Control of a freewheeling voltage

Abstract

Circuit that features: a voltage source (10); an inductive load (32A; 132); a capacitor (20); a switching unit (36A; 136) configured to operate in a first state and a second state, wherein during the first state the switching unit (36A; 136) connects the inductive load (32A; 132) to the voltage source (10) and wherein during the second state the switching unit (36A; 136) connects the inductive load (32A; 132) to the capacitor (20); and a load unit (27; 140) which is designed to obtain energy from the capacitor (20) by comparing a voltage of the capacitor (20) with a reference voltage.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to switching units such as units that include a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) or other types of switches.

[0002] A switching unit can be used to activate and deactivate a load. For example, the switching unit can be switched to operate in a closed state to activate an inductive component such as a relay or a solenoid. In some cases, the switching unit can be switched to operate in an open state to deactivate the inductive component.

[0003] German patent application DE 20 2011 106 116 U1 discloses a boost converter comprising an inductor and a first and second switch connected in parallel and in series with the inductor. A node common to the inductor and the switches is coupled to an output capacitor via a diode. The first transistor is part of a start-up circuit that also includes a further inductor inductively coupled to the first transistor, which drives the first transistor and is connected, along with the first inductor, to an input voltage source.

[0004] This disclosure relates generally to techniques for disabling a load. For example, instead of using an active Zener function (e.g., active overvoltage limiting), which leads to high energy losses in the switching unit, a freewheeling diode can be used to redirect energy stored in the load to reduce these losses. The freewheeling diode can, for example, redirect the energy stored in the load so that it contributes to generating a voltage. In some examples, the freewheeling diode can divert the energy stored in the load away from the switching element, for example, to a resistive element outside of the switching element's integrated circuit.

[0005] One embodiment of the invention relates to a circuit according to claim 1. The circuit comprises a voltage source, an inductive load, a capacitor, a switching unit, and a load unit. The switching unit is configured to operate in a first state and a second state. During the first state, the switching unit connects the inductive load to the voltage source. During the second state, the switching unit connects the inductive load to the capacitor. The load unit is configured to draw energy from the capacitor by comparing its voltage with a reference voltage.

[0006] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a circuit according to claim 10. The circuit comprises a voltage source, an inductive load, a capacitor, a first switching unit, a second switching unit, and a load unit. The voltage source comprises a first node and a second node. The inductive load comprises a first node and a second node. The capacitor comprises a first node and a second node. The first switching unit is configured to operate in a first state and a second state. During the first state, the first switching unit connects the first node of the inductive load to the first node of the voltage source. During the second state, the first switching unit connects the first node of the inductive load to the second node of the voltage source. The second switching unit is configured to operate in a first state and a second state.During the first state, the second switching unit connects the second node of the inductive load to the first node of the capacitor. During the second state, the second switching unit connects the second node of the inductive load to the second node of the capacitor. The load unit is configured to extract energy from the capacitor by comparing its voltage to a reference voltage.

[0007] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method according to claim 15. The method comprises selectively connecting a capacitor to an inductive load using a switching unit of a circuit and obtaining energy from the capacitor using a load unit of the circuit by comparing a voltage of the capacitor with a reference voltage.

[0008] Details of these and other examples are explained in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Further features, items, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram representing a first exemplary switching system according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating an exemplary switching unit and an exemplary voltage source according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram representing a second exemplary switching system according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 is a circuit diagram representing an exemplary converter unit according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 is a circuit diagram representing an exemplary reverse current converter according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 6 is a circuit diagram representing an exemplary discharge module according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 is a circuit diagram representing an exemplary integrated circuit according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. 8 is a first operational plan consistent with techniques performed by a circuit according to this disclosure. Fig. Figure 9 is a block diagram representing a third exemplary switching system according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 10 is a circuit diagram illustrating exemplary first and second integrated circuits according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 11 is a block diagram representing a fourth exemplary switching system according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. 12 is a second operating plan that is consistent with techniques performed by a circuit according to this disclosure.

[0009] Some systems can use a Zener diode to allow a switching unit to deactivate an inductive load (e.g., a relay, a solenoid, or similar). However, these techniques can discharge energy stored in the load's magnetic field into the switching unit itself, necessitating thermal management within an assembly (e.g., an integrated circuit containing the switching unit) and limiting the assembly to a maximum load inductance value. Furthermore, the deactivation delay of the inductive load cannot be controlled, as the rate of change of the load current can be defined by the load's resistance, inductance, and supply voltage.

[0010] According to one or more techniques of this disclosure, some examples, instead of using a Zener diode to discharge energy from the switching unit itself, may employ a freewheeling diode to divert energy stored in a load's magnetic field away from the switching unit. The freewheeling diode may, for example, divert the energy stored in the load to contribute to the generation of a voltage (e.g., a supply voltage, a boosted voltage, or a similar voltage). In this way, the efficiency of a resulting system may be improved, since energy stored in the load may be recovered instead of being dissipated as heat. Additionally or alternatively, the freewheeling diode may divert the energy stored in the load away from the switching unit, for example, to a resistive element outside an integrated circuit of the switching unit.In this way, more switching units can be integrated into a single integrated circuit (e.g., a system-on-chip, SOC) because thermal losses in the switching unit itself (and any integrated circuit containing the switch) can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the freewheeling diode can be configured to divert energy stored in the load's magnetic field to precisely control the rate of change of the load current, thereby improving the switching characteristics (e.g., reduced delay, precisely controlled delay, or similar) of the switching unit. For example, a freewheeling diode can divert energy into a capacitor regulated to an increased voltage selected to precisely control the load's discharge rate. In some applications (e.g.,In motor vehicles, such an increased voltage may already be available, for example to provide the voltage needed to start an internal combustion engine. Therefore, one or more of the techniques described in this disclosure can be implemented with a minimal increase in cost and complexity.

[0011] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram representing a first exemplary circuit system according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. As in the example of Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a switching system 1 can include a voltage source 10, a capacitor 12, a voltage rail 14, a voltage rail 24, a ground rail 16, a capacitor 20, a voltage source 22, the loads 32A to N (collectively the "Loads 32"), the diodes 34A to N (collectively the "Diodes 34"), and the switching units 36A to N (collectively the "Switching Units 36"). In some examples, the switching system 1 can include a load unit 27. Although the ground rail 16 may refer to an earth or a connection to a protective conductor in some examples, it is understood that in other examples the ground rail 16 may be a reference node that is different from the earth ground and / or a connection to a protective conductor.

