An overcurrent protection circuit and a server

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of overcurrent protection circuit and server, it is related to circuit design technical field, by overcurrent protection circuit setting steady-state protection current value and transient protection current value, satisfy two kinds of situations of steady-state load and transient peak load. Overcurrent protection circuit includes: current detection unit and threshold switching unit;Current detection unit and threshold switching unit are electrically connected;Current detection unit is used to detect load current and generate corresponding detection voltage;Threshold switching unit is used to switch between at least two different detection sensitivities;Wherein, during load transient operation, threshold switching unit switches to first detection sensitivity, when detection voltage is greater than preset voltage threshold, cut off the power supply to load;During load steady-state operation, threshold switching unit switches to second detection sensitivity, when detection voltage is greater than preset voltage threshold, switch to first detection sensitivity or cut off the power supply to load.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of circuit design technology, and in particular to an overcurrent protection circuit and a server. Background Technology

[0002] Overcurrent protection is a fundamental and critical safety function in electronic power systems and circuit design. It is designed to prevent excessive current caused by abnormal conditions such as short circuits, overloads, or component failures, which could damage expensive core components or cause more serious system failures. In products with high reliability requirements, such as servers, storage devices, and communication infrastructure, power management modules typically integrate comprehensive protection mechanisms, among which overcurrent protection is particularly crucial. Its performance directly affects the availability, reliability, and maintenance costs of the entire device.

[0003] Hot-swappable circuits are key components for online power management and fault isolation in modern modular devices. In these circuits, overcurrent protection is typically achieved by setting a fixed protection current threshold. This threshold is set based on the maximum steady-state operating current of the load device to ensure timely power disconnection during sustained overload. However, in actual operation, many load devices, in addition to the steady-state current, will generate short-duration but significantly higher-amplitude instantaneous spike currents due to motor starting, seek operations, or internal logic switching.

[0004] If the protection threshold is set close to the steady-state current level to ensure protection sensitivity, the normal peak current during operation will frequently trigger the protection falsely, causing the system to restart or power down for no reason, which will seriously affect availability. Conversely, if the threshold is raised enough to avoid peak current, the protection action will be severely delayed or even fail when a real continuous overcurrent fault occurs, and it will not play its due protection role, which may cause permanent damage to the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an overcurrent protection circuit and server to at least solve the problem of maintaining low steady-state overcurrent protection while allowing short-term large current to pass through.

[0006] This application provides an overcurrent protection circuit, which includes: a current detection unit and a threshold switching unit; the current detection unit is electrically connected to the threshold switching unit; the current detection unit is used to detect the load current and generate a corresponding detection voltage; the threshold switching unit is used to switch between at least two different detection sensitivities; wherein, during the transient operation of the load, the threshold switching unit switches to a first detection sensitivity, and when the detected voltage is greater than a preset voltage threshold, the power supply to the load is cut off; during the steady-state operation of the load, the threshold switching unit switches to a second detection sensitivity, and when the detected voltage is greater than the preset voltage threshold, it switches back to the first detection sensitivity or cuts off the power supply to the load.

[0007] This application also provides a server that includes the overcurrent protection circuit described above.

[0008] This application also provides an electronic device, including: a memory for storing a computer program; and a processor for executing the computer program to implement the control process of the above-mentioned overcurrent protection circuit during operation.

[0009] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the control process of the above-mentioned overcurrent protection circuit during operation.

[0010] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the control process of the aforementioned overcurrent protection circuit during operation.

