Monitoring circuit and corresponding DC driver and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a monitoring circuit and a corresponding DC driver and method. A circuit for monitoring a phase of a direct current driver configured to drive a load via a first terminal and a second terminal, the circuit comprising first comparison circuitry configured to receive a first voltage of the first terminal and a threshold voltage, second comparison circuitry configured to receive a second voltage of the second terminal and a threshold voltage, and selection circuitry configured to select the phase of the direct current driver. The first comparison circuitry is configured to receive a first voltage of the first terminal and a threshold voltage, compare the first voltage with the threshold voltage to obtain a first comparison voltage, and provide the first comparison voltage to the selection circuitry, and the second comparison circuitry is configured to receive a second voltage of the second terminal and the threshold voltage, compare the second voltage with the threshold voltage to obtain a second comparison voltage, and provide the second comparison voltage to the selection circuitry. And provide a second comparison voltage to selection circuitry configured to receive the first and second comparison voltages and a selection signal, and to select either the first comparison voltage or the second comparison voltage as a monitoring voltage signal based on the selection signal.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Italian patent application number 102024000010366, filed on May 8, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This manual relates to monitoring circuits and methods.

[0004] One or more embodiments can be applied to methods and circuits for monitoring the output phase in a DC (“DC”) motor driver. Background Technology

[0005] DC motors are ubiquitous in various applications; therefore, efficient control and monitoring of these motors can improve their performance and safety, and extend their service life.

[0006] Such control and monitoring functions are typically achieved via a DC motor drive.

[0007] A DC motor driver is an interface between a control system (e.g., a microcontroller) and the corresponding DC motor to be driven.

[0008] In addition to providing control functions such as regulating and driving DC motors, such DC motor drivers can also be configured to provide monitoring and protection functions such as overcurrent or overvoltage detection.

[0009] Therefore, monitoring the functionality and operability of such DC motor drivers is crucial for the proper operation of such DC motors.

[0010] Known solutions associated with circuitry for monitoring DC motor drivers are based on current sensing operations and are designed to provide feedback to the corresponding microcontroller in relation to the control output current of such DC motor driver, which is the current flowing in the corresponding DC motor during operation and used to drive such motor.

[0011] Figure 1A The figure illustrates a known exemplary circuit 10 for performing current sensing and monitoring operations and short-circuit detection in a DC motor driver 100 coupled to a load L (e.g., a DC motor). a A block diagram.

[0012] Figure 1A The DC motor driver 100 is connected via the first output terminal OUT a Second output terminal OUT b It is coupled to the load L (i.e., the DC motor L) and is supplied with voltage VBAT via the power supply terminal.

[0013] The DC motor driver 100 includes a logic control unit 102, for example via a first ground terminal GND. a Second grounding terminal GND b It is coupled between the power supply terminal of voltage VBAT and the ground terminal GND.

[0014] The DC motor driver 100 also includes a full-bridge (i.e., H-bridge) circuit, which includes:

[0015] The first transistor, for example, a MOSFET ("metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor") M1 with a body diode, has its control terminal coupled to the logic control unit 102, its current sink terminal coupled to the power supply terminal, and its current source terminal coupled to the second output terminal OUT. b And it is configured to provide the first output current I OUTb (For example, see) Figure 1B );

[0016] The second transistor, for example, a MOSFET M2 with a body diode, has its control terminal coupled to the logic control unit 102 and its current sink terminal coupled to the second output terminal OUT. b And its current source terminal is connected to the second ground terminal GND. b Coupled to the ground terminal GND;

[0017] The third transistor, for example, a MOSFET M3 with a body diode, has its control terminal coupled to the logic control unit 102, its current sink terminal coupled to the power supply terminal, and its current source terminal coupled to the first output terminal OUT. a And it is configured to provide a second output current I OUTa (For example, see) Figure 1B );

[0018] The fourth transistor, for example, a MOSFET M4 with a body diode, has its control terminal coupled to the logic control unit 102 and its current sink terminal coupled to the first output terminal OUT. a And its current source terminal is connected to the first ground terminal GND. a Coupled to the ground terminal GND.

[0019] It should be noted that the first output terminal OUT a Second output terminal OUT b This is used to provide a control output current to drive such a DC motor L.

[0020] Such control output current is sensed via current monitoring circuit 104, which is coupled to the high-voltage side of the H-bridge, for example, to the current sink terminal of the third transistor M3 and the current sink terminal of the first transistor M1. Such current monitoring circuit 104 is configured to implement current mirror via cell splitting of power MOS.

[0021] Therefore, such a current monitoring circuit 104 is configured to provide a monitoring output current I to the microcontroller. OUT Such monitoring output current I OUT This indicates the current flowing in the current sink terminal of the third transistor M3 or the current sink terminal of the first transistor M1; that is, it indicates the control output current generated by the DC motor driver 100, which flows through the first output terminal OUT. a Second output terminal OUT b It is supplied to DC motor L.

[0022] It should be noted that such monitoring output current I OUT It can only be provided when the DC motor driver 100 is turned on.

[0023] The microcontroller can then be configured to use such feedback during the on state of the DC motor driver 100 to perform operations related to diagnostic fault coverage.

[0024] Figure 1B The figure illustrates an exemplary current monitoring circuit 104, which illustrates circuitry 10 for performing current sensing and monitoring operations coupled to a DC motor driver. b .

[0025] Such an exemplary current monitoring circuit 104 may include:

[0026] The first current sensing transistor, for example, is a MOSFET (“metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor”) with a body diode. 1_sense Its control terminal is coupled to the control terminal of the first transistor M1, its current sink terminal is coupled to the current sink terminal of the first transistor M1, and its current source terminal is coupled to the output terminal of the current monitoring circuit 104 and configured to provide a monitored output current I. OUT As output, the monitored output current is equal to the first scaled monitored output current I. OUTb / K, the first scaling monitoring output current is the first output current I scaled by a factor equal to K. OUTb ;as well as

[0027] The second current sensing transistor, for example, a MOSFET M with a body diode. 3_senseIts control terminal is coupled to the control terminal of the third transistor M3, its current sink terminal is coupled to the current sink terminal of the third transistor M3, and its current source terminal is coupled to the output terminal of the current monitoring circuit 104 and configured to provide a monitored output current I. OUT As output, the monitored output current is equal to the second scaled monitored output current I. OUTa / K, the second scaling monitoring output current is the second output current I scaled by a factor equal to K. OUTa .

[0028] In addition, a circuit may be provided, which includes:

[0029] The first branch, for example, is a branch outside the DC motor driver 100, which is coupled to the first output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 100. a Between the power supply terminals of voltage VBAT, such a first branch includes a first pull-up resistor Rpu1 and a first pull-up switch Spu1, which are configured to be driven by a first signal μC1 sent by the microcontroller; and

[0030] The second branch, for example, is a branch outside the DC motor driver 100, which is coupled to the second output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 100. b Between the power supply terminals of voltage VBAT, such a second branch includes a second pull-up resistor Rpu2 and a second pull-up switch Spu2, which are configured to be driven by a second signal μC2 sent by the microcontroller.

[0031] Pull-up resistors Rpu1 and Rpu2, driven by a microcontroller, and switches Spu1 and Spu2 are used to provide further feedback in relation to short circuits, such as shorting to the battery VBAT or to ground GND.

[0032] The standard ISO 26262 (which is the de facto international standard relating to the functional safety of electrical and / or electronic systems installed in mass-produced road vehicles) defines the minimum safety requirements as measured by the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL), a safety level determined through hazard analysis and risk assessment.

[0033] For example, considering the ASIL-B index, such a standard as ISO 26262 requires (preferably continuously) monitoring of the function of the monitoring device (i.e., DC motor driver 100) in all operating modes (preferably, during both the on and off states of the DC motor driver 100).

[0034] As previously mentioned, the known solution can only monitor the DC motor driver 100 during its on state, i.e., provide feedback to the microcontroller, thus not allowing monitoring during its off state and failing to achieve the desired safety result.

[0035] Therefore, solutions that improve the monitoring of devices used to drive DC motors (i.e., DC motor drivers) to facilitate monitoring operations, for example, during both the on and off states of such DC motor drivers, would be beneficial for improving the functional safety of such devices. Summary of the Invention

[0036] One or more embodiments aim to provide a solution for improving the monitoring of devices used to drive DC motors (i.e., DC motor drivers) to facilitate monitoring operations, for example, during both the on and off states of such DC motor drivers.

[0037] According to one or more embodiments, this objective is achieved via a circuit having the features described in the following claims.

[0038] One or more embodiments relate to a corresponding method.

[0039] One or more embodiments relate to a corresponding DC driver.

[0040] The claims are an integral part of the technical teachings provided with respect to the embodiments.

[0041] The solution described herein includes a circuit for monitoring the phase of a DC driver configured to drive a load via a first terminal and a second terminal coupled to corresponding load terminals to switch the polarity applied to the corresponding load terminals.