[0012] The voltage source 10 can be configured to supply one or more components of the switching system 1 with electrical energy. For example, the voltage source 10 can be configured to supply the loads 32 with electrical energy. In particular, the voltage source 10 can regulate a voltage between the voltage rail 14 and the ground rail 16 to maintain a nominal voltage (e.g., 12 V). DC up to 14 V DC) to provide. In some examples, the voltage source 10 may be an output from one or more battery cells. In some examples, the voltage source 10 may be the output of a power converter, such as a rectifier. The voltage source 10 may, for example, be a rectified AC output. Exemplary rectifiers may include, but are not limited to, a single-phase rectifier (e.g., half-wave, full-wave, or similar), a three-phase rectifier (e.g., half-wave, full-wave, bridge, or similar), or a similar rectifier. In some examples, the voltage source 10 may represent a connection to a power grid. The voltage source 10 may, for example, be a rectified output of an AC / DC converter that provides a V AC from a power grid (e.g. 120 V) AC at 60 Hz, 230 V ACat 50 Hz or similar voltages). In some examples, the capacitor 12 may be configured to smooth a voltage supplied by the voltage source 10 to provide a direct current (DC) voltage. In some examples, the voltage source 10 may be a switching converter. Examples of a switching converter may include, but are not limited to, a reverse converter, a buck / boost converter, a step-down converter, a boost converter, a Cuk converter, or similar elements. The voltage source 10 may, for example, include a reverse converter configured to control a DC voltage between the voltage rail 14 and the ground rail 16 to provide a nominal voltage (e.g., 12 V). DC up to 14 V DC to provide.

[0013] The capacitor 12 can comprise an electrical component designed to store electrical energy in an electric field. In some examples, the capacitor 12 can be designed to reduce a voltage ripple between the voltage rail 14 and the ground rail 16. Examples of an electrical component designed to store electrical energy in an electric field may include, but are not limited to, ceramic capacitors, film capacitors, electrolytic capacitors (e.g., aluminum, tantalum, niobium, or similar electrolytes), supercapacitors (e.g., double-layer capacitors, pseudocapacitors, hybrid capacitors), mica capacitors, or similar capacitors. Although the capacitor 12 can be described as a single capacitor, it can also be a matrix of capacitive elements.Capacitor 12, for example, can be a matrix of capacitive elements connected in parallel or in series. In some examples, each capacitive element can be a discrete component, while in other examples, each of the capacitive elements can be contained in a single package (e.g., a capacitor matrix).

[0014] The loads 32 can include an inductive load. Load 32A can, for example, include a relay, a solenoid, a motor, a pump, a transformer, and similar elements. In some examples, the loads 32 can include a resistive load. Load 32A can, for example, include a light-emitting diode and / or a matrix of light-emitting diodes. In some examples, the loads 32 can include a capacitive load. Load 32A can, for example, include a capacitive element or a bank of capacitive elements connected in series or parallel. The loads 32 can be different. Load 32A can, for example, have an inductance, current, voltage, or similar quantity that is greater (or less) than load 32B. In some examples, the loads 32 can be similar.For example, load 32A can have an inductance, current, voltage or similar quantity that is equal to load 32B.

[0015] The diodes 34 can comprise an electrical component designed to conduct an electric current primarily in one direction. In some examples, the diodes can be an electronic component with two terminals. For example, diode 34A can allow current to flow from an anode to a cathode but prevent current from flowing from the cathode to the anode. In some examples, one or more of the diodes 34 can be a discrete component. In some examples, one or more of the diodes 34 can be included in an integrated circuit or system-on-a-chip (SOC). For example, the diodes 34 can be included in a single integrated circuit or SOC that comprises the switching units 36.

[0016] The switching units 36 can be configured to selectively connect the loads 32 to the ground bus 16. For example, the switching unit 36A can be configured to operate in a first state and a second state, wherein during the first state the switching unit 36A connects the load 32A to the voltage source 10, and wherein during the second state the switching unit 36A connects the load 32A to the capacitor 20. In particular, the switching unit 36A can be configured to connect a second node of the load 32A to the ground bus 16 during the first state of the switching unit 36A, and to disconnect the second node of the load 32A from the ground bus 16 during the second state of the switching unit 36A. The switching units 36 can include a voltage-controlled circuit element.Examples of voltage-controlled circuit elements include, but are not limited to, field-effect transistors (FETs), thyristors, and bipolar junction transistors (BJTs). Examples of FETs include, but are not limited to, junction field-effect transistors (JFETs), metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), dual-gate MOSFETs, insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), any other type of FET, or any combination thereof. Examples of MOSFETs include, but are not limited to, PMOS, NMOS, DMOS, or any other type of MOSFET, or any combination thereof.Examples of thyristors include, but are not limited to, a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), a semiconductor controlled rectifier, a triode for alternating current (TRIAC), or any other type of thyristor, or any combination thereof. Examples of BJTs include, but are not limited to, a PNP, an NPN, a heterojunction, any other type of BJT, or a combination thereof.

[0017] The voltage source 22 can be configured to supply power to one or more components of the switching system 1. For example, the voltage source 22 can be configured to supply power to a load, such as an injection element for an internal combustion engine, which is configured for a different voltage than the other loads 32. In some examples, the voltage source 22 can be configured to regulate the capacitor 20 to a voltage higher than a voltage on the voltage rail 14. In some examples, the voltage source 22 can regulate the voltage of the capacitor 20 to fulfill a switching characteristic (e.g., a period for deactivating the loads 32) for the switching units 36.The voltage source 22 can, for example, regulate the voltage of capacitor 20 according to a load current flowing through load 32A, so that the voltage of capacitor 20 is regulated to control the rate of change of the load current in load 32A. Specifically, the voltage source 22 can be configured to regulate the voltage of capacitor 20 to control the rate of change of the load current flowing from load 32A, allowing the switching unit 36A to deactivate load 32A within a desired period. For example, the voltage source 22 can increase the voltage of capacitor 20 in response to an increase in the load current of load 32A, and the voltage source 22 can decrease the voltage of capacitor 20 in response to a decrease in the load current of load 32A, in order to control load 32A so that it has a constant deactivation period.In some examples, the voltage source 22 may include a switching converter, as described in relation to the voltage source 10. In some examples, the voltage source 22 may regulate a DC voltage between the voltage rail 24 and the ground rail 16 so that it is greater than a voltage between the voltage rail 14 and the ground rail 16. The voltage source 10 may, for example, regulate a voltage between the voltage rail 14 and the ground rail 16 to a nominal voltage of approximately 13 V. DC (e.g. 12 V) DC up to 14 V DC ) to provide, and the voltage source 22 can regulate a voltage between the voltage rail 24 and the ground rail 16 to provide a nominal voltage of approximately 65 V DC (e.g. 60 V) DC up to 70 V DC to provide.

[0018] Capacitor 20 can comprise an electrical component configured to store electrical energy in an electric field. In some examples, capacitor 20 can be configured to reduce a voltage ripple between the voltage rail 24 and the ground rail 16. Although capacitor 20 can be described as a single capacitor, it can also be a matrix of capacitive elements. For example, capacitor 20 can be a matrix of capacitive elements connected in parallel or in series. In some examples, each capacitive element can be a discrete component, while in other examples, each of the capacitive elements can be contained within a single package (e.g., a capacitor matrix).

[0019] The load unit 27 can be configured to receive energy from the capacitor 20. In some examples, the load unit 27 can be configured to receive energy from the capacitor 20 based on a voltage. For example, the load unit 27 can compare a voltage of the capacitor 20 with a reference voltage defined by a current profile of one or more of the loads 32 and receive energy from the capacitor 20 when the voltage of the capacitor 20 exceeds the reference voltage. The reference voltage can be selected, in particular, by a user to achieve a desired current so that an inductive current from one or more of the loads 32 is discharged within a desired time period. In some examples, the load unit 27 can include a discharge module 26.The discharge module 26 can be configured to discharge the capacitor 20 to prevent the capacitor 20 from having a voltage exceeding a predetermined voltage (e.g., a percentage of the capacitor 20's rated voltage). The discharge module 26 can, for example, be configured to selectively connect a resistive element in parallel with the capacitor 20. In some examples, the discharge module 26 can be configured to discharge the capacitor 20 using a resistive element located at a distance from an integrated circuit containing the switching units 36. In some examples, the load unit 27 can include a converter unit.

