System and method for di / dt control of solid state power controller

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for controlling input current to one or more solid state power controllers. The system can include a solid state power controller including a switching assembly and configured for current input and current output, a current limit control circuit of the solid state power controller that regulates and limits input current to the switching assembly, and a di / dt generator operatively coupled to the current limit control circuit, the di / dt generator being adjustable to set a current limit setpoint to regulate an amount of input current supplied to the switching assembly to a predetermined increase or decrease profile over a predetermined time period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] These teachings generally relate to electric power distribution systems, and specifically to the dI / dt control of solid-state power controllers in electric power distribution systems. Background Technology

[0002] Power distribution units are used in various contexts to distribute electrical power to multiple independent systems. In some contexts, these power distribution units may include solid-state power controllers (SSPCs), which operate as switches to distribute power from power sources to designated loads. For example, SSPCs are commonly used in aircraft applications, which have systems that can utilize high voltage, high current, and / or reliable switching.

[0003] In a SSPC (Service-Side Power Distribution System), the rate of change of current can fluctuate significantly, for example, when the SSPC is turned on or off. It is desirable to control this rate of change of current, i.e., to regulate the rate of change of current in the circuit relative to time (dI / dt). This control can minimize or limit the effects of rapid current fluctuations, which can cause problems such as electromagnetic interference, voltage spikes, current overshoot, and potential interoperability issues, such as undesirable interactions between various loads on the power network. Regulating the rate of change of current is desired to help enhance the stability and reliability of power distribution systems across various load types. Attached Figure Description

[0004] By providing dI / dt control for the SSPC, various requirements are at least partially met, as described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. A complete and feasible disclosure (including its best mode) of this description is set forth in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 These are schematic diagrams of power distribution systems according to various embodiments; Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram illustrating a portion of the prior art SSPC; Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram showing a dI / dt generator and an SSPC according to various embodiments; Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram showing a dI / dt generator and an SSPC according to various embodiments; Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram showing a dI / dt generator and an SSPC according to various embodiments; Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram showing a dI / dt generator and an SSPC according to various embodiments; Figure 7The graphs of output voltage, input voltage, and output current in combination according to various embodiments without dI / dt control are shown. Figure 8 The diagram shows graphs of output voltage, input voltage, and input current in combination with dI / dt control according to various embodiments; and Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a process according to various embodiments.

[0005] The elements in the accompanying drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the size and / or relative positioning of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid in understanding the various embodiments of this teaching. Furthermore, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in commercially viable embodiments are generally not described to help to make the understanding of these various embodiments of this teaching less obscure. Certain actions and / or steps may be described or depicted in a particular sequence of occurrence, and those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity regarding the sequence is not actually necessary. Detailed Implementation

[0006] The following examples illustrate a method for dI / dt control of an SSPC in a power distribution unit. For example, in an aerospace context, modern aerospace power systems use SSPCs that may experience current fluctuations under various conditions. In one form, the SSPC can be used to dynamically turn loads on and off during a flight profile. Loads and wiring within such power distribution systems have inductive and capacitive elements. The effects of switching to these complex loads can cause voltage fluctuations or sags with significant spikes at the input, affecting power quality and potentially disrupting other loads in the system. When aerospace systems utilize SSPCs to integrate numerous complex loads into the power distribution system, this integration can lead to interoperability problems and, in extreme cases, load failure.

[0007] This disclosure proposes a system that enables or disables the dI / dt function at each switch output, allowing for the management and optimization of power quality for specific load characteristics. While this disclosure addresses current fluctuations during SSPC turn-on, it should be understood that the dI / dt function can be used to control the rate of change of current under any circumstances. More specifically, it can be used to set predetermined increases or decreases in current profiles.

[0008] In one form, a dI / dt generator (or dI / dt limiter) can use a sliding closed-loop current limit to control the rate of change of current when the SSPC is switched on to a load. This dI / dt control improves power quality by significantly reducing the voltage transients that would otherwise occur on the power input feeder when the SSPC is switched on to a load under high inrush current conditions. The dI / dt generator can be configurable; for example, it can be enabled or disabled based on the output of the switch, depending on the inrush of the connected load. This configurability facilitates the integration of complex loads into power systems, such as aircraft power systems, eliminating switching effects that could affect the output of one load within the power network.

