Current limiting systems and procedures

Abstract

A system (200, 300, 400) with: an input component (301, 401) configured to receive a signal; a control component (210) with an amplifier (322, 422), a switch (323, 423), a control transistor (331, 431) and a query transistor (332, 432, 435); an adjustable component (220) connected to the input component (301, 401), wherein the adjustable component (220) is configured to: to operate in a first mode which includes low resistance; and to operate in a second mode which includes current limiting operation, in which the second mode allows continued operation in a state which is unsafe for operation in the first mode, the state which includes potential thermal runaway, wherein the adjustable component (220) has: a small transistor component (333, 433) coupled to the amplifier (322, 422); and a large transistor component (334, 434) coupled to the switch (323, 423), wherein the large transistor component (334, 434) is relatively large in relation to the small transistor component (333, 433); wherein, when an overcurrent condition is detected, the switch (323, 423) opens and disconnects the large transistor component (334, 434) from the small transistor component (333, 433) and the probe transistor (332, 432, 435), while the control transistor (331, 431) turns on and shorts a gate of the large transistor component (334, 434) to the input component (301, 401); and gates of the small transistor component (333, 433) and the probe transistor (332, 432, 435) are controlled such that a specified current limit level is maintained; and an output component (302, 402) which is connected to the adjustable component (220), wherein the output component (302, 402) is configured to forward the signal.

Description

RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority over the provisional application number 61 / 687 224 (attorney file number VISH8813R) entitled: POWER LIMITING SYSTEMS AND METHODS, which was filed on 20 April 2012 and is hereby incorporated by reference. AREA OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to electronic systems and methods. In particular, the present invention relates to current protection in electronic systems and methods. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Document WO 02 / 082 611 A2 discloses an electrical power supply in which a supply voltage Us is routed via at least one series branch to at least one output, wherein the at least one branch includes a safety shutdown in the form of a controlled semiconductor switch SW1. Additionally, a monitoring unit UWE is provided, which supplies a shutdown signal s1 to the semiconductor switch when voltages or currents exceed predefined tolerance values. At least one auxiliary semiconductor switch H1A, also controlled by the monitoring unit UWE, is connected in parallel to the semiconductor switch SW1 and absorbs a significant portion of the overload current in the branch in the event of an overload.

[0004] Document JP 2000-13991A discloses a parallel connection of P-channel MOSFETs of switches 1 and 2 with different "ON" resistances. A D / A output 5, which has an analog output, is connected to the gate of the MOSFET of switch 1 with the lower "ON" resistance. The value of the current flowing to switch 1 is detected with a predefined delay. When an overcurrent detection element 3 detects that the current flowing to switch 1 is an overcurrent, a current limiting element 4 eventually turns switch 1 off (infinite resistance) by increasing the resistance of switch 1, gradually raising the gate voltage of the MOSFET of switch 1 from 0 V to the voltage of an input 7. Element 4 also turns on the MOSFET of switch 2, which has the higher "ON" resistance.

[0005] Document DE 41 22 653 A1 discloses a controllable semiconductor switching device with integrated overload protection for a load current path. The device comprises a switching section in the load current path and a plurality of parallel-connected main switching cells with load-side and non-load-side connections, including control connections. The control connections of the main switching cells are directly interconnected. Several auxiliary switching cells are provided, which carry a portion of the total load current in parallel with the main switching cells to provide overload protection and have load-side and non-load-side connections. The number of auxiliary switching cells is less than the number of main switching cells. The main switching cells and the auxiliary switching cells constitute the switching section.The load-side connections of the main and auxiliary switching cells are directly and reliably connected to each other and to the non-load-side switching connections. A second semiconductor switch has a switching section connected between the non-load-side switching connections of the main switching cells. With the device switched on and the load current increasing constantly up to the overload limit, the specific current load and the specific power dissipation of the auxiliary switching cells increasingly and monotonically exceed those of the main switching cells.

