Intelligent electronic switch, integrated circuit chip, chip product and automobile

Abstract

The utility model provides an intelligent electronic switch, an integrated circuit chip, a chip product and an automobile, the intelligent electronic switch can work in different working modes, a driving circuit is controlled to work in different driving states according to the working modes of the intelligent electronic switch, and the driving circuit is controlled to work in different driving states according to the working modes of the intelligent electronic switch. The control circuit controls the driving circuit to work in a first driving state when controlling the switching circuit to be turned on and turned off through the driving circuit; in the bypass mode, when the control circuit controls the switching circuit to be switched on and switched off through the driving circuit, the driving circuit is controlled to work in a second driving state; wherein the power consumption of the driving circuit working in the first driving state is greater than that of the driving circuit working in the second driving state. Therefore, at least on the basis that the working states of other circuits in the intelligent electronic switch are consistent, the self power consumption of the intelligent electronic switch in the bypass mode is smaller than the self power consumption of the intelligent electronic switch in the normal working mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of intelligent semiconductor switches, and in particular to an intelligent electronic switch, an integrated circuit chip, a chip product, and an automobile. Background Art

[0002] Smart electronic switches are commonly used to couple loads to batteries. They are electronic components that control the on / off state of load circuits. They are widely used in automotive electronics, industrial automation, medical equipment, and other fields. Due to the diverse load types and harsh operating environments they connect to, applications require particularly high reliability from these switches. Therefore, smart electronic switches integrate a variety of protection and diagnostic features to enhance their reliability.

[0003] In the prior art, when the intelligent electronic switch outputs a load current, the intelligent electronic switch operates in a normal working mode, and its own power consumption is relatively large, resulting in a short standby time of the intelligent electronic switch and a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides an intelligent electronic switch, an integrated circuit chip, a chip product and an automobile, which solve the problem of high power consumption of the intelligent electronic switch.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides an intelligent electronic switch, comprising a power supply terminal, a power ground terminal, a load output terminal, a switching circuit, and a control circuit;

[0006] The power supply terminal and the power ground terminal are used to be connected to a battery, the load output terminal is used to be connected to a load, one end of the switch circuit is connected to the load output terminal, the other end of the switch circuit is connected to the power supply terminal or the power ground terminal, and the control end of the switch circuit is connected to the control circuit, and the control circuit is used to control the switch circuit to be turned on or off;

[0007] It also includes a driving circuit, wherein the driving circuit is connected to the control circuit and the switching circuit;

[0008] When the intelligent electronic switch operates in a normal operating mode, the control circuit controls the switch circuit via the drive circuit to turn on and conduct, and at this time, the drive circuit operates in a first drive state. When the intelligent electronic switch operates in a bypass mode, the control circuit controls the switch circuit via the drive circuit to turn on and conduct, and at this time, the drive circuit operates in a second drive state. The power consumption of the drive circuit when operating in the first drive state is greater than the power consumption of the drive circuit when operating in the second drive state.

[0009] Optionally, the driving circuit includes a first driving unit and a second driving unit, and the first driving unit and the second driving unit are both connected to the control circuit, and the control circuit is used to control the working states of the first driving unit and the second driving unit;

[0010] In the normal working mode, the control circuit controls the first drive unit to work in the first working state and the second drive unit to work in the fourth working state, so as to drive the switch circuit to turn on and conduct through the first drive unit. At this time, the drive circuit works in the first driving state; in the bypass mode, the control circuit controls the first drive unit to work in the third working state and the second drive unit to work in the second working state, so as to drive the switch circuit to turn on and conduct through the second drive unit. At this time, the drive circuit works in the second driving state; wherein the first working state is different from the third working state, and the second working state is different from the fourth working state.

[0011] Optionally, the switching circuit includes a main power switch and a bypass switch, the first end of the main power switch and the first end of the bypass switch are both connected to the power supply end or the power ground end, the second end of the main power switch and the second end of the bypass switch are both connected to the load output end, the control end of the main power switch is connected to the first drive unit, and the control end of the bypass switch is connected to the second drive unit, the first drive unit is used to control the main power switch to turn on and conduct in the first working state, and to control the main power switch to turn off and cut off in the third working state, and the second drive unit is used to control the bypass switch to turn on and conduct in the second working state, and to control the bypass switch to turn off and cut off in the fourth working state.

[0012] Optionally, the main power switch is an N-type switch tube, the bypass switch is a P-type switch tube, and both the N-type switch tube and the P-type switch tube are connected between the power supply end and the load output end;

[0013] The first driving unit includes a boost module and a first driving module. The boost module is connected to the power supply end and the first driving module. The boost module is used to make its output voltage greater than the voltage of the power supply end. The first driving module is also connected to the control circuit and the control end of the N-type switch tube respectively. The first driving module is used to connect to the output voltage of the boost module when the intelligent electronic switch is operating in a normal working mode, so as to drive the N-type switch tube to turn on;

[0014] The second driving unit includes a second driving module, which is respectively connected to the control circuit and the control end of the P-type switch tube. The second driving module is used to drive the P-type switch tube to turn on when the intelligent electronic switch operates in the bypass mode.

[0015] Optionally, the second driving unit is a current limiting driving unit, the current limiting driving unit includes a transistor and a constant current source, and the type of the transistor is consistent with the type of the bypass switch;

[0016] One end of the current limiting drive unit is connected to the power supply end, and the other end thereof is connected to the power ground end. The control end of the current limiting drive unit is connected to the control circuit. The drain of the transistor is connected to the control end of the transistor. The control end of the transistor is also connected to the control end of the bypass switch.

[0017] In the bypass mode, the control circuit controls the current limiting drive unit to operate so as to control the bypass switch to be turned on via the current limiting drive unit, and the current value flowing through the bypass switch is less than or equal to the first current limiting value set by the current limiting drive unit. The first current limiting value is related to the current value provided by the constant current source and the current mirror ratio of the transistor and the switch tube, and the first current limiting value is less than the maximum current value flowing through the switch circuit in the normal working mode.

[0018] Optionally, the switching circuit includes a power switch, the control end of the power switch is connected to the first drive unit and the second drive unit, the first drive unit is used to control the power switch to be turned on and turned on in normal working mode, and the second drive unit is used to control the power switch to be turned on and turned on in bypass mode.

[0019] Optionally, the second driving unit includes a first switch module, one end of the first switch module is connected to the control end of the power switch, the other end of the first switch module is connected to the power supply end or the power ground end, and the control end of the first switch module is connected to the control circuit;

[0020] In the bypass mode, the control circuit controls the first switch module to be turned on, so that the power switch is turned on.

[0021] Optionally, the intelligent electronic switch further includes a protection circuit, wherein the protection circuit is connected to the control circuit and is used to protect the intelligent electronic switch;

[0022] In the normal working mode, the control circuit controls the protection circuit to operate in a first protection state; when the intelligent electronic switch operates in the bypass mode, the control circuit controls the protection circuit to operate in a second protection state, and the power consumption of the protection circuit when operating in the second protection state is less than the power consumption when operating in the first protection state.

[0023] Optionally, the intelligent electronic switch further includes a diagnostic circuit and a diagnostic output terminal, wherein the diagnostic circuit is connected to the control circuit and the diagnostic output terminal respectively, and the diagnostic circuit is used to collect parameter information of the intelligent electronic switch and output it to the microcontroller via the diagnostic output terminal;

[0024] In normal working mode, the control circuit controls the diagnostic circuit to operate in a first diagnostic state; in bypass mode, the control circuit controls the diagnostic circuit to operate in a second diagnostic state, and the power consumption of the diagnostic circuit operating in the second diagnostic state is less than the power consumption of the diagnostic circuit operating in the first diagnostic state.

[0025] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an integrated circuit chip, comprising the intelligent electronic switch described in the first aspect, wherein the power supply end is a power supply pin, the power ground end is a power ground pin, and the load output end is a load output pin.

