HIGH-SPEED INTERFERENCE INSULATION FOR POWER SOURCES OF A VEHICLE

Abstract

Procedure (500), which includes: Receiving (502) a current from a current sensor (223) associated with a power source (102) of a vehicle (100); Determine (504) a direction of the current with respect to the power source (102); In response to the determination (504) that the direction of the current with respect to the power source (102) is a forward current flowing out of the power source (102), determine (506) by an overcurrent monitoring device (230) whether the forward current exceeds a forward current threshold during a forward overcurrent detection period by comparing the current with the forward current threshold; In response to the determination (504) that the direction of the current with respect to the power source (102) is a reverse current flowing into the power source (102), determine (508) by the overcurrent monitoring device (230) whether the reverse current exceeds a reverse current threshold during a reverse overcurrent detection period by comparing the current with the reverse current threshold; and in response to the determination (506) that the forward current exceeds the forward current threshold during the forward overcurrent detection period, or in response to the determination (508) that the reverse current exceeds the reverse current threshold during the reverse overcurrent detection period, control (510) at least one switch (221, 222) associated with the power source (102) using a gate driver (220) to block the current, characterized by the fact that the reverse overcurrent detection period is shorter than the forward overcurrent detection period, wherein the overcurrent monitoring device (230) comprises a first comparator (231) for detecting an overcurrent in the forward current and a second comparator (232) for detecting an overcurrent in the reverse current, wherein the overcurrent monitoring device (230) further comprises a first capture register (239) associated with the first comparator (231) to cause a gate control block (229) of the gate driver (220) to control the at least one switch (221, 222) in response to the determination (506) that the forward current exceeds the forward current threshold during the forward overcurrent detection period, wherein the overcurrent monitoring device (230) further comprises a second capture register (240) associated with the second comparator (232) to cause the gate control block (229) of the gate driver (220) to control the at least one switch (221, 222) in response to the determination (508) that the reverse current exceeds the reverse current threshold during the reverse overcurrent detection period

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method. The disclosure of the subject matter relates to vehicles and, in particular, to high-speed interference isolation for power sources of a vehicle.

[0002] Document DE 10 2022 126 802 A1 discloses a method according to the preamble of claim 1. Documents WO 2020 / 145 029 A1, DE 10 2021 132 451 A1, DE 10 2021 113 107 A1, DE 10 2018 217 665 A1, WO 2020 / 234 136 A1 and DE 10 2015 117 849 A1 disclose related methods.

[0003] Modern vehicles (e.g., a passenger car, a motorcycle, a boat, or any other type of motor vehicle) can receive electrical power from one or more power sources and can supply electrical power to various systems of the vehicle. For example, an electric vehicle may contain one or more batteries to store electrical power and supply it to one or more electric motors that propel the vehicle. This configuration of vehicle is called a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Other types of vehicles, such as internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and / or the like, including combinations and / or multiples thereof, may also be equipped with batteries. Other examples of vehicle components that supply electrical power (e.g.,(which can utilize electrical power stored in a battery), but are not limited to pumps, actuators, sensors, processing systems, displays, climate control systems, infotainment systems, power engine control units and / or the like, including combinations and / or multiples thereof.

[0004] One of the aims of the invention is to improve the functioning of vehicles. SUMMARY

[0005] The aforementioned problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments result from the dependent claims.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes receiving a current from a current sensor associated with a vehicle power source. The method further includes determining the direction of the current with respect to the power source. In response to the determination that the direction of the current with respect to the power source is a forward current flowing from the power source, the method further includes determining, by means of an overcurrent monitoring device, whether the forward current exceeds a forward current threshold during a forward overcurrent detection period, by comparing the current with the forward current threshold.The method further comprises, in response to the determination that the direction of the current with respect to the power source is a reverse current flowing into the power source, determining by the overcurrent monitoring device whether the reverse current exceeds a reverse current threshold during a reverse overcurrent detection period that is shorter than the forward overcurrent detection period, by comparing the current with the reverse current threshold. The method further comprises, in response to the determination that the forward current exceeds the forward current threshold during the forward overcurrent detection period, or in response to the determination that the reverse current exceeds the reverse current threshold during the reverse overcurrent detection period, controlling at least one switch associated with the power source using a gate driver to block the current.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described here, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include the current sensor being arranged in the gate driver.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include the gate driver comprising the current sensor, a temperature sensing block for receiving a temperature from a temperature sensor element, an overcurrent detection block, an overtemperature detection block, a gate control block, and control logic.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described here, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include the gate control block of the gate driver controlling the at least one switch associated with the power source.

[0010] The overcurrent monitoring device includes a first comparator for detecting an overcurrent in the forward current and a second comparator for detecting an overcurrent in the reverse current.

[0011] The overcurrent monitoring device further includes a first capture register associated with the first comparator to cause a gate control block of the gate driver to control the at least one switch in response to the determination that the forward current exceeds the forward current threshold during the forward overcurrent detection period.