[0006] Document DE 38 21 065 A1 discloses a power MOSFET device with a protection circuit comprising a monitoring MOSFET whose drain is connected to the drain of the power MOSFET, a monitoring resistor connected between the source terminals of the power and monitoring MOSFETs, and a monitoring transistor that reduces a gate voltage of the power MOSFET when a voltage across the monitoring resistor exceeds a predetermined level, which represents a dangerous condition of the device.

[0007] Electronic systems and circuits have made a significant contribution to the progress of modern society and are used in a variety of applications to achieve beneficial results. The control of current and voltage in electronic systems and circuits is typically very important, and the lack of proper current and voltage control can be detrimental. In particular, overload or short-circuit conditions can have adverse effects. Adverse effects associated with an overload or short circuit can include overheating or temperature problems. However, conventional attempts to control current may be ineffective in preventing damage and often lead to other undesirable effects or side effects.

[0008] Some conventional approaches to current control attempt to establish a current limit. Fig. Figure 1 is a view of a typical conventional system. Current limiting is a feature increasingly implemented in various switching applications. Protective measures should act as quickly as possible to achieve a high level of protection for both the source (e.g., power supply, etc.) and the load. When a circuit detects an overload or short circuit condition, conventional protective mechanisms typically attempt to shut down the overloaded or short-circuited device or system. Conventional methods for shutting down a device can provide overload protection. However, shutting down a device or system typically has undesirable side effects, namely the interruption of its use.

[0009] Conventional current-limiting approaches typically give rise to a number of problems. Due to the advantages of a very low on-resistance between the drain and source of a transistor when it operates as a switch in the on-state (Rds-on), it is often desirable to design a device with high transconductance, or transconductance. However, high transconductance (gm) can lead to a lower drain-source voltage when the device operates in a current-limiting mode. In this operating range (e.g., low VGS and high VDS, etc.), power devices typically exhibit increased or maximum sensitivity to a reduction in threshold voltage, or on-state voltage, caused by a rise in temperature.A detrimental positive feedback effect often occurs because local temperature increases cause a reduced threshold voltage, which then leads to an additional increase in current, causing a further temperature rise. This positive feedback usually results in thermal runaway, damaging a local area of ​​a MOSFET. If a transition to a conventional current-limiting mode occurs, power devices can easily be damaged as a consequence. Some conventional approaches attempt to use devices with limited or unfavorable characteristics (e.g., inefficient or lower power characteristics, poor gain adjustment, etc.). OVERVIEW

[0010] The present systems and methods can provide efficient and effective switching and protection in electronic systems. To overcome or reduce many disadvantages of conventional approaches, these systems and methods enable advantageous low-resistance operation in normal operating conditions and further reduce adverse effects otherwise associated with current-limiting situations. The systems and methods allow for dynamic and flexible adjustment for operation in different modes (e.g., normal mode, current-limiting mode, etc.). In one embodiment, a normal mode enables low-resistance operation, and a current-limiting mode allows for current protection with minimal or no thermal runaway.In a clear implementation, the systems and methods enable an effective increase in the gate-to-source voltage of a MOSFET contained in a device or component (e.g., power components, load switches, etc.) when it is operating in a current-limiting mode, and the increase in gate-to-source voltage shifts the operating range of the MOSFET into a region where thermal drift is reduced or no longer occurs.

[0011] In one embodiment, a system comprises the features of claim 1.

[0012] In one embodiment, a system comprises an adjustable component and a control component. The control component includes: an amplifier connected to an input component; a first resistor and a second resistor connected to the amplifier; a control transistor connected to the amplifier; a probe transistor connected to the amplifier; and a switch connected to the amplifier. The adjustable component comprises: a small transistor connected to the amplifier and a large transistor connected to the switch, the large transistor being relatively large compared to the small transistor. A current source may be connected to the first resistor. The probe transistor, the small transistor, and the large transistor may have common drain connections.The gates of the probe transistor and the small transistor can be connected. The amplifier is an error amplifier contained in a control loop. In a simplified implementation, the switch is closed during normal operation, connecting the gate of the large transistor component to the gates of the probe transistor and the small transistor component. When an overcurrent condition is detected, the switch can open, disconnecting the large transistor component from the small transistor component and the probe transistor, while the control transistor can be turned on to short the gate of the large transistor component to the input component. The gates of the small transistor component and the probe transistor can be controlled to maintain a specified current limiting level. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this description, show exemplary embodiments in a non-limiting manner. The drawings referenced in this description should be understood as not being to scale unless specifically stated otherwise. Fig. Figure 1 is a block view of a clear, conventional system. Fig. Figure 2 is a block view of a visual system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a block view of another illustrative system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a block view of another illustrative system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a block view of a protection method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6 is a block view of an illustrative configuration process according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Reference is now made in detail to the preferred embodiment of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Although the invention is described in connection with the preferred embodiments, it should be noted that these are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that lie within the basic concept and scope of protection of the invention as defined by the attached claims. Furthermore, numerous specific details are given in the following detailed description of the present invention to facilitate a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, those skilled in the art in this field will recognize that the present invention can also be implemented without these specific details.In other cases, well-known methods, procedures, components and control components under consideration are not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present invention.