[0009] The terms and expressions used herein have the same general technical meaning as those given by those skilled in the art as described above, unless otherwise set forth herein with different specific meanings. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, the word "or" as used herein should be interpreted as having a contrastive conjunction rather than a conjunction. The terms "coupled," "fixed," "attached," etc., refer to direct coupling, fixing, or attachment, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attachment through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise stated herein.

[0010] The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Throughout this specification, references to “an embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “a form,” “a form,” “some forms,” “implementation,” “some implementations,” “some applications,” or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. This does not mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is required in all embodiments of this disclosure.

[0011] As used throughout the specification and claims herein, approximate language is applied to modify any quantitative representation that may allow for variation without altering its underlying function. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms such as “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” are not limited to specified exact values. In at least some instances, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value, or the precision of the method or machine used to construct or manufacture the component and / or system. For example, approximate language may refer to a range of 10%.

[0012] The aforementioned and other benefits become clearer upon a thorough review and study of the following detailed description. Figure 1A power distribution unit 101 including an SSPC is shown, which is part of an electrical distribution system 100. An electrical distribution system 100, such as that in an aircraft, can use power from one or more sources and distribute that power to one or more loads. The power source can be a primary source (such as, for example, a battery or power unit) or it can be the output of other parts of the system. The loads can utilize the power or can be intermediate stages within the system.

[0013] In some embodiments, the power distribution unit 101 takes the form of a closed module 102, which houses the SSPC therein. The power distribution unit 101 can be coupled to a power source 104 via a power input interface 105. The module 102 can also be coupled to and distribute power to multiple systems or loads 106 (e.g., system A, system B, and system C) via multiple power output interfaces 108. In other words, the power distribution unit 101 can be operatively coupled to the power source 104 and multiple loads 106A, 106B, and 106C. It should be understood that the power distribution system 100 is shown at an illustrative level and may include other aspects and components not necessary for understanding the subject matter.

[0014] Figure 2 A portion of a prior art SSPC 200 is shown. SSPC 200 is an example of an SSPC positioned between a voltage source 210 and a load (not shown). On the upstream side of SSPC 200, there is an upstream wiring 230 between the voltage source 210 and SSPC 200. The SSPC includes a current unit 240 connected to a current limiting controller 270, which provides a current setting signal 280.

[0015] In this configuration, the current setting signal 280 is generated by the current limiting controller 270 based on the switch open / close command 281 and the current limiting setpoint signal 282. When the switch open / close command 281 instructs the switching semiconductor 290 to supply current, the current limiting setpoint signal 282 is transmitted to the current unit 240. When the switch open / close command 281 instructs the switching semiconductor 290 not to supply current, the current limiting setpoint signal 282 is pulled to ground.

[0016] In this configuration, the current unit 240 implements closed-loop control to regulate the current flowing through it. Figure 2 The following closed loop is shown: current unit 240 has a switching semiconductor 290 connected to current level sensor 292; current level sensor 292 is connected to sensing amplifier 294; sensing amplifier 294 is connected to augmenting integrator 296; and augmenting integrator 296 is connected to switching semiconductor 290 in the closed loop.

[0017] In this configuration, closed-loop control is achieved by adjusting the drive current 283 of the switching semiconductor 290 in the current unit 240 based on the amplitude of the unit current 286 flowing through the current unit 240. For this purpose, the unit current 286 is measured by a current level sensor 292. The raw sensed current signal 284 output from the current level sensor 292 is typically small and is therefore amplified using a sense amplifier 294 to generate a sensed current (or current level) signal 285. This sensed current signal 285 is then passed to an augmented integrator 296 for comparison with the value of the current setpoint signal 280.