[0026] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip product, including the intelligent electronic switch according to the first aspect, wherein components of the intelligent electronic switch other than a switching circuit or some components of the switching circuit are located on a first integrated circuit chip, and correspondingly, the switching circuit or some components of the switching circuit are located on a second integrated circuit chip;

[0027] Among them, the power supply end is a power supply pin, the power ground end is a power ground pin, and the load output end is a load output pin. The power supply pin and the power ground pin are located on a first integrated circuit chip, and the load output pin is located on a second integrated circuit chip.

[0028] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an automobile, comprising the intelligent electronic switch as described in the first aspect, or the integrated circuit chip as described in the second aspect, or the chip product as described in the third aspect;

[0029] It also includes a battery, a load and a microcontroller; wherein the positive pole of the battery is connected to the power supply terminal, the negative pole of the battery is connected to the power ground terminal, one end of the load is connected to the load output terminal, the other end of the load is connected to the power ground terminal or the power supply terminal, and the microcontroller is connected to the intelligent electronic switch.

[0030] The intelligent electronic switch, integrated circuit chip, chip product, and automobile provided by the present application are capable of operating in different operating modes and, depending on the operating mode, controlling the drive circuit to operate in different drive states. In normal operating mode, the control circuit controls the switch circuit via the drive circuit to operate in a first drive state; in bypass mode, the control circuit controls the switch circuit via the drive circuit to operate in a second drive state; wherein the power consumption of the drive circuit operating in the first drive state is greater than the power consumption of the drive circuit operating in the second drive state. In this way, at least on the basis of the consistent operating states of other circuits within the intelligent electronic switch, the self-consumption of the intelligent electronic switch in bypass mode can be made lower than the self-consumption of the intelligent electronic switch in normal operating mode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit module of an electronic device provided in the first embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit module of an electronic device provided in the second embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit module of an electronic device provided in the third embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit module of an electronic device provided in a fourth embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit module of an electronic device provided in the fifth embodiment of the present application.

[0037] The above drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and the textual description are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of the present application to those skilled in the art by reference to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof as used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or modules is not limited to the listed steps or modules, but may optionally include steps or modules not listed, or may optionally include other steps or modules that are inherent to the process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0040] In addition, the terms "first", "second" and "third" are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. The electrical connection in this application includes direct electrical connection and indirect electrical connection. Indirect electrical connection means that other electronic components, pins, etc. may exist between the two electrically connected components. The XX end mentioned in this application may be an actual terminal or may not be an actual terminal, for example, it is only one end of a component or one end of a wire. The "and / or" mentioned in this application includes three cases. For example, A and / or B includes three cases: A, B, and A and B.

[0041] With the development of semiconductor technology, relays used to connect or disconnect load paths are gradually being replaced by intelligent electronic switches. These intelligent electronic switches can couple the load to the battery and have one or more diagnostic capabilities and protection features. For example, if the intelligent electronic switch experiences overheating, overload, or short circuit, the power switch inside the intelligent electronic switch will be shut off, disconnecting the path between the battery and the load, thereby improving the reliability of the intelligent electronic switch.

[0042] Understandably, in practical applications, intelligent electronic switches operate in diverse load types (e.g., inductors, capacitors, resistors, or a combination of these three) and in harsh operating environments. Therefore, the application-side reliability requirements are particularly high. This requires the intelligent electronic switch to operate in a normal operating mode when outputting a load current. In this mode, the intelligent electronic switch typically needs to provide a certain driving capability to turn on the power switch within the intelligent electronic switch, thereby providing current to the load. Typically, because intelligent electronic switches need to provide a wide output current range, the drive circuit within the intelligent electronic switch used to turn on the power switch typically consumes relatively high power, resulting in the intelligent electronic switch itself having relatively high power consumption. In particular, when a large number of similar intelligent electronic switches are present in an electronic device, such as a car, the overall power consumption of the car will be relatively high, accelerating the consumption of the car's battery and significantly shortening the battery's battery life.

[0043] To address the above-mentioned issues, the inventors of this application, after extensive research, discovered that in the field of automotive electronics, when a vehicle is in parking mode, some of the vehicle's loads are deactivated, significantly reducing the load current flowing through an intelligent electronic switch. To reduce the internal power consumption of the intelligent electronic switch, an intelligent electronic switch is proposed based on its operating characteristics. The intelligent electronic switch can operate in different operating modes. For example, when operating in normal operating mode, the intelligent electronic switch can provide a larger output current, while when operating in bypass mode, the intelligent electronic switch can provide a smaller load current. Thus, the intelligent electronic switch can control a drive circuit to operate in different drive states depending on its operating mode. For example, in normal operating mode, when the control circuit controls the switch circuit to turn on via the drive circuit, the drive circuit operates in a first drive state; in bypass mode, when the control circuit controls the switch circuit to turn on via the drive circuit, the drive circuit operates in a second drive state. The power consumption of the drive circuit in the first drive state is greater than the power consumption of the drive circuit in the second drive state. In this way, at least on the basis of consistent working states of other circuits inside the intelligent electronic switch, the self-consumption power of the intelligent electronic switch in the bypass mode can be made smaller than the self-consumption power in the normal working mode.

[0044] The following specific embodiments describe in detail the technical solution of the present application and how the technical solution of the present application solves the above-mentioned technical problems. The following specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. The embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0045] The present application embodiment provides an electronic device, which is, for example, a car. Figure 1 , Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a circuit module of an electronic device provided in the first embodiment of the present application. The electronic device includes a battery 10, a load 30, a microcontroller 40, and an intelligent electronic switch 20. The battery 10 is generally a storage battery that provides a voltage of 12V, 24V, 48V, 60V, or other voltages. Of course, the battery 10 can also be other types of batteries, such as lithium batteries or sodium batteries. The load 30 includes at least one of a resistive load, an inductive load, and a capacitive load. Resistive loads include, for example, seat adjustment devices, auxiliary heating devices, window heating devices, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), rear lighting, or other resistive loads. Inductive loads include, for example, pumps, actuators, motors, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic braking systems (EBS), fans, or other systems including inductive loads for one or more wiper systems. Capacitive loads include, for example, lighting elements, such as xenon arc lamps. The microcontroller 40 is connected to the intelligent electronic switch 20 for controlling the intelligent electronic switch 20.

[0046] For example, in practical applications, the intelligent electronic switch 20 includes a control circuit 21 and a switching circuit 22. Thus, the control circuit 21 can control the switching circuit 22 to operate in different states based on external signals, thereby enabling the intelligent electronic switch 20 to operate in different modes. For example, the intelligent electronic switch 20 can control the switching circuit 22 to turn on when it receives an on control signal, and to turn off when it receives an off control signal. Furthermore, based on the on / off state of the switching circuit 22 and the operating states of functional circuits within the intelligent electronic switch 20, such as diagnostic and protection circuits, the operating modes of the intelligent electronic switch 20 can be divided into normal operating mode, bypass mode, standby mode, and sleep mode.

[0047] When the switch circuit 22 is in the on-state and the diagnostic and protection functional circuits within the intelligent electronic switch 20 are operating normally, the intelligent electronic switch 20 is said to be operating in normal working mode or active mode. Typically, in normal working mode, the intelligent electronic switch 20 can provide a relatively large load current based on load demand. When the switch circuit 22 is in the on-state but the diagnostic and protection functional circuits integrated within the intelligent electronic switch 20 are not operating, or some modules within the functional circuits are not operating, the intelligent electronic switch 20 is said to be operating in bypass mode. Because the power consumed by the intelligent electronic switch 20 in bypass mode is relatively low, this bypass mode can also be referred to as a low-power mode. In bypass mode, the load current provided by the intelligent electronic switch 20 is less than the load current provided in normal working mode. When the switch circuit 22 is in the off state but the diagnostic and protection circuits within the intelligent electronic switch 20 are operating normally, the intelligent electronic switch 20 is said to be operating in standby mode. In this state, the intelligent electronic switch 20 is not outputting load current but is in standby mode. Upon receiving a start control signal, it can directly transition to normal operation mode. When the switch circuit 22 is in the off state and the diagnostic and protection circuits within the intelligent electronic switch 20 are not operating, the intelligent electronic switch 20 is said to be operating in dormant mode or sleep mode. In this state, the intelligent electronic switch 20 has the lowest power consumption.

