Anti-misoperation low-side switching circuit, electronic equipment and automobile

By integrating the charging sub-circuit, energy storage sub-circuit, voltage divider sub-circuit and low-side switch sub-circuit, and combining them with PWM drive signal control, the problem of long-term operation of the low-side switch circuit due to faults is solved, the stability and reliability of the circuit are achieved, the safety hazards are reduced, and the safety and reliability of the circuit are improved.

CN223391250UActive Publication Date: 2025-09-26EAST JOY LONG AUTOMOBILE ELECTRONICS SHANGHAI
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422358246.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-25
Publication Date
2025-09-26
Estimated Expiration
2034-09-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing low-side switch circuits are prone to long-term load operation due to the output pin being accidentally locked in a high or low state when the system or microcontroller fails. This can cause hazards such as overheating, damage, and even fire, posing a serious safety hazard in critical application areas.

Method used

A combination of charging sub-circuit, energy storage sub-circuit, voltage divider sub-circuit and low-side switch sub-circuit is adopted to control the switching state of the low-side switch through PWM drive signal. A PWM drive signal generator is integrated to achieve fine voltage regulation and closed-loop control, ensuring the stability and reliability of the low-side switch.

Benefits of technology

It effectively prevents the problem of the low-side switch being unable to turn off due to system or MCU failure, ensures the stability and reliability of the low-side switch, reduces the risk of equipment damage or safety accidents, and improves the safety and reliability of the circuit.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of switching circuits, and provides an anti-error-driving low-side switching circuit, electronic equipment and an automobile, the low-side switching circuit comprises a charging sub-circuit, an energy storage sub-circuit, a voltage division sub-circuit and a low-side switching sub-circuit, the charging sub-circuit is located at the input end of the low-side switching circuit and is used for receiving a PWM driving signal and charging the energy storage sub-circuit; the energy storage sub-circuit is connected with the output end of the charging sub-circuit and is used for accumulating charges under the driving of the PWM driving signal and controlling the on-off state of the low-side switch sub-circuit through the voltage division sub-circuit; the voltage division sub-circuit is connected with the output end of the energy storage sub-circuit and is used for generating divided voltage according to the voltage of the energy storage sub-circuit and providing the divided voltage to the low-side switch sub-circuit; and the low-side switch sub-circuit is connected with the output end of the voltage division sub-circuit and is used for controlling the on-off state of the low-side switch sub-circuit according to the divided voltage. According to the invention, accurate and stable control of the low-side switch is realized, and the safety and reliability of the circuit are improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of switch circuits, and in particular to low-side switch circuits, electronic devices, and automobiles that are protected against mis-driving. Background Art

[0002] In existing low-side switch circuit designs, most use a fixed high or low state to control the on / off switching of the load. This control method is simple and straightforward, but it carries significant safety risks in practical applications. If a system or microcontroller malfunction occurs, such as an output pin being accidentally locked in a high or low state, the low-side switch circuit will not be properly controlled. When the output remains high, the low-side chip (such as a transistor or MOSFET) will continue to conduct, causing the load to operate for a long time, potentially causing overheating, damage, or even fire. In critical applications such as automotive and industrial control, this failure can have serious consequences. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to help solve the problem that a low-side switch circuit causes a load to work for a long time, thereby causing danger, the present application provides a low-side switch circuit that is resistant to mis-driving.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides a low-side switch circuit that prevents mis-driving, employing the following technical solutions:

[0005] A low-side switch circuit for preventing mis-driving, wherein the low-side switch circuit comprises a charging sub-circuit, an energy storage sub-circuit, a voltage dividing sub-circuit and a low-side switch sub-circuit.

[0006] The charging subcircuit is located at the input end of the low-side switch circuit, and is used to receive a PWM drive signal and charge the energy storage subcircuit;

[0007] The energy storage subcircuit is connected to the output end of the charging subcircuit, and is used to accumulate charge under the drive of the PWM drive signal, and control the switching state of the low-side switch subcircuit through the voltage divider subcircuit;

[0008] The voltage divider sub-circuit is connected to the output end of the energy storage sub-circuit, and is used to generate a divided voltage according to the voltage of the energy storage sub-circuit, and provide the divided voltage to the low-side switch sub-circuit;