[0012] The overcurrent monitoring device further includes a second capture register associated with the second comparator to cause the gate control block of the gate driver to control the at least one switch in response to the determination that the reverse current exceeds the reverse current threshold during the reverse overcurrent detection period.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include, in response to the determination that the forward current exceeds the forward current threshold during the forward overcurrent detection period, or in response to the determination that the reverse current exceeds the reverse current threshold during the reverse overcurrent detection period, the transmission of a signal to a microprocessor.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include detecting a gate driver fault of the gate driver and, in response to the detection of the gate driver fault of the gate driver, controlling the at least one switch associated with the power source using the gate driver to block the current.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described here, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include the fact that the at least one switch contains an N-metal oxide semiconductor.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a power source, at least one switch associated with the power source, and a fault detection circuit. The fault detection circuit includes a gate driver and an overcurrent monitoring device, the overcurrent monitoring device performing operations. These operations include receiving a current from a current sensor of the gate driver. The operations further include determining the direction of the current with respect to the power source. In response to the determination that the direction of the current with respect to the power source is a forward current flowing from the power source, the operations further include determining whether the forward current exceeds a forward current threshold during a forward overcurrent detection period by comparing the current with the forward current threshold.The operations include, in response to the determination that the direction of the current with respect to the power source is a reverse current flowing into the power source, determining whether the reverse current exceeds a reverse current threshold during a reverse overcurrent detection period that is shorter than the forward overcurrent detection period, by comparing the current to the reverse current threshold. The operations further include, in response to the determination that the forward current exceeds the forward current threshold during the forward overcurrent detection period, or in response to the determination that the reverse current exceeds the reverse current threshold during the reverse overcurrent detection period, causing the gate driver to control the at least one switch associated with the power source to block the current.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described here, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the vehicle may include the current sensor being located in the gate driver.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the vehicle may include the gate driver comprising the current sensor, a temperature sensing block for receiving a temperature from a temperature sensor element, an overcurrent detection block, an overtemperature detection block, a gate control block, and control logic.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described here, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the vehicle may include the gate control block of the gate driver controlling at least one switch associated with the power source.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the vehicle may include an overcurrent monitoring device comprising a first comparator for detecting an overcurrent in the forward current and a second comparator for detecting an overcurrent in the reverse current.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the vehicle may include that the overcurrent monitoring device further comprises a first capture register associated with the first comparator to cause a gate control block of the gate driver to control the at least one switch in response to the determination that the forward current exceeds the forward current threshold during the forward overcurrent detection period.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the vehicle may include that the overcurrent monitoring device further comprises a second capture register associated with the second comparator to cause the gate control block of the gate driver to control the at least one switch in response to the determination that the reverse current exceeds the reverse current threshold during the reverse overcurrent detection period.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the vehicle may include the operation of transmitting a signal to a microprocessor in response to the determination that the forward current exceeds the forward current threshold during the forward overcurrent detection period, or in response to the determination that the reverse current exceeds the reverse current threshold during the reverse overcurrent detection period.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the vehicle may include operations that further include detecting a gate driver fault of the gate driver and, in response to the detection of the gate driver fault of the gate driver, controlling the at least one switch associated with the power source using the gate driver to block the current.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, an overcurrent monitoring device is provided for determining a forward overcurrent in a current flowing forward from a vehicle's power source, or for determining a reverse overcurrent in a current flowing backward into the vehicle's power source. The overcurrent monitoring device includes a first comparator for detecting a forward overcurrent by comparing the current flowing forward from the power source with a forward current threshold. The overcurrent monitoring device further includes a second comparator for detecting a reverse overcurrent by comparing the current flowing backward into the power source with a reverse current threshold.The overcurrent monitoring device further comprises a first filter to receive a first output from the first comparator and apply a forward current timing threshold to the first output. The overcurrent monitoring device further comprises a second filter to receive a second output from the second comparator and apply a reverse current timing threshold to the second output, wherein the forward current timing threshold is greater than the reverse current timing threshold. The overcurrent monitoring device further comprises a first capture register associated with the first comparator to cause a gate driver to control at least one switch associated with the power source in response to the determination that the forward current flowing from the power source exceeds the forward current threshold during the forward current timing threshold.The overcurrent monitoring device further includes a second capture register associated with the second comparator to cause the gate driver to control the at least one switch associated with the power source in response to the determination that the current flowing in the reverse direction into the power source exceeds the reverse current threshold during the reverse current timing threshold.

[0026] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the disclosure are easily evident from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Further features, advantages and details appear in the following detailed description only as examples, the detailed description referring to the drawings; they show: Fig. 1 an illustration of a vehicle with a power source and a fault detection circuit for performing high-speed fault isolation for the power source according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B a block diagram of the fault detection circuit according to Fig. 1 to perform high-speed interference isolation for the vehicle's power source according to Fig. 1 according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 3 a table of threshold values ​​used to implement high-speed interference isolation for power sources of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B a flowchart of a method for performing high-speed interference isolation for power sources of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments; and Fig. 5 a flowchart of a method for performing high-speed interference isolation for power sources of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following description is merely exemplary. It should be noted that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote identical or equivalent parts and features. As the term "module" is used here, it refers to a processing circuit arrangement that may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a (shared, dedicated, or group) processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

[0029] One or more embodiments described here relate to high-speed disturbance isolation for a vehicle's power sources. Some modern vehicles with one or more power sources use semiconductors to control power distribution throughout the vehicle. Multiple high-power sources (e.g., batteries) may be interconnected by power-OR logic switches. It may be desirable to provide uninterrupted power to certain loads, even if there is a disturbance at one power input, until the vehicle can be safely stopped. This means that a disturbance at one power input (e.g., a short circuit) should not cause undisturbed power input switches to open, and that normal-operation transients should not cause any of the power input switches to open.Commercially available gate drivers lack sufficient overcurrent protection to prevent a single-point fault (e.g., a short-to-ground fault) at a power input from causing multiple power input switches to open due to simultaneous fault detection. Furthermore, commercially available gate drivers cannot distinguish between normal operating transients and relatively minor overcurrent faults.