[0042] The circuit includes:

[0043] A first comparison circuit system is configured to receive a first voltage and a threshold voltage at a first terminal, compare the first voltage with the threshold voltage to obtain a first comparison voltage, and provide the first comparison voltage to a selection circuit system.

[0044] A second comparison circuit system is configured to receive a second voltage and a threshold voltage at a second terminal, compare the second voltage with the threshold voltage to obtain a second comparison voltage, and provide the second comparison voltage to a selection circuit system; and

[0045] The selection circuit system is configured to receive a first comparison voltage, a second comparison voltage, and a selection signal indicating the selection of the first comparison voltage or the second comparison voltage, and to select the first comparison voltage or the second comparison voltage as a monitoring voltage signal based on the selection signal.

[0046] In various embodiments, a first comparison circuit system is configured to receive a first voltage via a first node; and a second comparison circuit system is configured to receive a second voltage via a second node;

[0047] The circuit includes:

[0048] A first switch coupled between a first node and a power terminal and / or a second switch coupled between a second node and a power terminal, wherein the first and second switches are configured to perform a pull-up operation; and / or

[0049] A first pull-down impedance coupled between the first node and the ground terminal and / or a second pull-down impedance coupled between the second node and the ground terminal.

[0050] In various embodiments, the first switch and the second switch are integrated into a protection circuit system, and in particular, the first switch and the second switch are vertical intelligent power supply (VIPower) switches.

[0051] In various embodiments, the selection circuit system is configured to drive the transistor via a control terminal based on a comparison voltage selected from a first comparison voltage and a second comparison voltage, the transistor having:

[0052] Current source terminals coupled to the ground terminal; and

[0053] It is configured to provide a current absorption terminal for monitoring voltage signals.

[0054] In various embodiments, the monitoring voltage signal is provided to the control unit, particularly a control unit external to the DC driver, which is configured to:

[0055] Set a selection signal to indicate whether to select a first comparison voltage or a second comparison voltage;

[0056] Retrieve the expected monitoring voltage level, especially the binary level;

[0057] The received monitoring voltage signal is compared with a verification voltage threshold to obtain a comparison monitoring voltage level, particularly a binary level, which indicates whether the received monitoring voltage signal is higher or lower than the verification voltage threshold.

[0058] If the monitored voltage level equals the expected monitored voltage level, the current operating mode of the DC driver is classified as non-abnormal; and

[0059] If the monitored voltage level differs from the expected monitored voltage level, the current operating mode of the DC driver is classified as abnormal.

[0060] In various embodiments, the control unit is configured to operate the first switch and / or the second switch to perform a pull-up operation based on the current operating mode of the DC driver.

[0061] In various embodiments, the DC driver includes:

[0062] An H-bridge including multiple transistors; and

[0063] Configured to drive the DC power of multiple transistors included in the H-bridge via corresponding control terminals

[0064] Driver control unit.

[0065] In various embodiments, the load is a DC motor.

[0066] In various embodiments, the circuitry is integrated into the DC driver, particularly the DC driver control unit; or the circuitry is external to the DC driver and is implemented using discrete components.

[0067] Therefore, the solution described herein facilitates improved monitoring of devices used to drive DC motors (i.e., DC motor drivers) to improve the functional safety of such devices, for example, by performing monitoring operations during both the on and off states of such DC motor drivers. Attached Figure Description

[0068] One or more embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0069] Figure 1A The diagram illustrates an example block diagram of a circuit used to perform current sensing and monitoring operations and short-circuit detection in a DC motor driver coupled to a load.

[0070] Figure 1B The diagram illustrates an example block diagram of a circuit coupled to a DC motor driver for performing current sensing and monitoring operations.

[0071] Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example block diagram of a circuit for performing phase monitoring operation in a DC motor driver coupled to a load, according to an embodiment of this specification, is shown.

[0072] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The illustration shows an exemplary circuit according to an embodiment of this specification capable of generating a feedback signal that allows monitoring of the phase operation of a DC motor driver; and

[0073] Figure 6 The illustration shows an embodiment according to this specification. Figure 4 or Figure 5An exemplary signal flows in a circuit that generates a feedback signal that allows monitoring operations.

[0074] Unless otherwise stated, corresponding numbers and symbols in different figures usually refer to the corresponding parts.

[0075] These figures are drawn to clearly illustrate relevant aspects of the embodiments and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0076] The feature edges drawn in the diagram do not necessarily indicate the end of the feature range. Detailed Implementation

[0077] In the following description, one or more specific details are illustrated to provide a thorough understanding of examples of embodiments of this specification. Embodiments may be obtained without one or more specific details, or may be obtained through other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, known structures, materials, or operations have not been shown or described in detail so that certain aspects of the embodiments are not obscured.

[0078] References to "embodiment" or "an embodiment" within the framework of this specification are intended to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or feature described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, phrases such as "in an embodiment" or "in one embodiment" that may appear in one or more places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0079] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, specific configurations, structures, or features can be combined in any suitable manner.

[0080] The title / reference numerals used herein are provided for convenience only and therefore do not limit the scope of protection or the scope of embodiments.

[0081] For simplicity and ease of explanation, throughout the specification, unless the context otherwise indicates, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts or elements in the corresponding figures, and the corresponding descriptions are not repeated for each figure.

[0082] As previously stated, the solutions described herein are designed to facilitate monitoring of devices used to drive DC (“DC”) motors (i.e., DC motor drivers), for example, to facilitate monitoring operations during both the on and off states of such DC motor drivers, in order to improve the functional safety of such devices.

[0083] It should be noted that although the following description focuses primarily on automotive applications, the solutions described herein can also be used in other applications that require improved monitoring of DC motor drives.

[0084] Examples of possible applications that could drive DC motors using the solutions disclosed herein include, for example, automotive applications such as door locks, power windows, power lift doors, power parking brakes, seat adjustments, power windows, steering columns, etc.

[0085] Furthermore, it should be noted that even though the following description focuses primarily on drivers implemented via a full-bridge architecture (i.e., H-bridge), such drivers can also be implemented via any other architecture having two terminals coupled to corresponding terminals of the load and allowing switching of the polarity of such terminals applied to the load coupled thereto.

[0086] For example, a different solution could be to use two half-bridges (“H-bridges”) with legs parallelized to provide load L, such as a motor.

[0087] For example, another solution could consider a cascaded configuration, using two H-bridges to drive three loads L (such as motors), which are powered by their respective output pins. It should be noted that in this type of solution, one motor L can be powered at a time.

[0088] It should also be noted that while the following description focuses primarily on loads implemented via DC motors, other loads that can be driven via two terminals using switching polarity can also be considered.

[0089] It should be noted that the circuit described herein for monitoring the output phase of a DC motor driver can be integrated into the same integrated circuit of such a DC motor driver.

[0090] For example, Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a circuit 30 (described below) for performing phase monitoring operations in a DC driver 200 (e.g., a DC motor driver). a Or 30 b An exemplary block diagram 20 is shown, wherein the DC driver is coupled to a corresponding load L, such as a DC motor, and the DC motor driver 200 is configured to include circuitry 30 according to an embodiment of this specification.

[0091] Specifically, such circuit 30 can be included in the logic control unit 202 of the DC motor driver 200.

[0092] Alternatively, the circuitry described herein for monitoring the output phase of a DC motor driver may be provided via components external to such an integrated circuit as the DC motor driver 200', for example, by using discrete components.

[0093] It should also be noted that the circuitry described herein for monitoring the output phase of the DC motor driver can be provided via a component included in the integrated circuit of the DC motor driver 200' but located outside the logic control unit 202' of the DC motor driver 200'.

[0094] For example, Figure 3 The diagram illustrates circuit 30' (circuit 30' described below) according to an embodiment of this specification. a or 30' b An exemplary block diagram 20' of the circuit is used to perform phase monitoring operations in a DC driver 200' (e.g., a DC motor driver) coupled to a corresponding load L, such as a DC motor, and the circuit 30' is configured to be outside the DC motor driver 200' (and, for example, composed of discrete components).

[0095] Therefore, the solution described in this paper aims to provide monitoring signals P to additional control units such as microcontrollers, microprocessors, and logic units. OUT That is, feedback signal.

[0096] Such monitoring signal P OUT (Preferably, the real-time feedback signal) can be available during both the on and off states of the DC motor driver 200 or 200', and is configured to provide feedback related to the output state of the DC motor driver 200 or 200', particularly feedback related to the output phase of such DC motor driver.

[0097] Therefore, the additional control unit can also be configured to use the received monitoring signal P OUT Perform inspections and respond to abnormal or malfunctioning conditions.