[0020] Although one or more techniques are described below that use a switching unit 36A, a diode 34A, and a load 32A, it is understood that the description of the switching unit 36A, the diode 34A, and the load 32A can be applied to any of the switching units 36, the diodes 34, and the loads 32. The switching units 36, the diodes 34, and the loads 32 can be essentially identical. In some examples, the switching units 36, the diodes 34, and the loads 32 can be different. For example, the switching unit 36A can be configured for a higher voltage and / or a higher current than the switching unit 36N.

[0021] According to one or more techniques of this disclosure, instead of using a Zener diode to discharge the energy of the load 34A into the switching unit 36A itself, a diode 34A can be used to divert the energy stored in a magnetic field of the load 32A away from the switching unit 36A. For example, the diode 34A can divert the energy stored in the load 32A away from the switching unit 36A to increase the energy stored in an electric field of the capacitor 20, thereby contributing to the generation of a voltage between the voltage rail 24 and the ground rail 16. In this way, the efficiency of the switching system 1 can be improved, since the energy stored in the load 32A can be recovered instead of being discharged as heat into the switching unit 36A.Additionally or alternatively, diode 34A can divert the energy stored in load 32A away from switching unit 36A, for example to a resistive element of the discharge module 26. In this way, more switching units can be integrated into a single integrated circuit (e.g., a system-on-chip, SOC) to reduce costs, as thermal losses in switching unit 36A (and in the integrated circuit containing switching unit 36A) can be significantly reduced.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating an exemplary switching unit 136 and an exemplary voltage source 122 according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. 2 will be referred to below in connection with the switching system 1 of the Fig. 1 described. However, the techniques described below can be used in any modification and in any combination with the voltage source 10, the capacitor 12, the voltage rail 14, the ground rail 16, the capacitor 20, the voltage source 22, the loads 32, the diodes 34, and the switching units 36 to allow the switching units 36 to operate in an open state in order to deactivate the loads 32. As in the example of the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the switching system 100 can include a load 132, a diode 134, a switching unit 136, a voltage source 122 and a load 140.

[0023] Diode 134 can function essentially the same way as diode 34. For example, diode 134 can allow current to flow from an anode to a cathode and prevent current from flowing from the cathode to the anode. As shown, the cathode of diode 134 is connected to a first node (e.g., a positive side) of capacitor 20.

[0024] The switching unit 136 can be configured to selectively connect the load 132 to the ground rail 16. As shown, the switching unit 136 can comprise a voltage-controlled circuit element 150, a gate driver 152, and a switch controller 154. In some examples, the gate driver 152 can be omitted. For example, an output of the switch controller 154 can be directly connected to a control node (e.g., a gate) of the voltage-controlled circuit element 150.

[0025] Switching unit 136 can be essentially similar to switching unit 36. Although in Fig. 2 where a MOSFET symbol is shown as voltage-controlled circuit element 150, any electrical device controlled by a control node can be used instead of the MOSFET. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the voltage-controlled circuit element 150 comprises a first node (e.g. a drain) connected to the anode of the diode 134, a second node (e.g. a source) connected to the ground rail 16, and a control node.

[0026] The gate driver 152 can be any suitable device that accepts an input and produces an output capable of driving the voltage-controlled circuit element 150 so that it operates in either an open or a closed state. The gate driver 152 can, for example, be an isolated (potential-free / level-shifted) gate driver.

[0027] The switch controller 154 can be configured to control the voltage-controlled circuit element 150 such that the load 132 is activated and deactivated. In some examples, the switch controller 154 can include one or more analog components. In other examples, the switch controller 154 can include one or more digital components. For example, the switch controller 154 can include a microcontroller in a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, inputs, and outputs.The switch controller 154 may, in particular, comprise one or more processors, which may include one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits, as well as any combination of these components. The term "processor" or "processing circuit" may generally refer to any of the preceding logic circuits alone or in combination with another logic circuit or other equivalent circuit. In some examples, the switch controller 154 may comprise a combination of analog and digital components.As shown, the switch controller 154 can include an output connected to an input of the gate driver 152, which has an output connected to a control node of the voltage-controlled circuit element 150. In some examples, the switch controller 154 can include an output directly connected to a control node of the voltage-controlled circuit element 150.

[0028] The voltage source 122 can be configured to charge the capacitor 20 to a voltage greater than the voltage between the voltage rail 14 and the ground rail 16. In some examples, the voltage source 122 can regulate the voltage of the capacitor 20 to fulfill a switching requirement (e.g., a time period for disabling the load 132) for the switching units 136. For example, the voltage source 122 can regulate the voltage of the capacitor 20 according to a load current flowing through the load 132, such that the voltage of the capacitor 20 is regulated to control a rate of change of the load current in the load 132. In particular, the voltage source 122 can be configured to regulate the voltage of the capacitor 20 to control a rate of change of the load current flowing from the load 132, allowing the switching unit 136 to disable the load 132 within a desired time period.The voltage source 122 can, for example, increase the voltage of capacitor 20 in response to an increase in the load current of load 132, and the voltage source 122 can decrease the voltage of capacitor 20 in response to a decrease in the load current of load 132, in order to control the load 132 so that it has a constant off-time. As shown, the voltage source 122 can include a switching converter 162 and a diode 164. The switching converter 162 can be any suitable switching converter, for example, a reverse converter.

[0029] Diode 164 can function essentially like diode 134. For example, diode 164 can allow current to flow from an anode to a cathode and prevent current from flowing from the cathode to the anode. As shown, the cathode of diode 164 is connected to the first node (e.g., the positive side) of capacitor 20, and the anode of diode 164 is connected to an output of switching converter 162.

[0030] Load 140 can be any suitable load designed to operate at a voltage supplied by voltage rail 24. In some examples, load 140 may be designed to operate at a higher voltage than that supplied by voltage rail 14. For example, load 140 may be designed to operate at approximately 65 V. DC to be operated, while voltage rail 14 can be configured to operate at approximately 13 V DCto be operated. The load 140 can comprise one or more inductive, resistive, or capacitive loads. The load 140 can, for example, comprise an injection unit for an internal combustion engine.

[0031] According to one or more techniques of this disclosure, instead of using a Zener diode to discharge the energy of the load 132 into the switching unit 136 itself, some examples may use a diode 134 to redirect the energy stored in a magnetic field of the load 132. For example, the diode 134 may redirect the energy stored in the load 132 to increase energy stored in an electric field of the capacitor 20, thereby contributing to the generation of a voltage between the voltage rail 24 and the ground rail 16. Furthermore, instead of discharging the energy into the switching unit 136, the energy may be stored in the capacitor 20 to support a voltage on the voltage rail 24 and to operate a load 140. The voltage source 122 may also be configured to regulate a voltage on the voltage rail 24 to achieve a desired rate of change of the current for discharging the load 132.In particular, the fall-off time of the load current of load 132 can depend on the voltage difference between voltage rail 24 and voltage rail 14, which can be precisely controlled so that a delay in switching the switching unit 136 can be controlled and / or reduced to a minimum.

