Hall sensor 66 and an OR logic device 67 of the fuse module 10. The OR logic device 67 can communicate with the squib circuit 64, an optocoupler 68, and a second filter 69. In some embodiments, the Hall sensor 66 can be a coreless Hall sensor for very fast pyrotechnic triggering and a smaller form factor.

[0031] As further shown, the current sensor 60 may include a diagnostic system 70, which includes a diagnostic microcontroller unit (MCU) 71 that communicates with a Vcc monitor 72, a diagnostic current pulse driver 73, a differential amplifier 74, and a pulse width modulation (PWM) driver circuit 75. In some embodiments, the diagnostic system 70 may be optional, where the main function of the current sensor 60 remains possible. That is, the current sensor 60 may be fully analog.

[0032] Vcc 76 is connected between the BMS of the EV, the filter 62, and the Vcc monitor 72, ground (GND) 77 is connected between the BMS of the EV and the filter 62, and the trigger positive 78 and the trigger negative 79 are connected between the squib and the squib circuit 64. As further shown, the external trigger positive 80 and the external trigger negative 81 are connected between the BMS or the ECU and the optocoupler 68. A resistor 83 (e.g., 2.1 ohms) may be connected between the external trigger positive 80 and the external trigger negative 81. As further shown, the diagnostics 84 are connected between the BMS or the ECU and the PWM driver 75, and the OCD trigger 85 is connected between an external current sensor with OCD function (e.g., based on voltage level or PWM) and the filter 69.

[0033] During operation, the current sensor 60 may accommodate multiple inputs, e.g., inputs from the internal sensor 66, from an external squib driver, or from an external current sensor (PWM or voltage level). For example, the trigger may be caused by the OR functionality of three inputs, while AND functionality may also be possible (e.g., for safety, two inputs together).

[0034] The current sensor 60 may also provide an igniter emulation function for external trigger inputs. For example, the optocoupler 68 may provide electrical isolation, as well as bidirectional current inputs from the external trigger positive 80 and the external trigger negative 81. This igniter resistance emulation further provides squib driver compatibility.

[0035] The current sensor 60 also provides diagnostics based on discrete electronic components (analog + diagnostic MCU 71). In some embodiments, low-end MCU monitoring of multiple signals allows different diagnostic algorithms and customizable prioritization. For example, the algorithm may combine information about squib resistance, supply voltage, and Hall diagnostics, while the PWM output signal allows automatic diagnosis of ground loss via a pull-up resistor. Resistance measurements may be implemented via low-amplitude current pulses and a differential amplifier, and voltage level shifting may be aligned with different circuits (5V MCU versus 12V circuits).

[0036] As mentioned above, the current sensor 60 advantageously provides an analog sensing and triggering architecture that increases the speed from the time the current is exceeded to the triggering signal (e.g., trigger positive 78) to the squib of the pyrotechnic fuse. Only digits can be used for the MCU 71 of the diagnostic system 70. In some cases, the igniter driver is based on discrete components, and false triggering avoidance by triggering functionality through power monitoring (power good detector 63) is disabled until the power supply is stable. False triggering avoidance through glitch filtering (e.g., second filter 69) is also provided, while additional filtering from filter 62 can protect against power supply voltage spikes.

[0037] As a result, faster response can be achieved compared to conventional squib drivers, and a power bank (capacitor for power storage) can be provided for short power drops. Additionally, a high current output via a fully-on MOSFET (achieved by using an additional MOSFET driver) can be possible, along with the ability to drive and diagnose two igniters in parallel.

[0038] Figure 3 It is shown that the fuse module 10 can operate with another current sensor 160. The current sensor 160 can be similar to the current sensor 60 described above in some aspects. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the current sensor 160 will be described below. In various embodiments, the current sensor 160 can be triggered via self-triggering through current level measurement, via an external signal from the squib driver, and via an external signal of an over-current detection (OCD) signal from another current sensor. More specifically, the current sensor 160 can be a multi-channel current sensor that is operable to receive outputs from a Hall sensor 166 and one or more external sources, and provide an output to the fuse module 10 via a trigger positive terminal 178 and a trigger negative terminal 179. In some embodiments, the pyrotechnic igniter 144 is connected between the trigger positive terminal 178 and the trigger negative terminal 179. More specifically, the signal for activating the igniter 144 can be sent from the current sensor 160 terminals, the trigger positive terminal 178, and the trigger negative terminal 179.

[0039] As shown, the current sensor 160 may include a low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator 161 that communicates with a filter (e.g., 12V) 162 and a power good detector 163. The filter 162 and the power good detector 163 may communicate with a squib circuit 164. As further shown, the current sensor 160 may include an internal programmable logic device (PLD) 192 that communicates with a Hall sensor 166 and / or an OR logic device 167 of the fuse module 10, where the PLD 192 specifies measurement values for performing diagnostics on a selected OCD delay mode. The OR logic device 167 may communicate with the squib circuit 164, an optocoupler 168, and a second filter 169. In some embodiments, the Hall sensor 166 may be a coreless Hall sensor for very fast pyrotechnic triggering and a smaller form factor.