[0098] For this purpose, circuits 30 and 30' for monitoring the output phase of the DC motor driver are configured to sense the output voltage of the power stage of such a DC motor driver, for example, from the first output terminal OUT. a Sensing the first voltage V_OUT a And from the second output terminal OUT b Sensing the second voltage V_OUT b And the output voltage V_OUT of such sensing a and V_OUT b With a given threshold voltage V th (For example, a fixed threshold voltage) is compared.

[0099] The result of this comparison operation is related to the power state of the DC motor driver 200 or 200', and can correspond to the monitoring signal P. OUTTherefore, it is a feedback of the output state, that is, the phase of the DC motor driver, which is provided to the additional control unit, for example, via the phase output terminal.

[0100] Figure 2 The DC driver 200 (e.g., a DC motor driver) is connected via the first output terminal OUT. a Second output terminal OUT b It is coupled to a load L, such as a DC motor L, and is supplied with a voltage VBAT via a power supply terminal.

[0101] The DC motor driver 200 includes, for example, via a first ground terminal GND. a Second grounding terminal GND b A logic control unit 202 is coupled between the power supply terminal of voltage VBAT and the ground terminal GND.

[0102] The DC motor driver 200 also includes a full-bridge circuit, which includes:

[0103] The first transistor, for example, a MOSFET ("metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor") M1 with a body diode, has its control terminal coupled to the logic control unit 202, its current sink terminal coupled to the power supply terminal, and its current source terminal coupled to the second output terminal OUT. b ;

[0104] The second transistor, for example, a MOSFET M2 with a body diode, has its control terminal coupled to the logic control unit 202 and its current sink terminal coupled to the second output terminal OUT. b And its current source terminal is connected to the second ground terminal GND. b Coupled to the ground terminal GND;

[0105] The third transistor, for example, a MOSFET M3 with a body diode, has its control terminal coupled to the logic control unit 202, its current sink terminal coupled to the power supply terminal, and its current source terminal coupled to the first output terminal OUT. a ;

[0106] The fourth transistor, for example, a MOSFET M4 with a body diode, has its control terminal coupled to the logic control unit 202 and its current sink terminal coupled to the first output terminal OUT. a And its current source terminal is connected to the first ground terminal GND. a Coupled to the ground terminal GND.

[0107] It should be noted that the first output terminal OUT a Second output terminal OUT bThis is used to provide a control output current to drive such a DC motor L.

[0108] First output terminal OUT a Second output terminal OUT b It is coupled to circuit 30 via a voltage sensing circuit system included in DC motor driver 200.

[0109] Therefore, the circuit 30 included in the DC motor driver 200 is configured to receive signals from the first output terminal OUT. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a and from the second output terminal OUT b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b To determine the monitoring signal P related to the output phase of the DC motor driver 200. OUT And such monitoring signal P OUT The phase output terminal is provided to the DC motor driver 200.

[0110] Monitoring signal P OUT The phase output terminal of the DC motor driver can be retrieved by an additional control unit (e.g., microcontroller, microprocessor, logic unit, etc.) to perform operations related to fault coverage diagnosis, such as based on such monitoring signal P. OUT Conduct inspections and respond to faults.

[0111] It should be noted that Figure 3 Including with Figure 2 The same parts, components and / or assemblies, except for circuit 30 ( Figure 3 (referred to as 30' in the middle) is located in DC drive 200 ( Figure 3 The designation 200 is used to emphasize that it does not include external circuitry 30 (e.g., a DC motor driver). Therefore, to avoid overburdening this specification, reference has been made to... Figure 2 Such parts, elements and / or components will no longer be described.

[0112] First output terminal OUT a Second output terminal OUT b It is coupled to circuit 30' via a voltage sensing circuit system not included in DC motor driver 200'.

[0113] Therefore, such a circuit 30', which is not included in the DC motor driver 200', is configured to receive signals from the first output terminal OUT. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a and from the second output terminal OUT b The sensed second voltage V_OUTb To determine the monitoring signal P related to the output phase of the DC motor driver 200'. OUT And such monitoring signal P OUT The phase output terminal of circuit 30' is provided.

[0114] Monitoring signal P OUT The phase output terminal of circuit 30' can be retrieved by an additional control unit (e.g., microcontroller, microprocessor, logic unit, etc.) to perform operations related to diagnostic fault coverage, such as based on such monitoring signal P. OUT Conduct inspections and respond to faults.

[0115] It should be noted that if circuit 30' is included in DC motor driver 200' but located outside the logic control unit 202' of DC motor driver 200', then the monitoring signal P OUT The phase output terminal of the DC motor driver 200' can be provided, and the voltage sensing circuit system can be included or not included in such a DC motor driver 200'.

[0116] Figure 4 The illustration shows an embodiment according to this specification capable of generating a feedback signal (i.e., a monitoring signal P). OUT Exemplary circuit 30 a 30' a This feedback signal allows for monitoring of the phase operation of the DC motor driver.

[0117] It should be noted that Figure 4 Most of the components also exist in Figure 5 middle, Figure 5 The illustration shows an embodiment according to this specification capable of generating a feedback signal (i.e., a monitoring signal P). OUT Exemplary circuit 30 b 30' b This feedback signal allows for monitoring of the phase operation of the DC motor driver.

[0118] In this regard, the following description of the components refers to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Therefore, such an exemplary circuit is usually referred to as circuit 30 or 30'.

[0119] The circuits 30, 30' for monitoring the output phase of a DC motor driver, as described herein, may include, for example, a selection unit PD implemented via a multiplexer. a,b And multiple switches SW, including pull-up resistors SW_PU1 and SW_PU2.

[0120] Such a selection unit PD a,bMultiple switches SW, if present, are configured to provide power stage status monitoring (i.e., monitoring the phase of the DC motor driver via a feedback signal, i.e., monitoring signal P) during both the on and off states of the DC motor driver 200 or 200', and more generally under various operating conditions of the full-bridge circuit. OUT ).

[0121] It should be noted that the solution described herein can provide feedback signals to an additional control unit, i.e., monitoring signal P, for example, in real time during the operation mode of the DC motor driver 200 or 200'. OUT The feedback signal is from the first output terminal OUT a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a and from the second output terminal OUT b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b It is related to the phase of DC motor driver 200 or 200'.

[0122] It should be noted that the operating modes of the DC motor driver 200 or 200' may include clock mode, counter clock mode, braking voltage VBAT mode, and braking ground GND mode.

[0123] It should be noted that during the operating mode, such a monitoring signal P OUT It can be obtained without operating multiple switches (SW).

[0124] It should be noted that if diagnostic operations are to be performed, such as operations to detect faulty components, i.e., fault detection functions, the operations involve multiple switches SW such as pull-up impedances SW_PU1 and SW_PU2.

[0125] Therefore, the solution described in this paper can provide fault detection functionality in fault detection scenarios, which allows for the detection of faulty components based on the state (i.e., conductive or non-conductive) of the pull-up SW_PU1 and SW_PU2 impedance switches.

[0126] For example, such a fault detection function can allow detection of whether the transistors in the first transistor M1, the second transistor M2, the third transistor M3, and the fourth transistor M4 remain permanently in the on state (i.e., conducting state) or the off state (i.e., non-conducting state) independent of the input state (i.e., the state of the transistor set by the DC motor driver to drive the corresponding DC motor, i.e., the on state or the off state).

[0127] Furthermore, the solution described herein using circuit 30 or 30' can be able to follow the output from the first output terminal OUT. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed aand from the second output terminal OUT b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b The switching continues until the frequency reaches approximately 20kHz.

[0128] As previously mentioned, the circuit for monitoring the output phase of the DC motor drivers 30, 30' may include multiple switches SW, which include pull-up resistors SW_PU1 and SW_PU2, wherein:

[0129] For example, a first pull-up impedance switch SW_PU1 (including, for example, a first current source I1 and a first switch SW1, which may be implemented via a transistor) implemented via dual monolithic high-voltage-side drivers can be coupled between the power supply terminal of voltage VBAT and the first node N1; and

[0130] For example, a second pull-up impedance switch SW_PU2 (including, for example, a second current source I2 and a second switch SW2, which may be implemented via a transistor) implemented via dual monolithic high-voltage side drivers can be coupled between the power supply terminal of voltage VBAT and the second node N2.

[0131] The circuit for monitoring the output phase of DC motor drivers 30 and 30' may also include:

[0132] The first pull-down impedance PD1 can be coupled between the first node N1 and the internal ground terminal supplied with voltage Vss;

[0133] The second pull-down impedance PD2 can be coupled between the second node N2 and the internal ground terminal supplied with voltage Vss.

[0134] It should be noted that multiple switches (SWs) can also be implemented via VIPower (“Vertical Smart Power”) technology to allow the integration of power MOSFETs with smart signal / protection circuitry on the same die.

[0135] It should be noted that multiple switches SW are configured to pull up the power output via a first pull-up impedance switch SW_PU1 and a second pull-up impedance switch SW_PU2, i.e., the first node N1 and / or the second node N2.