[0015] The present systems and methods can provide efficient switching and protection in electronic systems. In one embodiment, the configuration setting allows the components to continue operating at a higher, predefined current level that is still safe for the application when an overcurrent or short circuit condition occurs, instead of immediately shutting off power to the device completely. In a more intuitive implementation, as long as the conditions remain within a safe range for the current-limiting mode, a device can continue operating in current-limiting mode until the overcurrent or short circuit condition is averted or no longer exists. If a situation arises in current-limiting mode where it is not safe (for example, the chip temperature exceeds a certain level even in current-limiting mode, the increase in overcurrent is too large, etc.), the device can be switched off.), the power component can be completely switched off.

[0016] Fig. Figure 2 is a block view of an illustrative system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the system 201 enables efficient switching (for example, controlling the current supply with minimal voltage drop when a switch is closed, while preventing current supply when the switch is closed, etc.), effectively providing protection against adverse current levels (for example, current overload, short circuit, etc.), including the prevention of thermal runaway conditions. The system 200 comprises a control component 210 and an adjustable component 220. The control component 210 is connected to the adjustable component 220.

[0017] The components of system 200 work together to enable efficient switching and current protection. The adjustable component 220 can dynamically change various properties, including properties that allow continued operation under conditions that are unsafe for operation under other conditions (for example, low-resistance properties, current-limiting properties, bias properties, gate-to-source voltage properties, operating ranges, size, etc.). In one embodiment, the adjustable component 220 can dynamically switch between a normal-mode configuration and a current-limiting-mode configuration. The normal-mode configuration can include a low-resistance property. The current-limiting-mode configuration can include current protection and thermal runaway protection.In one embodiment, the current protection features address adverse or negative current conditions, while the thermal runaway protection features mitigate or prevent conditions that may be subject to thermal runaway. The control component 210 enables the control or initiation of settings by the adjustable component 220.

[0018] It should be noted that the adjustable component 220 encompasses a variety of implementations. When operating in normal mode, the adjustable component 220 can be configured in a first configuration. In one embodiment, the first configuration includes the property of a low drain-source resistance in the on-state (Rds-on). When operating in a current-limiting mode, the adjustable component 220 can be configured in a second configuration. In one embodiment, the first configuration includes a first transistor configuration (for example, a large transistor configuration, etc.), and the second configuration includes a second transistor configuration (for example, a small transistor configuration, etc.).In one embodiment, a second configuration in a current-limiting mode can include a property with an increased gate-to-source voltage relative to the gate-to-source voltage of a first configuration in a current-protection mode. In an intuitive implementation, a second component configuration (e.g., relatively small, etc.) in a current-protection mode has a property with an increased gate-to-source voltage relative to a first component configuration (e.g., relatively large, etc.) in a current-protection mode.