[0040] As further shown, the current sensor 160 may include a diagnostic system 170 that includes a diagnostic microcontroller unit (MCU) 71 that communicates with a Vcc monitor 172, a diagnostic current pulse driver 173, a differential amplifier 174, a pulse width modulation (PWM) driver circuit 175, and a PWM filter 194. In some embodiments, the diagnostic system 170 may be optional, where the primary function of the current sensor 160 remains possible. That is, the current sensor 160 may be fully analog.

[0041] Vcc 176 is connected between the BMS of the EV, the filter 162, and the Vcc monitor 172, ground (GND) 177 is connected between the BMS of the EV and the filter 162, and a trigger positive 178 and a trigger negative 179 are connected between the pyrotechnic fuse squib and the squib circuit 164. As further shown, an external trigger positive 180 and an external trigger negative 181 are connected between the BMS or ECU and the optocoupler 168. A resistor 183 (e.g., 2.1 ohms) may be connected between the external trigger positive 180 and the external trigger negative 181. As further shown, a diagnostic 184 is connected between the BMS or ECU and the PWM driver 175, and an OCD trigger 185 is connected between an external current sensor having an OCD function (e.g., based on voltage level or PWM) and the filter 169.

[0042] During operation, the current sensor 160 may accommodate multiple inputs, e.g., inputs from an internal sensor 166, from an external squib driver, or from an external current sensor (PWM or voltage level). For example, triggering may be caused by the OR functionality of three inputs, while AND functionality may also be possible (e.g., for safety, two inputs together).

[0043] The current sensor 160 can also provide an igniter emulation function for an external trigger input. For example, the optocoupler 168 can provide electrical isolation, as well as bidirectional current inputs from an external trigger positive 180 and an external trigger negative 181. This igniter resistance emulation further provides squib driver compatibility.

[0044] The current sensor 160 also provides diagnostics based on discrete electronic components (analog + diagnostic MCU 171). In some embodiments, low-side MCU monitoring of multiple signals allows different diagnostic algorithms and customizable prioritization. For example, the algorithm can combine information about squib resistance, supply voltage, and Hall diagnostics, while the PWM output signal allows automatic diagnostics of ground loss via a pull-up resistor. Resistance measurements can be implemented via low-amplitude current pulses and a differential amplifier, and voltage level shifting can be aligned with different circuits (5V for the MCU and 12V for the circuit).

[0045] As mentioned above, the current sensor 160 advantageously provides an analog sensing and triggering architecture that increases the speed from the time the current is exceeded to the trigger signal (e.g., trigger positive 718) for the squib going to the pyrotechnic fuse. Only digits can be used for the MCU 171 of the diagnostic system 170. In some cases, the igniter driver is based on discrete components, and false triggering avoidance by triggering functionality based on power supply monitoring (power good detector 163) is disabled until the power supply is stable. False triggering avoidance by glitch filtering (e.g., second filter 169) is also provided, while additional filtering from filter 162 can protect against power supply voltage spikes.

[0046] As a result, faster response can be achieved compared to conventional squib drivers, and a power bank (capacitor for power storage) can be provided for short power supply voltage drops. Additionally, a high-current output by fully turning on the MOSFET (achieved by using an additional MOSFET driver) can be possible, along with the ability to drive and diagnose two igniters in parallel.

[0047] As further shown in the figure, the current sensor 160 can include a mode switching device 190 to accommodate multiple vehicle operation modes, such as driving, charging, acceleration, etc., because different operation modes can be beneficial for solving different OCD response times. For example, a longer response time in the driving mode helps avoid false triggering due to peripheral device failures. The mode switching device can be connected to the PMW filter 194, the diagnostic MCU 171, and the PLD 192. During use, to determine and verify a mode switching event, input signal measurements from the PLD 192 and the MCU 171 are combined. This increases the robustness of the mode switching event.

[0048] The mode switching device 190 provides an additional input to detect the requested mode, which will specify the current delay time, i.e., how long the current is allowed to be above the threshold. In some embodiments, dedicated response times for each operating mode are possible, as the response time can be switched during vehicle operation by different mechanisms, such as via a received external communication request. Additionally, the response time mode can be configurable, e.g., based on the internally measured current direction. In some embodiments, different trigger level values can be used for each current polarity. This provides a significant advantage over prior art options, where pyrotechnic triggering has the same OCD trigger time for both current direction and all vehicle operating modes.

[0049] More particularly, in some embodiments, multiple response time OCD delay configurations are possible for two (2) and more different delay options, such as but not limited to 10 μs, 100 μs, 1 ms, 10 ms, etc. Additionally, the mode switching device 190 can provide OCD response time delay selection based on current polarity, as well as current polarity detection within the sensor. Although non-limiting, the mode switching device 190 can allow OCD delay mode switching based on external communication commands, such as but not limited to, PWM, Local Interconnect Network (LIN), Controller Area Network (CAN), voltage levels, etc.

[0050] In summary, the embodiments herein provide a novel method for protecting the HV circuit of an electric vehicle, where the sensor activates the pyrotechnic fuse by using different input trigger sources and switching based on the vehicle mode, and by providing a reliable and very fast high current signal to the igniter.