[0030] One or more embodiments described herein remedy these and other deficiencies by providing a hardware and software strategy to rationalize the location of a high-current disturbance and to quickly isolate the disturbance from an undisturbed power source, so that critical loads of the vehicle can have uninterrupted power from the other power inputs until the safe stopping of the vehicle or another corrective measure can be implemented.

[0031] According to one or more embodiments, three types of disturbance can disable a gate driver of a disturbance detection circuit. A first type of disturbance is a forward overcurrent (e.g., a current flowing from the power source). A second type of disturbance is a reverse overcurrent (e.g., a current flowing into the power source, a disturbance at the power source input, such as a power source input being shorted to ground and current being supplied from another, undisturbed power source). A third type of disturbance is gate driver disturbance, which is any severe disturbance identified by the gate driver. The hardware can detect both forward and reverse overcurrents. The hardware forward and reverse overcurrent detection thresholds can be set to different levels.The reverse overcurrent detection time of a specific power input is set to be shorter than the forward overcurrent detection times of the other power inputs to prevent a hard short to ground from triggering a false fault detection on undisturbed power inputs (e.g., disabling those inputs). Both the hardware forward and reverse overcurrent detection disable the gate driver (e.g., open the switch) of the corresponding power input and activate a fault detection interrupt for a microprocessor (also known as an "MCU"). Similarly, the software can detect a forward or reverse overcurrent for a soft short condition and take appropriate action.

[0032] It should be acknowledged that the operation of a vehicle implementing one or more of the embodiments described herein is improved. As described, for example, one or more embodiments can provide rapid isolation of faulty power inputs, an uninterrupted power supply to vehicle-critical loads (e.g., driver outputs 250 to driver loads) even when a fault is present at a power input, improved resilience to high-current faults at power distribution inputs, and / or the like, including combinations and / or multiples thereof.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle 100 with a power source 102 and an interference detection circuit 104 for performing high-speed interference isolation for the power source according to one or more embodiments. The vehicle 100 can be a passenger car, a truck, a van, a bus, a motorcycle, a boat, or any other type of motor vehicle. According to one embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes an internal combustion engine (not shown) that is fueled with gasoline, diesel, or the like. According to another embodiment, the vehicle 100 is a hybrid electric vehicle that is powered partially or entirely by electrical power, which can be provided wholly or partially by the power source 102 (e.g., a battery). According to yet another embodiment, the vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle powered by electrical power from the power source 102 (e.g., a battery).is powered by a battery). According to one or more embodiments, the vehicle 100 is an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. An autonomous vehicle is a vehicle that has self-driving capabilities.

[0034] According to one or more embodiments, the vehicle 100 includes the power source 102 and the fault detection circuit 104. The power source 102 represents one or more power sources that may vary in type, capacity, number, etc. Non-limiting examples of power sources include a battery (e.g., one or more batteries and / or battery systems), a power converter module (PCM) (e.g., a DC / DC converter providing power flow between a high-voltage DC bus and a low-voltage DC bus of a vehicle), another power grid (PG) (e.g., a low-voltage power supply (e.g., essentially a 12-volt power supply)), and / or the like, including combinations and / or multiples thereof.

[0035] The power source 102 provides and / or receives electrical power that can be used to power systems and / or components of the vehicle 100. More specifically, electrical power can flow into and / or out of the power source 102. Non-limiting examples of systems and / or components of the vehicle 100 that can be powered by the power source 102 include electric motors, pumps, actuators, sensors, processing systems, displays, climate control systems, infotainment systems, engine control units, and / or the like, including combinations and / or multiples thereof.

[0036] The interference detection circuit 104 can use current information collected via the power source 102 to perform high-speed interference isolation for the power source 102. Specifically, the interference detection circuit 104 can detect a forward overcurrent (e.g., a current flowing out of the power source 102), a reverse overcurrent (e.g., a current flowing into the power source 102), and / or gate driver interference. The interference detection circuit 104 can, for example, use a current sensor to measure the value of a current flowing out of (forward current) or into (reverse current) the power source 102. That is, the interference detection circuit 104 can detect both the quantity and the direction (forward or reverse current) of the current flowing with respect to the power source 102.The disturbance detection circuit 104 compares the current quantity, depending on whether the current is a forward or reverse current, with a current threshold. The forward current can have a different current threshold (e.g., a forward current threshold) than the current threshold for the reverse current (e.g., a reverse current threshold). The disturbance detection circuit 104 also uses temporal information to detect overcurrent disturbances in both the forward and reverse directions. This allows the disturbance detection circuit 104 to detect overcurrent conditions in both the forward direction (forward current) and the reverse direction (reverse current). The disturbance detection circuit 104 can also detect gate driver disturbance, which can be any severe disturbance identified by a gate control of the disturbance detection circuit. Further features of the disturbance detection circuit 104 will now be described with respect to the... Fig. 2-4 described.