[0136] The first node N1 can be configured to be supplied with power from the first output terminal OUT. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a The second node N2 can be configured to be supplied with power from the second output terminal OUT. b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b .

[0137] The first node N1 can be coupled to the first input terminal of the first comparator AMP1, such that the first comparator AMP1 is configured to perform a comparison operation.

[0138] The second input terminal of the first comparator AMP1 can be coupled to a terminal supplied with a threshold voltage V. th The third node N3 is achieved, for example, via a voltage source coupled between such a third node N3 and an internal ground terminal supplied with voltage Vss.

[0139] The output terminal of the first comparator AMP1 can be coupled to the selection unit PD. a,b The first input terminal, such an output terminal is configured to output to the selection unit PD. a,b Provide such a first voltage V_OUT received from the first node N1 a With the threshold voltage V received from the third node N3 th The comparison results between them.

[0140] Similarly, the second node N2 can be coupled to the first input terminal of the second comparator AMP2, such that the second comparator AMP2 is configured to perform a comparison operation.

[0141] The second input terminal of the second comparator AMP2 can be coupled to a terminal supplied with a threshold voltage V. th The third node N3.

[0142] The output terminal of the second comparator AMP2 can be coupled to the selection unit PD. a,b The second input terminal, such an output terminal is configured to output to the selection unit PD. a,b Provide such a second voltage V_OUT received from the second node N2 b With the threshold voltage V received from the third node N3 th The comparison results between them.

[0143] Select Unit PD a,b It can be configured to receive a selection signal SEL at the selection input terminal, which indicates that the selection unit PD will be selected. a,b First input terminal or selection unit PD a,b The second input terminal and the selection unit PD a,b The output terminals are coupled to indicate the supply of the first voltage V_OUT. a With threshold voltage V th The comparison result between them (i.e., with the first output terminal OUT) a (phase-related information), or the second voltage V_OUT b With threshold voltage V th The comparison result between them (i.e., with the second output terminal OUT)b (The phase-related information) is output.

[0144] In such Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the selection unit PD a,b Such an output terminal can be provided as circuit 30' b The output, or if circuit 30 is considered b Therefore, it can be used as the output of the DC motor driver 200, and thus it is a feedback signal, i.e., the monitoring signal P. OUT It should be noted that in such an embodiment, Figure 5 The fifth transistor M5 shown may also be absent.

[0145] It should be noted that if in such Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, a fifth transistor M5 exists, and this fifth transistor M5 can be configured as follows:

[0146] Its current-sinking terminals are coupled to an external voltage source, for example, via a resistor. Figure 5 (not shown in the image);

[0147] Its current source terminal is coupled to the external ground terminal GND; and

[0148] Its control terminals are coupled to the selection unit PD. a,b The output terminals.

[0149] It should be noted that such a fifth transistor M5 can be configured as an "open-drain / open-collector" transistor, and therefore, configured to act as an inverting switch, which:

[0150] When due to the selection unit PD a,b When the output terminal is driven and turned on, a short circuit is formed between the external voltage source and the external ground terminal GND. Therefore, a low-impedance voltage signal is output through its current sink terminal; and

[0151] When due to the selection unit PD a,b When the output terminal is driven to disconnect, an open circuit is formed, and therefore a high-impedance voltage signal is output through its current sink terminal.

[0152] Alternative locations, such as Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the selection unit PD a,b Such an output terminal can be configured to drive a fifth transistor, such as MOSFET M5, via its control terminal, and such a fifth transistor M5 is included in circuit 30. a or 30' a middle.

[0153] The current source terminal of this fifth transistor M5 is coupled to an internal ground terminal supplied with voltage Vss, and the current sink terminal of this fifth transistor M5 is connected via circuit 30'. a The phase output terminal or if circuit 30 is considered a Then, a feedback signal (i.e., monitoring signal P) is supplied to the additional control unit via the phase output terminal of the DC motor driver 200. OUT ) terminals.

[0154] Even in Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, such a current-sinking terminal of the fifth transistor M5 can also be coupled to an external voltage source via, for example, a resistor. Figure 4 (Not shown in the image).

[0155] Therefore, even according to Figure 4 In some embodiments, such a fifth transistor M5 can also be configured as an "open drain / collector" transistor, thereby being configured to act as an inverting switch, which:

[0156] When due to the selection unit PD a,b When the output terminal is driven and turned on, a short circuit is formed between the external voltage source and the internal ground terminal supplied with voltage Vss. Therefore, a low-impedance voltage signal is output through its current sink terminal; and

[0157] When due to the selection unit PD a,b When the output terminal is driven to disconnect, an open circuit is formed, and therefore a high-impedance voltage signal is output through its current sink terminal.

[0158] In summary, the solutions disclosed herein relate to circuits 30 or 30' for monitoring the phase of drive signals output by DC drivers 200 or 200', such as drive signals for driving a corresponding DC motor L, thereby allowing monitoring of the phase of such a DC motor L.

[0159] Such a DC driver 200 or 200' is configured to be coupled to a first terminal (i.e., a first output terminal OUT) of the corresponding load terminal. a ) and the second terminal (i.e., the second output terminal OUT) b The load L is driven, such as a DC motor, but other loads can also be considered (as described above), and the polarity applied to it is switched (i.e., applied to the first output terminal OUT). a Second output terminal OUT b (polarity above).

[0160] Such a circuit 30 or 30' includes:

[0161] A first comparator circuit system, such as a first comparator AMP1, is configured to receive a first terminal OUT. a The first voltage V_OUT a and threshold voltage V th The first voltage V_OUT is thus a With such a threshold voltage V th A comparison is performed to obtain a first comparison voltage, that is, the comparison result provided by the first comparator AMP1 via its output terminal, and such a first comparison voltage is provided to the selection circuit system, such as the selection unit PD. a,b ;

[0162] A second comparator circuit system, such as a second comparator AMP2, is configured to receive a second terminal OUT. b The second voltage V_OUT b And such a threshold voltage V th The second voltage V_OUT b With such a threshold voltage V th A comparison is performed to obtain a second comparison voltage, that is, the comparison result provided by the second comparator AMP2 via its output terminal, and such a second comparison voltage is provided to the selection circuit system PD. a,b ; and selection circuit system PD a,b It is configured to receive a first comparison voltage, a second comparison voltage, and a selection signal SEL indicating the selection of either the first or second comparison voltage, and to select either the first or second comparison voltage as a monitoring voltage signal, i.e., a monitoring signal P, based on the selection signal SEL. OUT .

[0163] Furthermore, in embodiments of the solutions disclosed herein, such a first comparator circuit system AMP1 can be configured to receive such a first voltage V_OUT via a first node N1. a Such a second comparator circuit system AMP2 can be configured to receive such a second voltage V_OUT via the second node N2. b .

[0164] In this case, circuit 30 or 30' may include:

[0165] A first switch, such as a first pull-up impedance switch SW_PU1, coupled between such a first node N1 and a power supply terminal (e.g., a terminal of voltage VBAT), and / or a second switch, such as a second pull-up impedance switch SW_PU2, coupled between such a second node N2 and such a power supply terminal VBAT, wherein such first switch SW_PU1 and such second switch SW_PU2 are configured to perform a pull-up operation; and / or

[0166] A first impedance, such as a first pull-down impedance PD1, is coupled between such a first node N1 and a ground terminal (e.g., an internal ground terminal supplied with voltage Vss), and / or a second impedance, such as a second pull-down impedance PD2, is coupled between such a second node N2 and such a ground terminal Vss.

[0167] In embodiments of the solutions disclosed herein, such a first switch SW_PU1 and such a second switch SW_PU2 can be integrated into a protection circuit system. In particular, such a first switch SW_PU1 and such a second switch SW_PU2 can be a vertical intelligent power supply (VIPower) switch.

[0168] In embodiments of the solutions disclosed herein, such a selection circuit system PD a,b It can be configured to drive a transistor, such as a fifth transistor M5, via its control terminal based on a comparison voltage selected from such a first comparison voltage and such a second comparison voltage, such that transistor M5 has:

[0169] The current source terminal coupled to the ground terminal Vss; and

[0170] Configured to provide monitoring voltage signal P OUT The current absorption terminal.

[0171] In embodiments of the solutions disclosed herein, the DC driver 200 or 200' may include:

[0172] An H-bridge, comprising multiple transistors, such as a first transistor M1, a second transistor M2, a third transistor M3, and a fourth transistor M4; and

[0173] A DC driver control unit, such as logic control unit 202, is configured to drive a plurality of transistors M1, M2, M3 and M4 included in the H-bridge via corresponding control terminals.

[0174] In embodiments of the solutions disclosed herein, the load L coupled to the DC drive 200 or 200' can be a DC motor.