[0011] In this application, the overcurrent protection circuit achieves adaptive monitoring and graded protection of the load current through the coordinated operation of the current detection unit and the threshold switching unit. The overcurrent protection circuit first identifies the operating stage of the load. During transient load operation, the threshold switching unit actively switches to the first detection sensitivity. If the detected voltage exceeds a preset voltage threshold, the device quickly cuts off the power supply, thus providing rapid protection against sudden high current surges and preventing equipment damage. During steady-state load operation, the threshold switching unit switches to the second detection sensitivity and monitors against the same preset voltage threshold. Once the detected voltage exceeds this threshold, the device can flexibly switch back to the first detection sensitivity to reassess the current state or directly cut off the power supply. This allows the device to effectively avoid false protection caused by transient peak currents, improving system stability, while ensuring timely and reliable protection during steady-state overcurrent, thereby achieving accurate and reliable overcurrent protection under complex operating conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a hot-swap protection circuit; Figure 2 This is a timing diagram of a hot-swap protection circuit; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overcurrent protection value of a hot-swap protection circuit. Figure 4This is a schematic diagram showing a load current spike in a hot-swap protection circuit. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the PCB traces for a hot-swap protection circuit. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an overcurrent protection circuit provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another overcurrent protection circuit provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a control unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0014] The components include: 1. Current detection unit; 11. Detection resistor; 11A. Main body area; 11B. Contact area; 2. Threshold switching unit; 21. Electronic switch; 3. Control unit; 31. Logic integrated circuit; PAD1. First pad; PAD2. Second pad; 100. Overcurrent protection circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.

[0016] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. The terms "first," "second," etc., in this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0017] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0018] The server has multiple power branches that use the power directly output from the Power Supply Unit (PSU) as the input voltage for components such as the CPU, memory, PCIe devices, hard drive backplanes, and fans. Each branch's input is equipped with hot-swap protection circuitry and its own current protection threshold.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1This is a simplified hot-swap protection circuit design scheme (the typical power control chip for this scheme is ADM1278, and the following scheme description uses the peripheral circuit of this chip as an example). Figure 2 This is a timing diagram of the hot-swap protection circuit.

[0020] The power control chip turns the power input on or off by controlling the gate of the MOSFET. When current flows through a precision resistor, a voltage difference is generated across the resistor. According to Ohm's law formula I=V / R, the current flowing through the precision resistor is calculated by considering its resistance and the voltage difference. The Enable pin is an input pin of the power control chip; a high level indicates the chip is working, and a low level indicates it is not. The Fault pin is a fault indicator pin used to indicate errors in the circuit (overcurrent, overvoltage, overtemperature, no output, etc.). A low output indicates an error in the power control chip. The Power Good pin is an output pin used to indicate the status of the hot-swap protection circuit's output power. When the output voltage is greater than the threshold, the signal is high; when the output voltage is less than the threshold, the signal is low.

[0021] The hot-swap protection circuit sets an overcurrent protection value for the hot-swap circuit through external hardware design or chip register settings. This protection value is initially a fluctuating curve upon power-up, but after stable operation, the protection current value is fixed at Iset (refer to...). Figure 3 There is also a time parameter, Timer. When the output current value is detected to be greater than Iset and the time exceeds the Timer duration, the power control chip will determine that an overcurrent has occurred and actively shut down the MOSFET.

[0022] Under normal operation, the hot-swap protection circuit has only a fixed protection current value, Iset, which is set based on the maximum steady-state current of the load. However, when the load device is operating, there will be instantaneous peak currents (such as...). Figure 4 (As shown). For example, a hard drive normally requires a stable 1A current, but due to its operating mode, it may experience momentary spikes in current consumption. These spikes may exceed Iset and last longer than the timer parameter of the hot-swap circuit. This will trigger the overcurrent protection of the hot-swap circuit. If Iset is set according to the spike current, the protection value is too high, and the protection will not be triggered for overcurrent under steady-state conditions. If Iset is set according to the steady-state current, the protection value is too low, and the spike current during operation will trigger the protection.

[0023] At the same time, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of PCB layout and routing during board design. In PCB design, to simplify copper layer partitioning at the power supply level, hot-swap protection circuitry is typically placed close to the load end between the PSU power supply and the power load. Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the PCB layout and routing during board design. As shown, the output of the first hot-swap protection circuit is adjacent to the input of the second hot-swap protection circuit. Figure 5 At position ①, the output terminal of the first hot-swap protection circuit is adjacent to the output terminal of the second hot-swap protection circuit, that is... Figure 5 Position ② in the circuit. In the event of board damage or component failure, there is a risk of a short circuit at position ① or position ②. Figure 5 (As shown by the dashed line).