[0019] The properties of the adjustable component 220 can correspond to the configuration or size of the components contained within the adjustable component 220. In one embodiment, the adjustable component 220 comprises a first transistor configuration and a second transistor configuration. The first transistor configuration can be a first large transistor configuration, and the second transistor configuration can be a second small transistor configuration. In one embodiment, the first large transistor configuration is larger compared to the second small transistor configuration. In an intuitive implementation, a large transistor configuration can be twice the size of, or larger than, a small transistor configuration. In an intuitive implementation with a current limit of 3 A, the size ratio of the large configuration to the small configuration can be 1 to 10, 1 to 20, etc.The size ratio of the large configuration to the small configuration can be 1 / 10, 1 / 20, etc. (for example, the small configuration is 1 / 10, 1 / 20, etc.). In a more intuitive implementation with a current limit of 300 mA, the size ratio of the large configuration to the small configuration is 1:50, 1:100, etc. (for example, the small configuration is 1 / 50, 1 / 100, etc., the size of the large configuration). In one embodiment, the threshold voltage or gate region turn-on voltage can be 1.7–3 volts. In another embodiment, VDS is greater than 15 volts.

[0020] In one embodiment, during normal operation (e.g., no unreasonably adverse conditions, no overload conditions, no short-circuit conditions, etc.), a large section or configuration is switched on, thus achieving a lower Rds-on. When the circuit operates in the current-limiting state or current-limiting mode, the large section or configuration of the device is switched off, and the small section or configuration is switched on and "carries" the current. Due to its smaller size, the small section or configuration of the device uses a larger or higher gate-to-source voltage to achieve the desired current limiting value. In one embodiment, the smaller configuration can enable the device to operate in a significantly safer operating range at a higher current compared to the large configuration.In a clear implementation, as a result of the larger gate-to-source voltage, the smaller component is less susceptible to various adverse effects that are otherwise associated with operation in current-limiting mode (for example, thermal runaway, local burn-out or local damage, etc.).

[0021] A first large transistor configuration can be dimensioned to enable a first desirable property (e.g., low resistance, etc.), and a second small transistor configuration can be dimensioned to enable operation under conditions that would otherwise give rise to a second undesirable property for the first large transistor configuration. In one embodiment, operation under a specific condition (e.g., current level, voltage level, etc.) may be undesirable for the large transistor (e.g., operation in an unstable region, in a region with thermal runaway, etc.), while operation under the specific condition is acceptable for the second small transistor. In an intuitive implementation, a property of the small transistor configuration (e.g., increased gate-to-source voltage, etc.) may be...) enable acceptable continued operation under conditions that would otherwise give rise to a second undesirable characteristic for the first large transistor configuration.

[0022] In one embodiment, the control component 210 controls the changing properties of the adjustable component 220. It should be noted that the control component 210 can encompass a variety of implementations. The control component 210 can include a control loop. The control component 210 can include a query component. In one embodiment, the control component 210 is configured to detect an adverse current state (for example, an overload state, a short circuit state, etc.) and can cause a configuration change of the adjustable component 220 to provide protection against the adverse current state. Various techniques are possible for controlling the large and small sections or configurations. A system can include query FETs that are used by a control loop for more precise current monitoring.However, a query FET is not necessary, nor is a control loop, and these components are not necessarily included in some embodiments.

[0023] It should be noted that the relatively large and relatively small configurations can be set up in a variety of ways. In one intuitive implementation, the small section or configuration can be switched off while the large section or configuration is switched on. In another intuitive implementation, the small section or configuration can also be switched on while the large section or configuration is switched on. In one embodiment, there are two separate gate control sections in the power device, but the source and drain connections are common to both. The large and small sections or the large and small configurations of a power device can be designed in an interlocking manner.In one embodiment, the toothed arrangement can be designed such that minimal thermal heating occurs when only a section of the power component carries the current.

[0024] It should be noted that the presented systems and methods can be flexibly configured in a variety of ways with diverse characteristics. Furthermore, these systems and methods can improve the response time of the protection circuit in cases where a very low Rds is required. In a straightforward implementation, the current-limiting control loop is faster due to the reduced load from the gate capacitance when only a small section of the power component carries the current. Additionally, the component can advantageously be divided into more than two sections or configurations. These multiple sections or configurations enable or provide better control of the gate-to-source voltage in different operating modes.In one embodiment, the component layout or the different configurations can offer advantages in different operating modes of the switch, such as during startup when only part of the component is used while an output capacitor is charged to the input voltage.

