TEC driving circuit and system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of optical communication, in particular to a TEC drive circuit and system, which comprises a voltage conversion module, a sensing module, a power monitoring module and a control module, according to the utility model, the input voltage is provided for the voltage conversion module through the voltage source, and the voltage conversion module outputs the adjustable output voltage to supply power to the TEC, so that the problem that large current cannot be provided for the TEC without performing boost processing on a controller chip in the prior art can be well solved; and on the other hand, the voltage conversion module and the power monitoring module are high in integration level and small in packaging, and an effective solution can be provided under the application scene that the space and the size in the optical module are limited and a booster circuit cannot be additionally arranged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to a TEC driving circuit and system. Background Technology

[0002] In optical modules, using a Thermo Electric Cooler (TEC) for temperature control of optical devices is an essential technical means. For the TEC to function properly in temperature control, a TEC driver circuit or a corresponding controller chip must be used. However, without boosting the input voltage of the controller chip, its driving performance cannot be fully realized.

[0003] Meanwhile, the limited internal space and volume of optical modules make it impossible to use large-package controller chips and devices such as MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor). If a high-current controller chip, such as the ADN8835, is used, although the output current can be increased to ±3A, a boost circuit needs to be added at the input voltage of the controller chip, which will cause the overall package size to increase several times over.

[0004] Therefore, overcoming the shortcomings of the existing technology is an urgent problem to be solved in this technical field. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is how to provide a stable current drive for the TEC without increasing the chip package size or the design complexity of the boost circuit.

[0006] The present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, a TEC driving circuit is provided, comprising: a voltage conversion module, a sensing module, a power monitoring module, and a control module; the voltage input terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to a voltage source and one end of the TEC, respectively; the voltage output terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to one end of the sensing module; the other end of the sensing module is connected to the other end of the TEC; the first sensing terminal of the power monitoring module is connected to one end of the sensing module; the second sensing terminal of the power monitoring module is connected to the other end of the sensing module; the communication interface of the control module is connected to the communication interface of the power sensing module; the voltage setting terminal of the control module is connected to the feedback terminal of the voltage conversion module; and the control terminal of the control module is connected to the enable terminal of the voltage conversion module.

[0008] Preferably, the voltage conversion module includes a voltage conversion chip and a voltage divider unit. The voltage source is connected to the voltage input terminal of the voltage conversion chip, and the voltage divider unit is connected to the voltage output terminal and the feedback terminal of the voltage conversion chip, respectively. The voltage divider unit is also connected to the voltage setting terminal of the control module.

[0009] Preferably, the voltage divider unit includes resistors R1, R2, and R3; one end of resistor R1 is connected to the voltage output terminal of the voltage conversion chip, the other end of resistor R1 is connected to the feedback terminal of the voltage conversion chip, one end of resistor R2, and one end of resistor R3, the other end of resistor R2 is grounded, and the other end of resistor R3 is connected to the voltage setting terminal of the control module.

[0010] Preferably, the voltage conversion module further includes capacitor C1 and capacitor C2, one end of capacitor C1 and capacitor C2 are respectively connected to the voltage source, and the other end of capacitor C1 and capacitor C2 are both grounded.

[0011] Preferably, the voltage conversion module further includes capacitors C3, C4, and C5, one end of each of the capacitors C3, C4, and C5 is connected to the voltage output terminal of the voltage converter, and the other end of each of the capacitors C3, C4, and C5 is grounded.

[0012] Preferably, the sensing module includes a sensing resistor Rs, one end of which is connected to the voltage output terminal of the voltage conversion module, and the other end of which is connected to one end of the TEC.

[0013] The resistance value of the sensing resistor Rs ranges from 0.1mΩ to 1Ω.

[0014] Preferably, the Inter-Integrated Circuit (IIC) port of the power monitoring module is connected to the IIC port of the control module.

[0015] Preferably, the control module and the voltage conversion module are connected via an IIC interface.