[0037] In particular, the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B a block diagram of the fault detection circuit 104 for performing high-speed fault isolation for the power source 102 of the vehicle 100 according to one or more embodiments.

[0038] The fault detection circuit 104 is connected to the power source 102. If multiple power sources are used, the fault detection circuit 104 can be duplicated and connected to each of the power sources. In the Fig. 2A and Fig. In section 2B, vehicle 100 contains, for example, three power sources: a battery source 201, a PCM source 202, and a PG source 203. Each of the sources 201-203 has an associated fault detection circuit 104. A single instance of the fault detection circuit 104 is now described for the battery source 201, but it should be recognized that the description for the fault detection circuit applies to each of the sources 201-203.

[0039] The fault detection circuit 104 includes switches 221 and 222. According to one or more embodiments, the orientation of switches 221 and 222 can be arranged as shown or reversed. For example, switches 221 and 222 can share a common source (as in the Fig. 2A and Fig. (as shown in Figure 2B) or share a common drain between switches 221 and 222 (which is not shown). Switches 221 and 222 can be any suitable type of switching device, such as an N-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS) that uses n-metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors to implement logic gates and other digital circuits. A current can flow through the switches from battery source 201 and is called a forward current 211. Conversely, a current can flow through the switches into battery source 201 (such as from another of sources 202 or 203), and is called a reverse current 212.

[0040] The fault detection circuit 104 includes a gate driver 220 for controlling (e.g., opening / disabling and closing / enabling) the switches 221, 222. If, for example, a fault (e.g., an overcurrent event) is detected, as described here, the gate driver 220 can cause one or both switches 221, 222 to open, which can, for example, prevent damage to the battery source 201 or another source (e.g., one of the sources 202, 203).

[0041] The gate driver 220 includes a current sensing block 223 to detect the direction (e.g., a forward current 211 or a reverse current 212) and magnitude (e.g., a number of amperes) of the current flowing into or out of the battery source 201. The current from the current sensing block 223 can be used in block 226 to determine overcurrent detection. According to one or more embodiments, opening one of the switches 221, 222 (depending on the direction of the current) protects the fault detection circuit 104 (e.g., an NMOS switch and a current sensor shunt resistor) from damage. This overcurrent detection is efficient for significant overcurrent events (e.g., when the current is significantly larger (e.g., 50% more) than a threshold), but may not be efficient for detecting less significant overcurrent events (e.g., 0.01% above a threshold).The gate driver 220 also includes a temperature sensing block 224, which receives a temperature from a temperature sensor element 225 of the fault detection circuit 140 and uses the temperature in block 227 to detect overcurrent temperature faults (e.g., the temperature is greater than a temperature threshold). The gate driver 220 also includes control logic 228 to control a gate control block 229 based on blocks 226 and 227 and / or based on a signal from an overcurrent monitoring device 230, which is described in more detail here. Furthermore, the control logic 228 sends the fault status of the gate driver to an MCU 252, which is powered by an MCU power supply 254. The MCU can perform software-based processing, such as, for example, regarding the... Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B is described. The MCU 252 generates and / or receives interference isolation control signals for each of the sources 202 and 203 via their respective interference detection circuits 104.

[0042] The gate control block 229 is connected to the source and gate terminals of switches 221 and 222, as shown, and causes switches 221 and 222 to selectively open and close based on decisions made by the control logic 228. For example, an overcurrent or overtemperature event is detected at blocks 226 and 227, respectively, whereupon the control logic 228 can signal the gate control block 229 to open one or both of switches 221 and 222, thereby protecting the battery source 201, additional sources (e.g., sources 202 and 203), and / or the vehicle 100.

[0043] As described, the control logic 228 of the gate driver 220 can also be controlled by the overcurrent monitoring device 230 via a gate driver enable / control signal, as shown. The overcurrent monitoring device 230 detects a forward overcurrent (the forward current 211) and / or a reverse overcurrent (the reverse current 212). The overcurrent detection block 226 and / or the overtemperature detection block 227 detect a gate driver fault (e.g., a fault in the gate driver 220). A gate driver fault can be any severe fault identified by the gate driver 220. The overcurrent monitoring device 230 can detect both forward and reverse overcurrents. The hardware forward and reverse overcurrent detection thresholds can be set to different levels.According to one or more embodiments, the reverse overcurrent detection time of a specific power input is set shorter than the forward overcurrent detection times of the other power inputs to prevent a hard short to ground from triggering a false fault detection of unaffected power inputs (e.g., disabling these power inputs). Both the hardware forward and reverse overcurrent detection disable the gate driver 220 to cause the gate control block 229 to open one or more switches 221, 222 of the corresponding power input (e.g., the battery source 201) and activate a fault detection interrupt for the MCU 252. Similarly, the software can detect an overcurrent in both the forward and reverse directions for a soft short condition and take appropriate action.