[0048] It is understood that the embodiments of the present application are primarily explained using an application scenario in which the switch circuit 22 is in the on state. Therefore, the intelligent electronic switch 20 operates in either a normal operating mode or a bypass mode. The difference between the intelligent electronic switch 20 operating in bypass mode and normal operating mode is primarily reflected in the different self-power consumption of the intelligent electronic switch 20 in the two modes. For example, this can be reflected in the different operating states of the functional circuits within the intelligent electronic switch 20, resulting in different power consumption of the functional circuits within the intelligent electronic switch 20, thereby achieving different self-power consumption of the intelligent electronic switch 20.

[0049] Optionally, the self-consumption of the intelligent electronic switch 20 in normal working mode is usually at the milliampere level, while in the bypass mode, the self-consumption can be reduced to tens of microamperes to hundreds of microamperes, thereby reducing the power consumption of the intelligent electronic switch and improving the standby time.

[0050] This embodiment provides an intelligent electronic switch 20 that can operate in bypass mode and normal operating mode. Figure 1 As shown, the intelligent electronic switch 20 may include a power supply terminal VBAT, a power ground terminal GND, a load output terminal OUT, a switch circuit 22 and a control circuit 21 .

[0051] The power supply terminal VBAT and the power ground terminal GND are used to connect to the battery 10. Specifically, the power supply terminal VBAT is connected to the positive electrode of the battery 10, the power ground terminal GND is connected to the negative electrode of the battery 10, the load output terminal OUT is used to connect to the load 30, one end of the switch circuit 22 is connected to the load output terminal OUT, the other end of the switch circuit 22 is connected to the power supply terminal VBAT or the power ground terminal GND, and the control end of the switch circuit 22 is connected to the control circuit 21. The control circuit 21 is used to control the switch circuit 22 to turn on or off. In a possible design, as Figure 1 As shown, one end of the switch circuit 22 is connected to the load output terminal OUT, and the other end is connected to the power supply terminal VBAT. In this case, the switch circuit 22 is connected as a high-side switch circuit, which is a switch circuit connected between the power supply terminal VBAT and the load. In other possible designs of the present application, one end of the switch circuit 22 is connected to the load output terminal OUT, and the other end is connected to the power ground terminal GND. In this case, the switch circuit 22 is connected as a low-side switch circuit, which is a switch circuit connected between the power ground terminal GND and the load.

[0052] Continue to refer to Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the intelligent electronic switch 20 further includes a drive circuit 25 , which is connected to the control circuit 21 and the switch circuit 22 .

[0053] Optionally, when the intelligent electronic switch 20 operates in a normal operating mode, the control circuit 21 controls the switch circuit 22 to turn on and conduct via the drive circuit 25, and at this time the drive circuit 25 operates in a first driving state; when the intelligent electronic switch 20 operates in a bypass mode, the control circuit 21 controls the switch circuit 22 to turn on and conduct via the drive circuit 25, and at this time the drive circuit 25 operates in a second driving state; wherein the power consumption of the drive circuit 25 when operating in the first driving state is greater than the power consumption when operating in the second driving state, thereby reducing the power consumption of the drive circuit 25 in the bypass mode.

[0054] For example, in actual applications, the intelligent electronic switch 20 may further include an input terminal Input, which may be connected to an external microcontroller 40 via the input terminal Input and control the switching state of the switch circuit 22 via the driver circuit 25 based on a switch control signal (Input signal) received from the microcontroller 40. For example, when the switch control signal received by the control circuit 21 is an on control signal "on", the driver circuit 25 controls the switch circuit 22 to turn on, and when the switch control signal received is an off control signal "off", the driver circuit 25 controls the switch circuit 22 to turn off.

[0055] Optionally, the driving circuit 25 may provide a driving signal based on the received power supply signal and control signal, so as to turn on or off the power switch included in the switching circuit 22 .

[0056] Optionally, in actual applications, to meet the load's operating requirements and low power consumption requirements, the operating mode of the intelligent electronic switch 20 and the driving state of the driver circuit 25 can be set to correspond to the operating mode. In this way, the control circuit 21 can control the operating state of the driver circuit 25 according to the different operating modes of the intelligent electronic switch 20. For example, in the normal operating mode, the driver circuit 25 is controlled to operate in the first driving state to drive the switch circuit 22 to turn on and conduct. In the bypass mode, the driver circuit 25 is controlled to operate in the second driving state to drive the switch circuit 22 to turn on and conduct. It will be understood that the second driving state is different from the first driving state, and the power consumption of the driver circuit 25 when operating in the second driving state is less than that when operating in the first driving state.

[0057] As an example, the driving circuit 25 working in different driving states may mean that the driving circuit 25 includes different driving units, drives different driving units to work in different working modes, or drives different driving units to work in different states, so as to realize that the driving circuit 25 works in the first driving state in the normal working mode and works in the second driving state in the bypass mode.

[0058] As another example, the driving circuit 25 operating in different driving states may also mean that the modules in the driving circuit 25 that are in working state are different, so that they have different driving capabilities and can thus operate in different driving states, that is, the power consumption of the module that is in working state when the driving circuit 25 is in bypass mode is greater than the power consumption of the module that is in working state when the driving circuit 25 is in normal working mode.

[0059] Optionally, in one embodiment, the switching circuit 22 may include a power switch, which may be a common switch in the normal working mode and the bypass mode. In another embodiment, the switching circuit 22 may include a main power switch and a bypass switch. The main power switch is controlled to be turned on and conducted when the intelligent electronic switch 20 is in the normal working mode, and the bypass switch is controlled to be turned on and conducted when the intelligent electronic switch 20 is in the bypass mode. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific form of the switching circuit 22.

[0060] In one possible design of this embodiment, the power switch or (main power switch and bypass switch) included in the switching circuit 22 can be an N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (NMOS FET), a PMOS transistor, a junction field effect transistor (JFET), or an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). In another possible design of this embodiment, the power switch or (main power switch and bypass switch) included in the switching circuit 22 can also be implemented as a silicon device, or can be implemented using other semiconductor materials, such as silicon carbide (SiC), gallium arsenide (GaAs), or gallium nitride (GaN). The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific implementation form of the power switch or (main power switch and bypass switch), and can be selected according to actual needs.

[0061] Optionally, in practical applications, a fuse (not shown) may be connected in series between the battery 10 and the power supply terminal VBAT to prevent malfunctions caused by excessive current in the line. Other components, such as a parallel-connected anti-reverse polarity diode and a current-limiting resistor, may be provided between the power ground terminal GND and the negative terminal of the battery 10 to improve the stability of the intelligent electronic switch 20.

[0062] Optional, in Figure 1 The schematic diagram does not show the connection between the control circuit 21, the drive circuit 25, and the power supply unit. However, in actual applications, a power supply unit can be provided within the intelligent electronic switch 20. The internal power supply unit is connected to the power supply terminal VBAT to step down the voltage of the power supply terminal VBAT. For example, the power supply unit is used to step down the voltage of the power supply terminal VBAT from 12V to 5V. The voltage output by the power supply unit is used to provide power to the control circuit 21, the drive circuit 25, and other circuits. Optionally, one implementation of the power supply unit is a low-dropout linear regulator (LDO). In other embodiments, the power supply unit can be omitted from the intelligent electronic switch 20. In this case, the positive electrode of the battery 10 is also connected to the step-down unit, which outputs the stepped-down voltage to the intelligent electronic switch 20. For example, the voltage output by the step-down unit to the power supply terminal VBAT ranges from 3.3V to 5V, which can directly power the control circuit 21, the drive circuit 25, and other circuits within the intelligent electronic switch 20.