[0024] When only position ① is short-circuited, there is voltage at the output terminal of the first hot-swap protection circuit when it is closed. When the first hot-swap protection circuit is turned on, the load (1) starts to work, and the current will automatically select the path with the least impedance. Therefore, most of the 30A current required by the load (1) will be provided by the trace (2), causing the current value flowing through the trace (2) to exceed the PCB design value, and the hot-swap protection cannot be triggered, which may cause the trace (2) to burn out.

[0025] If only position ② is short-circuited, the first hot-swap protection circuit and the second hot-swap protection circuit are connected in parallel. Under the working conditions of load (1) and load (2), the first hot-swap protection circuit and the second hot-swap protection circuit cannot achieve current sharing. The current will automatically select the path with the least impedance, resulting in excessive current flowing through a certain branch. This abnormal situation cannot be detected by the current design, and long-term operation will reduce the design life of this branch.

[0026] In summary, common practices in existing technologies include introducing fixed delay circuits or simply increasing the protection threshold. Increasing the threshold directly sacrifices the sensitivity of steady-state overcurrent protection, increasing safety risks. On the other hand, using a fixed delay to avoid peak current has significant drawbacks: Firstly, the delay time needs to be set based on the worst-case peak duration, which is often conservative, resulting in a slower overall protection response speed. Secondly, the peak current characteristics of the load may vary due to operating modes, temperature, and individual differences, making it difficult to achieve precise matching of a fixed delay time in various practical scenarios, which may still lead to false protection or missed protection.

[0027] Based on this, this application provides an overcurrent protection circuit, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the overcurrent protection circuit 100 includes: a current detection unit 1 and a threshold switching unit 2.

[0028] The current detection unit 1 is electrically connected to the threshold switching unit 2; the current detection unit 1 is used to detect the load current and generate a corresponding detection voltage; the threshold switching unit 2 is used to switch between at least two different detection sensitivities.

[0029] During the transient operation of the load, the threshold switching unit 2 switches to the first detection sensitivity and cuts off the power supply to the load when the detected voltage is greater than the preset voltage threshold. During the steady-state operation of the load, the threshold switching unit 2 switches to the second detection sensitivity and switches back to the first detection sensitivity or cuts off the power supply to the load when the detected voltage is greater than the preset voltage threshold.

[0030] For example, the current detection unit 1 consists of a precision sampling resistor R_sense1 with a resistance of 10mΩ.

[0031] After normal power-on, the system is determined to be in steady-state operation. The threshold switching unit 2 defaults to connecting a 10mΩ resistor to the detection circuit, and the system is in the second detection sensitivity. The corresponding equivalent overcurrent protection point is 10A, that is, when the detection voltage exceeds 0.1V, an overcurrent is determined.

[0032] When a transient spike current occurs and its amplitude exceeds 10A, the overcurrent protection unit outputs a fault signal. Based on this signal and the fact that the output voltage has not dropped, the logic control unit 3 determines that the load has entered a transient operating period and immediately controls the threshold switching unit 2 to switch the resistor connection method. This changes the connection method so that the current resistor is R_sense2, and the resistance value of R_sense2 is less than the resistance value during steady-state operation, while the resistance value of R_sense1 is greater than the resistance value of R_sense2. The resistance value of R_sense2 is set to 8mΩ. In other words, although the current detection unit 1 is a fixed resistor, the resistance value is different depending on the connection method.

[0033] The preset voltage threshold Vref is set to 0.1V. When the connected precision sampling resistor R_sense1 is 10mΩ, the protection current point is I1=Vref / R_sense1=0.1V / 0.01Ω=10A. That is, the larger R_sense1 is, the smaller the protection current corresponding to the same Vref.

[0034] The current detection unit 1 is used to detect the load current and generate a corresponding detection voltage V_sense, which is V_sense = I_load × R_sense, where I_load refers to the load current. The comparison condition is V_sense > Vref, that is, I_load > Vref / R_sense1.