[0009] The low-side switch sub-circuit is connected to the output end of the voltage divider sub-circuit, and is used to control the switching state of the low-side switch sub-circuit according to the divided voltage.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the low-side switch circuit innovatively integrates a charging subcircuit, an energy storage subcircuit, a voltage divider subcircuit, and a low-side switch subcircuit to form a control system. The PWM drive signal enters through the charging subcircuit to charge the energy storage subcircuit. The charge accumulated in the energy storage subcircuit is converted by the voltage divider subcircuit into a voltage suitable for controlling the low-side switch, thereby controlling the switching state of the low-side switch subcircuit. This structure not only effectively prevents the low-side switch from being unable to turn off due to system or MCU failures, but also achieves precise monitoring and adjustment of the low-side switch state through precise voltage regulation and closed-loop control. Even in complex and changing circuit environments, the stability and reliability of the low-side switch can be ensured, greatly reducing the risk of equipment damage or safety accidents caused by misdriving.

[0011] Preferably, the low-side switch circuit further includes a PWM drive signal generating device, which is connected to the input end of the charging electronic circuit, and is used to generate the PWM drive signal and adjust the period and duty cycle of the PWM drive signal.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the low-side switch circuit integrates a PWM drive signal generator that can generate PWM drive signals with specific periods and duty cycles based on external input or internal algorithms. By adjusting the period and duty cycle, these signals can control the charging speed of the charging subcircuit and the charge accumulation of the energy storage subcircuit. This flexible drive signal adjustment capability enables the circuit to maintain optimal operating conditions under different operating conditions. By fine-tuning the PWM drive signal parameters, circuit efficiency can be optimized, energy consumption can be reduced, and damage to circuit components caused by overcharging or over-discharging can be minimized. This also greatly facilitates subsequent circuit debugging and maintenance.

[0013] Preferably, the charging subcircuit includes a first resistor and a first capacitor, the first resistor is used to receive the PWM drive signal and limit the charging speed of the energy storage subcircuit, and the first capacitor is connected to the output end of the first resistor for transmitting the PWM drive signal.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the charging subcircuit consists of a first resistor and a first capacitor. The first resistor acts as a current-limiting element, limiting the charging current and preventing damage to the circuit due to excessive current. The first capacitor is used to transmit the PWM drive signal. This design not only ensures the safety of the charging process but also improves the purity and stability of the signal. The synergistic effect of the resistor and capacitor achieves dual control of charging speed and charging quality. Even in the case of large fluctuations in the input signal, it can ensure that the energy storage subcircuit can stably accumulate charge, providing reliable support for subsequent voltage division control and switching control.

[0015] Preferably, the energy storage subcircuit includes a first diode, a second diode and a second capacitor.

[0016] One end of the second capacitor is connected to the first diode, and the other end is grounded, and the second capacitor is used to accumulate charge under the drive of the PWM drive signal;

[0017] The anode of the first diode is connected to the output end of the charging sub-circuit, and the cathode is connected to the second capacitor. When the PWM drive signal is at a high level, the first diode is used to allow the charging sub-circuit to charge the second capacitor.

[0018] The anode of the second diode is connected to the output end of the charging sub-circuit, and the cathode is grounded. When the PWM driving signal is at a low level, the second diode is used to prevent the second capacitor from discharging.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the energy storage subcircuit consists of a first diode, a second diode, and a second capacitor. The first diode allows the charging subcircuit to charge the second capacitor when the PWM drive signal is at a high level; the second diode prevents the second capacitor from discharging when the PWM drive signal is at a low level. In this way, the second capacitor can continuously accumulate charge under the drive of the PWM drive signal, providing energy for subsequent voltage division control and switching control. This design fully utilizes the unidirectional conductivity of the diode to achieve precise control of the charging and discharging process. As an energy storage element, the second capacitor can accumulate a large amount of charge in a short period of time, providing sufficient energy support for subsequent circuit operation. At the same time, the presence of the second capacitor can also smooth the fluctuations of the PWM signal to a certain extent, making the circuit operation more stable and reliable.

[0020] Preferably, the voltage divider subcircuit includes a second resistor and a third resistor, one end of the second resistor is connected to the output end of the energy storage subcircuit, and the other end is connected to the third resistor, one end of the third resistor is connected to the second resistor, and the other end is grounded.

[0021] Using the above technical solution, the voltage divider subcircuit consists of a second resistor and a third resistor. These resistors are connected in series between the output terminal of the energy storage subcircuit and ground, forming a voltage divider network. When the voltage of the energy storage subcircuit changes, the voltage divider network reduces the voltage proportionally to a range suitable for controlling the low-side switch. This design, through precise voltage division ratios and a stable voltage divider network, enables precise regulation of the low-side switch control voltage. Regardless of changes in the voltage of the energy storage subcircuit, the voltage divider subcircuit maintains the stability and accuracy of the output voltage. This helps improve the accuracy and stability of switch control, reduces the possibility of misoperation, and further enhances the safety and reliability of the circuit.