[0063] It can be understood that in actual applications, when the switching circuit 22 includes an N-type switching tube connected as a high-side switch, the driving circuit 25 may also be connected to a boosting unit such as a charge pump, and the charge pump is used to boost the output voltage of the driving circuit 25 and then output it to the switching circuit 22, thereby driving the switching circuit 22 to turn on.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present application, the intelligent electronic switch includes, in addition to a power supply terminal, a power ground terminal, a load output terminal, a control circuit, and a switching circuit, a drive circuit. The drive circuit is connected to the control circuit and the switching circuit. When the intelligent electronic switch operates in normal operation mode, the control circuit controls the switching circuit via the drive circuit to turn on and conduct, at which time the drive circuit operates in a first drive state. When the intelligent electronic switch operates in bypass mode, the control circuit controls the switching circuit via the drive circuit to turn on and conduct, at which time the drive circuit operates in a second drive state. The power consumption of the drive circuit when operating in the first drive state is greater than the power consumption of the drive circuit when operating in the second drive state. In this technical solution, when the intelligent electronic switch controls the switching circuit to turn on and conduct in different operating modes through the drive circuit, the drive circuit can operate in drive states with different power consumption. While ensuring the normal operation of the load, the self-consumption of the intelligent electronic switch is effectively reduced, the battery life of the battery connected to the intelligent electronic switch is extended, and the application experience is improved.

[0065] Optionally, the first embodiment provides a general introduction to the intelligent electronic switch 20. The following uses different embodiments to explain the specific implementations of the driving circuit 25, the control circuit 21, the switch circuit 22, etc. in the intelligent electronic switch 20. It is understood that the following embodiments are based on the above Figure 1 The principle is described based on the embodiment shown (the switch circuit 22 is connected as a high-side switch). The implementation principle of the switch circuit 22 being connected as a low-side switch is similar and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0066] For example, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit module of an electronic device provided in the second embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the driving circuit 25 may include a first driving unit 251 and a second driving unit 252. The first driving unit 251 and the second driving unit 252 are also connected to the control circuit 21. The control circuit 21 is used to control the working status of the first driving unit 251 and the second driving unit 252.

[0067] Optionally, when the intelligent electronic switch 20 operates in the normal operating mode, the control circuit 21 controls the first drive unit 251 to operate in the first operating state and the second drive unit 252 to operate in the fourth operating state, so as to drive the switch circuit 22 to turn on and conduct through the first drive unit 251. At this time, the drive circuit 25 operates in the first driving state; in the bypass mode, the control circuit 21 controls the first drive unit 251 to operate in the third operating state and the second drive unit 252 to operate in the second operating state, so as to drive the switch circuit 22 to turn on and conduct through the second drive unit 252. At this time, the drive circuit 25 operates in the second driving state; wherein, the first operating state is different from the third operating state, and the second operating state is different from the fourth operating state.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first drive unit 251 and the second drive unit 252 are both connected to the switch circuit 22. In the normal working mode, the control circuit 21 can drive the switch circuit 22 to turn on and conduct through the first drive unit 251, and at this time the second drive unit 252 has no effect on the working state of the switch circuit 22. Correspondingly, in the bypass mode, the control circuit 21 can drive the switch circuit 22 to turn on and conduct through the second drive unit 252, and at this time the first drive unit 251 has no effect on the working state of the switch circuit 22.

[0069] For example, assuming that the first drive unit 251 can operate in a first working state and a third working state, and the second drive unit 252 can operate in a second working state and a fourth working state, in this embodiment, the state in which the first drive unit 251 can drive the switch circuit 22 to operate normally is referred to as the first working state, and the state in which the switch circuit 22 has no effect is referred to as the third working state. The state in which the second drive unit 252 can drive the switch circuit 22 to operate normally is referred to as the second working state, and the state in which the switch circuit 22 has no effect is referred to as the fourth working state. Therefore, when the intelligent electronic switch 20 operates in the normal operating mode, the control circuit 21 controls the first drive unit 251 to operate in the first working state and the second drive unit 252 to operate in the fourth working state, thereby using the first drive unit 251 to drive the switch circuit 22 to turn on. When the intelligent electronic switch 20 operates in the bypass mode, the control circuit 21 controls the second drive unit 252 to operate in the second working state and the first drive unit 251 to operate in the third working state, thereby using the second drive unit 252 to drive the switch circuit 22 to turn on.

[0070] It is understandable that the first to fourth working states may correspond to the enabled state or disabled state of the drive unit, or other forms of working states, which can be determined according to actual needs and will not be elaborated here.

[0071] For example, assuming that the first drive unit 251 is a traditional gate drive unit, which is used to drive the N-type switch tube to turn on and conduct, in one possible design, the first working state may be the state after the first drive unit 251 is enabled, and the third working state may be the state after the first drive unit 251 is disabled or deactivated (or inactive state); in another possible design, the first working state and the third working state may both be in the enabled state, the only difference being that the working states of the modules in the first drive unit 251 are different.

[0072] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 2 As shown, the switch circuit 22 includes a main power switch Q1 and a bypass switch Q2. The first end of the main power switch Q1 and the first end of the bypass switch Q2 are both connected to the power supply terminal VBAT or the power ground terminal GND. The second end of the main power switch Q1 and the second end of the bypass switch Q2 are both connected to the load output terminal OUT. The control end of the main power switch Q1 is connected to the first drive unit 251, and the control end of the bypass switch Q2 is connected to the second drive unit 252. The first drive unit 251 is used to control the main power switch Q1 to turn on and conduct in the first working state, and to control the main power switch Q1 to turn off and cut off in the third working state. The second drive unit 252 is used to control the bypass switch Q2 to turn on and conduct in the second working state, and to control the bypass switch Q2 to turn off and cut off in the fourth working state.

[0073] In one example, when the first end of the main power switch O1 and the first end of the bypass switch Q2 are both connected to the power supply terminal VBAT, the main power switch O1 and the bypass switch Q2 are connected as high-side switches. Figure 2 In another example, when the first end of the main power switch Q1 and the first end of the bypass switch Q2 are both connected to the power ground GND, the main power switch Q1 and the bypass switch Q2 are connected to function as low-side switches. This embodiment is not limited to this.

[0074] In this embodiment, when the intelligent electronic switch 20 is in normal operating mode, the control circuit 21 controls the first drive unit 251 to operate in the first operating state and the second drive unit 252 to operate in the fourth operating state. Specifically, the first drive unit 251 drives the main power switch Q1 to turn on. When the intelligent electronic switch 20 enters bypass mode, the control circuit 21 controls the second drive unit 252 to operate in the second operating state and the first drive unit 251 to operate in the third operating state. Specifically, the second drive unit 252 drives the bypass switch Q2 to turn on. In this embodiment, the power consumption of the first drive unit 251 in the first operating state is greater than the power consumption of the second drive unit 252 in the second operating state.

[0075] In this embodiment, two driving units are provided to correspondingly control the switching states of the main power switch Q1 and the bypass switch Q2. This ensures that the control branches of the main power switch Q1 and the bypass switch Q2 are isolated, thereby avoiding confusion in the control logic of the main power switch Q1 and the bypass switch Q2.

[0076] Optionally, the main power switch Q1 and the bypass switch Q2 can be switches of the same type or different types. For example, both the main power switch Q1 and the bypass switch Q2 can be N-type switches, both P-type switches, or one N-type switch and the other P-type switch. However, in practical applications, it is generally required that the area of ​​the main power switch Q1 be larger than that of the bypass switch Q2, so that the load capacity of the main power switch Q1 is greater than that of the bypass switch Q2. Therefore, in normal operation mode, the control circuit 21 can provide a large load current when driving the main power switch Q1 to turn on via the first drive unit 251. In bypass mode, the control circuit 21 can provide a relatively small load current when driving the bypass switch Q2 to turn on via the second drive unit 252. Moreover, since the driving capability of the first driving unit 251 when operating in the first operating state is greater than the driving capability of the second driving unit 252 when operating in the second operating state, the power consumption of the first driving unit 251 is greater than the power consumption of the second driving unit 252. Therefore, when the intelligent electronic switch 20 operates in the bypass mode, the power consumption of the driving circuit 25 is reduced while meeting the load current requirement, thereby reducing the self-consumption of the intelligent electronic switch 20.

[0077] Optionally, in a possible design of the present application, the main power switch Q1 is an N-type switch tube, the bypass switch Q2 is a P-type switch tube, and both the N-type switch tube and the P-type switch tube are connected between the power supply terminal VBAT and the load output terminal OUT.