[0044] The overcurrent monitoring device 230 will now be described in more detail. The overcurrent monitoring device 230 includes a first comparator 231 for detecting an overcurrent in the forward direction and a second comparator 232 for detecting an overcurrent in the reverse direction. The first comparator 231 compares the current (I monitor ) (from the current sensing block 223 of the gate driver 220) with a forward current threshold (OVC_FWD_Threshold), where the output of the first comparator 231 together with the inverse of the current direction (I directionThe output of the OR gate 233 is fed into the NOT gate 235. The OR gate 233 generates an output that is fed into a filter 237, which applies a forward overcurrent detection period (e.g., on the order of hundreds of microseconds (µs)). If the output of the OR gate 233 exceeds the forward overcurrent detection period (e.g., a forward current timing threshold), as determined by the filter 237, the capture register 239 generates an interrupt signal indicating a forward overcurrent event for the control logic 228 of the gate driver 220 and for the MCU 252.

[0045] The second comparator 232 compares the current (I monitor ) (from the current sensing block 223 of the gate driver 220) with a reverse current threshold (OVC_SCG_Threshold), where the output of the second comparator 232 together with the current direction (I directionThe output is fed into the OR gate 234. The OR gate 234 generates an output that is fed into a filter 238, which applies a reverse overcurrent detection period that is significantly shorter than the forward overcurrent detection period. If the output of the OR gate 234 exceeds the reverse overcurrent detection period (e.g., a reverse current timing threshold), as determined at the filter 238, the catch register 240 generates an interrupt signal indicating a reverse overcurrent event for the control logic 228 of the gate driver 220 and for the MCU 252.

[0046] According to one or more embodiments, comparator feedback can be added for the first comparator 231 and / or the second comparator 232 to introduce hysteresis. It should be noted that the following applies to the Fig. 2A and Fig. The current thresholds and time periods described in Section 2B are merely examples, and other threshold and / or time period values ​​may be used according to other embodiments. It should also be noted that one or both of the capture registers 239 and 240 may be SR capture registers or D-flops with set and reset functionality.

[0047] According to one or more embodiments, the fault detection circuit 104 can include additional components, such as shunt resistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and / or the like, including combinations and / or multiples thereof. Assuming that steady-state and transient load / charge operation has been specified, a possible configuration of the components to achieve the desired hardware operation is now described. For example, the following hardware design specifications for the fault detection circuit 104 can be implemented.

[0048] The following assumptions / limitations are considered: I NORMAL_FWD = steady state during normal operation / transient load current in the forward direction I NORMAL_REV = steady state during normal operation / transient charging current in reverse direction I OVC_FWD_SW = Target software forward overcurrent threshold > I NORMAL_FWD I OVC_REV_SW = Target software reverse overcurrent threshold > I NORMAL_REV I OVC_FWD_HW = Target hardware forward overcurrent threshold > I OVC_FWD_SW I OVC_REV_HW = Target hardware reverse overcurrent threshold > I OVC_REV_SW I OVC_REV_SW ≥ I OVC_REV_SW I OVC_FWD_HW ≥ I OVC_REV_HW I OVC_GD_HW = Gate driver overcurrent threshold (bidirectional) > I OVC_FWD_HW T FILTER_GD = Gate driver overcurrent shutdown detection filter time (~10 µs) T FILTER_FWD= Target hardware forward overcurrent detection filter time > T FILTER_GD T FILTER_REV = Target hardware reverse overcurrent detection filter time < T FILTER_FWD u. > T FILTER_GD T DETECT_SW = Software forward / reverse overcurrent detection time (~50 ms) >> T FILTER_FWD Temp SDN_threshold = Hardware over-temperature shutdown threshold < FET rated temperature T TEMP_SDN = Hardware over-temperature shutdown time

[0049] It should be recognized that according to one or more embodiments, the T FILTER_GD significantly smaller than the T FILTER_REV is. The T FILTER_GD can, for example, essentially 50% of T FILTER_REV , essentially 20% of T FILTER_REV , essentially 10% of T FILTER_REV or less.

[0050] A shunt resistor (R) is used. SHUNTThe rated power is selected and verified to be not exceeded under steady-state and normal transient load / charge conditions. The shunt resistor can consist of one or more shunt resistors connected in parallel to reduce the power loss of the individual components.

[0051] A MOSFET (e.g., switches 221, 222) is selected and it is verified that the rated power and heat dissipation are not exceeded under steady-state and normal transient load / charge conditions. One or more field-effect transistors can be implemented in parallel to reduce the power dissipation of the individual components.

[0052] A current amplifier gain (GAIN) is used. CS ) chosen to use software for monitoring reverse currents up to I OVC_REV_HW and forward flows up to I OVC_FWD_HW to provide.

[0053] Overcurrent detection comparator threshold voltages (a resistor divider or a precisely calibrated voltage reference) are chosen to define the hardware forward and reverse overcurrent thresholds. Hysteresis in the comparator threshold can be designed by adding a feedback resistor between the comparator output and the positive comparator input. VOVC_FWD_HW=(IOVC_FWD_HW*RSHUNT)*GAINCS VOVC_REV_HW=(IOVC_REV_HW*RSHUNT)*GAINCS

[0054] The hardware forward and reverse overcurrent filter time (e.g., the low-pass filter time constant of the resistor and first-order capacitor) is designed.