[0025] It should be noted that the systems and methods presented here can be efficiently implemented in a wide variety of applications. Possible implementations include the use of discrete power components of varying sizes, as well as monolithic integration of the power components into the overall system. It should also be noted that the systems and methods can be implemented in a variety of devices, components, or switches (e.g., a load switch, circuit breaker, etc.).

[0026] Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram of an illustrative system 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 300 comprises an input component 301, an output component 302, resistors 311 and 312, a current source 321, an amplifier 322, a switch 323, a control transistor 331, a probe transistor 332, a small transistor component 333, and a large transistor component 334. The amplifier 322 is connected to the resistors 311 and 312, the current source 321, the amplifier 322, the switch 323, and the transistors 331, 332, and 333. The switch 323 is connected to the transistor 324, which is connected to the input 301 and the output 302.In one embodiment, the input component 301, the output component 302, the resistors 311 and 312, the current source 321, the amplifier 322, the switch 323, the control transistors 331, the probe transistor 332 are contained in a control component (for example, similar to the control component 210), and the small transistor component 333 and the large transistor component 334 are contained in an adjustable component (for example, similar to the adjustable component 220).

[0027] The components of System 300 work together to enable System 300 to be configured in a normal mode and a current-limiting mode. In one embodiment, the large transistor component 334 is enabled or switched on in a first large transistor configuration, and the small transistor component 333 is switched on in a second small transistor configuration. The large transistor component 334 can be switched off in the second small transistor configuration. In a more intuitive implementation, the small transistor is disabled or switched off in normal mode. Transistors 332, 333, and 334 can be P-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor (PMOS) field-effect transistors (FETs).The large transistor 334 is a major component or a relatively large FET with respect to the small transistor 333, and the small transistor 333 is a relatively small FET with respect to the large transistor 334 (for example, the small transistor 333 is 1 / 10, 1 / 2, 1 / 100, etc., of the large transistor 334), and the probe transistor 332 is a probe FET or sensor FET. In one embodiment, the three transistors 332, 333, and 334 have common drain connections (for example, a drain connection to the output component 302, etc.), with the gates of transistors 332 and 333 being connected together. In an intuitive implementation, the amplifier 322 is an error amplifier of a control loop.

[0028] In one embodiment, resistors 311 and 312, the current source 321, and the ratio between the probe transistor 332 and the small transistor 333 define a threshold for a current limiting level. During normal operation, switch 323 is closed, connecting the gate of the large transistor 334 to the gates of the probe transistor 332 and the small transistor 333. In a more intuitive implementation, upon detection of an overcurrent condition, switch 323 opens, disconnecting the large transistor 334 from the small transistor 333 and the probe transistor 332. The control transistor 331 then turns on, connecting the gate of the large transistor 334 to the input component 301. The control loop regulates the gates of the small transistor 333 and the probe transistor 332 to maintain the required or specified current limiting level.It should be noted that components of the system 300 can include a variety of component implementations (for example, the resistor 312 can be a variable resistance component, the current source 321 can be an adjustable current source, etc.).

[0029] Fig. Figure 4 is a block diagram of an illustrative system 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the system 400 is similar to the system 200. The system 400 comprises an input component 401, an output component 402, resistors 411 and 412, a current source 421, an amplifier 422, a switch 423, a control transistor 431, probe transistors 432 and 435, a small transistor component 433, and a large transistor component 434. The amplifier 422 is connected to the resistors 411 and 412, the current source 421, the amplifier 422, the switch 423, and the transistors 431, 432, and 433. The switch 423 is connected to the transistor 434 and the transistor 435, which is connected to the output 402.In one embodiment, the input component 401, the output component 402, the resistors 411 and 412, the current source 421, the amplifier 423, the switch 423, the control transistors 431, the probe transistors 432 and 435 are contained in a control component (for example, similar to the control component 210), and the small transistor component 433 and the large transistor component 434 are contained in an adjustable component (for example, similar to the adjustable component 220).

[0030] The components of System 400 work together to enable System 400 to be configured in a normal mode and a current-limiting mode. In one embodiment, the large transistor component 434 is enabled or switched on in a first large transistor configuration, and the small transistor component 433 is enabled in a second small transistor configuration. In another embodiment, the probe transistor 435 enables more refined detection of current conditions.