[0018] The drive current 283 output from the augmented integrator 296 is determined by the difference between the sensed current signal 285 and the current setting signal 280. The current unit 240 independently controls the drive current 283 through it based on the difference between the current setting signal 280 and the current signal 285. This configuration allows the SSPC 200 to equalize the current through the current unit 240 to reduce the power consumed across the switching semiconductor 290, regardless of the power characteristics of the switching semiconductor 290, such as its rated current or on-resistance. Although this method has been generally described in the context of an SSPC with a single current unit 240, it should be understood that it can also be applied to SSPCs with multiple current units.

[0019] Figure 3 An example of a system 300 utilizing an SSPC 302 with a dI / dt generator 304 is shown. In one form, dI / dt control can be implemented using a closed-loop sliding current limit at turn-on, which steadily increases from zero to a predetermined limit over fixed time intervals. This method precisely limits the rate of current increase (or slew rate) to reduce input voltage drops or spikes caused by upstream inductance, as indicated by the following equation: V_SPIKE = L_UPSTREAM x dI / dt. In this equation, V_SPIKE is the voltage spike, L_UPSTREAM is the line inductance of the power input feed between the SSPC and the power source, and dI / dt is the rate of change of current over time.

[0020] Typically, dI / dt control is envisioned to be enabled under various conditions to establish increasing or decreasing current profiles. In one form, it can be used to generate a gradually increasing current profile when the SSPC is turned on. When turned on, and with dI / dt control disabled, the SSPC may experience initial transients and voltage spikes over short periods. These fluctuations can potentially ripple through the system and affect other loads. Conversely, when dI / dt control is enabled, voltage spikes are reduced or eliminated.

[0021] Figure 3One form of a system 300 for controlling the input current of an SSPC 302 is shown. System 300 includes an SSPC 302 having a switching assembly 306 and configured for current input and current output. It also includes a current limiting control circuit 308 that regulates and limits the input current to the switching assembly 306. Furthermore, system 300 includes a dI / dt generator 304 operatively coupled to the current limiting control circuit 308. The dI / dt generator 304 is adjustable to regulate the amount of input current supplied to the switching assembly 306 to a predetermined increase or decrease curve. In one form, the SSPC 302 may have a 270V input feed 307 and an output 309.

[0022] In one form, the dI / dt generator 304 can provide a current turn-on profile. For example, the dI / dt generator 304 can be adjustable to regulate the amount of input current supplied to the switching assembly 306 at a constant rate of increase. The dI / dt generator 304 can be adjusted between a first low-level setting that allows a low constant rate of increase in the input current and a second high-level setting that allows a high rate of increase in the input current. For example, in some cases, the dI / dt generator can be set to a first low level to gradually increase the input current over time. In the context of a constant current increase (or ramping) (such as...) Figure 8 As shown in the diagram, the slope of the ramp can be small, for example, for a gradual turn-on curve. In other cases, the dI / dt generator can be set to a second high-level setting to increase the input current more rapidly over time. In the context of a constant current increase, the slope of the ramp is larger, for example, for a faster turn-on curve. In some forms, these two settings can correspond to the enable / disable or on / off setting of the dI / dt generator 304, as described below.

[0023] It is also envisioned that the dI / dt generator 304 can provide current profiles other than a constant ramp-up of the current. For example, the dI / dt generator 304 can provide a step-by-step change in current. As another example, the dI / dt generator 304 can provide a current-off profile. In other words, the dI / dt generator 304 can be adjustable to regulate the amount of input current supplied to the switching component 306 to a constant rate of decrease. The dI / dt generator 304 can be adjusted between a third low-level setting that allows a low constant rate of decrease in the input current and a fourth high-level setting that allows a high rate of decrease in the input current. The dI / dt generator 304 can provide a time-decreasing current ramp-up at the third low-level setting, wherein the switching component 306 turns off at a controlled and constant rate over time. In one form, this ramp-up has a negative constant current ramp-up over time, which can allow the current to decrease without spikes and other fluctuations. Furthermore, the current limiting control circuit 308 can use closed-loop feedback regarding the current to control current variations and conform them to a predetermined curve. In some forms, it is envisioned that setting different current curves for different conditions is adjustable, such as, for example, setting an increasing current curve in some cases and a decreasing current curve in others.