[0032] Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram representing a second exemplary switching system 200 according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. 3 will be discussed below in connection with the switching system 1 of the Fig. 1 described. However, the techniques described below can be used in any modification and in any combination with the voltage source 10, the capacitor 12, the voltage rail 14, the ground rail 16, the capacitor 20, the voltage source 22, the loads 32, the diodes 34, and the switching units 36 to allow the switching units 36 to operate in an open state in order to deactivate the loads 32. As in the example of the Fig. As shown in 3, the switching system 200 can connect the voltage source 22 of the Fig. Omit 1 and the load unit 27 can include a converter unit 228 and it can optionally include a discharge module 26.

[0033] The converter unit 228 can be any suitable device configured to obtain energy from the capacitor 20. In some examples, the converter unit 228 can also be configured to supply power to the voltage rail 14 or other circuitry. In some examples, the converter unit 228 can be configured to selectively discharge the capacitor 20, such that the capacitor 20 is regulated to meet the switching characteristics of the switching units 36 based on a voltage across the capacitor 20 and / or a current through one or more of the loads 32. For example, a design engineer or user of the switching system 200 can configure the converter unit 228 to obtain a current from the capacitor 20, such that the voltage across the capacitor 20 is regulated to control a rate of change of the load current in the load 32A.The converter unit 228 can be configured, in particular, to selectively decrease the voltage of the capacitor 20 in order to control the rate of change of the current flowing from the load 32A, in order to deactivate the load 32A within a desired period. For example, if the load current of the load 32A increases, the converter unit 228 can allow the voltage of the capacitor 20 to increase in order to control the load 32A so that it has a constant deactivation period. In some examples, as the voltage of the capacitor 20 increases, the converter unit 228 can increase the amount of energy absorbed by the capacitor 20 so that the voltage of the capacitor 20 matches a target voltage selected to provide a constant deactivation period for the switching units 36.In some examples, the converter unit 228 can be configured to receive energy from the capacitor 20 such that the voltage across the capacitor 20 is greater than the voltage across the voltage rail 14. For example, the voltage rail 24 can be operated at a higher voltage than the voltage rail 14. The converter unit 228 can include one or more switching converters, which may, but are not limited to, include one or more reverse converters, one or more buck / boost converters, one or more step-down converters, one or more Cuk converters, or similar devices. In some examples, the converter unit 228 can receive a voltage and output a voltage that is different from the received voltage. The converter unit 228 can have a first nominal voltage (e.g., 65 V). DC ) from voltage rail 24 and a second nominal voltage (e.g. 13 V) DC) output to voltage rail 14. As shown, the converter unit 228 comprises a first node (e.g., an output) connected to voltage rail 14 and a second node (e.g., an input) connected to voltage rail 24. Instead of discharging the energy into the switching unit 136, the energy can thus be fed into the capacitor 12 to support a voltage on voltage rail 14 and to operate a load 32.

[0034] Fig. Figure 4 is a circuit diagram representing an exemplary power converter according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. 4 is subsequently referred to in connection with the switching system 200 of the Fig. 3 described. However, the techniques described below can be used in any modification and in any combination with the voltage source 10, the capacitor 12, the voltage rail 14, the ground rail 16, the capacitor 20, the converter unit 228, the loads 32, the diodes 34 and the switching units 36 to allow the switching units 36 to operate in an open state in order to deactivate the loads 32. As in the example of the Fig. As shown in section 4, the 300 switching system can be used in Fig. 2 described switching unit 136, one in Fig. 2 described load 132, one in Fig. The 2 described diode 134 and a converter unit 328 are included.

[0035] The converter unit 328 can be any suitable device configured to receive a current from voltage rail 24 and to output a current to voltage rail 14. The converter unit 328 can, for example, comprise one or more switching converters, which, without limitation, may include one or more regenerative converters, one or more buck / boost converters, one or more step-down converters, one or more Cuk converters, or similar devices. In some examples, the converter unit 328 can be substantially similar to the converter unit 228 as described in Fig. 3 is described. The converter unit 328 can supply a first nominal voltage (e.g. 65 V). DC ) from voltage rail 24 and a second nominal voltage (e.g. 13 V) DC) output to the voltage rail 14. In some examples, the converter unit 328 can be configured to selectively discharge the capacitor 20, so that the capacitor 20 is regulated to meet the switching characteristics of the switching units 136. As shown, the converter unit 328 can include a switching converter 342 and a diode 340.

[0036] Diode 340 can function essentially like diode 134. For example, diode 340 can allow current to flow from an anode to a cathode and prevent current from flowing from the cathode to the anode. As shown, the cathode of diode 340 is connected to the first node (e.g., the positive side) of capacitor 12, and the anode of diode 340 is connected to an output of switching converter 342.

[0037] As shown, the switching converter 342 can be a freewheeling converter. However, as described here, any suitable switching converter, for example, a buck / boost converter, a step-down converter, or a similar device, can be used. As shown, the switching converter 342 comprises a first node (e.g., an output) connected to the anode of diode 340 and a second node (e.g., an input) connected to the voltage rail 24 and a cathode of diode 134. Instead of discharging the energy into the switching unit 136, the converter unit 328 can thus, using diode 340 and the switching converter 342, feed the energy output by the load 132 back into capacitor 12 to support a voltage on the voltage rail 414 and to operate a load 132.

[0038] Fig. Figure 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating an exemplary reverse current converter 428 according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. 5 is subsequently referred to in connection with the switching system 200 of the Fig. 3 described. However, the techniques described below can be used in any modification and in any combination with the voltage source 10, the capacitor 12, the voltage rail 14, the ground rail 16, the capacitor 20, the converter unit 228, the loads 32, the diodes 34 and the switching units 36 to allow the switching units 36 to be operated in an open state in order to deactivate the loads 32.

[0039] The feedback converter 428 can be any suitable device configured to receive current from voltage rail 24 and output current to voltage rail 414. In some examples, the feedback converter 428 can be configured to selectively discharge capacitor 20, thus regulating capacitor 20 to meet the switching characteristics of the switching units 36A. For example, a design engineer or user of the switching system 400 can configure the feedback converter 428 to receive current from capacitor 20, thus regulating the voltage of capacitor 20 to control a rate of change of the load current in load 32A.The feedback converter 428 can be configured, in particular, to selectively decrease the voltage across capacitor 20 to control the rate of change of the current flowing from load 32A, in order to deactivate load 32A within a desired period. For example, if the load current of load 32A increases, the feedback converter 428 can allow the voltage across capacitor 20 to increase, thus controlling load 32A to have a constant deactivation period. As in the example of... Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the reverse converter 428 can comprise a transformer 432, a diode 434, a reverse controller 462, a voltage-controlled circuit element 464, a resistive element 440, a resistive element 442, a resistive element 450, and a resistive element 452. In some examples, the reverse controller 462 and the voltage-controlled circuit element 464 can be formed in a single integrated circuit 430 (e.g., a system-on-chip).