[0031] Fig. Figure 5 is a block view of a protection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Block 510 implements a current monitoring process. In one embodiment, the current monitoring process detects the condition of an overload or a short circuit. A sensor FET and a control loop are used in this current monitoring process in a more intuitive implementation.

[0033] Block 520 executes a configuration process in which one configuration enables continued operation under conditions that are unsafe for operation in another configuration. The implementation of one configuration or another configuration relies on the results of the current monitoring process in Block 510. In one embodiment, one configuration includes a relatively small resistance when current passage is allowed, compared to the other configuration. In another embodiment, one configuration includes a state of elevated gate-to-source voltage with respect to the other configuration. In an intuitive implementation, a normal configuration that includes a relatively large component has a relatively small resistance when current passage is allowed, compared to a normal configuration that includes a relatively small component.In a straightforward implementation, a current protection configuration comprising a relatively small component will have a state with an increased gate-to-source voltage compared to a current protection configuration comprising a relatively large component. It's important to note that there can be a variety of configuration processes.

[0034] Fig. Figure 6 is a block view of an illustrative configuration process 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the configuration process 600 is an illustrative implementation of the configuration process that is executed in block 520.

[0035] In block 610, a component is configured to operate in a first mode (e.g., normal mode, etc.) in which a relatively large component configuration is activated or set up. This first mode (e.g., normal mode, etc.) may involve a configuration or operation with low resistance compared to a second mode (e.g., current protection mode, etc.). In a descriptive implementation, a low drain-to-source on resistance (Rds-on) is present when the first mode is active.

[0036] Block 620 provides a configuration for operating in a second mode (e.g., current protection mode, etc.) in which a configuration with a relatively small component is enabled or set up. This second mode (e.g., current protection mode, etc.) may include current limiting operation. The configuration with a relatively small component in the current protection mode may include a relatively higher gate-source voltage compared to a configuration with a relatively large component in the current protection mode. In one embodiment, the higher gate-source voltage shifts the operating range of the configuration with a relatively small component into a region of characteristics with less susceptibility to thermal drift.

[0037] In block 630, components of a device or component are configured for operation in a third mode, which involves reducing the current to at least some of the device's components. In one embodiment, the third mode switches off a component or blocks the current flow to mitigate or manage an overcurrent or short circuit.

[0038] Thus, the present systems and methods can provide efficient switching and current protection. In one embodiment, a normal mode allows operation at low resistance, and a current-limiting mode allows current protection with minimal or no thermal runaway. If an overcurrent or short-circuit situation occurs, a configuration setting in a current-limiting mode can allow continued operation at a higher, predefined current level in a safe manner, instead of immediately and completely cutting off power to the device. Furthermore, if an unsafe situation arises in current-limiting mode, the current can be completely interrupted or cut off.

[0039] Parts of the detailed description are set forth and explained with regard to a method. Although steps and sequences thereof are disclosed as figures illustrating the operation of this method, such steps and sequences are merely illustrative. Embodiments are well suited to carrying out various other steps or variations of the steps shown in the flowchart of the figure herein, and these may also be carried out in a different order than shown and described herein.

[0040] Some parts of the detailed description are presented as procedures, steps, logic blocks, processes, and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits that can be performed in computer memory. These descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in data processing to communicate the content of their work to other skilled workers in a highly efficient manner. A procedure, a step executed in a computer, a logic block, a process, etc., are to be understood here and generally as a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions that lead to a desired result. The steps involve physical manipulations of physical quantities.These quantities usually, though not necessarily, take the form of electrical, magnetic, optical, or quantum signals that can be stored, transmitted, combined, compared, or otherwise processed in a computer system. It has often proven convenient, mainly for the sake of commonality, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

[0041] However, it should be borne in mind that all these terms and similar concepts must be linked to the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels assigned to these quantities.Unless specifically stated otherwise, and as explained below, it should be noted that throughout, explanations using terms such as "process," "calculate," "calculate," "determine," "represent," "access," "write," "comprise," "store," "transmit," "procedure," "link," "identify," or the like, which denote the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing system, process and transform data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the registers and memories of the computer system into other similarly represented physical quantities within the memories or registers or other such information storage devices, transmission devices, or display devices.