[0035] To achieve a higher current protection point, the inequality I_load > Vref / R_sense1 needs to be satisfied later. Therefore, the value of the denominator R_sense1 needs to be reduced; thus, R_sense2 should be less than R_sense1.

[0036] When the precision sampling resistor R_sense1 is connected, I1 = Vref / R_sense1 = 0.1V / 0.01Ω = 10A; when R_sense2 is connected, I2 = Vref / R_sense2 = 0.1V / 0.008Ω = 12.5A. By switching between the large resistor R_sense1 and the small resistor R_sense2 through the threshold switching unit 2, a variable current protection threshold is achieved under a fixed reference voltage Vref.

[0037] In summary, this application provides an overcurrent protection circuit 100. This overcurrent protection circuit 100, through the coordinated operation of its current detection unit 1 and threshold switching unit 2, achieves adaptive monitoring and graded protection of the load current. The overcurrent protection circuit 100 first identifies the operating stage of the load. During transient load operation, the threshold switching unit 2 actively switches to the first detection sensitivity. If the detected voltage exceeds a preset voltage threshold, the device quickly cuts off the power supply, thereby providing rapid protection against sudden high current surges and preventing equipment damage. During steady-state load operation, the threshold switching unit 2 switches to the second detection sensitivity and monitors against the same preset voltage threshold. Once the detected voltage exceeds this threshold, the device can flexibly switch back to the first detection sensitivity to reassess the current state or directly cut off the power supply. This allows the device to effectively avoid false protection caused by transient peak currents, improving system stability, while ensuring timely and reliable protection during steady-state overcurrent, thus achieving accurate and reliable overcurrent protection under complex operating conditions.

[0038] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the current detection unit 1 includes: a detection resistor 11, a first pad PAD1, and a second pad PAD2.

[0039] The sensing resistor 11 includes a main body region 11A and a contact region 11B; a first pad PAD1 is disposed on the side of the contact region 11B of the sensing resistor 11 close to the main body region 11A, and a second pad PAD2 is disposed on the side of the contact region 11B of the sensing resistor 11 away from the main body region 11A.

[0040] The first pad PAD1 is used to generate a corresponding first detection voltage based on the resistance of the main body region 11A, and the first pad PAD1 is used to generate a corresponding second detection voltage based on the resistance of the main body region 11A and the contact region 11B.

[0041] Wherein, the first detection voltage corresponds to the first detection sensitivity; the second detection voltage corresponds to the second detection sensitivity; and the resistance measured by the first pad PAD1 is less than the resistance measured by the second pad PAD2.

[0042] For example, the sensing resistor 11 is a 10mΩ precision alloy resistor, and its main body region 11A is a uniform resistive alloy film. The first pad PAD1 and the second pad PAD2 are respectively disposed on the electrodes at both ends of this resistor.

[0043] Specifically, on the side of the contact area 11B of the resistor close to the main body area 11A, the first pad PAD1 is led out via Kelvin connection. The voltage sensed by this pad is almost entirely the voltage drop generated by flowing through the main body area 11A of the resistor (approximately 8mΩ).

[0044] At the end of the same electrode but farther from the main body region 11A, a second pad PAD2 is brought out. The voltage sensed by this pad includes the common voltage drop of the main body region 11A and the electrode contact region 11B (total resistance approximately 10mΩ). During transient operation, the logic selects to sample the voltage through the first pad PAD1 (equivalent resistance 8mΩ), corresponding to a higher current protection threshold (e.g., 12.5A); during steady-state operation, it switches to sampling through the second pad PAD2 (equivalent resistance 10mΩ), corresponding to a lower current protection threshold (e.g., 10A), thus realizing a dual-threshold detection function.

[0045] This embodiment achieves two different effective detection resistance values ​​on a single detection resistor 11 through the layout of the first pad PAD1 and the second pad PAD2, thereby obtaining two corresponding protection current thresholds. Compared with the prior art, it eliminates the need for additional physical resistors and switching switches. By simply switching the sampling points at different positions on the same resistor, it effectively achieves dynamic changes in detection sensitivity. This greatly simplifies the circuit structure, reduces material costs and PCB layout space, and avoids problems such as parasitic parameters, contact reliability, and switching delays caused by introducing external switches. By precisely designing the pad positions, the difference between the two protection thresholds can be fine-tuned, allowing the system to maintain accurate and flexible dual-threshold intelligent protection capabilities while pursuing higher integration and reliability.