[0016] Preferably, the voltage conversion chip is a TPS63020 or a TPS55289.

[0017] In a second aspect, a TEC driving system is provided, including a TEC and a TEC driving circuit as described in the first aspect, wherein the voltage input terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to a voltage source and one end of the TEC, the voltage output terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to one end of the sensing module, and the other end of the sensing module is connected to the other end of the TEC.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0019] This invention provides an input voltage to the voltage conversion module via a voltage source, and the voltage conversion module outputs an adjustable output voltage to power the TEC. This effectively solves the problem in the prior art that without boosting the controller chip, it is impossible to provide a large current to the TEC. On the other hand, the voltage conversion module and the power monitoring module have high integration and small package size, which can provide an effective solution in application scenarios where space and volume are limited in optical modules and it is impossible to add a boost circuit. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a TEC drive circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power monitoring module provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the driving process of a TEC driving circuit provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of a TEC drive circuit provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another TEC drive circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a TEC drive system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7This is a schematic flowchart of a driving method for a TEC driving circuit provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0029] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" is interpreted as openly inclusive, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics mentioned may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples; that is, although they may be incorporated into embodiments or examples using the above terms for reasons such as order and position, it does not limit them to be incorporated in combination by a single embodiment or example.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Furthermore, for example, the description may use the prefix "A" or "B" to describe the same type of nouns as two independent entities. In this case, the features defined with "A" and "B" are used only to distinguish between similar entities and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features.

[0031] In describing some embodiments, the terms "coupled," "coupled," and "connected," and their derivative expressions, may be used. For example, the term "connected" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact with each other. Similarly, the term "coupled" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact. However, the terms "connected" or "coupled" may also refer to two or more components that do not have direct contact with each other but still cooperate or interact with each other, such as "optical coupling" or "wireless connection." The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the scope of this invention.

[0032] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0033] Example 1:

[0034] The cooling or heating capacity of a TEC (Transmission Control Device) is typically measured by the magnitude of the current flowing through it; forward current flow results in cooling, while reverse current flow results in heating. The volt-ampere characteristic curve of a TEC is similar to that of a resistor. Assuming a resistance of 3Ω, its operating voltage is 4.5V when the operating current is 1.5A. Taking the commonly used controller chip ADN8834 for TECs as an example, its maximum output current is ±1.5A, while the input voltage on the electrical interface (gold fingers) of the optical module is 3.3V. If 3.3V is directly used as the input voltage of the ADN8834, the theoretical output voltage range is (-3.3V, +3.3V), which obviously cannot make the TEC operate at the (1.5A, 4.5V) operating point. In other words, without boosting the input voltage of the ADN8834 chip, its driving performance cannot be fully utilized.

[0035] To address the problems of existing technologies, this embodiment provides a TEC drive circuit, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a voltage conversion module, a sensing module, a power monitoring module, and a control module; the voltage input terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to one end of a voltage source and one end of a TEC, the voltage output terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to one end of the sensing module, and the other end of the sensing module is connected to the other end of the TEC; the first sensing terminal of the power monitoring module is connected to one end of the sensing module, and the second sensing terminal of the power monitoring module is connected to the other end of the sensing module; the communication interface of the control module is connected to the communication interface of the power sensing module, the voltage setting terminal of the control module is connected to the feedback terminal of the voltage conversion module, and the control terminal of the control module is connected to the enable terminal of the voltage conversion module.

[0036] The voltage source provides an input voltage to the voltage conversion module, which adjusts the input voltage according to the feedback signal from the control module to obtain an output voltage and transmits the output voltage to the TEC. The power monitoring module detects voltage changes on the sensing module and obtains monitoring results. The control module adjusts the feedback signal from the voltage conversion module according to the monitoring results to regulate the output voltage, ensuring that the TEC operates at a preset power level.