[0042] Some embodiments can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, which are executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or establish special abstract data types. Typically, the function of the program modules can be combined or divided into various embodiments as needed.

[0043] The preceding descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention are given for illustrative purposes. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exact forms disclosed, and it is obvious that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling other skilled persons to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications, as is appropriate for the specific application under consideration. It is intended that the scope of protection of the invention is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

[0044] This description reveals at least the following: the systems and methods presented can enable efficient switching and protection in electronic systems. A system may comprise: an input configured to receive a signal; an adjustable component configurable to operate in a first mode, which includes low resistance, and configurable to operate in a second mode, which includes current-limited operation, allowing continued operation under conditions unsafe for operation in the first mode; and an output configured to transmit a signal. The adjustable component may be configurable to shut down when it is unsafe to operate in either the first or second mode.The first mode can involve a configuration with a relatively large component and a relatively small drain-to-source resistance. Using a configuration with a small component in the second mode can involve a relatively higher gate-to-source voltage compared to the large component configuration in the second mode. CONCEPTS

[0045] This description includes at least the following concepts: Concept 1. A system with: an input component that is designed to receive a signal; an adjustable component connected to the input component, wherein the adjustable component is configurable to: to operate in a first mode that includes low resistance; and to operate in a second mode which includes a current-limiting operation, in which the second mode allows continued operation in a state that is unsafe or unsafe for operation in the first mode; and an output component connected to the adjustable component, wherein the output component is configured to transmit a signal. Concept 2. The system according to Concept 1, wherein the adjustable component is configurable, is to be switched off if the condition for operation becomes unsafe or unsafe in both the first mode and the second mode. Concept 3. The system according to Concept 1, where a configuration with a relatively large component is activated in the first mode. Concept 4. The system according to Concept 1, whereby a configuration with a relatively small component is activated in the second mode. Concept 5. The system according to Concept 1, in which the first mode has a relatively low drain-to-source resistance compared to the second mode. Concept 6. The system according to Concept 1, in which the second mode includes a configuration with a relatively small component that has an increased gate-to-source tension compared to a procedure in which a configuration with a relatively large component is used in the second mode. Concept 7. The system according to Concept 1, which further includes a control component, wherein the control component comprises: an amplifier connected to the input component; a first resistor and a second resistor connected to the amplifier; a power source connected to the first resistor; a control transistor connected to the amplifier; a query transistor connected to the amplifier; and a switch connected to the amplifier; and wherein the adjustable component comprises: a small transistor component connected to the amplifier; and a large transistor component connected to the switch, where the large transistor component is relatively large compared to the small transistor component. Concept 8. The system according to Concept 7, wherein the query transistor, the small transistor component, and the large transistor component have a common drain connection, with the gates of the query transistor and the small transistor being connected to each other. Concept 9. The system according to Concept 7, where the amplifier is an error amplifier of a control loop. Concept 10. The system according to Concept 7, wherein the switch is closed during normal operation and the switch connects a gate of the large transistor component to gates of the probe transistor and the small transistor component. Concept 11. The system according to Concept 7, wherein, when an overcurrent condition is detected, the switch opens, thereby disconnecting the large transistor component from the small transistor component and the probe transistor, while the control transistor turns on and connects the gate of the large transistor component to the input component; and the gates of the small transistor component and the probe transistor are controlled such that a designated current limiting level is maintained. Concept 12. A protection process with: Execution of a power monitoring process; Executing a configuration process in which one configuration enables continued operation under conditions that are unsafe for operation in another configuration, wherein an implementation of the one configuration and the other configuration are based on results of the power monitoring process. Concept 13. The protection process according to Concept 12, wherein the configuration process includes: Configuring components of a part so that it operates in a normal mode in which a configuration with a relatively large component is activated or set up; Configuring components of a part so that it operates in a power protection mode in which a configuration with a relatively small component is activated or set up; and Configuring components of a component for operation in a third mode, which includes reducing current to at least some of the components of the component. Concept 14. The protection process according to Concept 13, wherein the large component configuration is set up with a relatively low drain-to-source on resistance when the switched-through state (Rds-on) is present, compared to the second mode. Concept 15. The protection process according to Concept 13, wherein the configuration with a relatively small component includes a relatively increased gate-to-source voltage compared to using the configuration with the relatively large component in the current protection mode. Concept 16. The protection process according to Concept 15, wherein the increased gate-source voltage shifts the operation of the configuration with a relatively small component into a range of properties with reduced susceptibility to thermal runaway. Concept 17. A system with: an adjustable component that is configurable to dynamically change various properties, including changing properties that allow continued operation under conditions that are unsafe for operation under other properties; and a control component for controlling a property change in the adjustable component. Concept 18. The system according to Concept 17, wherein the adjustable component can be dynamically changed from a normal mode configuration and a current limiting mode configuration, wherein the normal mode configuration includes a low resistance feature and the current limiting mode configuration includes adverse current protection and thermal runaway protection. Concept 19. The system according to Concept 17, wherein the control component comprises a control loop and a query component, wherein the control component is configured to detect a harmful current state and to instruct a configuration change in the adjustable component to protect against the harmful current state. Concept 20. The system according to Concept 17, wherein at least some configurations of the adjustable component configurations include an interlocking design.