[0046] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the threshold switching unit 2 includes an electronic switch 21.

[0047] Electronic switch 21 is used to connect to current detection unit 1 and switch between at least two different detection sensitivities.

[0048] For example, in the overcurrent protection circuit of the server power module, the electronic switch 21 is selected as an integrated dual-channel single-pole double-throw analog switch chip (such as TMUX1109).

[0049] The chip's two switches are used to switch between two voltage detection signals derived from the first pad PAD1 and the second pad PAD2. Under the control of the system logic, when the control signal is high, the analog switch connects the detection voltage channel connected to the first pad PAD1 (corresponding to high protection threshold and low sensitivity); when the control signal is low, it switches to the detection voltage channel connected to the second pad PAD2 (corresponding to low protection threshold and high sensitivity). When a spike current is generated, a high-level control signal is output, driving the electronic switch 21 to switch to the high-threshold detection path, thereby avoiding false protection. In steady state, a low-level control signal is output, driving the electronic switch 21 to switch to the low-threshold detection path, thus enabling normal detection.

[0050] The electronic switch 21 enables faster dynamic switching speed of detection sensitivity, and can accurately match the short duration of transient spike current, thereby ensuring that the timing of the spike and the response to the real fault are just right. Compared with traditional mechanical relays or manual jumpers, the electronic switch 21 has the advantages of being contactless, having a long life, small size, no noise and being easy to digitally control, which greatly improves the reliability, integration and real-time response of the entire protection circuit.

[0051] like Figure 7 As shown, it also includes: a control unit 3; the control unit 3 is electrically connected to the threshold switching unit 2.

[0052] The control unit 3 is used to control the switching of the threshold switching unit 2 according to the working state of the load.

[0053] During transient load operation, the control unit 3 controls the threshold switching unit 2 to switch to the first detection sensitivity; during steady load operation, the control unit 3 controls the threshold switching unit 2 to switch to the second detection sensitivity.

[0054] For example, in the power management module of the server hard drive backplane, the control unit 3 monitors the hard drive power supply voltage in real time. When it detects a momentary drop in output voltage due to the start of the hard drive motor, but still above the set value, it issues a transient event flag. Combining this flag with the fault signal, it determines that the load is in a transient operating period and then outputs a high-level control signal to drive the electronic switch 21 to switch the detection circuit to the first detection sensitivity. When it detects that the output voltage has stabilized above the set value and remained there for a period of time, it determines that the load has entered a steady-state operating period and outputs a low-level control signal to drive the electronic switch 21 to switch the detection circuit back to the second detection sensitivity, thereby completing a complete adaptive protection strategy adjustment.

[0055] This embodiment introduces a control unit 3, which can proactively identify and respond to fundamental changes in the load's operating state, rather than passively reacting to overcurrent events. This ensures that the switching of protection strategies is precisely synchronized with the actual operating phase of the load, fundamentally eliminating the problem of false protection caused by improper threshold switching timing.

[0056] like Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 3 includes: a logic integrated circuit 31.

[0057] The input terminals of logic integrated circuit 31 are configured to receive an enable signal, an output voltage signal, a first fault signal, and a voltage divider detection signal from the previous stage, corresponding to A1-A4 in the figure, respectively.

[0058] The output terminals of logic integrated circuit 31 are configured to output an enable control signal, an enable signal for the next stage, a second fault signal, and a switching signal, which correspond to B1-B4 in the figure, respectively.

[0059] Among them, a high level enable signal from the previous stage indicates that the previous stage is allowed to power on; a high level output voltage signal indicates that the output voltage is normal; a high level voltage divider detection signal indicates that the output voltage is higher than the preset threshold and is normal.