[0055] The minimum T FILTER_FWD The power inputs are greater than the maximum T FILTER_REVfor the power input to be designed. This prevents simultaneous overcurrent detection / shutdown between multiple power inputs in the event of a short circuit to ground at one power input. The T FILTER_FWD can be essentially 2× larger than T FILTER_REV be determined.

[0056] The hardware's resilience to high-current fault conditions is verified: Very hard short circuit - a fault that leads to a forward / reverse current of up to I OVC_GD_HW + margin leads to the period during the T FILTER_GD flows. A hard short circuit to ground – a fault that leads to a reverse current of up to I OVC_GD_HW leads, which during the T FILTER_REV flows. Hard internal / load short circuit - a fault that leads to a forward current of up to I OVC_GD_HW leads, which during the T FILTER_FWD flows. Soft short circuit to ground - a fault that leads to a reverse current of up to I OVC_REV_HWleads, which during the T DETECT_SW flows. Soft internal / load short circuit - a fault that leads to a forward current of up to I OVC_FWD_HW leads, which during the T DETECT_SW flows.

[0057] If the shunt resistor or FETs cannot withstand any of the fault conditions, one or more of the following are done: adjust the overcurrent thresholds to a lower value without falling below the minimum system operability requirements; add a parallel component (shunt resistor or FET) to reduce the individual power dissipation; change the value of the shunt resistor or FET to reduce the power dissipation; and replace the shunt resistor or FET with a better-quality component with higher ratings for transient operation.

[0058] Fig. Figure 3 is a Table 300 of threshold values ​​used to implement high-speed interference isolation for power sources of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments. Table 300 shows the threshold values ​​for each of the power sources according to the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B (e.g., battery source 201 (also referred to as "power source 1"), PCM source 202 (also referred to as "power source 2"), and PG source 203 (also referred to as "power source 3")). As shown, different thresholds and detection times can be set for hardware overcurrent versus software overcurrent detection (as further described here). For hardware overcurrent detection, for example, a forward overcurrent threshold, a reverse overcurrent threshold, a gate driver overcurrent threshold, and a gate driver overtemperature threshold can be set. For software overcurrent detection, forward and reverse thresholds can be set.Similarly, the detection times for forward and reverse overcurrent detection can be set separately for hardware and software overcurrent detection, with the gate driver overcurrent and gate driver overtemperature detection times being set for hardware overcurrent detection, as shown. It should be noted that other thresholds and detection times can be implemented according to other embodiments. According to one or more embodiments, an overtemperature shutdown time (T0) is defined. TEMP_SDN ) is predefined and not configurable. An over-temperature shutdown threshold (Temp) SDN_thresholdThe temperature of the NMOS junction can be set via hardware to limit it within the NMOS nominal value. According to one or more embodiments, the hardware reverse overcurrent detection time can cover a range of essentially 75 µs to 150 µs, taking into account part-to-part variation. The hardware forward overcurrent detection time is greater than 150 µs over a range of part-to-part variation.

[0059] Further aspects and features of the fault detection circuit 104 are described here with regard to the method 400 according to the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B and procedure 500 according to Fig. 5 described.

[0060] The Fig. 4A and Fig. Figure 4B is a flowchart of a method 400 for performing high-speed interference isolation for the power sources of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments. The method 400 can be implemented using any suitable system or device. For example, the method 400 can be implemented using the interference detection circuit 104 according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 will be implemented.

[0061] Method 400 can be implemented, for example, using a combination of hardware and software. According to one or more embodiments, Method 400 comprises hardware sections (e.g., blocks 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 418, 420, 422, 424) that are wholly or partially implemented by some of the components described in the Fig. 2A and Fig. The components shown in Figure 2B, such as the gate driver 220, the overcurrent monitoring device 230, one or more of the switches 221, 222, and / or the like, including combinations and / or multiples thereof, are implemented. According to one or more embodiments, the method 400 also includes software sections (e.g., blocks 412, 414, 416, 426, 428, 430, 432, 434, 436, 438) that are implemented wholly or partially by some of the components shown in the Fig. 2A and Fig. The components shown in Figure 2B, such as the MCU 252, are implemented. It should be noted that, according to other embodiments, some or all blocks implemented by the hardware in the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B can be executed, instead can be executed by software and / or some or all blocks that are executed by software in the Fig. 4A and Fig. Procedure 4B can be executed by hardware instead. Procedure 400 is now described with respect to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described, but is not so restricted.

[0062] The power supply is connected in block 402. The power source 102 (which can be one or more of the battery source 201, the PCM source 202, and / or the PG source 203) is connected, for example, to the vehicle 100. In block 404, the switch (e.g., one of the switches 221 or 222) is activated (closed), and the fault detection circuit 104 is enabled.

[0063] In blocks 406-416, various determinations are made using the fault detection circuit 104, which will now be described in more detail.