[0175] In embodiments of the solutions disclosed herein, circuits 30, 30' may:

[0176] Integrated into a DC driver, such as in a DC motor driver 200, and particularly in a DC driver control unit, such as in a logic control unit 202 (e.g., reference). Figure 2 );or

[0177] Outside the DC drive, for example, outside the DC motor drive 200' (e.g., reference). Figure 3 In particular, it can be implemented using discrete components.

[0178] It should be noted that if the DC motor driver is in operating mode, the selection signal SEL can be provided by an additional control unit (e.g., a microcontroller, etc.) based on the phase to be monitored, or if the DC motor driver is in fault detection mode, the selection signal SEL can be provided by an additional control unit (e.g., a microcontroller, etc.) based on the fault to be detected.

[0179] The additional control unit can be configured to provide monitoring and protection functions by retrieving data based on the following:

[0180] The value of the selection signal SEL indicates that the selection unit PD will be selected. a,b First input terminal or selection unit PD a,b The second input terminal and the selection unit PD a,b The output terminal coupling, and the phase to be monitored if the DC motor driver is in operating mode, or the fault to be detected if the DC motor driver is in fault detection state, the expected level, for example, a (preferably binary) level determined based on a table stored in memory, and the verification voltage threshold, for example, a verification voltage threshold stored in the memory of an additional control unit or outside such an additional control unit.

[0181] The additional control unit can also be configured as:

[0182] The received feedback signal is compared with a verification voltage threshold to obtain a comparison monitoring voltage level, preferably a binary level, which indicates whether the received feedback signal is higher or lower than the verification voltage threshold; and

[0183] Verify that the acquired comparison monitoring voltage level is equal to the expected level retrieved in this way.

[0184] It should be noted that when such a received feedback signal corresponds to the monitored first voltage V_OUT a Or the second voltage V_OUT b The active state (i.e., the high voltage level state, such as...) Figure 5 When the first given voltage V1 is relevant, a verification voltage threshold can be selected such that it is higher than or equal to zero and lower than the minimum voltage of the received feedback signal.

[0185] In addition, the additional control unit can also be configured as follows:

[0186] If the acquired comparison monitoring voltage level equals the retrieved expected level, the current operating mode of the DC driver (i.e., the considered operating mode or the considered fault detection condition) is classified as non-abnormal; and

[0187] If the acquired comparison monitoring voltage level differs from the retrieved expected level, the current operating mode of the DC driver is classified as abnormal.

[0188] It should be noted that if the DC motor driver is in a fault detection state, multiple switches SW can be operated based on the fault to be detected, for example, via internal logic configured to manage such multiple switches SW according to the switch states associated with the fault to be detected, which are provided, for example, by an additional control unit based on data stored in such a table.

[0189] It should be noted that even the selection signal SEL provided by the additional control unit can be set according to selection values ​​stored, for example, in a table like this.

[0190] If an anomaly is detected (in operating mode or fault detection mode), the additional control unit can be configured to provide a response to limit the impact of such detected anomalies.

[0191] Therefore, such a monitoring signal P OUT Static and dynamic feedback can be provided to the additional control unit to facilitate the execution of safety-related functions; such feedback indicates the first output terminal OUT. a And such a second output terminal OUT b The state.

[0192] Such safety-related functions may include, for example, the fault detection functions described above.

[0193] Figure 6 The illustration shows an embodiment according to this specification. Figure 4 The exemplary signal 40 flowing during the operation mode of circuits 30 and 30'.

[0194] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the sensed voltage V_OUT. x The exemplary behavior is that the sensed voltage corresponds to the voltage emitted from the first output terminal OUT. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a and / or from the second output terminal OUT b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b ,Right now:

[0195] Starting from ground voltage

[0196] Rise to the first given voltage V1, reaching the first high threshold TH H1 For example, it indicates 90% of the first given voltage V1, and then drops back to ground voltage, reaching the first low threshold TH. L1For example, it indicates 10% of the first given voltage V1.

[0197] Therefore, as circuit 30 or 30' operating in the operating mode, the feedback signal (i.e., the monitoring signal P) OUT With such a sensed voltage V_OUT x Relatedly, the sensed voltage corresponds to the voltage emitted from the first output terminal OUT. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a and / or from the second output terminal OUT b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b Therefore, such a monitoring signal P OUT It is a voltage signal, and this voltage signal is:

[0198] Starting from ground voltage

[0199] Rise to the second given voltage V2, since the first voltage V_OUT a Or the second voltage V_OUT b With threshold voltage V th (Optionally, a comparison operation performed between the fifth transistor M5, which is configured to invert the logic function of the received signal as described above, is provided, such that the second given voltage V2 differs from the first given voltage V1, reaching the second high threshold TH.) H2 For example, it indicates 90% of the second given current V2, and then drops to ground voltage again, reaching the second low threshold TH. L2 For example, it indicates 10% of the second given voltage V2.

[0200] Therefore, such a monitoring signal P OUT (That is, the waveform of such a signal) follows the sensed voltage V_OUT x The behavior (i.e., waveform), that is, the behavior associated with it, for example, in Figure 6 After a given delay, indicated by reference numerals t1 and t2 in the attached figures, information related to the output state of the DC motor driver, i.e., information related to the phase of the DC motor driver, is provided to the additional control unit.

[0201] The characteristics of each operational and / or diagnostic case to be analyzed (i.e., each case considered in the solution described herein) can be:

[0202] With monitoring signal P OUT The relevant expected level, for example, with such a signal P OUT The expected binary logic level related to the state;

[0203] - The corresponding switch state (if multiple switches SW exist), for example, the corresponding switch state associated with the fault to be detected by the diagnostic case under consideration; and

[0204] For example, the selection value of the selection signal SEL stored in the table.

[0205] The following section describes and monitors signal P. OUT Exemplary operating and diagnostic conditions for the relevant expected levels, and corresponding values, the corresponding switch states associated with the fault to be detected, and the corresponding selection values ​​for the selection signal SEL.

[0206] It should be noted that in embodiments where there are no multiple switches SW, such corresponding switch states may not exist.

[0207] It should be noted that there may be different procedures and diagnoses than those reported in this article.

[0208] With monitoring signal P OUT Exemplary operating and diagnostic conditions with relevant expected levels, as well as corresponding values, the corresponding switch states associated with the fault to be detected, and the corresponding selection values ​​of the selection signal SEL, can be stored in a table managed by an additional control unit.

[0209] For example, based on the values ​​included in the table and the current mode of the DC motor driver, i.e., operating mode or fault detection mode, and in the latter case, based on the type of fault to be detected, the additional control unit can be configured as follows:

[0210] Set the selection signal SEL to the selection value;

[0211] Operate multiple switches SW (if any) based on their states;

[0212] Retrieve monitoring signal P OUT The expected level is used to check the equivalence as described above; and / or the DC motor driver 200 or 200' is configured to operate the first transistor M1, the second transistor M2, the third transistor M3 and / or the fourth transistor M4 based on the considered operating mode or the considered fault detection mode.

[0213] Therefore, such an additional control unit can also be configured based on:

[0214] The selection value set for the selection signal SEL, the phase to be monitored or the fault to be detected, and the switch states used to operate multiple switches SW (if present) are also considered.

[0215] Retrieve the expected level corresponding to the current condition (or mode) and voltage verification threshold, and receive the feedback signal (i.e., monitoring signal P). OUTThe voltage level is compared with a retrieved voltage verification threshold to obtain a comparison monitoring voltage level, indicating whether the received feedback signal is above or below the voltage verification threshold, and the current state is determined as follows: if the obtained comparison monitoring voltage level equals the retrieved expected level, it is a normal state, i.e., a state unaffected by abnormal behavior or faults; or

[0216] If the acquired comparison monitoring voltage level differs from the retrieved expected level, it indicates an abnormal situation, such as being affected by a fault.

[0217] In summary, the circuit 30 or 30' described in this paper can monitor the voltage signal P OUT Provided to the control unit, particularly the control unit external to DC drive 200 or 200'.

[0218] Based on the current operating mode, that is, based on the phase to be monitored (if the DC motor driver is in operating mode) or the fault to be detected (if the DC motor driver is in fault detection state), such a control unit of either DC driver 200 or 200' can be configured to:

[0219] Set the selection signal SEL to indicate whether to select the first or second comparison voltage; retrieve the expected monitoring voltage level, specifically a binary level, i.e., the level relative to the monitoring voltage signal P. OUT Related expected levels;

[0220] The received monitoring voltage signal P OUT The voltage level is compared with a verification voltage threshold to obtain a comparison monitoring voltage level, specifically a binary level, which indicates whether the received monitoring voltage signal is higher or lower than the verification voltage threshold.

[0221] If the monitored voltage level equals the expected monitored voltage level, the current operating mode of DC driver 200 or 200' is classified as non-abnormal, i.e., the normal state as described above; and

[0222] If the monitored voltage level differs from the expected monitored voltage level, the current operating mode of DC driver 200 or 200' is classified as abnormal.