[0037] The control module can be a microcontroller unit (MCU). The control module integrates a VDAC port to provide the corresponding set voltage to the voltage conversion module through its VDAC (Voltage Digital-to-Analog Converter) port. The VDAC port of the control module can be understood as the voltage setting terminal of the control module.

[0038] The voltage input terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to a voltage source, which provides voltage input to the voltage conversion module. The feedback terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to the voltage setting terminal of the control module to adjust the output voltage. The enable terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to the general-purpose input / output (GPIO) port of the control module (i.e., the control terminal of the control module) to send an enable signal to enable or disable the voltage conversion module. In one embodiment, the voltage conversion chip may be a TPS63020 or a TPS55289.

[0039] In one embodiment, taking a TEC with an internal resistance of 2Ω as an example, the input voltage of the voltage conversion module is 3.3V. When its output voltage is adjusted to 5.5V, it can provide 1.1A of operating current to the TEC, which is sufficient to meet the power supply requirements of the TEC for currents exceeding 1A. Specifically, because the TEC is connected between the input and output terminals of the voltage conversion module, the voltage applied to the TEC is the difference between the input voltage Vout and the output voltage Vin. In one embodiment, the input voltage is 3.3V, that is, Vin = 3.3V. If Vout is set to Vout = 5.5V, then the voltage applied to the TEC is 5.5V - 3.3V = 2.2V. When the internal resistance of the TEC is 2Ω, the current flowing through the TEC is 2.2V / 2Ω = 1.1A.

[0040] In one embodiment, the control module and the voltage conversion module are connected via an IIC interface.

[0041] The sensing module is connected between the voltage output terminal of the voltage conversion module and the TEC (Transformer Electron Device). Its main function is to measure and provide feedback on the input voltage and current flowing through the TEC. The sensing module is typically a resistor or current detector used to sense changes in current or voltage through the TEC. In one embodiment, the sensing module includes a sensing resistor Rs, one end of which is connected to the voltage output terminal of the voltage conversion module, and the other end of which is connected to one end of the TEC. The resistance value of the sensing resistor Rs is in the range of 0.1mΩ to 1Ω.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first sensing terminal (i.e., the SENSE+ terminal) and the second sensing terminal (i.e., the SENSE- terminal) of the power monitoring module are respectively connected to the two ends of the sensing module for detecting voltage changes on the sensing module. The communication interface on the power monitoring module is connected to the communication bus interface of the control module for transmitting the monitored power data to the control module. The function of the power monitoring module is to monitor the input power of the TEC in real time to ensure that it operates within a safe and efficient range. In one embodiment, the power monitoring module communicates with the control module via IIC, and the IIC port of the power monitoring module is connected to the IIC port of the control module. In one embodiment, the power monitoring module can be a PCA1931, and the package size of the power monitoring module can be 2.225mm × 2.17mm.

[0043] In one embodiment, taking the sensing module as a sensing resistor Rs as an example, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the power monitoring module measures the voltage value V across the sensing resistor Rs through the first sensing terminal and the second sensing terminal. SENSE (V) SENSE =V SOURCE -V LOAD , where V SOURCE V is the input voltage. LOAD (This refers to the output voltage). (Refer to...) Figure 2 The first sensing terminal A3 and the second sensing terminal A2 are used to monitor a sensing module. The current flowing through the sensing resistor Rs is calculated based on the pre-selected resistance value; this is the monitoring current. The corresponding identifier for the monitoring current is I. SENSE The value read is V SENSE The 16-bit V stored inside the power monitoring module SENSE In the register. If the resistance of the sensing resistor Rs is chosen to be Rs = 100mΩ, then the monitored current I... SENSE The calculation formula is:

[0044] ;

[0045] Each monitor in the power monitoring module measures the voltage at the first sensing terminal as the monitoring voltage, and the corresponding identifier for the monitoring voltage is V. SOURCE The value read is V BUS The 16-bit V stored inside the power monitoring module BUS In the register. Monitoring voltage V SOURCE The calculation formula is:

[0046] ;

[0047] Meanwhile, the product of the monitoring current and the monitoring voltage, i.e., the monitoring power, is denoted as V. ACTUAL V stored inside the power monitoring module POWER In the register. Monitoring power V ACTUAL The calculation formula is:

[0048] ;

[0049] The IIC ports (i.e., SM_CLK and SM_SDA pins) of the power monitoring module are connected to the IIC port of the control module. The ADDRSEL pin of the power monitoring module can be selected to be high or grounded to set the IIC address. In this way, the control module can easily read the values ​​of the internal registers (VSENSE register, VBUS register, and VPOWER register) of the power monitoring module, thereby realizing the monitoring of current and voltage.

[0050] The voltage setting terminal of the control module is connected to the feedback terminal of the voltage conversion module, and is used to adjust the output voltage of the voltage conversion module to maintain the stable operation of the TEC. The communication interface on the control module is connected to the communication interface of the power monitoring module, and is used to receive the power data monitored by the power monitoring module and adjust the output voltage of the voltage conversion module as needed.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the entire driving circuit's workflow is as follows:

[0052] 1. The voltage source provides the input voltage to the voltage conversion module.

[0053] 2. The voltage conversion module adjusts the output voltage according to the feedback from the control module and transmits it to the sensing module and TEC.

[0054] 3. The sensing module detects the output voltage and reflects the voltage change at its two ends to the power monitoring module.

[0055] 4. The power monitoring module transmits the detected monitoring results to the control module.

[0056] 5. The control module analyzes the monitoring results and adjusts the output voltage of the voltage conversion module by adjusting the feedback signal sent to the voltage conversion module to ensure that the TEC operates at a preset power level. The preset power level can be set according to actual needs, and will not be elaborated upon in this embodiment.

[0057] Meanwhile, the control module will also determine whether the operating current of the TEC has reached the appropriate operating point based on the monitoring results read. If the current has not reached the appropriate value, the above process will be repeated to continue adjusting, thereby forming a closed-loop feedback control.

[0058] The other structures in the driving circuit will be described in detail below.

[0059] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the voltage conversion module includes a voltage conversion chip and a voltage divider unit. The voltage source is connected to the voltage input terminal of the voltage conversion chip, and the voltage divider unit is connected to the voltage output terminal and the feedback terminal of the voltage conversion chip, respectively. The voltage divider unit is also connected to the voltage setting terminal of the control module.

[0060] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 4 The voltage conversion module also includes an inductor L1, one end of which is connected to the L1 and L2 terminals of the voltage conversion chip. The main function of the inductor L1 is to store energy to form the basic structure of the buck-boost circuit in the voltage conversion module.

[0061] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 4 The voltage divider unit includes resistors R1, R2, and R3. One end of resistor R1 is connected to the voltage output terminal of the voltage conversion chip, and the other end of resistor R1 is connected to the feedback terminal of the voltage conversion chip, one end of resistor R2, and one end of resistor R3, respectively. The other end of resistor R2 is grounded, and the other end of resistor R3 is connected to the voltage setting terminal of the control module. The voltage conversion module also includes capacitors C1 and C2. One end of capacitors C1 and C2 is connected to the voltage source, and the other ends of capacitors C1 and C2 are both grounded. The voltage conversion module also includes capacitors C3, C4, and C5. One end of capacitors C3, C4, and C5 is connected to the voltage output terminal of the voltage converter, and the other ends of capacitors C3, C4, and C5 are all grounded.

[0062] The VIN pin on the voltage conversion chip serves as the voltage input terminal of the voltage conversion module. This VIN pin is connected to a voltage source, which can be a DC power supply or other suitable power source.

[0063] The EN pin on the voltage conversion chip serves as the enable pin for the voltage conversion module, and this enable pin is connected to any GPIO port on the control module.