[0064] Blocks 406-410, which relate to hardware-based overcurrent detection, are now described. Block 406 determines whether the current is a forward current (e.g., I_direction = forward) and the current during the forward overcurrent detection period (T0). filter_fwd) is greater than a hardware current threshold. Block 408 determines whether the current is a reverse current (e.g., I_direction = reverse) and whether the current is present during the reverse overcurrent detection period (T). filter_rev ) is greater than a hardware reverse current threshold.

[0065] Block 410 determines whether the gate driver 220 is experiencing an overcurrent fault or an overcurrent temperature fault.

[0066] Blocks 412-416, which relate to software-based overcurrent detection, are now described. Block 412 determines whether the current is a forward current (e.g., I_direction = forward) and whether the current exceeds a software current threshold. Block 414 determines whether the current is a reverse current (e.g., I_direction = reverse) and whether the current exceeds a software reverse current threshold. Block 416 determines whether it is desirable to deactivate (open) the switch (e.g., one of switches 221 or 222).

[0067] If each of blocks 406-416 yields a negative response (each block 406-416 "no"), it is determined that no disturbances have occurred. In this case, procedure 400 returns to block 404, as shown, to continue disturbance detection.

[0068] However, if any of blocks 406-416 results in a positive response (any of blocks 406-416 "yes"), a disturbance is detected, and procedure 400 proceeds to take action (e.g., to disable (open) the switch (e.g., one of switches 221, 222)), as now described.

[0069] If block 406 returns a positive response (block 406 "yes"), procedure 400 proceeds to block 418, where the catch register 239 of the overcurrent monitoring device 230 captures the forward overcurrent detection. This condition can occur, for example, if an internal short circuit or load current exceeds the capacitance of an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle 100. If block 408 returns a positive response (block 408 "yes"), procedure 400 proceeds to block 420, where the catch register 240 of the overcurrent monitoring device 230 captures the reverse overcurrent detection.

[0070] This condition can occur, for example, if there is a hard short to ground. If block 410 returns a positive response (block 410 "yes"), procedure 400 proceeds to block 422, where gate driver 220 detects the gate driver fault (i.e., 226 or 227) via control logic 228. This condition can occur, for example, if there is a hard short to ground, an internal short circuit, the load current significantly exceeds the ECU's capability, the temperature of one or more of switches 221, 222 exceeds a threshold, and / or similar conditions, including combinations and / or multiples thereof. Following the execution of any of blocks 418, 420 or 422, the procedure 400 proceeds to block 424, where the overcurrent monitoring device 230 catches the gate driver 220 to disable (open) one or more of the switches 221, 222.Furthermore, the overcurrent monitoring device 230 in block 424 generates an interruption for the MCU 252 to indicate that a hardware fault has been detected, as shown in the . Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B is shown. In block 426, the procedure 400 includes a software operation of rationalization, which hardware disturbance (forward overcurrent, reverse overcurrent, gate driver overcurrent / overtemperature) has occurred, by reading the hardware capture register signals from the overcurrent monitoring device 230.

[0071] If block 412 returns a positive response (block 412 "yes"), procedure 400 proceeds to block 428, which contains a software operation to rationalize the forward overcurrent due to an internal short circuit or a load current exceeding the capacity of the vehicle's ECU 100. If block 414 returns a positive response (block 414 "yes"), procedure 400 proceeds to block 430, which contains a software operation to rationalize the presence of a soft short to ground.

[0072] After executing one of blocks 428 or 430, or if block 416 results in a positive response (block 416 "yes"), procedure 400 proceeds to block 432, which contains a software operation to detect that gate control block 229 is disabled (open) and consequently to open one or both of switches 221, 222.

[0073] Following the execution of blocks 426 and / or blocks 432, procedure 400 proceeds to block 434, which contains a software operation to determine whether to attempt a retry. If not (block 434 "no"), the software in block 436 leaves gate control block 229 disabled (open). If it is determined to attempt a retry (block 434 "yes"), procedure 400 proceeds to block 438, which contains a software operation to hold a reset of the gate driver 220 and the overcurrent monitoring device 230, for example, for a short duration (e.g., 100 ms), and then release the reset. Procedure 400 then returns to block 404, at which point procedure 400 may be repeated.

[0074] Furthermore, additional processes may be included, whereby it should be recognized that those in the Fig. 4A and Fig. The processes shown in section 4B are for illustrative purposes only, and it should be noted that other processes can be added, or existing processes can be removed, modified, or rearranged without altering the scope of protection of this disclosure. It should also be recognized that the processes shown in the Fig. 4A and Fig. The processes shown in Figure 4B can be implemented as programmatic instructions stored in a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium which, when executed by a processor of a computing system, cause the processor to execute the processes described here.

[0075] Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method 500 for performing high-speed interference isolation for the power sources of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments. The method 500 can be implemented using any suitable system or device. For example, the method 500 can be implemented using the interference detection circuit 104 according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 will be implemented. Procedure 500 will now be implemented with respect to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described, but is not so restricted.