[0051] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and beginning with the word "a" or "an" is understood not to exclude a plurality of such elements or steps, unless expressly recited to the contrary. Additionally, a reference to "one embodiment" of the present disclosure is not to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0052] The use of the terms "comprising", "including", or "having" and their variants herein means covering the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items. Thus, the terms "comprising", "including", or "having" and their variants are open-ended expressions and can be used interchangeably herein.

[0053] As used herein, the phrases "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or" are open-ended expressions and are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, the expressions "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, or C," and "A, B, and / or C" represent A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together.

[0054] All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are for identification purposes only to assist the reader in understanding the present disclosure. The directional references do not impose limitations, particularly with respect to the position, orientation, or use of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) shall be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between assemblies of elements and relative movement between elements. Thus, a connection reference does not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship to each other.

[0055] In addition, identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to imply importance or priority but rather are used to distinguish one feature from another. The drawings are for illustrative purposes, and the dimensions, positions, sequences, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings may vary.

[0056] Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, as the present disclosure is as broad as the scope permitted in the art and the specification may be read accordingly. Thus, the above description should not be construed as limiting. Instead, the above description is merely illustrative of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A trigger sensor capable of operating with a fuse module, the trigger sensor comprising: A programmable logic device and a diagnostic microcontroller unit, which are capable of operating to receive outputs from a Hall sensor and one or more external sources and provide an output to the fuse module; And A plurality of mode switching sources, which communicate with the programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit, wherein the programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit determine a vehicle operation mode from a plurality of vehicle operation modes.

2. The trigger sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit determine an overcurrent detection response time based on the determined vehicle operation mode.

3. The trigger sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit determine an overcurrent detection response time based on the internally measured current polarity of the current.

4. The trigger sensor according to claim 3, wherein, The overcurrent detection response time is a delay amount that allows the current to be higher than a threshold.

5. The trigger sensor according to claim 3, wherein, The overcurrent detection response time is based on the internally measured current polarity of the current and switches between a plurality of different overcurrent detection response times without an external mode switching signal.

6. The trigger sensor according to claim 1, further comprising: A pulse width modulation filter connected to the plurality of mode switching sources.

7. The trigger sensor according to claim 6, wherein, The pulse width modulation filter is further connected to the diagnostic microcontroller unit and the programmable logic device.

8. The trigger sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The trigger sensor can be operated to trip the fuse of the fuse module in response to at least one of the following: a measured current level value exceeding a predefined threshold, an external signal from a squib driver, and an external signal from another current sensor indicating an overcurrent.

9. A multi-channel input trigger pyrotechnic fuse for an electric vehicle (EV) application, comprising: A programmable logic device and a diagnostic microcontroller unit, which are capable of being operated to receive outputs from a Hall sensor and one or more external sources and provide an output to the fuse module; And A plurality of mode switching sources, which communicate with the programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit, wherein the programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit determine a vehicle operation mode from a plurality of vehicle operation modes.

10. The multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse according to claim 9, wherein, The programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit determine an overcurrent detection response time based on the determined vehicle operation mode.

11. The multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse according to claim 9, further comprising: A pulse width modulation filter connected to the plurality of mode switching sources.

12. The multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse according to claim 11, wherein, The pulse width modulation filter is further connected to the diagnostic microcontroller unit and the programmable logic device.

13. The multi-channel input-triggered pyrotechnic fuse according to claim 9, wherein, The trigger sensor can be operated to trip the fuse of the fuse module in response to at least one of the following: a measured current level value exceeding a predefined threshold, an external signal from a squib driver, and an external signal from another current sensor indicating an overcurrent.

14. The multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse according to claim 13, further comprising: A resistor having the same resistance as a pyrotechnic igniter, the pyrotechnic igniter being used to simulate an igniter for external triggering from the squib driver.

15. The multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse according to claim 13, further comprising: An optocoupler component, wherein the optocoupler component is externally triggered from the squib driver.

16. A multi-channel input trigger pyrotechnic fuse for an electric vehicle (EV) application, comprising: A programmable logic device and a diagnostic microcontroller unit that can be operated to receive outputs from a Hall sensor and one or more external sources and provide an output to a fuse module; And A plurality of mode switching sources that communicate with the programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit, wherein the programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit determine a vehicle operating mode from a plurality of vehicle operating modes, and wherein the programmable logic device and the diagnostic microcontroller unit determine an overcurrent detection response time based on the determined vehicle operating mode.

17. The multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse according to claim 16, further comprising: A pulse width modulation filter connected to the plurality of mode switching sources.

18. The multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse according to claim 17, wherein, The pulse width modulation filter is further connected to the diagnostic microcontroller unit and the programmable logic device.

19. The multi-channel input triggered pyrotechnic fuse according to claim 16, wherein, The trigger sensor can be operated to trip the fuse of the fuse module in response to at least one of the following: a measured current level exceeding a predefined threshold, an external signal from a squib driver, and an external signal from another current sensor indicating overcurrent.

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