[0064] In one embodiment, the voltage conversion chip has a maximum cooling current of 2A, a maximum heating current of 0.4A, and a package size of 3.0mm × 4.0mm.

[0065] One end of the resistor R3 is connected to the feedback terminal (i.e., FB pin) on the voltage conversion chip, and the other end of the resistor R3 can be understood as the feedback terminal of the voltage conversion module, which is used to receive the set voltage from the control module.

[0066] In this circuit, resistor R1 is used for voltage division and feedback, providing a feedback signal to the voltage conversion chip to adjust the output voltage. Resistor R2 and resistor R1 form a voltage divider circuit, determining the ratio of the feedback signal, which in turn affects the output voltage of the voltage conversion chip. Resistor R3 is used to regulate and stabilize the feedback signal from the control module, enabling the control module to precisely adjust the output voltage of the voltage conversion chip.

[0067] In one embodiment, the operation of the peripheral circuitry of the voltage conversion chip is as follows:

[0068] 1. The voltage source provides the input voltage to the voltage conversion chip.

[0069] 2. The voltage conversion chip adjusts its output voltage according to the feedback signal from the control module. After being filtered by capacitors C3, C4, and C5, the voltage is transmitted to the sensing module and TEC.

[0070] 3. The sensing module detects the output voltage and feeds back the voltage change at its two ends to the power monitoring module.

[0071] 4. The power monitoring module transmits the monitoring results to the control module.

[0072] 5. The control module analyzes the received monitoring results and adjusts the feedback terminal and enable terminal of the voltage conversion chip through its voltage setting terminal and GPIO port respectively to maintain the stable operation of TEC.

[0073] The resistors R1, R2, and R3 work together to form a voltage divider unit, helping to generate a stable feedback signal, which is then precisely adjusted by the control module. The peripheral circuitry of the voltage conversion chip also includes other components, as detailed in [reference needed]. Figure 4 This will not be explained in detail in this embodiment.

[0074] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the voltage conversion chip can adjust its output voltage using external resistors R1 and R2. Simultaneously, the control module outputs a set voltage V to resistor R3 via the VDAC port. ADJ (That is, the feedback signal output by the control module). In one embodiment, if the feedback terminal (i.e., the FB pin) of the voltage conversion chip is a fixed voltage of 0.5V, then the output voltage V can be obtained. OUT With the set voltage V ADJ The relationship between them is:

[0075] ;

[0076] By selecting appropriate resistance values ​​for resistors R1, R2, and R3 according to actual needs, the required output voltage can be obtained.

[0077] It is worth noting that all descriptions of the methods mentioned in this embodiment are existing technologies.

[0078] In summary, this embodiment provides the input voltage to the voltage conversion module via a voltage source, and the voltage conversion module outputs an adjustable output voltage to power the TEC. This effectively solves the problem in existing technologies where a high current cannot be provided to the TEC without boosting the voltage of the controller chip. Simultaneously, the sensing module and power monitoring module can monitor the TEC's operating voltage, operating current, and power consumption in real time. The control module adjusts the output voltage of the voltage conversion module by reading the monitoring results from the power monitoring module, ensuring the TEC always operates at a stable power level. Furthermore, the high integration and small package of the voltage conversion module and power monitoring module provide an effective solution in applications where space and volume are limited in optical modules and additional boost circuits cannot be added.

[0079] Example 2:

[0080] This embodiment presents another TEC drive circuit with a maximum cooling current of 8A and a maximum heating current of 2.6A. The package size can be 3.0mm × 5.0mm. Figure 5As shown, it includes: a voltage conversion module, sensing resistors R4 and R5, a power monitoring module, and a control module; the voltage input terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to a voltage source; the voltage output terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to one end of the sensing resistor R4, and the other end of the sensing resistor R4 is connected to the TEC+ voltage input terminal of the TEC; one end of the sensing resistor R4 is also connected to a first sensing terminal (i.e., the ISP port) on the voltage conversion module, and the other end of the sensing resistor R4 is also connected to a second sensing terminal (i.e., the ISN port) on the voltage conversion module. The following connections are made: one end of the sensing resistor R5 is connected to the voltage source, and the other end of the sensing resistor R5 is connected to the TEC-voltage output terminal of the TEC; the first sensing terminal and the second sensing terminal of the power monitoring module are respectively connected to the two ends of the sensing resistor R5; the communication bus IIC interface of the power monitoring module is connected to the communication bus IIC interface 1 of the control module; the communication bus IIC interface of the voltage conversion module is connected to the communication bus IIC interface 2 of the control module; the GPIO port of the control module is connected to the enable terminal EN of the voltage conversion module.

[0081] Compared to Example 1, which only has one sensing module (i.e., sensing resistor Rs), in this example, when current flows from TEC+ to TEC-, both sensing resistors R4 and R5 can monitor current, voltage, and power. At this time, TEC operates in cooling mode, and the current is relatively large. Therefore, sensing resistor R4 acts as a current-limiting sensor. By setting the current-limiting value in the internal register of the voltage conversion module, the voltage conversion module can achieve current limiting, making the current-limiting action faster. Sensing resistor R5 monitors current, voltage, and power.

[0082] When current flows from TEC- to TEC+, only sensing resistor R5 can monitor current, voltage, and power; sensing resistor R4 cannot perform the functions of monitoring and current limiting. At this time, TEC is operating in heating mode, and the current is relatively small, so current limiting is unnecessary. Therefore, sensing resistor R4 does not need to operate; sensing resistor R5 is sufficient to monitor current, voltage, and power.

[0083] The voltage input terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to a voltage source, which provides the voltage to the voltage conversion module. The control module communicates with the voltage conversion module via IIC interface 2 and accesses its internal registers, adjusting the output voltage of the voltage conversion module by setting the values ​​of its internal registers. The enable terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to the GPIO port of the control module to enable or disable the voltage conversion module. Taking a TEC device with an internal resistance of 3Ω as an example, the input voltage of the voltage conversion module is 3.3V. When its output voltage is adjusted to the maximum value of 22V, it can provide 6.2A of operating current to the TEC, fully meeting the high current power supply requirements of the TEC. Specifically, by setting the output voltage of the voltage conversion module to 22V and the input voltage to 3.3V through the MCU, the voltage applied to the TEC is 22V - 3.3V = 18.7V. When the internal resistance of the TEC is 3Ω, the current flowing through the TEC is 18.7V / 3Ω ≈ 6.23A.

[0084] The output voltage of the voltage conversion module The calculation formula is:

[0085] V out =V REF / INTFB;

[0086] In one embodiment, V REF The voltage conversion chip's 0h and 1h registers can be used for setting, with a setting range of (45mV~1200mV). INTFB can be set via the 4h register, with selectable values ​​of 0.2256, 0.1128, 0.0752, and 0.0564.

[0087] In one embodiment, V REF The step value is 0.5645V, so the output voltage V OUT The formula for calculating the adjustment step value is:

[0088] V out =V REF / INTFB;

[0089] Therefore, in summary, V is determined. REF After obtaining the values ​​of INTFB, V can be determined. out In one embodiment, the output voltage V out The formula for calculating the adjustment step value is:

[0090] Vout_step1=0.5645V / 0.2256≈2.5mV;

[0091] Vout_step2=0.5645V / 0.1128≈5mV;

[0092] Vout_step3=0.5645V / 0.0752≈7.5mV;

[0093] Vout_step4=0.5645V / 0.0564≈10mV.

[0094] The calculated selectable values ​​are 2.5mV, 5mV, 7.5mV, and 10mV. That is, the output voltage V. out The adjustment step value can be one of four values: 2.5mV, 5mV, 7.5mV, or 10mV. The four step values ​​can be selected according to the resolution required by the actual application, and will not be explained in detail in this embodiment.