[0076] In block 502, the overcurrent monitoring device 230 receives a current from a current sensor (e.g., the current sensing block 223) assigned to a power source (e.g., power source 102) of a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 100). In block 504, the overcurrent monitoring device 230 determines the direction of the current with respect to the power source. That is, it determines whether the current is a forward current (e.g., forward current 211) flowing out of the power source or a reverse current (e.g., reverse current 212) flowing into the power source. In block 506, the overcurrent monitoring device 230, in response to the determination that the direction of the current with respect to the power source is a forward current flowing from the power source, determines whether the forward current exceeds a forward current threshold during a forward overcurrent detection period by comparing the current with the forward current threshold.In block 508, the overcurrent monitoring device 230, in response to the determination that the current direction with respect to the power source is a reverse current flowing into the power source, determines whether the reverse current exceeds a reverse current threshold during a reverse overcurrent detection period that is shorter than the forward overcurrent detection period, by comparing the current with the reverse current threshold. In block 510, in response to the determination that the forward current exceeds the forward overcurrent detection current threshold during the forward overcurrent detection period, or in response to the determination that the reverse current exceeds the reverse current threshold during the reverse overcurrent detection period, the gate driver 220 causes at least one switch (e.g., at least one of switches 221, 222) associated with the power source to block the current.

[0077] Furthermore, additional processes may be included, whereby it should be recognized that the in Fig. The processes shown in section 5 are for illustrative purposes only, and it should be noted that other processes can be added, or existing processes can be removed, modified, or rearranged without altering the scope of protection of this disclosure. It should also be recognized that the processes described in section 5 are for illustrative purposes only. Fig. The processes shown in section 5 can be implemented as programmatic instructions stored in a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium, which, when executed by a processor of a computing system, cause the processor to execute the processes described here.

[0078] The terms "one" and "an" do not denote a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the designated elements. The term "or" means "and / or" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. References throughout the patent specification to "an aspect" mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, a structure, a step, or a property) described in connection with that aspect is contained in at least one aspect described therein and may or may not be present in other aspects. Furthermore, it should be understood that the described elements in the various aspects can be combined in any suitable manner.

[0079] When an element, such as a layer, film, area, or substrate, is described as being "on" another element, it may be located directly on top of that element, or there may be intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0080] Unless otherwise specified herein, all testing standards are the most recent standard applicable since the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the testing standard appears.

[0081] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as they are generally understood by a person skilled in the field to which the present disclosure belongs.

Claims

[1] Procedure (500), which includes: Receiving (502) a current from a current sensor (223) associated with a power source (102) of a vehicle (100); Determine (504) a direction of the current with respect to the power source (102); In response to the determination (504) that the direction of the current with respect to the power source (102) is a forward current flowing out of the power source (102), determine (506) by an overcurrent monitoring device (230) whether the forward current exceeds a forward current threshold during a forward overcurrent detection period by comparing the current with the forward current threshold; In response to the determination (504) that the direction of the current with respect to the power source (102) is a reverse current flowing into the power source (102), determine (508) by the overcurrent monitoring device (230) whether the reverse current exceeds a reverse current threshold during a reverse overcurrent detection period by comparing the current with the reverse current threshold; and in response to the determination (506) that the forward current exceeds the forward current threshold during the forward overcurrent detection period, or in response to the determination (508) that the reverse current exceeds the reverse current threshold during the reverse overcurrent detection period, control (510) at least one switch (221, 222) associated with the power source (102) using a gate driver (220) to block the current, characterized by , that the reverse overcurrent detection period is shorter than the forward overcurrent detection period, wherein the overcurrent monitoring device (230) comprises a first comparator (231) for detecting an overcurrent in the forward current and a second comparator (232) for detecting an overcurrent in the reverse current, wherein the overcurrent monitoring device (230) further comprises a first capture register (239) associated with the first comparator (231) to cause a gate control block (229) of the gate driver (220) to control the at least one switch (221, 222) in response to the determination (506) that the forward current exceeds the forward current threshold during the forward overcurrent detection period, wherein the overcurrent monitoring device (230) further comprises a second capture register (240) associated with the second comparator (232) to cause the gate control block (229) of the gate driver (220) to control the at least one switch (221, 222) in response to the determination (508) that the reverse current exceeds the reverse current threshold during the reverse overcurrent detection period [2] Method (500) according to claim 1, wherein the current sensor (223) is arranged in the gate driver (220). [3] Method (500) according to claim 2, wherein the gate driver (220) comprises the current sensor (223), a temperature sensing block (224) for receiving a temperature from a temperature sensor element (225), an overcurrent detection block (226), an overtemperature detection block (227), a gate control block (229) and a control logic (228). [4] Method (500) according to claim 3, wherein the gate control block (229) of the gate driver (220) controls the at least one switch (221, 222) associated with the power source (102). [5] Method (500) according to claim 1, further comprising transmitting a signal to a microprocessor in response to the determination (506) that the forward current exceeds the forward current threshold during the forward overcurrent detection period, or in response to the determination (508) that the reverse current exceeds the reverse current threshold during the reverse overcurrent detection period. [6] Method (500) according to claim 1, further comprising: Detecting a gate driver fault of the gate driver (220); and In response to the detection of the gate driver fault of the gate driver (220), the gate driver (220) controls the switch (221, 222) associated with at least one of the power source (102) to block the current. [7] Method (500) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one switch (21, 222) comprises an N-metal oxide semiconductor.

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