[0024] In this configuration, the SSPC 302 may include a dI / dt generator 304 and a current unit 310, the current unit 310 including a switching assembly 306 and a current limiting control circuit 308. However, it should be understood that the dI / dt generator 304 may be decoupled from the SSPC 302. In other words, in other configurations, the dI / dt generator 304 may be decoupled from the SSPC 302, but operatively coupled to it.

[0025] In one configuration, the increasing or decreasing current curve can be combined with a closed-loop sliding current limit that steadily increases or decreases over fixed time intervals. For example, to turn on, it can increase from zero to a predetermined limit. The dI / dt generator 304 can be used to set a gradually increasing setpoint or current limit, and closed-loop current feedback can help ensure a smooth current increase near that setpoint.

[0026] Therefore, in one form, system 300 provides closed-loop current feedback. Current limiting control circuitry 308 is operatively coupled to switching component 306 and configured to receive closed-loop current feedback from switching component 306 for comparison with the input current signal. Current limiting control circuitry 308 receives current feedback from switching component 306 and adjusts the current accordingly.

[0027] In one embodiment, system 300 combines a dI / dt generator 304 that regulates the input current with a current-limiting control circuit 308 that provides closed-loop current feedback. It is envisioned that this combination of features can provide advantageous control over the current characteristics as the input current changes. The dI / dt generator 304 changes the amount of input current over time according to a predetermined increase or decrease curve, such as, for example, the ramp rate of current increase. Combined, the current-limiting control circuit 308 uses feedback about the current to address deviations in the input current and bring it conforming to the predetermined curve.

[0028] In one embodiment, it is envisioned that the switching assembly 306 may include (but is not limited to) a transistor. For example, to enable switching, the dI / dt generator 304 may provide a time-varying current ramp at a first low-level setting, wherein the transistor switches on at a controlled and constant rate over time. Furthermore, a current-limiting control circuit 308 may be operatively coupled to the gate or base of the transistor and to the transistor's output, wherein the current-limiting control circuit 308 is configured to receive current feedback from the transistor.

[0029] In this form, any transistor of various types can be used. In one form, it is envisioned that a field-effect transistor (FET) can be used, and in particular a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). However, it should be understood that any transistor of various types can be used, such as, but not limited to, bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), junction field-effect transistors (JFETs), insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), etc.

[0030] In one embodiment, the current limiting control circuit 308 is envisioned to include a current level sensor 311. The current limiting control circuit 308 may include the current level sensor 311 located at the output of the switching assembly 306 to allow comparison of the input current signal from the dI / dt generator 304 with the current signal from the output of the switching assembly 306. It is also envisioned that the current limiting control circuit 308 may include other components for regulating the current and facilitating current feedback, such as, for example, a controller, an augmenting integrator, and / or a sense amplifier.

[0031] System 300 may also include microcontroller 312. The terms microcontroller, controller, integrated circuit (e.g., field-programmable gate array) (FGPA), microprocessor, and processor are generally used interchangeably to refer to any processor-based device, and any such device may be used interchangeably herein. These terms generally refer to any processor-based device having a separate or combined processor, memory, and programmable input / output peripherals, which is generally designed to manage the operation of other components and devices. These architectural options should generally be understood. The processor can be configured (e.g., by using corresponding programs, instructions, and algorithms stored in memory, as will be well understood by those skilled in the art) to perform one or more of the steps, actions, and / or functions described herein.

[0032] Microcontroller 312 is operatively coupled to dI / dt generator 304. Microcontroller 312 can be configured to transmit SSPC on / off commands 313 and / or dI / dt enable / disable signals 315. Alternatively, multiple microcontrollers can transmit individual signals. In some forms, the configuration table of microcontroller 312 controlling SSPC 302 may include enable / disable settings for dI / dt generator 304, as described below. Furthermore, although microcontroller 312 in… Figure 3 It is shown as separate from SSPC 302, but in some forms it can be part of SSPC 302.