[0078] At this time, continue to refer to Figure 2 As shown, the first drive unit 251 includes a boost module and a first drive module. The boost module is connected to the power supply terminal VBAT and the first drive module. The boost module is configured to have an output voltage greater than the voltage of the power supply terminal VBAT. The first drive module is also connected to the control circuit 21 and the control terminal of the N-type switch tube. When the intelligent electronic switch 20 operates in normal operating mode, the first drive module is configured to receive the output voltage of the boost module to drive the N-type switch tube to turn on. The second drive unit 252 includes a second drive module. The second drive module is connected to the control circuit 21 and the control terminal of the P-type switch tube. The second drive module is configured to drive the P-type switch tube to turn on when the intelligent electronic switch 20 operates in bypass mode.

[0079] In this embodiment, the main power switch O1 can be an N-type MOS tube, and the bypass switch Q2 can be a P-type MOS tube for explanation. Figure 2 As shown, the boost module is implemented in the form of a charge pump. For example, the charge pump includes an oscillator, a P-type MOS transistor CP P1, an N-type MOS transistor CP N1, capacitors C1 and C2, and diodes D1 and D2. The control terminals of the P-type MOS transistor CP P1 and the N-type MOS transistor CP N1 are connected to the oscillator, the drain of the P-type MOS transistor CP P1 is connected to the power supply terminal VBAT, and its source is connected to the source of the N-type MOS transistor CP_N1 at a connection point A1. The drain of the N-type MOS transistor CP N1 is connected to the first power supply terminal Vs. Based on the voltage withstand capability of the P-type MOS transistor CP P1 and the N-type MOS transistor CP N1, for example, 5V, the first power supply terminal Vs is generally 5V lower than the voltage of the power supply terminal VBAT. One end of the capacitor C1 is connected to the connection point A1, and the other end is connected to the cathode of the diode D1 and the anode of the diode D2. The anode of the diode D1 and one end of the capacitor C2 are both connected to the power supply terminal VBAT, and the cathode of the diode D2 is connected to the other end of the capacitor C2. The oscillator is used to generate an oscillation frequency to turn on or off the P-type MOS transistor CP_P1 and the N-type MOS transistor CP N1. The capacitor C1 is used to increase the voltage output by the charge pump. The capacitor C2 is used to store energy. The diodes D1 and D2 are used to limit the current direction.

[0080] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 2 As shown, the first driving module may include a switch tube DP1 and a switch tube D_N1. The control end of the main power switch Q1 is connected to the drains of the switch tube D_P1 and the switch tube D_N1. The control ends of the switch tube DP1 and the switch tube D_N1 are both connected to the control circuit 21. The source of the switch tube D_P1 is connected to the output end of the boost module, and the source of the switch tube D_N1 is connected to the load output end OUT. In this way, the control circuit 21 can turn on the main power switch Q1 when controlling the switch tube DP1 to turn on and the switch tube D_N1 to turn off, and turn off the main power switch Q1 when controlling the switch tube D_P1 to turn off and the switch tube D_N1 to turn on.

[0081] For example, the second driving unit 252 is mainly used to drive the bypass switch Q2 to turn on, so that the intelligent electronic switch 20 provides a load current path through the bypass switch Q2. Figure 2As shown, the second driving unit includes a switch tube D_P2 and a switch tube D_N2. The control end of the bypass switch Q2 is connected to the drains of the switch tubes D_P2 and D_N2. The control ends of the switch tubes DP2 and DN2 are both connected to the control circuit 21. The source of the switch tube DP2 is connected to the power supply terminal VBAT, and the source of the switch tube DN2 is connected to the load output terminal OUT. In this way, the control circuit 21 can turn on the bypass switch Q2 when the switch tube DP2 is turned off and the switch tube D_N2 is turned on, and turn off the bypass switch Q2 when the switch tube D_P2 is turned on and the switch tube D_N2 is turned off.

[0082] Accordingly, in this embodiment, when the intelligent electronic switch 20 operates in the normal operating mode, the boost module and the first driver module operate. Thus, the first driver module, based on the output voltage provided by the boost module, can cause the gate-source voltage signal of the N-type MOS transistor to be greater than the turn-on threshold of the N-type MOS transistor, thereby driving the N-type MOS transistor to turn on. However, given the conduction characteristics of the P-type MOS transistor, the second driver module that drives the P-type MOS transistor to turn on does not require a boost unit or other modules. Therefore, compared to the first driver unit 251, the second driver unit 252 at least saves the boost module, and therefore the power consumption of the second driver unit 252 during operation is lower than that of the first driver unit 251.

[0083] It is understandable that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific structural composition of the first drive unit 251 and the second drive unit 252. Different components may be added according to actual circuit requirements. For example, in addition to the boost module and the first drive module, the first drive unit 251 may also include components such as a level shifter. The level shifter is connected between the control circuit 21 and the first drive module. It can convert a low-voltage control signal into a high-voltage control signal, thereby realizing the control of the high-voltage output stage by the low-voltage logic, and further realizing driving the N-type MOS tube to turn on and conduct.

[0084] For example, in Figure 2 Based on the embodiment shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit module of an electronic device provided in the third embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the second driving unit 252 can also be a current limiting driving unit that can drive the switch circuit 22 to turn on and limit the maximum current flowing through the switch circuit 22 to prevent the switch circuit 22 from being damaged due to overcurrent.

[0085] As an example, see Figure 3As shown, the second driving unit 252 is a current limiting driving unit, which includes a transistor M1 and a constant current source 11. One end of the current limiting driving unit is connected to one end of the switch circuit 22, and the other end is connected to the power supply terminal VBAT or the power ground terminal GND. The control end of the current limiting driving unit is connected to the control circuit 21, the drain of the transistor M1 is connected to the control end of the transistor M1, and the control end of the transistor M1 is also connected to the control end of the switch circuit 22.

[0086] In bypass mode, the control circuit 21 controls the operation of the current limiting drive unit to control the switch circuit 22 to turn on and conduct via the current limiting drive unit. The type of the transistor M1 in the current limiting drive unit is consistent with the switch tube in the switch circuit 22 that is in the on state. The current value flowing through the switch circuit 22 is less than or equal to the first current limiting value set by the current limiting drive unit. The first current limiting value is related to the current value provided by the constant current source 11 and the current mirror ratio of the transistor M1 and the switch circuit, and the first current limiting value is less than the maximum current value flowing through the switch circuit 22 in normal working mode.

[0087] Optionally, in the present application, the value range of the first current limiting value may be 1uA to 100uA. For example, the first current limiting value may be 10uA. It is understandable that the first value range may also be other values, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0088] In practical applications, depending on actual needs, the switch circuit 22 can be connected as a high-side switch circuit 22 or a low-side switch circuit 22. The switch circuit 22 may include a main power switch Q1 that is turned on in normal operating mode and a bypass switch Q2 that is turned on in bypass mode, or may include a power switch Q shared by both normal operating mode and bypass mode, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0089] For example, in Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the switch circuit 22 is connected as a high-side switch circuit 22, and the switch circuit 22 includes a main power switch Q1 and a bypass switch Q2. The main power switch Q1 can be an N-type MOS transistor, and the bypass switch Q2 can be a P-type MOS transistor for explanation. In this embodiment, the current limiting drive unit is used to drive the bypass switch Q2 to turn on. Accordingly, referring to Figure 3As shown, the transistor M1 and the bypass switch Q2 in the current limiting drive unit are of the same type. The transistor M1 and the constant current source 11 are connected to form a current limiting drive branch. One end of the current limiting drive branch is connected to one end of the bypass switch Q2, and the other end is connected to the power supply terminal VBAT or the power ground terminal GND. Its control end is connected to the control circuit 21. The drain of the transistor M1 is connected to its control end, and its control end is also connected to the control end of the bypass switch Q2. At this time, in the bypass mode, the control circuit 21 can control the operation of the current limiting drive branch to control the bypass switch Q2 to turn on through the current limiting drive unit, and the current value flowing through the bypass switch Q2 is less than or equal to the first current limit value set by the current limiting drive unit.