[0022] Preferably, a low-side transistor is provided in the low-side switch sub-circuit, the base of the low-side transistor is connected to the output end of the voltage divider sub-circuit, and the emitter is grounded. The low-side transistor is used to receive the divided voltage through the voltage divider sub-circuit and control the switching state of the low-side switch sub-circuit.

[0023] By adopting this technical solution, a low-side transistor is installed within the low-side switch subcircuit. The voltage divider subcircuit receives the divided voltage and controls the switch state. As a switching element, the low-side transistor features fast response and stable control. The precise voltage control provided by the voltage divider subcircuit enables fast and accurate control of the low-side switch.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present application provides an electronic device, which adopts the following technical solution;

[0025] An electronic device, wherein a low-side switch circuit for preventing mis-driving according to any one of the first aspects is provided therein, a collector of the low-side transistor is used to connect an external load, and the low-side switch circuit is used to control the on-off between the electronic device and the external load.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, this electronic device innovatively integrates the aforementioned anti-misoperation low-side switch circuit. Through its unique PWM drive method and the coordinated operation of multiple sub-circuits, this circuit ensures precise and reliable control of critical loads in electronic devices. Whether for power management, signal processing, or other applications requiring precise control of switching states, this electronic device provides stable and safe performance. The application of anti-misoperation low-side switch circuits in electronic devices significantly improves their overall performance and safety.

[0027] In a third aspect, the present application provides a vehicle that adopts the following technical solution:

[0028] A car, wherein the electronic device described in the second aspect is installed in the car.

[0029] By adopting this technical solution, the car achieves precise control of various internal vehicle systems (such as the engine, lighting, and audio) by leveraging the circuit's efficient and safe control characteristics. Whether in normal driving or in emergencies, the car ensures stable operation and rapid response of various systems through intelligent management of the low-side switch circuit.

[0030] In summary, the present invention's anti-misdrive low-side switch circuit achieves precise and stable control of the low-side switch through the innovative use of a PWM drive method, combined with the coordinated operation of multiple sub-circuits. This effectively avoids the limitations of traditional high- and low-level control methods, improving the safety and reliability of the circuit. In applications such as electronic equipment and automobiles, it further enhances the overall performance and safety of the product, with significant overall beneficial effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the low-side switch circuit for preventing mis-driving of the present application.

[0032] Reference numerals: 1. charging subcircuit; 2. energy storage subcircuit; 3. voltage divider subcircuit; 4. low-side switch subcircuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] With reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, the structure, composition, characteristics and advantages of the low-side switch circuit, electronic equipment and automobile with anti-misdrive according to the present application will be described below in an exemplary manner. However, all descriptions should not be used to form any limitations on the present application.

[0034] In addition, for any single technical feature described or implied in the embodiments mentioned in this document, or any single technical feature shown or implied in the drawings, this application still allows for continued arbitrary combination or deletion between these technical features (or their equivalents) without any technical obstacles, and thus it should be considered that these more embodiments according to this application are also within the scope of the description in this document.

[0035] It should also be noted that terms such as "disposed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary. Unless otherwise specified, those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of an embodiment of a low-side switch circuit for preventing mis-driving of the present application. Figure 1As can be seen in the figure, the bottom-side switch circuit may include a charging subcircuit 1, an energy storage subcircuit 2, a voltage divider subcircuit 3, and a low-side switch subcircuit 4. The charging subcircuit 1 is located at the input end of the low-side switch circuit and is used to receive a PWM drive signal and charge the energy storage subcircuit 2. The energy storage subcircuit 2 is connected to the output end of the charging subcircuit 1 and is used to accumulate charge under the drive of the PWM drive signal and control the switching state of the low-side switch subcircuit 4 through the voltage divider subcircuit 3. The voltage divider subcircuit 3 is connected to the output end of the energy storage subcircuit 2 and is used to generate a divided voltage based on the voltage of the energy storage subcircuit 2 and provide the divided voltage to the low-side switch subcircuit 4. The low-side switch subcircuit 4 is connected to the output end of the voltage divider subcircuit 3 and is used to control the switching state of the low-side switch subcircuit 4 based on the divided voltage.