[0040] In some examples, the 462 backflip controller can include one or more analog components. In other examples, the 462 backflip controller can include one or more digital components. For example, the 462 backflip controller can include a microcontroller in a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, inputs, and outputs. Specifically, the 462 backflip controller can include one or more processors, which may be one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits, as well as any combination of these components.The term "processor" or "processing circuit" can generally refer to any of the preceding logic circuits alone or in combination with another logic circuit or other equivalent circuit. In some examples, the flyback controller 462 may include a combination of analog and digital components. In some examples, the flyback controller 462 may include an output connected to an input of the gate driver, which has an output connected to a control node of the voltage-controlled circuit element 464. As shown, the flyback controller 462 may include an output directly connected to a control node of the voltage-controlled circuit element 464, a reference setting input, a first input, and a second input.

[0041] The transformer 432 can provide a magnetic field to store electrical energy during switching of the reverse converter 428. In some examples, the transformer 432 can increase or decrease a voltage by selecting a ratio between winding 432A and winding 432B of the transformer 432. In some examples, the transformer 432 can provide electrical isolation between winding 432A and winding 432B of the transformer 432, resulting in electrical isolation between voltage rail 24 and voltage rail 414. As shown, winding 432A of the transformer 432 can include a first node connected to voltage rail 24 and a second node connected to a first node (e.g., the drain) of a voltage-controlled circuit element 464.The winding 474B of the transformer 474 can include a first node connected to the anode of the diode 434 and a second node connected to the ground rail 16.

[0042] Diode 434 can function essentially the same way as diode 34. For example, diode 434 can allow current to flow from an anode to a cathode and prevent current from flowing from the cathode to the anode. As shown, the cathode of diode 434 is connected to the first node (e.g., the positive side) of capacitor 412, and the anode of diode 434 is connected to a first node of winding 432B of transformer 432.

[0043] The voltage-controlled circuit element 464 can be configured to selectively switch a voltage between the voltage rail 414 and the ground rail 16. In some examples, the voltage-controlled circuit element 464 can be configured to selectively switch a voltage reduction of the capacitor 20. If the voltage-controlled circuit element 464 operates in a closed state, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows that energy is transferred from capacitor 20 to transformer 432. Although in Fig. Where a MOSFET symbol is shown as voltage-controlled circuit element 464, any electrical device controlled by a control node can be used instead of the MOSFET. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the voltage-controlled circuit element 464 comprises a first node (e.g., a drain) connected to a second node of the winding 432A, a second node (e.g., a source) connected to the ground rail 16, and a control node (e.g., a gate) connected to an output of the flyback control 462.

[0044] The feedback converter 428 can be configured to selectively operate the voltage-controlled circuit element 464 to control a voltage between the voltage rail 24 and the ground rail 16. The feedback control 462 can, for example, minimize the difference between a reference voltage received at the input for reference setting and a voltage received at the first input. The voltage received at the first input can, in particular, be an output of a voltage divider formed by the resistive element 440 and the resistive element 442, the output being a voltage between the voltage rail 24 and the ground rail 16.As shown, the resistive element 440 comprises a first node connected to the voltage rail 24 and a second node connected to the first input of the feedback control 462, and the resistive element 442 comprises a first node connected to the first input of the feedback control 462 and a second node connected to the ground rail 16. As shown, the second input of the feedback control 462 can receive an output from the voltage divider formed by the resistive element 450 and the resistive element 452, the output indicating a voltage between the voltage rail 414 and the ground rail 16.As shown, the resistive element 450 comprises a first node connected to the voltage rail 414 and a second node connected to the second input of the flyback control 462, and the resistive element 452 comprises a first node connected to the second input of the flyback control 462 and a second node connected to the ground rail 16. In some examples, the voltage rail 414 may be connected to the voltage rail 14, and the capacitor 412 may be identical to the capacitor 12. In some examples, the voltage on the voltage rail 414 and the voltage on the voltage rail 14 may be different.

[0045] Fig. Figure 6 is a circuit diagram representing an exemplary discharge module 526 according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. 6 is subsequently referred to in connection with the switching system 1 of the Fig. 1 described. However, the techniques described below can be used in any modification and in any combination with the voltage source 10, the capacitor 12, the voltage rail 14, the ground rail 16, the capacitor 20, the voltage source 22, the loads 32, the diodes 34 and the switching units 36 to allow the switching units 36 to operate in an open state in order to deactivate the loads 32. As in the example of the Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the switching system 500 can include a discharge module 526.

[0046] The discharge module 526 can connect a resistive element 542 in parallel with the capacitor 20 when the voltage across the capacitor 20 exceeds a predetermined voltage (e.g., a percentage of the nominal voltage of the capacitor 20). In some examples, the discharge module 526 can function essentially like the discharge module 26 of the Fig. 1. As shown, the discharge module 526 can comprise a resistive element 542, a gate driver 554, and a voltage-controlled circuit element 550.

[0047] The voltage-controlled circuit element 550 can be configured to selectively maintain a voltage between the voltage rail 24 and the ground rail 16. For example, the voltage-controlled circuit element 550 can operate in a closed state when the voltage across capacitor 20 exceeds a predetermined voltage (e.g., a percentage of the nominal voltage of capacitor 20), and otherwise operate in an open state. In some examples, the voltage-controlled circuit element 550 can be configured to selectively reduce the voltage across capacitor 20. When the voltage-controlled circuit element 550 operates in a closed state, energy can, for example, be transferred from capacitor 20 to the resistive element 542. Although in Fig. Figure 6 shows a MOSFET symbol as a voltage-controlled circuit element 550; any electrical device controlled by a control node can be used instead of the MOSFET. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the voltage-controlled circuit element 550 comprises a first node (e.g., a drain) connected to a second node of the ohmic element 542, a second node (e.g., a source) connected to the ground rail 16, and a control node (e.g., a gate) connected to an output of the gate driver 554.

[0048] The gate driver 554 can be any suitable device that accepts an input and produces an output capable of driving the voltage-controlled circuit element 550 so that it operates in either an open or a closed state. The gate driver 554 can, for example, be an isolated (float / level-shifted) gate driver. As shown, the gate driver 554 can control the voltage-controlled circuit element 550 according to a reference setting received at an input of the gate driver 554 and according to an output received at an input of the gate driver 554 from the voltage divider formed by the resistive element 556 and the resistive element 558, the output indicating a voltage between the voltage rail 24 and the ground rail 16.In some examples, the input for a reference setting of the gate driver 554 can receive a signal selected such that the voltage-controlled circuit element 550 operates in the closed state when the voltage across capacitor 20 exceeds a percentage (e.g., 90%, 80%, or similar) of the capacitor 20's rated voltage. As shown, the first resistive element 556 comprises a first node connected to the voltage rail 24 and a second node connected to the input of the gate driver 554, and the resistive element 558 comprises a first node connected to the input of the gate driver 554 and a second node connected to the ground rail 16.