[0033] The dI / dt generator 304 can take various forms and can include various settings. In one form, the dI / dt generator 304 can have two settings: an enabled setting and a disabled setting (or on / off). In the enabled setting, the dI / dt generator 304 can be at a low level and the amount of input current supplied to the switching component 306 can be limited to a constant rate of increase, such as a gradually increasing current ramp. In the disabled setting, the dI / dt generator 304 can be at a high level, which typically corresponds to the uncontrolled input current rate to the SSPC 302 that would occur in the absence of the dI / dt generator 304 in system 300. Furthermore, or alternatively, the dI / dt generator 304 can have a setting corresponding to a reduced current rate.

[0034] Furthermore, in some forms, it is envisioned that the dI / dt generator 304 may have multiple intermediate settings between these low and high level settings. The dI / dt generator 304 may also have multiple settings adjustable to the input current rate between a first low level setting and a second high level setting, wherein the rate of change of the input current is adjusted to different rates. For example, the rate of change can be adjusted across various settings, from a slow, gradual current increase to a faster, less gradual current increase. Additionally, or alternatively, the rate of change can be adjustable across various settings to reduce the current rate.

[0035] Therefore, in one form, this dI / dt control method induces a ramp in the current unit 310 over a defined duration. Furthermore, in this example, the current-limiting control circuitry 308 creates a gate drive signal for the switching component 306 (power switching MOSFET). The current unit 310 includes closed-loop current control using feedback from the current level sensor 311, and the current limit steadily increases to a predetermined limit. The MOSFET turns on slowly, and the current increase is controlled by the closed loop in a well-defined manner, rather than by an open-loop control with an indeterminate rate of current increase that may be affected by individual MOSFET characteristics and external factors such as supply voltage, line impedance, and load inrush characteristics. Additionally, or alternatively, this approach can often be used in conjunction with a reduced current profile to control shutdown.

[0036] Figure 4 A system 400 is shown as an example of an SSPC 402 including a dI / dt generator 404. The SSPC 402 receives an SSPC on / off command signal 413 and a dI / dt enable / disable control signal 415. In one form, the dI / dt generator 404 may include one or more capacitors and one or more resistors defining radio control (RC) circuitry. Figure 4 An RC circuit with resistor R1 (414), capacitor C1 (416), and transistor Q1 (418) is shown. Transistor Q1 (418) can be used to enable or disable dI / dt generator 404, or, if used in linear mode, it can be used to provide a variable or configurable dI / dt rate. As will be understood, the values ​​of these components can be selected to achieve a specific rate of change of current for dI / dt generator 404. Furthermore, the rate of change of current can be adjusted using variable resistors and / or variable capacitors. Additionally, additional resistors, capacitors, and / or transistors can be added to the circuit to achieve a specific rate of change of current.

[0037] In other forms, the dI / dt generator may include a digital-to-analog converter driven by a microprocessor to generate a slant curve. For example... Figure 5As shown in system 500, the SSPC 502 with an alternative dI / dt generator 504 communicates with a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 522 using a microcontroller 520, which generates increasing or decreasing current profiles. The microcontroller 520 receives an SSPC command signal 513 and an enable / disable control signal 515. One advantage of the dI / dt generator 504 is that the current profile can be more configurable. In some forms, it can generate a profile with a linear slope, but it can also generate other arbitrary current profiles that are not linearly sloped. The profile can be generated when the SSPC is on or off, thus improving power quality in both cases. Figure 5 The microcontroller 520 is shown in combination with the external DAC 522.

[0038] Figure 6 It shows the use of an internal DAC Figure 5 A variation of the method shown. Figure 6 A system 600 with an SSPC 602 is shown, which has a dI / dt generator 604 in the form of a combination of a microcontroller 620 and an internal DAC 622. The microcontroller 620 receives an SSPC command signal 613, but does not need to receive an enable / disable control signal. In this form, it is envisioned that the microcontroller 620 can be loaded with a configuration table specifying a dI / dt current profile and enabling / disabling the dI / dt function. Therefore, in some forms, it is possible to use an internal or external DAC, and the enabling or disabling of the dI / dt function can be determined according to the RC circuit example above via discrete inputs, or via a data bus, or via a configuration table loaded into the microcontroller 620.