[0060] A high-level output enable control signal activates control unit 3. A high-level enable signal for the next level indicates that the load is allowed to power on. A high-level second fault signal indicates that there is no fault. A high-level switching signal switches from the second detection sensitivity to the first detection sensitivity.

[0061] In this way, the complex multi-signal timing judgment and multi-channel control output are integrated into a single chip through the logic integrated circuit 31. The hardware logic realizes real-time monitoring and decision-making of the entire cycle of power-on, operation, fault, and recovery, ensuring the ultimate synchronization and determinism of actions such as protection threshold switching, timing management and fault reporting, and completely avoiding the delay and uncertainty risks of software response.

[0062] Reference Figure 8 The logic integrated circuit 31 is configured to perform the first logic: When the enable signal of the previous stage is high and the voltage divider detection signal is high, it is determined that there is a voltage leakage before power-on, and the output enable control signal and the enable signal of the next stage are controlled to be low, while the second fault signal is controlled to be low.

[0063] The first logic is leakage current detection before power-on, with input states (A1-A4): A1=1 (power-on command from the upper level), A4=1 (voltage already exists at the output). A2 and A3 are not involved in the judgment.

[0064] Output actions (B1-B4): B1=0 (disable startup), B2=0 (lock down downstream power supply), B3=0 (report fault); B4 does not participate.

[0065] In this way, abnormal pre-stored voltage at the output terminal can be detected at the moment of power-on, and the entire power sequence can be prevented from starting immediately. This prevents blind power-on in unknown and unsafe conditions, which may avoid short circuits, arcing or equipment damage, and improves the safety and maintainability of the system.

[0066] Logic integrated circuit 31 is configured to perform second logic: When a falling edge is detected in the first fault signal and the voltage divider detection signal is high, a transient overcurrent event is determined to have occurred, and the switching signal is controlled to be low to switch from the first detection sensitivity to the second detection sensitivity.

[0067] The second logic is transient overcurrent detection and threshold switching. The input states (A1-A4) are: A3=↘ (overcurrent event detected), A4=1 (output voltage has not dropped). A1 and A2 are usually high.

[0068] Output action (B1-B4): B4=0 (switch to low sensitivity, i.e., increase the current protection threshold). B1 and B2 remain unchanged (usually high level).

[0069] When the system detects an overcurrent for the first time, if the output voltage remains high, it is initially determined that it may only be a spike, and the threshold is immediately increased; this effectively avoids the system from restarting erroneously due to normal operating spikes.

[0070] Logic integrated circuit 31 is configured to perform third logic: If the output voltage signal returns to a high level within a preset time after the switching signal goes low, the transient overcurrent event is determined to have ended, and the switching signal is controlled to return to a high level. A falling edge pulse is generated by controlling the output enable control signal to reset the first fault signal.

[0071] The third logic is transient event recovery. Input state (A1-A4): During the observation period after B4=0 (switched), A2=↗ (output voltage signal is restored to valid, indicating that the power supply has recovered from the disturbance).

[0072] Output actions (B1-B4): B4=1 (switch back to high sensitivity, i.e. restore low protection threshold), B1=one negative pulse (used to clear fault latch).

[0073] After confirming that the peak has passed and the power supply has stabilized, the protection threshold is automatically adjusted back to the sensitive state, and the fault flag is actively reset. The entire process requires no manual intervention, thus realizing the function of fault self-recovery.

[0074] Logic integrated circuit 31 is configured to perform fourth logic; If, after the switching signal goes low, the voltage divider detection signal goes low within a preset time, it is determined that an unrecoverable continuous overcurrent event has occurred, and the output enable control signal and the enable signal of the next stage are controlled to be low.

[0075] The fourth logic is for continuous overcurrent detection and safety isolation. Input state (A1-A4): During the observation period after B4=0 (already switched), A4=↘ (output voltage drops severely, below the threshold).

[0076] Output actions (B1-B4): B1=0 (turn off overcurrent protection circuit), B2=0 (cut off downstream power supply).