[0049] Fig. Figure 7 is a circuit diagram representing an exemplary integrated circuit according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. 7 will be discussed below in connection with switching system 1 of the Fig. 1 described. However, the techniques described below can be used in any modification and in any combination with the voltage source 10, the capacitor 12, the voltage rail 14, the ground rail 16, the capacitor 20, the voltage source 22, the loads 32, the diodes 34 and the switching units 36 to allow the switching units 36 to operate in an open state in order to deactivate the loads 32. As in the example of the Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the switching system 600 can include the switching units 636A to N (collectively "switching units 636"), which are essentially similar to the switching unit 136 of the Fig. 2 can be, with the exception that a single switch control 638 is used, the converter unit 328 of the Fig. 4, the ohmic element 542 of the Fig. 6, the switching unit 540 of the Fig. 6, the diodes 634A to N, which are essentially similar to the diodes 34 of the Fig. 1 may be, and include loads 632A to N (collectively the “loads 632”), which are essentially similar to loads 32 of the Fig. 1 can be. It is self-evident that the switch control 638 can be essentially similar to the switch control 154, except that the switch control 638 can control several switching units 636.

[0050] As shown, the switch controller 638, the switching units 636, the diodes 634, and the switching unit 540 can be formed in a single integrated circuit 640. Instead of discharging the energy into the switching units 636, the diodes 634 can thus divert the energy stored in the loads 632 away from the switching units 636 and into the converter unit 328 and / or the resistive element 542, which is located outside the single integrated circuit 640. In some examples, the use of a freewheeling diode instead of a Zener diode can allow a single integrated circuit 640 to contain additional components of the system 600, thereby reducing the size and cost of the system 600. For example, a single integrated circuit 640 can include a switching unit of the converter unit 328 configured to switch a control voltage of the capacitor 20.

[0051] Fig. Figure 8 is a first operational plan consistent with techniques performed by a circuit according to this disclosure. For purely illustrative purposes, the exemplary operations are described below in connection with the circuit system 1, which is presented in Fig. Figure 1 is shown. However, the techniques described below can be used in any modification and in any combination with the voltage source 10, the capacitor 12, the voltage rail 14, the ground rail 16, the capacitor 20, the voltage source 22, the loads 32, the diodes 34, and the switching units 36 to allow the switching units 36 to operate in an open state in order to deactivate the loads 32. Although switching unit 36A is described below, it is understood that the description can be applied to any of the switching units 36. Furthermore, in some examples, the switching system 1 may comprise only one of the switching units 36, for example, switching unit 36A, while in other examples, the switching system 1 may comprise several switching units 36, for example, switching units 36A and B, switching units 36A to C, switching units 36A to N, or similar.

[0052] According to one or more techniques of this disclosure, the voltage source 22 can control the voltage of a freewheeling capacitor (e.g., capacitor 20) so that it matches a target voltage (702). The target voltage can be selected, for example, to achieve a desired discharge time for the load 32A. In some examples, the converter unit 228 of the Fig. 3. Discharge the voltage of a freewheeling capacitor (e.g., capacitor 20) so that it corresponds to the target voltage.

[0053] The discharge module 26 can determine whether the voltage of the freewheeling capacitor (e.g., capacitor 20) exceeds a voltage threshold (704). The gate driver 554 of the Fig. 5 can compare a voltage of the voltage divider formed by the ohmic element 556 and the ohmic element 558 with a reference input selected to prevent a capacitor 20 from exceeding a rated voltage of capacitor 20. In response to the detection that the voltage of the freewheeling capacitor exceeds the voltage threshold, the gate driver 554 of the Fig. 5 selectively connect the ohmic element 542 in parallel to the freewheeling capacitor (706).

[0054] Fig. Figure 9 is a block diagram representing a third exemplary switching system 800 according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. 9 is subsequently referred to in connection with switching system 1 of the Fig. 1 described. However, the techniques described below can be used in any modification and in any combination with the voltage source 10, the capacitor 12, the voltage rail 14, the ground rail 16, the capacitor 20, the voltage source 22, the load unit 27, the loads 32, the diodes 34 and the switching units 36 to allow the switching units 36 to operate in an open state in order to deactivate the loads 32. As in the example of the Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the switching system 800 can comprise the switching units 838A to N (collectively the “switching units 838”).

[0055] The switching units 838 can be configured to selectively connect a first node of the load 32A to the voltage bus 14 and also to ensure that the loads 32 are disconnected for safety reasons. For example, one of the switching units 838A or 36A can be switched according to a control parameter (e.g., pulse width modulation switching of a relay), and the other of the switching units 838A or 36A can remain closed during switching according to a control parameter.In some examples, the switching unit 838A can be configured to operate in a first state and a second state, wherein during the first state the switching unit 838A connects the first node of the load 32A to the first node of the voltage source 10, and wherein during the second state the switching unit 838A connects the first node of the load 32A to the second node of the voltage source 10. In some examples, the switching unit 38A can be configured similarly to operate in a first state and a second state, wherein during the first state the switching unit 38A connects the second node of the load 32A to the first node of the capacitor 20, and wherein during the second state the switching unit 38A connects the second node of the load 32A to the second node of the capacitor 20.In this way, the switch, which can remain closed during switching according to a control parameter, can function as a safety switch by operating in an open state if attempts to operate the other switch in the open state fail. The 838 switching units can comprise one or more voltage-controlled circuit elements.

[0056] In some examples, the switching units 838 can be configured to selectively connect a first node of the load 32A to the ground rail 16. For example, the switching unit 838A switches the first node (e.g., the high-side) of the load 32A to the voltage rail 14 when a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal is high, and it switches the first node (e.g., the high-side) of the load 32A to the ground rail 16 when the pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal is low. In this way, the switching unit 838 can provide improved control of the loads 32 by connecting the loads 32 to the reference voltage of the ground rail 16. The switching units 838A can, in particular, switch a first node of the load 32A to earth in order to cause the load 32A to be discharged, since the load 32A would no longer receive energy from the voltage rail 14.

[0057] Fig. Figure 10 is a circuit diagram illustrating, by way of example, a first integrated circuit 950 and a second integrated circuit 952 according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. 10 is subsequently referred to in connection with switching system 1 of the Fig. 1 described. However, the techniques described below can be used in any modification and in any combination with the voltage source 10, the capacitor 12, the voltage rail 14, the ground rail 16, the capacitor 20, the voltage source 22, the loads 32, the diodes 34 and the switching units 36 to allow the switching units 36 to be operated in an open state in order to deactivate the loads 32.

[0058] The first integrated circuit 950 can be configured to deactivate the loads 32 by connecting the high side of the loads 32 to ground, and to activate the loads 32 by connecting the high side of the loads to the voltage rail 14. As shown, the first integrated circuit 950 comprises a switching unit 938. It is understood that the description of the switching unit 938 can be applied to one or more of the switching units 838. The switching unit 938 can be configured to selectively connect a first node of the load 32A to the voltage rail 14 or the ground rail 16. As shown, the switching unit 938 can comprise a control device 940, a voltage-controlled circuit element 951, and a voltage-controlled circuit element 956. Although in Fig. Figure 10 shows a MOSFET symbol with a body diode as voltage-controlled circuit element 954 and as voltage-controlled circuit element 956. Any electrical device controlled by a control node can be used instead of the MOSFET. In some examples, a diode can replace the voltage-controlled circuit element 956.