[0039] In one embodiment, it is envisioned that multiple SSPCs 302, each having a dI / dt generator 304, can be combined into a power distribution unit 101. Each SSPC 302 includes a switching component 306 and is configured for current input and current output. At least one SSPC 302 may include a current limiting control circuit 308 for regulating and limiting the input current to the corresponding switching component 306. Furthermore, the dI / dt generator 304 may be operatively coupled to the current limiting control circuit 308. It is generally envisioned that multiple SSPCs 302 can be used in conjunction with one or more dI / dt generators 304, which can be enabled or disabled depending on the load characteristics of a particular SSPC 302. In another embodiment, multiple SSPCs 302 may be coupled to a single dI / dt generator 304. In one form, the system configurator can enable or disable per-switch output dI / dt functionality, such as, for example, in the case of SSPC 302 being coupled in parallel to a single switch output, allowing for the management and optimization of power quality for the specific load characteristics of the SSPC 302.

[0040] Figure 7 A graph showing current and voltage (I, V) versus time (t) is presented. This graph combines the output voltage 702, input voltage 704, and output current 706 with a capacitive load without dI / dt control. In other words, dI / dt control is disabled. At time t=0, SSPC is off, and shortly after t=0, there is a voltage spike 708 or distortion in the input voltage 704. This voltage spike 708 is typically caused by a rapid increase in dI / dt and the upstream inductance. Similarly, at t=0, the output current 706 can be seen to increase rapidly (in an uncontrolled manner) until it reaches its current limit. Furthermore, at t=0, the output voltage 702 increases rapidly until the load capacitor is charged. Near the time when the load capacitor is charged, the output current 706 decreases back to 0 over time.

[0041] Figure 8 The graphs showing the output voltage 802, input voltage 804, and output current 806 with a capacitive load under dI / dt control are shown. In other words, dI / dt control has been enabled. In this example, the load is purely capacitive when switched on (time t=0), as might be the case in some applications. At time t=0, input voltage spikes or distortions have been significantly reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, at t=0, the output current rate has decreased, and the output current 806 can be seen to be significantly lower than... Figure 7 The output current 706 increases in a more gradual and controlled manner. In this example, the output current 806 does not reach its current limit. Furthermore, at t=0, the output voltage 802 increases in a more gradual and controlled manner (relative to...). Figure 7 The output voltage 702 is maintained until the load capacitor is charged. Around the time the load capacitor is charged, the output current 806 decreases back to 0 over time.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of process 900 for controlling the input current to one or more SSPCs. In one form, it is envisioned that the SSPCs are used under high current, high voltage settings, requiring reliable switching, such as in aircraft applications. Process 900 may use some or all of the components described above in conjunction with systems 100, 300, and 400. The above description of these systems is incorporated herein.

[0043] At block 902, an SSPC is operated, which includes a switching component and has a current input and a current output. In one form, multiple SSPCs can operate in a power distribution unit that supplies power from a power source to various systems. In one form, the switching component can include any transistor of various types, such as, for example, a MOSFET.

[0044] At block 904, the input current to the switching assembly is regulated and limited. In one embodiment, it is envisioned that the current limiting control circuitry can provide closed-loop current feedback. The current limiting control circuitry may include a current level sensor located at the output of the switching assembly to allow comparison of the input current signal with a current signal from the output of the switching assembly. It is also envisioned that the current limiting control circuitry may include other components to facilitate current feedback. At block 906, closed-loop current feedback is received from the switching assembly for comparison with the input current signal.

[0045] At block 908, a dI / dt generator is provided to regulate the amount of input current supplied to the switching assembly to a predetermined increase or decrease curve. The dI / dt generator helps to eliminate or reduce transient voltage spikes that may occur when the SSPC is turned on. At block 910, the dI / dt generator of the SSPC can be selectively enabled or disabled, depending on various factors such as, for example, the complexity of the load.