[0095] The first and second sensing terminals of the power monitoring module are respectively connected to the two ends of the sensing resistor R5 to detect voltage changes in the sensing resistor R5. The communication bus IIC interface on the power monitoring module is connected to the communication bus IIC interface 1 of the control module to transmit the monitored power data to the control module. The function of the power monitoring module is to monitor the input power of the TEC in real time to ensure that it operates within a safe and efficient range. In one embodiment, the power monitoring module and the control module communicate via the IIC bus, and the IIC interface of the power monitoring module is connected to the IIC interface 1 of the control module.

[0096] In one embodiment, the calculation methods for monitoring current, monitoring voltage, and monitoring power are the same as in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0097] Normally, the cooling current of the voltage converter (TEC) is greater than the heating current. To avoid excessive current, overcurrent protection is required. When the TEC current flows in the forward direction, i.e., from TEC+ to TEC-, the internal register of the voltage conversion chip needs to be set with current limiting.

[0098] The sensing resistor R4 is connected between the voltage output terminal of the voltage conversion module and the TEC, and its main function is to measure the current flowing through the TEC. The first sensing terminal (ISP) and the second sensing terminal (ISN) integrated within the voltage conversion module are respectively connected to the two ends of the sensing module R4 to detect voltage changes across the sensing resistor R4. It is also connected to the communication bus IIC interface 2 of the control module via the communication bus IIC interface (i.e., SCL port and SDA port) on the voltage conversion chip to transmit the monitored current data to the control module. This allows for real-time monitoring of the TEC's forward input power to ensure it operates within the set current limit range.

[0099] Example 3:

[0100] To further illustrate the TEC drive circuit described in Embodiment 1, in one embodiment, refer to... Figure 6 This embodiment proposes a TEC driving system, including a TEC and a TEC driving circuit as described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The voltage input terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to a voltage source and one end of the TEC, respectively. The voltage output terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to one end of the sensing module, and the other end of the sensing module is connected to the other end of the TEC.

[0101] In this embodiment, an input voltage is provided to the voltage conversion module via a voltage source. The voltage conversion module outputs an adjustable voltage to power the TEC, which effectively solves the problem in the prior art that it is impossible to provide a large current to the TEC without boosting the voltage of the controller chip. At the same time, the operating voltage, operating current, and power consumption of the TEC can be monitored in real time through the sensing module and the power monitoring module. The control module adjusts the output voltage of the voltage conversion module by reading the monitoring results of the power monitoring module, so that the TEC can always operate at a stable power level.

[0102] On the other hand, the voltage conversion module and power monitoring module have high integration and small package size, which can provide an effective solution in application scenarios where space and volume are limited in optical modules and no additional boost circuit can be added.

[0103] Example 4:

[0104] To further illustrate the driving circuit of the TEC proposed in Embodiments 1 and 2, this embodiment proposes a driving method for the TEC. In one embodiment, as follows: Figure 7 As shown, it includes:

[0105] Step 101: The voltage source provides an input voltage to the voltage conversion module. The voltage conversion module adjusts the input voltage according to the feedback signal from the control module to obtain an output voltage, and transmits the output voltage to the TEC.

[0106] The voltage input terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to a voltage source, which provides the input voltage to the voltage conversion module. The feedback terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to the voltage setting terminal of the control module to adjust the output voltage.

[0107] Step 102: The power monitoring module detects the voltage change on the sensing module and obtains the monitoring result.

[0108] The sensing module is connected between the voltage output terminal of the voltage conversion module and the TEC (Transformer Electron Device). Its main function is to measure and provide feedback on the input voltage and current flowing through the TEC. The sensing module is typically a resistor or current detector used to sense changes in the current or voltage passing through the TEC. The communication interface on the power monitoring module is connected to the communication bus interface of the control module, transmitting the monitored power data to the control module. The power monitoring module's role is to monitor the TEC's input power in real time to ensure it operates within a safe and efficient range.