[0037] The PWM drive signal enters through charging sub-circuit 1, charging energy storage sub-circuit 2. The accumulated charge in energy storage sub-circuit 2 is converted by voltage divider sub-circuit 3 into a voltage suitable for controlling the low-side switch, which in turn controls the on / off state of low-side switch sub-circuit 4. This structure not only effectively prevents the low-side switch from failing to turn off due to system or MCU failures, but also enables precise monitoring and adjustment of the low-side switch state through sophisticated voltage regulation and closed-loop control. This ensures the stability and reliability of the low-side switch even in complex and changing circuit environments, significantly reducing the risk of equipment damage or safety incidents caused by mis-driving.

[0038] In this embodiment, the low-side switch circuit may also include a PWM drive signal generator (not shown). This PWM drive signal generator is connected to the input of the charging electronic circuit and is used to generate a PWM drive signal and adjust the period and duty cycle of the PWM drive signal. By fine-tuning the parameters of the PWM drive signal, circuit efficiency can be optimized, energy consumption can be reduced, and damage to circuit components caused by overcharging or over-discharging can be minimized. This also greatly facilitates subsequent circuit debugging and maintenance.

[0039] In such Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the charging subcircuit 1 may include a first resistor and a first capacitor. The first resistor may be Figure 1 In R1, the first capacitor can be Figure 1 C1 and R1 in Figure 2 are used to receive the PWM drive signal and limit the charging speed of energy storage sub-circuit 2. C1 is connected to the output of R1 to transmit the PWM drive signal. This design not only ensures the safety of the charging process but also improves the purity and stability of the signal. The synergistic effect of resistors and capacitors achieves dual control of charging speed and charging quality. Even with large fluctuations in the input signal, energy storage sub-circuit 2 can ensure stable charge accumulation, providing reliable support for subsequent voltage divider control and switching control.

[0040] In such Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the energy storage sub-circuit 2 may include a first diode, a second diode and a second capacitor. The first diode may be Figure 1 In D1, the second diode can be Figure 1 In D2, the second capacitor can be Figure 1 C2 in the circuit has one end connected to D1 and the other end grounded. C2 is used to accumulate charge under the drive of the PWM drive signal. Because the diode is unidirectional, D1's positive electrode is connected to the output of charging sub-circuit 1, and its negative electrode is connected to C2. When the PWM drive signal is at a high level, D1 allows charging sub-circuit 1 to charge the second capacitor. D2's positive electrode is connected to the output of charging sub-circuit 1, and its negative electrode is grounded. When the PWM drive signal is at a low level, D2 prevents the second capacitor from discharging.

[0041] This design leverages the unidirectional conductivity of the diode to achieve precise control of the charging and discharging process. The second capacitor, acting as an energy storage element, can quickly accumulate a large amount of charge, providing ample energy for subsequent circuit operation. Furthermore, the presence of the second capacitor can also smooth out fluctuations in the PWM signal to a certain extent, making the circuit more stable and reliable.

[0042] In such Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the voltage divider circuit 3 may include a second resistor and a third resistor. The second resistor may be Figure 1 The third resistor R2 can be Figure 1 In R3, one end of R2 is connected to the output of tank sub-circuit 2, and the other end is connected to R3. R3 is connected to R2 and grounded. R2 and R3 are connected in series between the output of tank sub-circuit 2 and ground, forming a voltage divider network. When the voltage of tank sub-circuit 2 changes, the voltage divider network reduces the voltage proportionally to a range suitable for controlling the low-side switch.

[0043] "Low side" usually refers to the side of the switch connected to the negative side of the power supply (such as ground or 0V). Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, a low-side transistor is provided in the low-side switch sub-circuit 4. The low-side transistor can be Figure 1Q1 in FIG. 1 has its base connected to the output of the voltage divider subcircuit 3, its emitter grounded, and its collector connected to an external load. Q1 receives the divided voltage from the voltage divider subcircuit 3 and controls the switching state of the low-side switch subcircuit 4. In this embodiment, a PWM drive signal charges C2 via R1, C1, D1, and D2. When the voltage of C2 is divided by R4 and R2, if the voltage divided by R2 is greater than 0.7V, Q1 is turned on, thereby controlling the switching state of the low-side switch subcircuit 4. As a switching element, the low-side transistor features fast response and stable control. The precise voltage control provided by the voltage divider subcircuit 3 enables fast and accurate control of the low-side switch.