[0046] It should be understood that process 900 may include certain steps from process 900 (such as those mentioned above), but may include additional steps. Furthermore, it should be understood that, unless specifically indicated, the steps described above do not need to be performed in the order they appear. For example, box 910 (Enabling or Disabling the dI / dt Generator) may be performed immediately before or after box 902 (Operating SSPC). In other words, the dI / dt generator may be enabled or disabled before the SSPC operation or at an earlier point in process 900.

[0047] Further aspects of this disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following provisions: A system is provided for controlling the input current to a solid-state power controller, the system comprising: a solid-state power controller including a switching assembly and configured for current input and current output; a current limiting control circuit of the solid-state power controller that regulates and limits the input current to the switching assembly; and a dI / dt generator operatively coupled to the current limiting control circuit, the dI / dt generator being adjustable to set a current limiting setpoint to adjust the amount of input current supplied to the switching assembly to a predetermined increase or decrease curve over time, the dI / dt generator modifying the current limiting setpoint and the amount of input current according to the predetermined increase or decrease curve.

[0048] According to the system described in the foregoing clauses, the dI / dt generator can also be adjusted to regulate the amount of input current supplied to the switching assembly to a constant rate of increase, and the dI / dt generator is also adjustable between a first low-level setting that allows a low constant rate of increase in the input current and a second high-level setting that allows a high rate of increase in the input current.

[0049] According to one or more of the foregoing clauses, the system wherein the predetermined increase or decrease curve includes a step change in current.

[0050] According to one or more of the foregoing clauses, the current limiting control circuit is operatively coupled to the switching assembly and configured to receive closed-loop current feedback from the switching assembly for comparison with the input current signal.

[0051] According to one or more of the foregoing provisions, the system wherein the switching component includes a transistor, and the dI / dt generator provides a current ramp that increases over time at the first low-level setting, the transistor turning on at a controlled and constant rate over time.

[0052] In a system according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, the current limiting control circuit is operatively coupled to the gate or base of the transistor and the output of the transistor, and the current limiting control circuit is configured to receive current feedback from the transistor.

[0053] According to one or more of the foregoing provisions, the system wherein the current limiting control circuit includes a current level sensor located at the output of the switching assembly, which allows comparison of an input current signal from the dI / dt generator with a current signal from the output of the switching assembly.

[0054] According to one or more of the foregoing clauses, the dI / dt generator may also be adjusted to a plurality of settings for the input current rate between the first low-level setting and the second high-level setting.

[0055] According to one or more of the foregoing clauses, the second high-level setting corresponds to an uncontrolled input current rate of the solid-state power controller, which will occur in the absence of a dI / dt generator in the system.

[0056] According to one or more of the foregoing clauses, the system wherein the dI / dt generator comprises: one or more capacitors and one or more resistors defining an RC circuit; or a microcontroller in communication with a digital-to-analog converter, the microcontroller being configured to generate increasing or decreasing current curves.

[0057] According to one or more of the foregoing clauses, the system wherein the dI / dt generator is also adjustable to regulate the amount of input current supplied to the switching assembly to a constant rate of decrease, and the dI / dt generator is also adjustable between a third low-level setting that allows a low constant rate of decrease in the input current and a fourth high-level setting that allows a high rate of decrease in the input current.

[0058] According to one or more of the foregoing clauses, the dI / dt generator provides a current ramp that decreases over time at the third low-level setting, and the switching assembly turns off at a controlled and constant rate over time.

[0059] The system according to one or more of the foregoing clauses further includes a microcontroller operatively coupled to the dI / dt generator, the microcontroller being configured to transmit a switch-on or switch-off command to the solid-state power controller.

[0060] A method for controlling input current to a solid-state power controller is also provided, the method comprising: operating the solid-state power controller, the solid-state power controller including a switching component and having a current input and a current output; regulating and limiting the input current to the switching component via a current limiting control circuit of the solid-state power controller; and adjusting the amount of input current supplied to the switching component to a predetermined increase or decrease curve by a dI / dt generator operatively coupled to the current limiting control circuit, the dI / dt generator modifying the amount of input current over time according to the predetermined increase or decrease curve.