[0077] If the output voltage continues to drop, it indicates that this is not a transient spike, but an overload or short circuit; control unit 3 immediately cuts off the power supply to prevent the fault from escalating and damaging the power supply or load.

[0078] In some embodiments, logic integrated circuit 31 is further configured to perform a fifth logic: When the enable signal of the previous stage rises to a high level and the voltage divider detection signal is low, it is determined that a normal power-on command has been received, and the output enable control signal is controlled to go high to activate the overcurrent protection unit, while the enable signal of the next stage is controlled to remain low.

[0079] The fifth logic is for normal power-on startup, with the following input states (A1-A4): A1=↗ (power-on command received), A4=0 (no power at the output, normal).

[0080] Output actions (B1-B4): B1=1 (overcurrent protection circuit 100 is enabled), B2=0 (the next stage is not enabled for the time being).

[0081] In some embodiments, logic integrated circuit 31 is further configured to perform sixth logic: After the output enable control signal is high, if it is detected that both the output voltage signal and the voltage divider detection signal become high, and the first fault signal remains high, then the system is determined to have entered a steady-state operating state. At this time, the enable signal of the next stage is controlled to become high, and the switching signal is controlled to become high to maintain the first detection sensitivity.

[0082] The sixth logic is the steady-state establishment and maintenance logic. Input states (A1-A4): After B1=1 is started, A2=1 & A4=1 (power output has been established and is stable), A3=1 (no fault).

[0083] Output actions (B1-B4): B2=1 (allow downstream load to power on), B4=1 (ensure high sensitivity protection mode is in place).

[0084] In some embodiments, logic integrated circuit 31 is configured to perform seventh logic: If the voltage divider detection signal remains high after the switching signal goes low and the conditions of the third or fourth logic are not yet met, then the enable signal of the next stage is controlled to remain high.

[0085] The seventh logic is the fault observation and maintenance logic. Input state (A1-A4): During B4=0 (fault response period), A4=1 (voltage does not drop significantly); Output action (B1-B4): B2=1 (keep the downstream load running).

[0086] In some embodiments, logic integrated circuit 31 is configured to perform eighth logic: When the enable signal of the previous stage, the output voltage signal, the first fault signal, and the voltage divider detection signal are all high, the system is determined to be in a completely normal state; at this time, the output enable control signal, the enable signal of the next stage, the second fault signal, and the switching signal are all controlled to be high.

[0087] The eighth logic is a completely normal state logic, with input states (A1-A4): A1=1, A2=1, A3=1, A4=1 (all input signals indicate normal).

[0088] Output actions (B1-B4): B1=1, B2=1, B3=1, B4=1 (all control signals output normal values).

[0089] In summary, these eight logics together constitute a complete intelligent power state management closed loop. Through real-time monitoring and logic coordination of enable, voltage, and fault, it can proactively intercept leakage risks during the power-on phase (logic 1 and 5), maintain high sensitivity and safety assurance during steady-state operation (logic 6 and 8), and switch thresholds (logic 2), maintain continuous operation of downstream systems (logic 7), and finally make a judgment based on whether the voltage is restored (logic 3 or 4) when an overcurrent event is detected. This solves the fundamental contradiction in traditional solutions where sensitivity and noise immunity cannot be achieved simultaneously.

[0090] Embodiments of this application also provide a server that includes the overcurrent protection circuit described above.

[0091] Embodiments of this application also provide an electronic device, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program and the processor is configured to run the computer program to execute the control process of any of the above-described overcurrent protection circuits during operation.

[0092] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program is configured to execute the control process of any of the above-described overcurrent protection circuits during operation.

[0093] In one exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, various media capable of storing computer programs, such as a USB flash drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), portable hard disk, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0094] An embodiment of this application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the control process of any of the above-mentioned overcurrent protection circuits during operation.

[0095] Embodiments of this application also provide another computer program product, including a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the control process of any of the above-described overcurrent protection circuits during operation.