[0090] Optionally, the embodiments of the present application do not limit the method for controlling the enabling of the current limiting drive unit. For example, as an example, the constant current source 11 includes an enable end. In the bypass mode, the control circuit 21 can turn on the current limiting drive branch by controlling the enabling of the constant current source 11, thereby enabling the current limiting drive unit to work; as another example, the current limiting drive branch can also include a second switch module. In the bypass mode, the control circuit 21 can enable the constant current drive unit to work by controlling the second switch module to turn on.

[0091] It is understandable that in a specific implementation, the current limiting drive unit can also be implemented through other structures. For example, the current limiting drive unit can also include one or more mirror units, or the constant current source is replaced with a constant current source of other specifications and one or more mirror units, etc. Correspondingly, the connection relationship of the internal circuit elements of the current limiting drive unit can also be adjusted according to actual needs, etc. This embodiment does not limit the specific structure of the current limiting drive unit.

[0092] In this embodiment, the current limiting driving unit can set the maximum current value flowing through the switching tube it drives through the current source and the transistor. Its structure is simple and easy to implement. Moreover, compared with the first driving unit, its power consumption is lower, saving power consumption while meeting the load current requirements.

[0093] For example, in the above Figure 1 Based on the embodiment shown, Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a circuit module of an electronic device provided in the fourth embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the switching circuit 22 may include a power switch Q, the control end of the power switch Q is connected to the first driving unit 251 and the second driving unit 252, the first driving unit 251 is used to control the power switch Q to be turned on and turned on in the normal working mode, and the second driving unit 252 is used to control the power switch Q to be turned on and turned on in the bypass mode.

[0094] In this embodiment, a first terminal of the power switch Q is connected to the power supply terminal VBAT or the power ground terminal GND, a second terminal of the power switch Q is connected to the load output terminal OUT, and a control terminal of the power switch Q is connected to the first drive unit 251 and the second drive unit 252. The control circuit 21 controls the switching state of the power switch Q by controlling the operating states of the first drive unit 251 and the second drive unit 252. For example, when the intelligent electronic switch 20 operates in the normal operating mode, the control circuit 21 drives the power switch Q to turn on via the first drive unit 251. When the intelligent electronic switch 20 operates in the bypass mode, the control circuit 21 drives the power switch Q to turn on via the second drive unit 252.

[0095] For example, in Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the power switch Q is an N-type switch tube and is connected as a high-side switch, that is, the two ends of the power switch Q are connected to the power supply terminal VBAT and the load output terminal OUT respectively. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first driving unit 251 may include at least a boost module (e.g., a charge pump) and a first driving module. The structure and working principle of the first driving unit 251 can be referred to. Figure 2 The description in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0096] As an example, continue to refer to Figure 4 As shown, the second driving unit 252 includes a first switch module k1 , one end of which is connected to the control end of the power switch Q, the other end of which is connected to the drain of the power switch Q, and the control end of which is connected to the control circuit 21 .

[0097] In the bypass mode, the control circuit 21 controls the first switch module k1 to be turned on, configuring the power switch in a diode connection.

[0098] In this embodiment, when the intelligent electronic switch 20 is in the bypass mode, the load current is usually small. At this time, by controlling the first switch module k1 to be turned on and connecting the gate and drain of the power switch Q, the power switch Q can be configured in a diode connection manner.

[0099] It can be understood that when the power switch Q is configured as a diode-connected switch, the voltage at the load output terminal OUT is lower than the threshold voltage of the diode-connected power switch, and the power switch Q is in the off state.

[0100] In this embodiment, in the bypass mode, by closing the first switch module k1, current can flow through the power switch Q, which can continue to provide current to the load, meeting the requirement that the intelligent electronic switch 20 can continue to provide current to the load in the bypass mode. Since the power consumption of the first switch module k1 is much lower than the power consumption of the first drive unit 251, the self-consumption of the intelligent electronic switch 20 in the bypass mode is effectively reduced.

[0101] Optionally, in another possible design of the present application, the switching circuit 22 includes an N-type switching tube, and the driving circuit 25 includes a driving unit, a first boosting unit, and a second boosting unit. The first end of the N-type switching tube is connected to the power supply terminal VBAT, the second end of the N-type switching tube is connected to the load output terminal OUT, and the control end of the N-type switching tube is connected to the driving unit. The driving unit is also connected to the control circuit 21, the first boosting unit, and the second boosting unit, respectively.

[0102] As an example, when the intelligent electronic switch 20 operates in the normal operating mode, the control circuit 21 controls the first boost unit and the drive unit to be enabled. When the first boost unit is enabled, it increases the output voltage of the drive unit by a first voltage, so that the drive unit drives the power switch to turn on and conduct in the first driving state. As another example, when the intelligent electronic switch 20 operates in the bypass mode, the control circuit 21 controls the second boost unit and the drive unit to be enabled. When the second boost unit is enabled, it increases the output voltage of the drive unit by a second voltage, so that the drive unit drives the power switch to turn on and conduct in the second driving state.

[0103] In this possible design, the first voltage is greater than the second voltage. Accordingly, the power consumption of the first boost unit is greater than that of the second boost unit. Therefore, the power consumption of the driving circuit 25 when operating in the second driving state is less than that when operating in the first driving state.

[0104] It can be understood that in each embodiment of the present application, the specific structural composition of the driving circuit 25 is not limited. Different components can be added according to actual circuit requirements. For example, the driving circuit 25 can also include elements such as a level shifter. The level shifter is connected between the control circuit 21 and the driving unit. It can convert the low-voltage control signal into a high-voltage control signal, realize the control of the high-voltage output stage by the low-voltage logic, and then realize the driving switch circuit 22 to turn on and conduct.

[0105] Optionally, based on the above embodiment, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit module of an electronic device provided in the fifth embodiment of the present application. Figure 5As shown, the intelligent electronic switch 20 may further include a protection circuit 24, which is connected to the control circuit 21 and is configured to protect the intelligent electronic switch 20. When the intelligent electronic switch 20 operates in a normal operating mode, the control circuit 21 controls the switch circuit 22 to be in an on-state and can also control the protection circuit 24 to operate in a first protection state. When the intelligent electronic switch 20 operates in a bypass mode, the control circuit 21 controls the switch circuit 22 to be in an on-state and can also control the protection circuit 24 to operate in a second protection state. The power consumption of the protection circuit 24 operating in the second protection state is less than that in the first protection state, thereby reducing the power consumption of the protection circuit 24 in the bypass mode.

[0106] For example, the protection circuit 24 may include at least one of a current protection unit, a temperature protection unit, a voltage protection unit, and the like.

[0107] Among them, the current protection unit can trigger current protection of the intelligent electronic switch 20 when the current flowing through the switch circuit 22 is abnormal. The current protection unit includes an overcurrent protection unit and / or a current limiting protection unit. The overcurrent protection unit outputs an overcurrent protection signal when it determines that the current sampling value is greater than the overcurrent protection threshold, so as to trigger the control circuit 21 to drive the switch circuit 22 to be turned off. The current limiting protection unit outputs a current limiting protection signal when it determines that the current sampling value is greater than the current limiting protection threshold, so as to trigger the control circuit 21 to adjust the size of the control signal output to the control end of the switch circuit 22 to reduce the current flowing through the switch circuit 22, thereby making the current sampling value less than or equal to the current limiting protection threshold. Optionally, the power consumption of the current protection unit in bypass mode is less than its power consumption in normal working mode. For example, in bypass mode, the current protection unit stops working.

[0108] The temperature protection unit is configured to output a temperature protection signal upon detecting an abnormal temperature of the switch circuit 22, thereby triggering temperature protection of the switch circuit 22. The power consumption of the temperature protection unit in bypass mode is lower than that in normal operating mode. For example, the temperature protection threshold of the temperature protection unit in bypass mode is lower than that in normal operating mode, or a temperature protection unit with lower power consumption is selected in bypass mode.