[0223] In various embodiments, if multiple switches SW are present, such a control unit can be configured to operate the first switch SW_PU1 and / or the second switch SW_PU2 to perform a pull-up operation based on the current operating mode of the DC driver 200 or 200'.

[0224] The first operating condition can be monitored when the DC motor L is operated clockwise from the first output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200'. aThe first voltage V_OUT sensed a Related.

[0225] Such a first operational scenario can be obtained in the following way:

[0226] Set the selection signal SEL to indicate that unit PD will be selected. a,b The first input terminal is coupled to such a selection unit PD a,b The output terminal, thereby indicating that the first output terminal OUT is provided. a The phase-related information is output, for example, by setting such a selection signal SEL to a binary logic level equal to a high logic level;

[0227] Avoid operating multiple switches (SW);

[0228] Monitor signal P OUT The expected level is set to be equal to the level from the first output terminal OUT during normal (i.e., non-abnormal or faulty) clockwise operation of the DC motor L. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a The associated level sequence (or even a single value); and the configuration of the DC motor driver 200 or 200' to operate the first transistor M1, the second transistor M2, the third transistor M3 and / or the fourth transistor M4, i.e., the full bridge, thereby driving the DC motor L clockwise, for example, by turning on the second transistor M2 and the third transistor M3 and turning off the first transistor M1 and the fourth transistor M4.

[0229] It should be noted that the following description relates to monitoring the first output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200'. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a Other related scenarios include setting the selection signal SEL to indicate that the selection unit PD will be selected. a,b The first input terminal is coupled to such a selection unit PD a,b The output terminal, thereby indicating that the first output terminal OUT is provided. a The phase-related information is output, for example, by setting such a selection signal SEL to a binary logic level equal to a high logic level.

[0230] Therefore, the setting operation for selecting the SEL signal will not be repeated below.

[0231] The second operating scenario involves monitoring the first output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200' during counter-clockwise operation of the DC motor L. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a Related.

[0232] Besides setting the selection signal SEL, this second operation can also be obtained in the following ways:

[0233] Avoid operating multiple switches (SW);

[0234] Monitor signal P OUT The expected level is set to be equal to the level at the first output terminal OUT during normal counterclockwise operation of the DC motor L. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a Related level sequences (even consisting of single values); and

[0235] Configure the DC motor driver 200 or 200' to operate the first transistor M1, the second transistor M2, the third transistor M3 and / or the fourth transistor M4, i.e., the full bridge, so as to drive the DC motor L counterclockwise, for example, by turning off the second transistor M2 and the third transistor M3 and turning on the first transistor M1 and the fourth transistor M4.

[0236] Another operating scenario involves monitoring the first output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200' when the DC motor L is braked to voltage VBAT (that is, the DC motor L brakes and decelerates because both of its terminals are coupled to voltage VBAT). a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a Related.

[0237] Besides setting the selection signal SEL, this other operational scenario can also be obtained in the following ways:

[0238] Avoid operating multiple switches (SW);

[0239] Monitor signal P OUT The expected level is set to be equal to the voltage VBAT from the first output terminal OUT during normal braking operation of the DC motor L. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a Related level sequences (even consisting of single values); and

[0240] Configure the DC motor driver 200 or 200' to operate the first transistor M1, the second transistor M2, the third transistor M3 and / or the fourth transistor M4, i.e., the full bridge, so as to drive the DC motor L used for braking to voltage VBAT, for example, by turning on the first transistor M1 and the third transistor M3 and turning off the second transistor M2 and the fourth transistor M4.

[0241] Another operating scenario involves monitoring the first output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200' when the DC motor L is braked to ground GND (that is, the DC motor L brakes and decelerates because both of its terminals are coupled to ground GND). a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a Related.

[0242] Besides setting the selection signal SEL, this other operational scenario can also be obtained in the following ways:

[0243] Avoid operating multiple switches (SW);

[0244] Monitor signal P OUT The expected level is set to be equal to the level during normal braking of the DC motor L from the first output terminal OUT during GND operation. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a Related level sequences (even consisting of single values); and

[0245] Configure the DC motor driver 200 or 200' to operate the first transistor M1, the second transistor M2, the third transistor M3 and / or the fourth transistor M4, i.e., the full bridge, thereby driving the DC motor L to brake to ground GND, for example, by turning off the first transistor M1 and the third transistor M3 and turning on the second transistor M2 and the fourth transistor M4.

[0246] The first diagnostic situation can be monitored when the DC motor driver is configured to perform fault detection operations, particularly high-voltage side fault detection operations, from the first output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200'. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a Related.

[0247] Besides setting the selection signal SEL, such a first diagnostic situation can also be obtained in the following ways:

[0248] Avoid operating multiple switches (SW);

[0249] Monitor signal P OUT The expected level is set to be equal to the level during high-voltage side fault detection operation without detecting abnormalities or faults, from the first output terminal OUT. a The expected first voltage V_OUT sensed a The associated level sequence (even consisting of a single value), for example, such as the expected first voltage V_OUT. a It can be a signal set to voltage VBAT; and configure the DC motor driver 200 or 200' to operate the third transistor M3 to turn it on.

[0250] It should be noted that diagnostic procedures related to high-voltage side fault detection operations can also be performed by configuring the DC motor driver 200 or 200' to operate the first transistor M1 to turn on such a first transistor M1.

[0251] Another diagnostic scenario involves monitoring the first output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200' when the DC motor driver is configured to perform fault detection operations, particularly low-voltage side fault detection operations. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a Related.

[0252] Besides setting the selection signal SEL, another diagnostic situation like this can be obtained through the following methods:

[0253] Operate the first pull-up impedance switch SW_PU1 to couple the power supply terminal of voltage VBAT to the first node N1;

[0254] Monitor signal P OUT The expected level is set to be equal to the level during low-voltage side fault detection operation when no abnormality or fault is detected from the first output terminal OUT. a The expected first voltage V_OUT sensed a The associated level sequence (even consisting of a single value), for example, such as the expected first voltage V_OUT. a It can be a signal set to ground voltage GND; and

[0255] Configure the DC motor driver 200 or 200' to operate the fourth transistor M4 to turn it on and operate the second transistor M2 to turn it off.

[0256] Another diagnostic scenario involves monitoring the output from the first output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200' when the DC motor driver is configured to perform a fault detection operation, particularly during the shutdown state of such a DC motor driver. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a Related.

[0257] Besides setting the selection signal SEL, this situation can also be obtained in the following ways:

[0258] Operate the second pull-up impedance switch SW_PU2 to couple the power supply terminal of voltage VBAT to the second node N2;

[0259] Monitor signal P OUT The expected level is set to be equal to the level during fault detection operation in the off state where no abnormality or fault is detected, from the first output terminal OUT. aThe expected first voltage V_OUT sensed a The associated level sequence (even consisting of a single value), for example, such as the expected first voltage V_OUT. a It can be a signal set to ground voltage GND; and

[0260] Configure the DC motor driver 200 or 200' so that all transistors M1, M2, M3 and M4 are off.

[0261] In other cases, monitoring can be performed from the second output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200'. b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b Related.

[0262] For example, another operating scenario could be monitoring the second output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200' when the DC motor L is operated clockwise. b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b Related.

[0263] Such operational information can be obtained in the following ways:

[0264] Set the selection signal SEL to indicate that unit PD will be selected. a,b The second input terminal is coupled to such a selection unit PD a,b The output terminal, thereby indicating that the second output terminal OUT is provided. b The phase-related information is output, for example, by setting such a selection signal SEL to a binary logic level equal to a low logic level;

[0265] Avoid operating multiple switches (SW);

[0266] Monitor signal P OUT The expected level is set to be equal to the level at the second output terminal OUT during normal clockwise operation of the DC motor L. b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b Related level sequences (even consisting of single values); and

[0267] Configure the DC motor driver 200 or 200' to monitor the first output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200'. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a In this state, the DC motor L operates clockwise.

[0268] Even in this case, it should be noted that the following description relates to monitoring the second output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200'. bThe sensed second voltage V_OUT b Other related scenarios include setting the selection signal SEL to indicate that the selection unit PD will be selected. a,b The second input terminal is coupled to such a selection unit PD a,b The output terminal, thereby indicating that the second output terminal OUT is provided. b The phase-related information is output, for example, by setting such a selection signal SEL to a binary logic level equal to a low logic level.

[0269] Therefore, the setting operation for selecting the SEL signal will not be repeated below.

[0270] Another operating scenario involves monitoring the second output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200' when the DC motor L is operated counterclockwise. b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b Related.

[0271] Besides setting the selection signal SEL, this operation can also be obtained in the following ways:

[0272] Avoid operating multiple switches (SW);

[0273] Monitor signal P OUT The expected level is set to be equal to the level at the second output terminal OUT during normal counterclockwise operation of the DC motor L. b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b Related level sequences (even consisting of single values); and

[0274] Configure the DC motor driver 200 or 200' to monitor the first output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200'. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a In this state, the DC motor L operates counterclockwise.