[0059] The control device 940 can be configured to control the voltage-controlled circuit element 954 and the voltage-controlled circuit element 956 such that the load 32A is activated and deactivated. In some examples, the control device 940 can include one or more analog components. In some examples, the control device 940 can include one or more digital components. For example, the control device 940 can include a microcontroller in a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, inputs, and outputs.The control device 940 may, in particular, comprise one or more processors, which may include one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits, as well as any combination of these components. The term "processor" or "processing circuit" may generally refer to any of the preceding logic circuits alone or in combination with another logic circuit or other equivalent circuit. In some examples, the control device 940 may comprise a combination of analog and digital components.In some examples, the control device 940 can include a first output connected to an input of a first gate driver, which has an output connected to a control node of the voltage-controlled circuit element 954, and a second output connected to an input of a second gate driver, which has an output connected to a control node of the voltage-controlled circuit element 956. As shown, the control device 940 can include a first output directly connected to a control node of the voltage-controlled circuit element 954 and a second output directly connected to a control node of the voltage-controlled circuit element 956. In some examples, the control device 940 can be configured to operate in a first state (e.g.,, when a PWM signal is high), wherein the voltage-controlled circuit element 954 is operated in a closed state and the voltage-controlled circuit element 956 is operated in an open state, or in a second state (e.g., when a PWM signal is low), wherein the voltage-controlled circuit element 954 is operated in an open state and the voltage-controlled circuit element 956 is operated in a closed state.

[0060] The second integrated circuit 952 can be configured to provide additional safety. As shown, the second integrated circuit 952 includes a switching unit 936. It is understood that the description of the switching unit 936 can be applied to one or more of the switching units 36. The switching unit 936 can be configured to selectively connect a second node (e.g., the low-side) of the load 32A to the ground bus 16. As shown, the switching unit 936 can include a control device 942 and a voltage-controlled circuit element 944. Although in Fig. Figure 10 shows a MOSFET symbol with a body diode as the voltage-controlled circuit element 944; any electrical device controlled by a control node can be used instead of the MOSFET.

[0061] The control device 942 can be configured to control the voltage-controlled circuit element 944 such that it deactivates the load 32A if the first integrated circuit 950 fails to deactivate the load 32A. In some examples, the control device 942 can include one or more analog components. In some examples, the control device 942 can include one or more digital components. For example, the control device 942 can include a microcontroller in a single integrated circuit that contains a processor core, memory, inputs, and outputs.The control device 942 may, in particular, comprise one or more processors, which may include one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits, as well as any combination of these components. The term "processor" or "processing circuit" may generally refer to any of the preceding logic circuits alone or in combination with another logic circuit or other equivalent circuit. In some examples, the control device 942 may comprise a combination of analog and digital components.In some examples, the control device 942 can include an output connected to an input of the gate driver, which has an output connected to a control node of the voltage-controlled circuit element 944. As shown, the control device 942 can also include an output directly connected to a control node of the voltage-controlled circuit element 944.

[0062] According to one or more techniques of this disclosure, some examples can use the switching unit 936 to ensure safety when the load 32A is deactivated. For example, although the switching unit 936 is operating in a closed state and the load 32A is activated, the switching unit 938 can control a load current through the load 32A, for example, by means of a pulse-width modulation scheme applied by the control device 940 to the voltage-controlled circuit element 954 and / or the voltage-controlled circuit element 956. Although the voltage-controlled circuit element 954 is operating in a closed state (e.g., a high cycle of the pulse-width modulation scheme), the load current through the load 32A can increase, and although the voltage-controlled circuit element 954 is operating in an open state (e.g.,(during a low cycle of the pulse width modulation scheme), the load current can flow through an integrated body diode of the voltage-controlled circuit element 956, or the voltage-controlled circuit element 956 can be operated in a closed state to further minimize losses in the voltage-controlled circuit element 956. Subsequently, the control unit 940 and / or the control unit 942 can deactivate the load 32A by operating the voltage-controlled circuit elements 954 and 944 in an open state. During the deactivation of the load 32A, the load current can flow through the integrated body diode of the voltage-controlled circuit element 956, or the control unit 940 can operate the voltage-controlled circuit element 956 in a closed state to further minimize losses in the voltage-controlled circuit element 956.Therefore, a voltage across the load 32A can be the voltage across capacitor 20 minus the voltage drop across diode 34A when the voltage-controlled circuit element 956 is in a closed state, or it can be the voltage across capacitor 20 minus the voltage drop across the integrated body diode of the voltage-controlled circuit element 956 when the voltage-controlled circuit element 956 is in an open state. Furthermore, by placing the switching unit 936 in a second integrated circuit 952 instead of the first integrated circuit 950, greater safety can be achieved, as it is unlikely that multiple integrated circuits (e.g., SoCs) would fail to disable the load 32A.

[0063] Fig. Figure 11 is a block diagram representing a fourth exemplary switching system 1000 according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Fig. 11 is subsequently referred to in connection with the switching system 1 of the Fig. 1 described. However, the techniques described below can be used in any modification and in any combination with the voltage source 10, the capacitor 12, the voltage rail 14, the ground rail 16, the capacitor 20, the voltage source 22, the load unit 27, the loads 32, the diodes 34 and the switching units 36 to allow the switching units 36 to operate in an open state in order to deactivate the loads 32. As in the example of the Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the switching system 1000 can be used with the converter unit 228. Fig. 3 and the switching units 838 of the Fig. 9. In those examples where system 1000 includes converter unit 228, the voltages of voltage rail 14 and voltage rail 24 can be different. A voltage of voltage rail 24 can be selected, for example, to achieve a desired discharge rate for deactivating loads 32. In those examples where converter unit 228 is omitted from system 1000, the voltages of voltage rail 14 and voltage rail 24 can be the same. The first node of capacitor 20 can, for example, be connected to voltage rail 14.

[0064] Instead of discharging the energy into the switching units 36, the energy can be stored according to one or more techniques of this disclosure by being fed from the converter unit 228 into the capacitor 12 to support a voltage of the voltage rail 14. Furthermore, instead of providing a single switching element to deactivate the loads 32, one of the switching units 838 or the switching units 36 can provide a safety switch to improve the safety and reliability of a resulting device.

[0065] Fig. Figure 12 is a second operating procedure consistent with techniques performed by a circuit according to this disclosure. For purely illustrative purposes, the exemplary operations are described below in connection with the 800 circuit system, which is presented in the Fig. Figure 9 is shown. However, the techniques described below can be used in any modification and in any combination with the voltage source 10, the capacitor 12, the voltage rail 14, the ground rail 16, the capacitor 20, the voltage source 22, the loads 32, the diodes 34, the switching units 838, and the switching units 36 to deactivate the loads 32. Although a switching unit 36A and a switching unit 838A are described below, it is understood that the description of the switching unit 36A and the switching unit 838A can be applied to any of the switching units 36 and any of the switching units 838.Furthermore, in some examples, the switching system 800 may comprise only one of the switching units 36, for example, switching unit 36A, while in other examples, the switching system 800 may comprise several switching units 36, for example, switching units 36A and B, switching units 36A to C, switching units 36A to N, or similar. Similarly, in some examples, the switching system 800 may comprise only one of the switching units 838, for example, switching unit 838A, while in other examples, the switching system 800 may comprise several switching units 838, for example, switching units 838A and B, switching units 838A to C, switching units 838A to N, or similar.