[0109] The voltage protection unit is used to trigger voltage protection for the intelligent electronic switch 20 when it detects that the voltage of the power supply terminal VBAT is abnormal and outputs a voltage abnormality signal. The power consumption of the voltage protection unit in bypass mode is less than that in normal working mode. Optionally, the voltage protection unit may include an overvoltage protection unit and / or an undervoltage protection unit. The overvoltage protection unit is used to trigger overvoltage protection for the intelligent electronic switch 20 when it detects that the voltage of the power supply terminal VBAT is higher than a first voltage threshold. For example, when the voltage VBAT of the power supply terminal VBAT is greater than the first voltage threshold, the switch circuit 22 can be turned off by the control circuit 21 or the voltage of the power supply terminal VBAT can be pulled down by the voltage clamping circuit to reduce the voltage of the power supply terminal VBAT, thereby protecting the intelligent electronic switch 20 from being damaged by high voltage. The undervoltage protection unit is configured to trigger undervoltage protection of the intelligent electronic switch 20 when detecting that the voltage of the power supply terminal VBAT is lower than a second voltage threshold. For example, when the voltage VBAT of the power supply terminal VBAT is lower than the second voltage threshold, the intelligent electronic switch 20 may be prohibited from being used by shutting down the switch circuit 22 via the control circuit 21, thereby improving the reliability of the intelligent electronic switch 20 when in use.

[0110] In practical applications, the intelligent electronic switch 20 may be designed with multiple protection units or one or more of the multiple protection units. For example, the intelligent electronic switch 20 may include a current protection unit, a temperature protection unit, an output short-circuit protection unit, a voltage protection unit, etc., or may include only one or more of the protection units. When the intelligent electronic switch 20 is designed with at least two protection units, in bypass mode, at least one of the protection units in the protection circuit stops operating or operates in an energy-saving state, thereby reducing the power consumption of the protection circuit 24 and thereby reducing the self-consumption of the intelligent electronic switch 20.

[0111] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 5 As shown, the intelligent electronic switch 20 may further include a diagnostic circuit 23 and a diagnostic output terminal CS. The diagnostic circuit 23 is connected to the control circuit 21 and the diagnostic output terminal CS respectively. The diagnostic circuit 23 is used to collect parameter information of the intelligent electronic switch 20 and output it to the microcontroller 40 via the diagnostic output terminal CS.

[0112] In normal operating mode, the control circuit 21 controls the diagnostic circuit 23 to operate in a first diagnostic state; in bypass mode, the control circuit 21 controls the diagnostic circuit 23 to operate in a second diagnostic state, and the power consumption of the diagnostic circuit 23 operating in the second diagnostic state is less than that of the diagnostic circuit 23 operating in the first diagnostic state.

[0113] In this embodiment, the diagnostic circuit 23 can monitor certain operating indicators of the intelligent electronic switch 20 and obtain parameter information of the intelligent electronic switch 20 when the switch circuit 22 is in the on state, and output the information to the microcontroller 40 through the diagnostic output terminal CS. In this way, the microcontroller 40 can diagnose the status of the intelligent electronic switch 20 based on the received parameter information.

[0114] For example, in the intelligent electronic switch 20, the diagnostic circuit 23 can obtain at least one of the following information: current information flowing through the switch circuit 22, temperature information of the switch circuit 22, power supply voltage information of the intelligent electronic switch 20, and abnormal indication information indicating that the switch circuit 22 is abnormally shut down. Based on the function selection of the microcontroller 40, the diagnostic circuit 23 can output the corresponding parameter information to the microcontroller 40 through the diagnostic output terminal CS, so that the microcontroller 40 can diagnose the status of the intelligent electronic switch 20, thereby more accurately controlling the working status of the intelligent electronic switch 20.

[0115] Optionally, in actual applications, in order to meet the working requirements and low power consumption requirements of the load, the working mode of the intelligent electronic switch 20 can be set, and then the working state of the diagnostic circuit 23 can be controlled in different working modes. For example, in the normal working mode, the diagnostic circuit 23 is controlled to work in the first diagnostic state, and in the bypass mode, the diagnostic circuit 23 is controlled to work in the second diagnostic state. The second diagnostic state is different from the first diagnostic state. For example, when the diagnostic circuit 23 works in the first diagnostic state, one or more diagnostic units included therein are in normal operation. When the diagnostic circuit 23 works in the second diagnostic state, at least one of the diagnostic units included therein is in a non-working state. In this way, the power consumption of the diagnostic circuit 23 working in the second diagnostic state is less than the power consumption of the diagnostic circuit 23 working in the first diagnostic state.

[0116] In this technical solution, when the intelligent electronic switch controls the switch circuit to be in the on state, it can also control the working state of the diagnostic circuit according to the working mode of the intelligent electronic switch. On the basis of ensuring the normal operation of the load, it effectively reduces the self-consumption of the intelligent electronic switch, extends the battery life of the battery connected to the intelligent electronic switch, and improves the application experience.

[0117] Optionally, in other embodiments of the present application, for example, referring to Figure 5As shown, the intelligent electronic switch 20 further includes a first functional terminal FU1 and a second functional terminal FU2, both of which are connected to the control circuit 21. When the first functional terminal FU1 receives a first signal and the second functional terminal FU2 receives a second signal, the control circuit 21 controls the intelligent electronic switch 20 to enter the bypass mode. The self-consumption power of the intelligent electronic switch 20 in the bypass mode is less than the self-consumption power of the intelligent electronic switch 20 in the normal working mode. In both the bypass mode and the normal working mode, the switch circuit 22 is in an on state.

[0118] For example, in order to be fully compatible with the original functions of the intelligent electronic switch 20, the first function terminal FU1 and the second function terminal FU2 can reuse any two of the input terminal Input, the diagnostic enable terminal SEN, the first function selection terminal SEL1, the second function selection terminal SEL0, the diagnostic release terminal Fault, and other terminals of the intelligent electronic switch 20.

[0119] As an example, the first functional terminal FU1 can reuse the diagnostic enable terminal, and the second functional terminal FU2 can reuse the input terminal. In other examples, the first functional terminal FU1 and the second functional terminal FU2 can also reuse other terminals, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. It is understood that in other embodiments of the present application, the first functional terminal FU1 and / or the second functional terminal FU2 can also be newly added terminals of the intelligent electronic switch 20, or a combination of newly added terminals and existing terminals, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0120] It is understandable that other parts not detailed in one embodiment of the present application can be referred to the records in other embodiments of the present application and will not be repeated here.

[0121] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, an embodiment of the present application further provides an integrated circuit chip, comprising the intelligent electronic switch 20 described in the above embodiments. That is, the intelligent electronic switch 20 described above can be fabricated on the same semiconductor substrate. The power supply terminal VBAT is a power supply pin, the power ground terminal GND is a power ground pin, and the load output terminal OUT is a load output pin.

[0122] Optionally, other embodiments of the present application further provide a chip product, which may include the above-mentioned intelligent electronic switch 20, wherein the components of the intelligent electronic switch 20 other than the switching circuit 22 or some components of the switching circuit 22 are located on a first integrated circuit chip, and the switching circuit 22 or some components of the switching circuit 22 are located on a second integrated circuit chip. That is, the first integrated circuit chip is fabricated on one semiconductor substrate, and the second integrated circuit chip is fabricated on another semiconductor substrate.

[0123] Optionally, when the switching circuit 22 includes a main power switch Q1 and a bypass switch Q2, as an example, the control circuit 21 and the bypass switch Q2 are located on a first integrated circuit chip, and the main power switch Q1 is located on a second integrated circuit chip; as another example, the control circuit 21 is located on the first integrated circuit chip, and the main power switch Q1 and the bypass switch Q2 are both located on the second integrated circuit chip.

[0124] Among them, the power supply terminal VBAT is the power supply pin, the power ground terminal GND is the power ground pin, and the load output terminal OUT is the load output pin. The power supply pin and the power ground pin are located on the first integrated circuit chip, and the load output pin is located on the second integrated circuit chip. In addition, the first integrated circuit chip also includes other pins, such as input pins, diagnostic enable pins, diagnostic output pins, first drive pins, etc., and the second integrated circuit chip also includes other pins, such as second drive pins, wherein the first drive pin is connected to the drive circuit 25 and the second drive pin respectively, and the second drive pin is connected to the control end of the switch circuit 22. It can be understood that the first integrated circuit chip and the second integrated circuit chip can also add other pins, omit related pins, or merge related pins as needed. Here, the first integrated circuit chip and the second integrated circuit chip are packaged into one product.