[0275] Another operating condition can be monitored by monitoring the second output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200' when the DC motor L is braked to voltage VBAT. b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b Related.

[0276] Besides setting the selection signal SEL, this other operational scenario can also be obtained in the following ways:

[0277] Avoid operating multiple switches (SW);

[0278] Monitor signal P OUTThe expected level is set to be equal to the voltage VBAT from the second output terminal OUT during normal braking operation of the DC motor L. b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b Related level sequences (even consisting of single values); and

[0279] Configure the DC motor driver 200 or 200' to monitor the first output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200'. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a In the relevant state, such a DC motor L is configured to brake to voltage VBAT.

[0280] Another operating condition can be monitored by monitoring the second output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200' when the DC motor L is braked to ground (GND). b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b Related.

[0281] Besides setting the selection signal SEL, this other operational scenario can also be obtained in the following ways:

[0282] Avoid operating multiple switches (SW);

[0283] Monitor signal P OUT The expected level is set to be equal to the level from the second output terminal OUT during normal braking of the DC motor L to ground GND. b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b Related level sequences (even consisting of single values); and

[0284] Configure the DC motor driver 200 or 200' to monitor the first output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200'. a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a In the relevant state, such a DC motor L is configured to brake to ground GND.

[0285] The first diagnostic situation can be monitored when the DC motor driver is configured to perform fault detection operations, particularly high-voltage side fault detection operations, from the second output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200'. b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b Related.

[0286] Besides setting the selection signal SEL, such a first diagnostic situation can also be obtained in the following ways:

[0287] Avoid operating multiple switches (SW);

[0288] Monitor signal P OUT The expected level is set to be equal to the level during high-voltage side fault detection operation when no abnormality or fault is detected, from the second output terminal OUT. b The expected second voltage V_OUT sensed b The associated level sequence (even consisting of a single value), for example, such as the expected second voltage V_OUT. b It can be a signal set to voltage VBAT; and configure the DC motor driver 200 or 200' to operate the first transistor M1 to turn it on.

[0289] It should be noted that situations related to high-voltage side fault detection operations can also be performed by configuring the DC motor driver 200 or 200' to operate the third transistor M3 to turn on such a third transistor M3.

[0290] Another diagnostic scenario involves monitoring the second output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200' when the DC motor driver is configured to perform fault detection operations, particularly low-voltage side fault detection operations. b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b Related.

[0291] Besides setting the selection signal SEL, another diagnostic situation like this can be obtained through the following methods:

[0292] Operate the second pull-up impedance switch SW_PU2 to couple the power supply terminal of voltage VBAT to the second node N2;

[0293] Monitor signal P OUT The expected level is set to be equal to the level during low-voltage side fault detection operation without detecting abnormalities or faults, from the second output terminal OUT. b The expected second voltage V_OUT sensed b The associated level sequence (even consisting of a single value), for example, such as the expected second voltage V_OUT. b It can be a signal set to ground voltage GND; and

[0294] Configure the DC motor driver 200 or 200' to operate the fourth transistor M4 so that it is de-conducting and to operate the second transistor M2 so that it is turned on.

[0295] Another diagnostic scenario involves monitoring the second output terminal OUT of the DC motor driver 200 or 200' when the DC motor driver is configured to perform a fault detection operation, particularly during the shutdown state of such a DC motor driver. b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b Related.

[0296] Besides setting the selection signal SEL, another diagnostic situation like this can be obtained through the following methods:

[0297] Operate the first pull-up impedance switch SW_PU1 to couple the power supply terminal of voltage VBAT to the first node N1;

[0298] Monitor signal P OUT The expected level is set to be equal to the level during fault detection operation from the second output terminal OUT in the off state where no abnormality or fault is detected. b The expected second voltage V_OUT sensed b The associated level sequence (even consisting of a single value), for example, such as the expected second voltage V_OUT. b It can be a signal set to ground voltage GND; and

[0299] Configure the DC motor driver 200 or 200' so that all transistors M1, M2, M3 and M4 are off.

[0300] Another diagnostic scenario may be related to monitoring the DC motor driver 200 or 200' during standby.

[0301] It should be noted that if monitoring is not provided when operating the pull-up impedance switch, then such multiple switches SW may not be necessary.

[0302] In this case, from the first output terminal OUT a The first voltage V_OUT sensed a and from the second output terminal OUT b The sensed second voltage V_OUT b They are respectively directly supplied to the first input terminal of the first comparator AMP1 and the first input terminal of the second comparator AMP2.

[0303] It should also be noted that, based on the monitoring functions considered, such multiple switches SW may consist of only a single pull-up impedance switch.

[0304] The solution described in this paper facilitates the implementation of circuitry for monitoring the phase of a DC motor driver, for example, via a monitoring signal P. OUT Monitor its output signal OUT a and OUT b The state is monitored to detect the phase of the load coupled to it, such as the phase of the DC motor L. Such a DC motor driver is configured to drive the DC motor via a first terminal and a second terminal.

[0305] The circuit based on the solution disclosed in this article includes:

[0306] A first comparison circuit system is configured to receive a first voltage and a threshold voltage at a first terminal, compare the first voltage with the threshold voltage to obtain a first comparison voltage, and provide the first comparison voltage to a selection circuit system.

[0307] The second comparison circuit system is configured to receive a second voltage and a threshold voltage at the second terminal, compare the second voltage with the threshold voltage to obtain a second comparison voltage, and provide the second comparison voltage to the selection circuit system; and the selection circuit system is configured to receive a first comparison voltage, a second comparison voltage, and a selection signal indicating the selection of the first comparison voltage or the second comparison voltage, and select the first comparison voltage or the second comparison voltage as a monitoring voltage signal based on the selection signal.

[0308] In an embodiment of the circuit as described herein, such a first comparison circuit system may be configured to receive such a first voltage via a first node; and such a second comparison circuit system may be configured to receive such a second voltage via a second node.

[0309] Therefore, such a circuit can include:

[0310] A first switch coupled between such a first node and a power terminal and / or a second switch coupled between such a second node and such a power terminal, such a first switch and such a second switch being configured to perform a pull-up operation; and / or

[0311] A first pull-down impedance coupled between such a first node and a ground terminal and / or a second pull-down impedance coupled between such a second node and such a ground terminal.

[0312] It should be noted that the solutions described in this article also apply to DC drives, such as... Figure 2 The DC motor driver 200 specifically includes an H-bridge configured to be coupled to a first terminal (i.e., a first output terminal OUT) of the corresponding load terminal. a ) and the second terminal (i.e., the second output terminal OUT) b A DC driver 200 that drives a load L, particularly a DC motor, includes circuitry 30.

[0313] It should also be noted that such a DC driver is configured to switch the polarity of the terminals applied to the load L.

[0314] It should be noted that the solutions described herein are also applicable to methods of monitoring the phase of DC drivers 200 or 200' respectively via circuits 30 or 30', such that DC drivers 200 or 200' are configured to be coupled to a first terminal of the corresponding load terminal (e.g., the first output terminal OUT) by switching the polarity applied thereto. a ) and the second terminal (e.g., the second output terminal OUT) b ( ) to drive the load L, such as a DC motor.

[0315] The method includes:

[0316] The first terminal (e.g., the first output terminal OUT) is received by the first comparator circuit system (e.g., the first comparator AMP1). a The first voltage V_OUT) a and threshold voltage V th ;

[0317] The first voltage V_OUT is converted by the first comparator circuit system AMP1. a With threshold voltage V th Compare them to obtain the first comparison voltage;

[0318] The first comparator circuit system AMP1 is connected to the selection circuit system (e.g., the selection unit PD). a,b Provide such a first comparison voltage;

[0319] The second comparator circuit system (e.g., the second comparator AMP2) receives the second terminal (e.g., the second output terminal OUT). b The second voltage V_OUT) b And such a threshold voltage V th ;

[0320] The second voltage V_OUT is converted via the second comparator circuit system AMP2. b With threshold voltage V th A comparison is made to obtain a second comparison voltage;

[0321] The selection circuit system PD is connected via this second comparator circuit system AMP2. a,b Provide such a second comparison voltage;

[0322] Select circuit system PD a,b Receive a first comparison voltage, a second comparison voltage, and a selection signal SEL indicating whether to select the first comparison voltage or the second comparison voltage; and

[0323] via the selection circuit system PD a,bBased on this selection signal SEL, either a first comparison voltage or a second comparison voltage is selected as the monitoring voltage signal, such as the monitoring signal P. OUT .

[0324] In the embodiments of the solution described herein, the first voltage V_OUT is received by the first comparator circuit system AMP1. a This operation can be performed via the first node N1, with the second comparator circuit system AMP2 receiving the second voltage V_OUT. b Such operations can also be performed via the second node N2.