[0066] According to one or more techniques of this disclosure, the switching unit 838A receives a command to disconnect the load 32A (1102). The control device 940 of the Fig.For example, 10 can determine that one period of the PWM signal indicates a signal to disconnect the load 32A. Next, the switching unit 838A operates a switch connected to the high side of the load 32A in an open state (1104). For example, the control unit 940 operates the voltage-controlled circuit element 954 in an open state. The switching unit 838A can also optionally operate a first switch connected to the low side of the load 32A in an open state (1106). For example, the control unit 940 operates the voltage-controlled circuit element 956 in an open state. Next, the switching unit 36A operates a second switch connected to the low side of the load 32A in an open state (1108). For example, the control unit 942 operates the voltage-controlled circuit element 944 in an open state.

[0067] The techniques described in this disclosure may be implemented, at least in part, as hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. Numerous aspects of the described techniques may, for example, be implemented using one or more processors, including one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits, as well as combinations of these components. The term "processor" or "processing circuit" may generally refer to any of the preceding logic circuits, alone or in combination with another logic circuit or other equivalent circuit.A control device comprising hardware may also execute one or more of the techniques of this disclosure.

[0068] This hardware, software, and firmware can be implemented in the same device or in separate devices to support the numerous techniques described in this disclosure. Furthermore, each of the described modules or components can be implemented together or separately as discrete but mutually usable logic devices. The representation of the various features as modules or units is intended to highlight different functional aspects and does not necessarily mean that these modules or units must be implemented by separate hardware, firmware, or software components. Instead, functionality associated with one or more modules or units can be implemented by separate hardware, firmware, or software components or integrated into common or separate hardware, firmware, or software components.

Claims

[1] Circuit which features: a voltage source (10); an inductive load (32A; 132); a capacitor (20); a switching unit (36A; 136) configured to operate in a first state and a second state, wherein during the first state the switching unit (36A; 136) connects the inductive load (32A; 132) to the voltage source (10) and wherein during the second state the switching unit (36A; 136) connects the inductive load (32A; 132) to the capacitor (20); and a load unit (27; 140) which is designed to obtain energy from the capacitor (20) by comparing a voltage of the capacitor (20) with a reference voltage. [2] Circuit according to claim 1, wherein the reference voltage is defined by a current profile of the inductive load (32A; 132). [3] Circuit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the load unit (27) comprises a converter unit (228) configured to supply energy to the voltage source (10). [4] Circuit according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: a second capacitor (12); wherein the load unit has a converter unit (328) which is configured to supply energy to the second capacitor (12). [5] Circuit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a second inductive load (32N); and a second switching unit (36N) configured to operate in a first state and a second state, wherein the second switching unit (36N) connects the second inductive load (32N) to the voltage source (10) during the first state of the second switching unit (36A, 36N; 136) and wherein the second switching unit connects the second inductive load (32N) to the capacitor (20) during the second state of the second switching unit (36N). [6] Circuit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the load unit has a discharge module (526) configured to selectively connect an ohmic element (542) in parallel with the capacitor (20). [7] Circuit according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: a diode (134) having a first node and a second node; wherein the switching unit (136) has a switch (150) which is connected in series with the inductive load (132); and wherein the first node of the diode is connected to a node between the inductive load (132) and the switch (150) and wherein the second node of the diode is connected to the capacitor (20). [8] Circuit according to claim 7, wherein the first node of the diode (134) is an anode and wherein the second node of the diode (134) is a cathode. [9] Circuit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the load unit (27; 140) is further configured to receive energy from the capacitor (20) such that a voltage of the capacitor (20) is greater than a voltage supplied by the voltage source (10). [10] Circuit which features: a voltage source (10) having a first node (14) and a second node (16); an inductive load (32A) that has a first node and a second node; a capacitor (20) having a first node (24) and a second node; a first switching unit (838A; 938) configured to operate in a first state and a second state, wherein the first switching unit (838A; 938) connects the first node of the inductive load (32A) to the first node (14) of the voltage source (10) during the first state, and wherein the first switching unit connects the first node of the inductive load (32A) to the second node (16) of the voltage source (10) during the second state; a second switching unit (36A; 936) configured to operate in a first state and a second state, wherein the second switching unit (36A; 936) connects the second node of the inductive load (32A) to the first node (24) of the capacitor (20) during the first state, and wherein the second switching unit (36A; 936) connects the second node of the inductive load (32A) to the second node of the capacitor (20) during the second state; and a load unit (27) which is designed to obtain energy from the capacitor (20) by comparing a voltage of the capacitor (20) with a reference voltage. [11] Circuit according to claim 10, wherein the reference voltage is defined by a current profile of the inductive load (32A). [12] Circuit according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the load unit (27) comprises a converter unit (228) configured to supply energy to the voltage source (10). [13] Circuit according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the inductive load (32A) is a first inductive load, the circuit further comprising: a second inductive load (32N) having a first node and a second node; and a third switching unit (838N) designed to operate in a first state and a second state, wherein the third switching unit (838N) connects the first node of the second inductive load (32N) to the first node of the voltage source (10) during the first state and wherein the third switching unit (838N) connects the first node of the second inductive load (32N) to the second node of the voltage source (10) during the second state, where the second node of the second inductive load is connected to the second node of the first inductive load. [14] Circuit according to claim 13, which further comprises: a fourth switching unit (36N) designed to operate in a first state and a second state, wherein the fourth switching unit (36N) connects the second node of the second inductive load (32N) to the first node (24) of the capacitor (20) during the first state and wherein the fourth switching unit connects the second node of the second inductive load to the second node of the capacitor (20) during the second state. [15] Method which features: selectively connecting a capacitor (20) to an inductive load (32A; 132) using a switching unit (36A; 136) of a circuit; and Obtaining energy from the capacitor (20) using a load unit (27; 140) of the circuit by comparing a voltage of the capacitor (20) with a reference voltage. [16] Method according to claim 15, wherein the reference voltage is defined by a current profile of the inductive load (32A; 132). [17] Method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the selective connection of the capacitor (20) to the inductive load (32A; 132) comprises: Connecting the inductive load to a voltage source (10) using the switching unit (36A; 136) during a first state of the switching unit (36A; 136); and Connecting the inductive load to the capacitor (20) using the switching unit (36A; 136) during a second state of the switching unit (36A; 136). [18] The method of claim 17, wherein: the capacitor (20) is a first capacitor; obtaining energy from the first capacitor (20) by comparing the voltage of the first capacitor with the reference voltage: Obtaining the energy from the first capacitor (20) with a first voltage using a converter unit (228) of the load unit (27); and Supplying energy with a second voltage to a second capacitor (12) connected in parallel to the voltage source (10) using the converter unit (228), wherein the first voltage and the second voltage are different. [19] Method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the recovery of energy from the capacitor (20) is based on a comparison of the voltage of the capacitor (20) with the reference voltage: Selective switching of an ohmic element (542) in parallel to the capacitor (20) using a discharge module (526) of the load unit based on the comparison of the voltage of the capacitor (20) with the reference voltage. [20] Method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the switching unit (36A) is a first switching unit and the inductive load (32A) is a first inductive load, the method further comprising: selectively connecting the capacitor (20) to a second inductive load (32N) using a second switching unit (36N) of the circuit.

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