[0044] The present application also provides an electronic device that can be located in a car and is equipped with the aforementioned low-side switch circuit for preventing mis-driving. The collector of the low-side transistor is used to connect an external load, and the low-side switch circuit is used to control the on-off of the electronic device and the external load.

[0045] This electronic device innovatively integrates the aforementioned low-side switch circuit with anti-false driving capabilities. Through its unique PWM drive method and multi-circuit collaborative mechanism, this circuit ensures precise and reliable control of critical loads within the electronic device. This device provides stable and safe performance for power management, signal processing, and other applications requiring precise control of switching states. The application of this low-side switch circuit in electronic devices significantly improves their overall performance and safety.

[0046] The present application also provides a car, in which the aforementioned electronic device is installed.

[0047] By adopting this technical solution, the car achieves precise control of various internal vehicle systems (such as the engine, lighting, and audio) by leveraging the circuit's efficient and safe control characteristics. Whether in normal driving or in emergencies, the car ensures stable operation and rapid response of various systems through intelligent management of the low-side switch circuit.

[0048] In summary, the present invention's anti-misdrive low-side switch circuit achieves precise and stable control of the low-side switch through the innovative use of a PWM drive method, combined with the coordinated operation of multiple sub-circuits. This effectively avoids the limitations of traditional high- and low-level control methods, improving the safety and reliability of the circuit. In applications such as electronic equipment and automobiles, it further enhances the overall performance and safety of the product, with significant overall beneficial effects.

[0049] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, any equivalent changes made based on the structure, shape, and principle of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A low-side switch circuit for preventing mis-driving, characterized in that: The low-side switch circuit includes a charging sub-circuit, an energy storage sub-circuit, a voltage divider sub-circuit and a low-side switch sub-circuit. The charging subcircuit is located at the input end of the low-side switch circuit, and is used to receive a PWM drive signal and charge the energy storage subcircuit; The energy storage subcircuit is connected to the output end of the charging subcircuit, and is used to accumulate charge under the drive of the PWM drive signal, and control the switching state of the low-side switch subcircuit through the voltage divider subcircuit; The voltage divider sub-circuit is connected to the output end of the energy storage sub-circuit, and is used to generate a divided voltage according to the voltage of the energy storage sub-circuit, and provide the divided voltage to the low-side switch sub-circuit; The low-side switch sub-circuit is connected to the output end of the voltage divider sub-circuit, and is used to control the switching state of the low-side switch sub-circuit according to the divided voltage.

2. The low-side switch circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The low-side switch circuit further includes a PWM drive signal generating device, which is connected to the input end of the charging electronic circuit. The PWM signal generating device is used to generate the PWM drive signal and adjust the period and duty cycle of the PWM drive signal.

3. The low-side switch circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The charging subcircuit includes a first resistor and a first capacitor. The first resistor is used to receive the PWM drive signal and limit the charging speed of the energy storage subcircuit. The first capacitor is connected to the output end of the first resistor and is used to transmit the PWM drive signal.

4. The low-side switch circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The energy storage subcircuit includes a first diode, a second diode and a second capacitor, One end of the second capacitor is connected to the first diode, and the other end is grounded, and the second capacitor is used to accumulate charge under the drive of the PWM drive signal; The anode of the first diode is connected to the output end of the charging sub-circuit, and the cathode is connected to the second capacitor. When the PWM drive signal is at a high level, the first diode is used to allow the charging sub-circuit to charge the second capacitor. The anode of the second diode is connected to the output end of the charging sub-circuit, and the cathode is grounded. When the PWM driving signal is at a low level, the second diode is used to prevent the second capacitor from discharging.

5. The low-side switch circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The voltage divider subcircuit includes a second resistor and a third resistor, one end of the second resistor is connected to the output end of the energy storage subcircuit, and the other end is connected to the third resistor, one end of the third resistor is connected to the second resistor, and the other end is grounded.

6. The low-side switch circuit according to claim 1, wherein: A low-side transistor is provided in the low-side switch sub-circuit, the base of the low-side transistor is connected to the output end of the voltage divider sub-circuit, and the emitter is grounded. The low-side transistor is used to receive the divided voltage through the voltage divider sub-circuit and control the switching state of the low-side switch sub-circuit.

7. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device is provided with a low-side switch circuit for preventing mis-driving according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the collector of the low-side transistor is used to connect an external load, and the low-side switch circuit is used to control the on-off between the electronic device and the external load.

8. An automobile, characterized in that: The electronic device according to claim 7 is installed in the car.