[0125] In addition, in other embodiments of the present application, a car is also provided. The car can be an electric car, such as an electric passenger car or an electric commercial vehicle, or a hybrid car or a fuel car. The car includes a battery 10, a load, a microcontroller 40 and an intelligent electronic switch 20.

[0126] The microcontroller 40 is connected to the intelligent electronic switch 20 for controlling the intelligent electronic switch 20. For example, the microcontroller 40 can be connected to the intelligent electronic switch 20 via an input terminal Input, and the intelligent electronic switch 20 can receive a switch control signal via the input terminal Input, thereby controlling the on / off state of the switch circuit 22.

[0127] It is understandable that the intelligent electronic switch and integrated circuit chip of this embodiment are not limited to use in automotive electronics, but can also be used in industrial automation, aerospace and other fields, which will not be described in detail here.

[0128] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present application after considering the specification and practicing the application disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present application that follow the general principles of the present application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the present application are indicated by the following claims.

[0129] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the exact structure described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An intelligent electronic switch, characterized in that: It includes a power supply terminal, a power ground terminal, a load output terminal, a switching circuit and a control circuit; The power supply terminal and the power ground terminal are used to be connected to a battery, the load output terminal is used to be connected to a load, one end of the switch circuit is connected to the load output terminal, the other end of the switch circuit is connected to the power supply terminal or the power ground terminal, and the control end of the switch circuit is connected to the control circuit, and the control circuit is used to control the switch circuit to be turned on or off; It also includes a driving circuit, wherein the driving circuit is connected to the control circuit and the switching circuit; When the intelligent electronic switch operates in a normal operating mode, the control circuit controls the switch circuit via the drive circuit to turn on and conduct, and at this time, the drive circuit operates in a first drive state. When the intelligent electronic switch operates in a bypass mode, the control circuit controls the switch circuit via the drive circuit to turn on and conduct, and at this time, the drive circuit operates in a second drive state. The power consumption of the drive circuit when operating in the first drive state is greater than the power consumption of the drive circuit when operating in the second drive state.

2. The intelligent electronic switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving circuit includes a first driving unit and a second driving unit, and the first driving unit and the second driving unit are both connected to the control circuit, and the control circuit is used to control the working states of the first driving unit and the second driving unit; In the normal working mode, the control circuit controls the first driving unit to operate in the first working state and the second driving unit to operate in the fourth working state, so as to drive the switch circuit to turn on through the first driving unit. At this time, the driving circuit operates in the first driving state; In the bypass mode, the control circuit controls the first drive unit to operate in the third working state and the second drive unit to operate in the second working state, so as to drive the switching circuit to turn on through the second drive unit. At this time, the drive circuit operates in the second driving state; wherein the first working state is different from the third working state, and the second working state is different from the fourth working state.

3. The intelligent electronic switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The switching circuit includes a main power switch and a bypass switch. A first end of the main power switch and a first end of the bypass switch are both connected to the power supply end or the power ground end. A second end of the main power switch and a second end of the bypass switch are both connected to the load output end. A control end of the main power switch is connected to the first drive unit, and a control end of the bypass switch is connected to the second drive unit. The first drive unit is used to control the main power switch to turn on and conduct in a first working state, and to control the main power switch to turn off and cut off in a third working state. The second drive unit is used to control the bypass switch to turn on and conduct in a second working state, and to control the bypass switch to turn off and cut off in a fourth working state.

4. The intelligent electronic switch according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main power switch is an N-type switch tube, the bypass switch is a P-type switch tube, and both the N-type switch tube and the P-type switch tube are connected between the power supply end and the load output end; The first driving unit includes a boost module and a first driving module. The boost module is connected to the power supply end and the first driving module. The boost module is used to make its output voltage greater than the voltage of the power supply end. The first driving module is also connected to the control circuit and the control end of the N-type switch tube respectively. The first driving module is used to connect to the output voltage of the boost module when the intelligent electronic switch is operating in a normal working mode, so as to drive the N-type switch tube to turn on; The second driving unit includes a second driving module, which is respectively connected to the control circuit and the control end of the P-type switch tube. The second driving module is used to drive the P-type switch tube to turn on when the intelligent electronic switch operates in the bypass mode.

5. The intelligent electronic switch according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second driving unit is a current limiting driving unit, and the current limiting driving unit includes a transistor and a constant current source, and the type of the transistor is consistent with the type of the bypass switch; One end of the current limiting drive unit is connected to the power supply end, and the other end thereof is connected to the power ground end. The control end of the current limiting drive unit is connected to the control circuit. The drain of the transistor is connected to the control end of the transistor. The control end of the transistor is also connected to the control end of the bypass switch. In the bypass mode, the control circuit controls the current limiting drive unit to operate so as to control the bypass switch to be turned on via the current limiting drive unit, and the current value flowing through the bypass switch is less than or equal to the first current limiting value set by the current limiting drive unit. The first current limiting value is related to the current value provided by the constant current source and the current mirror ratio of the transistor and the switch tube, and the first current limiting value is less than the maximum current value flowing through the switch circuit in the normal working mode.

6. The intelligent electronic switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The switching circuit includes a power switch, the control end of the power switch is connected to the first drive unit and the second drive unit, the first drive unit is used to control the power switch to be turned on and turned on in the normal working mode, and the second drive unit is used to control the power switch to be turned on and turned on in the bypass mode.

7. The intelligent electronic switch according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second driving unit includes a first switch module, one end of the first switch module is connected to the control end of the power switch, the other end of the first switch module is connected to the power supply end or the power ground end, and the control end of the first switch module is connected to the control circuit; In the bypass mode, the control circuit controls the first switch module to be turned on, so that the power switch is turned on.

8. The intelligent electronic switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: It also includes a protection circuit, which is connected to the control circuit and is used to protect the intelligent electronic switch; In the normal working mode, the control circuit controls the protection circuit to operate in the first protection state; When the intelligent electronic switch operates in the bypass mode, the control circuit controls the protection circuit to operate in the second protection state, and the power consumption of the protection circuit in the second protection state is less than that in the first protection state.

9. The intelligent electronic switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: It also includes a diagnostic circuit and a diagnostic output terminal, wherein the diagnostic circuit is connected to the control circuit and the diagnostic output terminal respectively, and the diagnostic circuit is used to collect parameter information of the intelligent electronic switch and output it to the microcontroller via the diagnostic output terminal; In normal working mode, the control circuit controls the diagnostic circuit to operate in a first diagnostic state; in bypass mode, the control circuit controls the diagnostic circuit to operate in a second diagnostic state, and the power consumption of the diagnostic circuit operating in the second diagnostic state is less than the power consumption of the diagnostic circuit operating in the first diagnostic state.

10. An integrated circuit chip, characterized in that: The intelligent electronic switch according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the power supply terminal is a power supply pin, the power ground terminal is a power ground pin, and the load output terminal is a load output pin.

11. A chip product, characterized in that: The intelligent electronic switch according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein components of the intelligent electronic switch other than a switching circuit or some components of the switching circuit are located on a first integrated circuit chip, and correspondingly, the switching circuit or some components of the switching circuit are located on a second integrated circuit chip; Among them, the power supply end is a power supply pin, the power ground end is a power ground pin, and the load output end is a load output pin. The power supply pin and the power ground pin are located on a first integrated circuit chip, and the load output pin is located on a second integrated circuit chip.

12. An automobile, characterized in that: The intelligent electronic switch according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or the integrated circuit chip according to claim 10, or the chip product according to claim 11; It also includes a battery, a load and a microcontroller; wherein the positive pole of the battery is connected to the power supply terminal, the negative pole of the battery is connected to the power ground terminal, one end of the load is connected to the load output terminal, the other end of the load is connected to the power ground terminal or the power supply terminal, and the microcontroller is connected to the intelligent electronic switch.

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