[0061] According to the method described in the foregoing clauses, the dI / dt generator is adjustable to regulate the amount of input current supplied to the switching assembly to a constant rate of increase, and the dI / dt generator is adjustable between a first low-level setting that allows a low constant rate of increase in the input current and a second high-level setting that allows a high rate of increase in the input current.

[0062] According to one or more of the foregoing provisions, the current limiting control circuit receives closed-loop current feedback from the switching assembly for comparison with the input current signal.

[0063] According to one or more of the foregoing provisions, the dI / dt generator provides a current ramp that increases over time at the first low-level setting, and the switching component turns on at a controlled and constant rate over time.

[0064] According to one or more of the foregoing provisions, the dI / dt generator is adjustable to regulate the amount of input current supplied to the switching assembly to a constant rate of decrease, and the dI / dt generator is adjustable between a third low-level setting that allows a low constant rate of decrease in the input current and a fourth high-level setting that allows a high rate of decrease in the input current.

[0065] According to one or more of the foregoing provisions, the dI / dt generator provides a current ramp that decreases over time at the third low-level setting, and the switching assembly turns off at a controlled and constant rate over time.

[0066] A system is provided for controlling the input current to a solid-state power controller in a power distribution unit, the system comprising: a power distribution unit including a plurality of solid-state power controllers, each solid-state power controller including a switching component and configured for current input and current output; at least one current limiting control circuit for at least one solid-state power controller, which regulates and limits the input current to the corresponding switching component; and at least one dI / dt generator operatively coupled to the at least one current limiting control circuit, the at least one dI / dt generator being adjustable to set a current limiting setpoint, thereby regulating the amount of input current supplied to the corresponding switching component to a predetermined increase or decrease curve, the at least one dI / dt generator modifying the current limiting setpoint and the amount of input current over time according to the predetermined increase or decrease curve.

[0067] It will be understood that, within the principles and scope of the appended claims, those skilled in the art can make various changes to the details, materials, and arrangements of parts and components that are used to explain the nature of this disclosure, as described and illustrated herein. Furthermore, although various features have been described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be understood that features described with respect to one embodiment may also be combined with other described embodiments.

Claims

1. A system for controlling input current to a solid-state power controller, the system comprising: A solid-state power controller that includes switching components and is configured for current input and current output; The solid-state power controller has a current limiting control circuit that regulates and limits the input current to the switching assembly. and An adjustable dI / dt generator is operatively coupled to the current limiting control circuit to set a current limiting setpoint, thereby regulating the amount of input current supplied to the switching assembly to a predetermined increase or decrease curve. The dI / dt generator modifies the current limiting setpoint and the amount of input current over time according to the predetermined increase or decrease curve.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, The dI / dt generator can also be adjusted to regulate the amount of input current supplied to the switching assembly to a constant rate of increase, and the dI / dt generator is also adjustable between a first low-level setting that allows a low constant rate of increase in the input current and a second high-level setting that allows a high rate of increase in the input current.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein, The predetermined increase or decrease curve includes a step change in current.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein, The current limiting control circuit is operatively coupled to the switching assembly and configured to receive closed-loop current feedback from the switching assembly for comparison with the input current signal.

5. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The switching assembly includes a transistor, and the dI / dt generator provides a current ramp that increases over time under the first low-level setting, wherein the transistor turns on at a controlled and constant rate over time.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The current limiting control circuit is operatively coupled to the gate or base of the transistor and the output of the transistor, and the current limiting control circuit is configured to receive current feedback from the transistor.

7. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The current limiting control circuit includes a current level sensor located at the output of the switching assembly, which allows comparison of the input current signal from the dI / dt generator with the current signal from the output of the switching assembly.

8. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The dI / dt generator can also be adjusted to multiple input current rate settings between the first low-level setting and the second high-level setting.

9. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The second high-level setting corresponds to the uncontrolled input current rate of the solid-state power controller in the absence of the dI / dt generator in the system.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The dI / dt generator includes: Defines one or more capacitors and one or more resistors in an RC circuit; or A microcontroller that communicates with a digital-to-analog converter, the microcontroller being configured to generate increasing or decreasing current curves.

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