[0096] Those skilled in the art will further recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of the various examples have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0097] The above provides a detailed description of an overcurrent protection circuit, server, electronic device, storage medium, and computer program product provided in this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only intended to help understand the methods and core ideas of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to this application without departing from its principles, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An overcurrent protection circuit, characterized in that, include: Current detection unit and threshold switching unit; The current detection unit is electrically connected to the threshold switching unit and is also used to connect to the load; The current detection unit is used to detect the load current and generate a corresponding detection voltage; the threshold switching unit is used to switch between at least two different detection sensitivities. During the transient operation of the load, the threshold switching unit switches to the first detection sensitivity and cuts off the power supply to the load when the detected voltage is greater than a preset voltage threshold. During the steady-state operation of the load, the threshold switching unit switches to the second detection sensitivity and switches back to the first detection sensitivity or cuts off the power supply to the load when the detected voltage is greater than the preset voltage threshold.

2. The overcurrent protection circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The current detection unit includes: a detection resistor, a first pad, and a second pad; The detection resistor includes a main body area and a contact area; the first pad is disposed on the side of the contact area of ​​the detection resistor closer to the main body area, and the second pad is disposed on the side of the contact area of ​​the detection resistor away from the main body area; The first pad is used to generate a corresponding first detection voltage based on the resistance of the main body region, and the first pad is used to generate a corresponding second detection voltage based on the resistance of the main body region and the contact region. Wherein, the first detection voltage corresponds to the first detection sensitivity; the second detection voltage corresponds to the second detection sensitivity; and the resistance measured by the first pad is less than the resistance measured by the second pad.

3. The overcurrent protection circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The threshold switching unit includes: an electronic switch; The electronic switch is used to connect to the current detection unit and switch between at least two different detection sensitivities.

4. The overcurrent protection circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Control unit; the control unit is electrically connected to the threshold switching unit; The control unit is used to control the switching of the threshold switching unit according to the working state of the load; During the transient operation of the load, the control unit controls the threshold switching unit to switch to the first detection sensitivity; during the steady-state operation of the load, the control unit controls the threshold switching unit to switch to the second detection sensitivity.

5. The overcurrent protection circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit includes a logic integrated circuit; The input terminal of the logic integrated circuit is configured to receive an enable signal, an output voltage signal, a first fault signal, and a voltage divider detection signal from the previous stage; The output terminal of the logic integrated circuit is configured to output an enable control signal, a next-level enable signal, a second fault signal, and a switching signal; Among them, a high level enable signal from the previous level indicates that the previous level is allowed to power on; a high level output voltage signal indicates that the output voltage is normal; a high level voltage divider detection signal indicates that the output voltage is higher than the preset threshold and is normal. A high-level output enable control signal activates the control unit. A high-level enable signal at the next level allows the load to be powered on. A high-level second fault signal indicates no fault. A high-level switching signal switches from the second detection sensitivity to the first detection sensitivity.

6. The overcurrent protection circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The logic integrated circuit is configured to execute first logic; When the enable signal of the previous stage is high and the voltage divider detection signal is high, it is determined that there is a voltage leakage before power-on, and the output enable control signal and the enable signal of the next stage are controlled to be low, while the second fault signal is controlled to be low.

7. The overcurrent protection circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The logic integrated circuit is configured to execute second logic; When a falling edge is detected in the first fault signal and the voltage divider detection signal is high, a transient overcurrent event is determined to have occurred, and the switching signal is controlled to be low to switch from the first detection sensitivity to the second detection sensitivity.

8. The overcurrent protection circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The logic integrated circuit is configured to execute third logic; After the switching signal goes low, if the output voltage signal returns to high within a preset time, the transient overcurrent event is determined to have ended, and the switching signal is controlled to return to high. A falling edge pulse is generated by controlling the output enable control signal to reset the first fault signal.

9. The overcurrent protection circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The logic integrated circuit is configured to perform fourth logic; If, after the switching signal goes low, the voltage divider detection signal goes low within a preset time, it is determined that an unrecoverable continuous overcurrent event has occurred, and the output enable control signal and the enable signal of the next stage are controlled to go low.

10. A server, characterized in that, Includes the overcurrent protection circuit as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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