[0109] Step 103: The control module adjusts the feedback signal of the voltage conversion module according to the monitoring results to regulate the output voltage, so as to ensure that the TEC operates at a preset power level.

[0110] The voltage setting terminal of the control module is connected to the feedback terminal of the voltage conversion module, adjusting the output voltage of the voltage conversion module to maintain stable operation of the TEC. The communication interface on the control module is connected to the communication interface of the power monitoring module, receiving power data monitored by the power monitoring module and adjusting the output voltage of the voltage conversion module as needed.

[0111] Simultaneously, the control module also determines whether the TEC's operating current has reached a suitable operating point based on the read monitoring results. If the current has not reached a suitable value, the above process is repeated to continue adjustment, thus forming a closed-loop feedback control. For the specific structure of the TEC's drive circuit, please refer to Embodiments 1 and 2, which will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0112] In one embodiment, the voltage source provides the input voltage to the voltage conversion module. The control module communicates with the voltage conversion module via IIC interface 2 and accesses its internal registers, adjusting the output voltage of the voltage conversion module by setting the values ​​of its internal registers. The enable pin of the voltage conversion module is connected to the GPIO port of the control module to enable or disable the voltage conversion module.

[0113] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A TEC drive circuit, characterized in that, include: Voltage conversion module, sensing module, power monitoring module, and control module; The voltage input terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to a voltage source and one end of the TEC, respectively. The voltage output terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to one end of the sensing module, and the other end of the sensing module is connected to the other end of the TEC. The first sensing end of the power monitoring module is connected to one end of the sensing module, and the second sensing end of the power monitoring module is connected to the other end of the sensing module. The communication interface of the control module is connected to the communication interface of the power sensing module, the voltage setting terminal of the control module is connected to the feedback terminal of the voltage conversion module, and the control terminal of the control module is connected to the enable terminal of the voltage conversion module.

2. The TEC drive circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage conversion module includes a voltage conversion chip and a voltage divider unit. The voltage source is connected to the voltage input terminal of the voltage conversion chip, and the voltage divider unit is connected to the voltage output terminal and the feedback terminal of the voltage conversion chip, respectively. The voltage divider unit is also connected to the voltage setting terminal of the control module.

3. The TEC drive circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The voltage divider unit includes resistors R1, R2, and R3; one end of resistor R1 is connected to the voltage output terminal of the voltage conversion chip, the other end of resistor R1 is connected to the feedback terminal of the voltage conversion chip, one end of resistor R2, and one end of resistor R3, the other end of resistor R2 is grounded, and the other end of resistor R3 is connected to the voltage setting terminal of the control module.

4. The TEC drive circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage conversion module also includes capacitors C1 and C2. One end of capacitors C1 and C2 is connected to the voltage source, and the other end of capacitors C1 and C2 is grounded.

5. The TEC drive circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage conversion module also includes capacitors C3, C4, and C5. One end of each of capacitors C3, C4, and C5 is connected to the voltage output terminal of the voltage converter, and the other end of each of capacitors C3, C4, and C5 is grounded.

6. The TEC drive circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing module includes a sensing resistor Rs, one end of which is connected to the voltage output terminal of the voltage conversion module, and the other end of which is connected to one end of the TEC. The resistance value of the sensing resistor Rs ranges from 0.1mΩ to 1Ω.

7. The TEC drive circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The IIC port of the power monitoring module is connected to the IIC port of the control module.

8. The TEC drive circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module and the voltage conversion module are connected via an IIC interface.

9. The TEC drive circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage conversion chip is either TPS63020 or TPS55289.

10. A TEC drive system, characterized in that, Includes a TEC and a TEC drive circuit as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the voltage input terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to a voltage source and one end of the TEC, the voltage output terminal of the voltage conversion module is connected to one end of the sensing module, and the other end of the sensing module is connected to the other end of the TEC.

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