Claims

[1] A system (200, 300, 400) with: an input component (301, 401) configured to receive a signal; a control component (210) with an amplifier (322, 422), a switch (323, 423), a control transistor (331, 431) and a query transistor (332, 432, 435); an adjustable component (220) connected to the input component (301, 401), wherein the adjustable component (220) is configured to: to operate in a first mode which includes low resistance; and to operate in a second mode which includes current limiting operation, in which the second mode allows continued operation in a state which is unsafe for operation in the first mode, the state which includes potential thermal runaway, wherein the adjustable component (220) has: a small transistor component (333, 433) coupled to the amplifier (322, 422); and a large transistor component (334, 434) coupled to the switch (323, 423), wherein the large transistor component (334, 434) is relatively large in relation to the small transistor component (333, 433); wherein, when an overcurrent condition is detected, the switch (323, 423) opens and disconnects the large transistor component (334, 434) from the small transistor component (333, 433) and the probe transistor (332, 432, 435), while the control transistor (331, 431) turns on and shorts a gate of the large transistor component (334, 434) to the input component (301, 401); and gates of the small transistor component (333, 433) and the probe transistor (332, 432, 435) are controlled such that a specified current limit level is maintained; and an output component (302, 402) which is connected to the adjustable component (220), wherein the output component (302, 402) is configured to forward the signal. [2] The system (200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable component (220) is configurable to shut down when the condition for operation becomes unsafe in both the first mode and the second mode. [3] The system (200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, in which the first mode has a relatively small drain-to-source impedance compared to the second mode. [4] The system (200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the control component (210) comprises: the amplifier (322, 422) which is connected to the input component (301, 401); a first resistor (311, 411) and a second resistor (312, 412) which are connected to the amplifier (322, 422); a current source (321, 421) connected to the first resistor (311, 411); the control transistor (331, 431) which is connected to the amplifier (322, 422); the query transistor (332, 432, 435) which is connected to the amplifier (322, 422); and the switch (323, 423) which is connected to the amplifier (322, 422). [5] The system (200, 300, 400) according to claim 4, wherein the probe transistor (332, 432, 435), the small transistor component (333, 433), the large transistor component (334, 434) have a common drain connection, and wherein the gates of the probe transistor (332, 432, 435) and the small transistor component (333, 433) are connected to each other. [6] The system (200, 300, 400) according to claim 4, wherein the amplifier (322, 422) is an error amplifier of a control loop. [7] The system (200, 300, 400) according to claim 4, wherein the switch (323, 423) is closed during normal operation and wherein the switch (323, 423) connects the gate of the large transistor component (334, 434) to the gates of the probe transistor (332, 432, 435) and the small transistor component (333, 433).

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