[0325] In this case, the method may include performing a pull-up operation via a first switch (e.g., a first pull-up impedance switch SW_PU1) coupled between such a first node N1 and the power supply terminal VBAT and / or a second switch (e.g., a second pull-up impedance switch SW_PU2) coupled between such a second node N2 and the power supply terminal VBAT.

[0326] In embodiments of the solutions described herein, such a method may include via a selection circuit system PD. a,b Based on a comparison voltage selected from such a first comparison voltage and such a second comparison voltage, the transistor is driven via the control terminal of the transistor, for example, a fifth transistor M5, such transistor M5 having:

[0327] The current source terminal coupled to the ground terminal Vss; and

[0328] Configured to provide monitoring voltage signal P OUT The current absorption terminal.

[0329] Therefore, the solutions described herein facilitate improved monitoring of devices used to drive DC motors (i.e., DC motor drivers) to improve the functional safety of such devices by enabling monitoring operations to be performed during both the on and off states of such DC motor drivers.

[0330] In this way, the solution described in this paper can achieve a higher ASIL-B metric at the system level, and if the solution is as follows... Figure 2 The solution shown herein is integrated into the DC motor driver 200 (therefore, if such a DC motor driver 200 is implemented without discrete components), and can also reduce the external circuitry required to perform the monitoring function.

[0331] Furthermore, the solutions described in this article can facilitate cost and area savings for PCBs (“printed circuit boards”), even in situations such as Figure 3The same applies to the implementation of discrete components shown, where these advantages are due to a higher level of integration.

[0332] It should be noted that if there are multiple switches (SWs), the PCB area can be further reduced because these switches facilitate testing of various operating and fault detection conditions without the use of additional components, thus enabling more detailed diagnosis of the power stage, as each output power can be examined.

[0333] Without prejudice to the fundamental principles, details and embodiments may vary, even significantly, relative to what has been described by way of example only, without departing from the scope of the embodiments.

[0334] The scope of protection is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A circuit for monitoring the phase of a DC driver, wherein the DC driver is configured to drive a load via a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal and the second terminal being coupled to corresponding load terminals to switch the polarity applied to the corresponding load terminals, wherein the circuit comprises: The first comparator circuit system is configured as follows: Receive the first voltage and the threshold voltage from the first terminal; The first voltage is compared with the threshold voltage to obtain a first comparison voltage; as well as Provide the first comparison voltage to the selection circuit system; The second comparator circuit system is configured as follows: Receive the second voltage at the second terminal and the threshold voltage; The second voltage is compared with the threshold voltage to obtain a second comparison voltage; as well as The second comparison voltage is provided to the selection circuit system; as well as The selection circuit system is configured as follows: Receive the first comparison voltage, the second comparison voltage, and the selection signal; and The first comparison voltage or the second comparison voltage is selected as the monitoring voltage signal based on the selection signal.

2. The circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The first comparator circuit system is configured to receive the first voltage via the first node; The second comparator circuit system is configured to receive the second voltage via the second node; and The circuit also includes: A first switch coupled between the first node and the power terminal and / or a second switch coupled between the second node and the power terminal, wherein the first switch and the second switch are configured to perform a pull-up operation; and / or A first pull-down impedance coupled between the first node and the ground terminal and / or a second pull-down impedance coupled between the second node and the ground terminal.

3. The circuit according to claim 2, wherein each of the first switch and the second switch integrates a protection circuit system.

4. The circuit according to claim 3, wherein the first switch and the second switch are vertical intelligent power switches.

5. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the selection circuit system is configured to drive the transistor via a control terminal of the transistor based on a selected comparison voltage selected from the first comparison voltage and the second comparison voltage, the transistor having: The current source terminal is coupled to the ground terminal; and The current absorption terminal is configured to provide a monitoring voltage signal.

6. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the monitored voltage signal is provided to the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to, based on the current operating mode of the DC driver, to: The selection signal is configured to indicate either the first comparison voltage or the second comparison voltage; Retrieve the expected monitoring voltage level; The monitored voltage signal is compared with a verification voltage threshold to obtain a comparison monitored voltage level, which indicates whether the monitored voltage signal is higher or lower than the verification voltage threshold. In response to the comparison monitoring voltage level being equal to the expected monitoring voltage level, the current operating mode of the DC driver is classified as non-abnormal; as well as In response to the comparison monitoring voltage level being different from the expected monitoring voltage level, the current operating mode of the DC driver is classified as abnormal.

7. The circuit of claim 6, wherein the control unit is external to the DC driver.

8. The circuit according to claim 6, wherein: The first comparator circuit system is configured to receive the first voltage via the first node; The second comparator circuit system is configured to receive the second voltage via the second node; The circuit also includes: A first switch coupled between the first node and the power terminal and / or a second switch coupled between the second node and the power terminal; and / or A first pull-down impedance coupled between the first node and the ground terminal and / or a second pull-down impedance coupled between the second node and the ground terminal; and the control unit is configured to operate the first switch and / or the second switch to perform a pull-up operation based on the current operating mode of the DC driver.

9. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the DC driver comprises: The H-bridge includes multiple transistors; as well as The DC driver control unit is configured to drive the plurality of transistors in the H-bridge via corresponding control terminals.

10. The circuit according to claim 1, wherein the load is a DC motor.

11. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the circuit is integrated in the DC driver control unit of the DC driver.

12. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the circuit is external to the DC driver and is implemented using discrete components.

13. A DC driver configured to drive a load via a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal and the second terminal being coupled to a respective load terminal to switch the polarity applied to the respective load terminal, wherein the DC driver comprises: A circuit for monitoring the phase of the DC driver, wherein the circuit includes: The first comparator circuit system is configured as follows: Receive the first voltage and the threshold voltage from the first terminal; Compare the first voltage with the threshold voltage to obtain a first comparison voltage; and Provide the first comparison voltage to the selection circuit system; The second comparator circuit system is configured as follows: Receive the second voltage at the second terminal and the threshold voltage; The second voltage is compared with the threshold voltage to obtain a second comparison voltage; and Provide the second comparison voltage to the selection circuit system; and The selection circuit system is configured as follows: Receive the first comparison voltage, the second comparison voltage, and the selection signal; and The first comparison voltage or the second comparison voltage is selected as the monitoring voltage signal based on the selection signal.

14. The DC driver of claim 13, further comprising: The H-bridge includes multiple transistors; as well as The DC driver control unit is configured to drive the plurality of transistors in the H-bridge via corresponding control terminals.

15. The DC driver of claim 13, wherein the load is a DC motor.

16. The DC driver according to claim 13, wherein: The first comparator circuit system is configured to receive the first voltage via the first node; The second comparator circuit system is configured to receive the second voltage via the second node; and The circuit also includes: A first switch coupled between the first node and the power terminal and / or a second switch coupled between the second node and the power terminal, wherein the first switch and the second switch are configured to perform a pull-up operation; and / or A first pull-down impedance coupled between the first node and the ground terminal and / or a second pull-down impedance coupled between the second node and the ground terminal.

17. The DC driver of claim 13, wherein the selection circuitry is configured to drive the transistor via a control terminal of the transistor based on a selected comparison voltage chosen from the first comparison voltage and the second comparison voltage, the transistor having: The current source terminal is coupled to the ground terminal; and The current absorption terminal is configured to provide a monitoring voltage signal.

18. A method for monitoring the phase of a DC driver, the DC driver being configured to drive a load via a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal and the second terminal being coupled to respective load terminals to switch the polarity applied to the respective load terminals, the method comprising: The first comparison circuit system receives the first voltage and the threshold voltage at the first terminal; The first comparison circuit system compares the first voltage with the threshold voltage to obtain a first comparison voltage; The first comparison voltage is provided by the first comparison circuit system to the selection circuit system; The second voltage at the second terminal and the threshold voltage are received by the second comparison circuit system. The second comparison circuit system compares the second voltage with the threshold voltage to obtain a second comparison voltage; The second comparison voltage is provided to the selection circuit system by the second comparison circuit system; The selection circuit system receives the first comparison voltage, the second comparison voltage, and the selection signal; as well as The selection circuit system selects either the first comparison voltage or the second comparison voltage as the monitoring voltage signal based on the selection signal.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein: The receiving of the first voltage by the first comparison circuit system is performed via the first node; The receiving of the second voltage, performed by the second comparison circuit system, is carried out via the second node; and The method further includes performing a pull-up operation via a first switch coupled between the first node and the power terminal and / or a second switch coupled between the second node and the power terminal.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: The selection circuit system drives the transistor via a control terminal based on a selected comparison voltage chosen from the first comparison voltage and the second comparison voltage, wherein the transistor has: The current source terminal is coupled to the ground terminal; as well as The current absorption terminal is configured to provide a monitoring voltage signal.

Images