Magnetic coupling degree detection device and electronic control device

Abstract

To provide a control device capable of detecting a short circuit between coupled inductors. [Solution] The magnetic coupling degree detection device 50 comprises a current detection unit 51 and a coupling degree detection unit 52. The current detection unit 51 detects the current flowing through the drive unit 21 of a multiphase power supply 20 that supplies power to a load, with multiple phase inductors 22 being composed of a coupled inductor 22C. The coupling degree detection unit 52 detects the magnetic coupling degree of the coupled inductor 22C based on the current value detected by the current detection unit 51. The coupling degree detection unit 52 determines that the magnetic coupling degree is lower when the differential value of the current value is within a predetermined range compared to when it exceeds the upper limit of the predetermined range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure in this specification relates to a magnetic coupling degree detection device and an electronic control device including the magnetic coupling degree detection device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a magnetic detection device. The description of the prior art document is incorporated herein by reference as an explanation of the technical elements in this specification.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to Patent Document 1, a magnetic change can be detected for an independent inductor. However, in a configuration where a plurality of inductors are magnetically coupled to each other, such as the coupled inductors included in a multi-phase power supply, it is impossible to detect the magnetic coupling degree between the inductors. From the above viewpoints, or from other viewpoints not mentioned, further improvements are required for the magnetic coupling degree detection device and the electronic control device including the magnetic coupling degree detection device.

[0005] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique capable of detecting a low coupling degree of a coupled inductor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A magnetic coupling degree detection device according to one aspect of the disclosure is a current detection unit (51) that detects a current flowing through a drive unit (21) of a multi-phase power supply (20) that supplies power to a load, where inductors (22) of a plurality of phases are constituted by a coupled inductor (22C); A coupling degree detection unit (52) detects the degree of magnetic coupling of the coupled inductor based on the current value detected by the current detection unit, Equipped with, The coupling degree detection unit determines that the magnetic coupling degree is lower when the differential value of the current value is within a predetermined range compared to when it exceeds the upper limit of the predetermined range.

[0007] According to the disclosed magnetic coupling degree detection device, the degree of magnetic coupling between inductors in a coupled inductor is detected based on the current flowing through the drive unit. The slope of the current, or derivative, increases as the magnetic coupling is stronger and decreases as the magnetic coupling is weaker. Also, during the off period of the drive unit in any phase, the current decreases and the derivative becomes negative. The coupling degree detection unit determines that the degree of magnetic coupling is low, i.e., low coupling, when the derivative of the current value is within a predetermined range. Therefore, it is possible to detect low coupling of a coupled inductor. For example, it is possible to detect low coupling due to manufacturing variations, aging, etc.

[0008] Another aspect of the disclosure is an electronic control device, A multiphase power supply (20) having multiple phases including a drive unit (21) and an inductor (22), and inductors for each phase being formed by a coupled inductor (22C), A control unit (30) that controls the on / off state of the drive unit, A processor (40) that operates by receiving power from a multi-phase power supply, A magnetic coupling degree detection device (50) having a current detection unit (51) that detects the current flowing through the drive unit, and a coupling degree detection unit (52) that detects the degree of magnetic coupling of the coupling inductor based on the current value detected by the current detection unit, Equipped with, The coupling degree detection unit determines that the magnetic coupling degree is lower when the differential value of the current value is within a predetermined range compared to when it exceeds the upper limit of the predetermined range.

[0009] The disclosed electronic control device includes the magnetic coupling degree detection device described above. The magnetic coupling degree detection device detects the degree of magnetic coupling between inductors in a coupled inductor based on the current flowing through the drive unit. The magnetic coupling degree detection device determines that the degree of magnetic coupling is low, i.e., low coupling, when the derivative of the current value is within a predetermined range. Therefore, it is possible to detect low coupling of a coupled inductor. For example, it is possible to detect low coupling due to manufacturing variations, aging, etc.

[0010] The various embodiments disclosed in this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. The reference numerals in parentheses in the claims are illustrative in their correspondence with the embodiments described later and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The objectives, features, and effects disclosed in this specification will become clearer by referring to the subsequent detailed description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows a magnetic coupling degree detection device and an electronic control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a circuit diagram showing a multiphase power supply. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a coupled inductor. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing a coupled inductor. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of the coupled inductor, seen from the opposite side of Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing the core. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing a coil. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a coupled inductor with a large gap. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of coupled inductors with different gaps due to their tilted assembly. [Figure 10] This figure shows the Ip and Vout waveforms when using a coupled inductor with a low degree of magnetic coupling. [Figure 11] It is a block diagram showing a coupling degree detection unit. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the coupling degree detection unit. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the relationship between the strength of magnetic coupling and the current slope. [Figure 14] It is a timing chart showing various signal waveforms when normally assembled. [Figure 15] It is a timing chart showing various signal waveforms when assembled at an inclination. [Figure 16] In the magnetic coupling degree detection device and the electronic control device according to the second embodiment, it is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the coupling degree detection unit. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing the magnetic coupling degree detection device and the electronic control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing a modification example. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing a modification example. [Figure 20] In the electronic control device according to the fourth embodiment, it is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the processor.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be described based on the drawings. In each embodiment, corresponding components may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, for the other parts of the configuration, the configurations of other embodiments described previously can be applied. Also, not only the combinations of configurations explicitly shown in the description of each embodiment, but also the configurations of a plurality of embodiments can be partially combined with each other as long as there is no problem with the combination, even if not explicitly shown.

[0013] (First Embodiment) First, an electronic control device including a magnetic coupling degree detection device according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0014] <Electronic control unit> Figure 1 shows an example of an electronic control unit according to this embodiment. The electronic control unit 10 can be applied to, for example, mobile bodies. Mobile bodies include vehicles such as engine-driven vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and motor-driven vehicles; aircraft such as drones and eVTOLs; ships; construction machinery; and agricultural machinery. eVTOL is an abbreviation for electronic Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft. When applied to a vehicle, for example, the electronic control unit 10 controls equipment mounted on the vehicle.

[0015] The example electronic control unit 10 is an ECU mounted in a vehicle. ECU is an abbreviation for Electronic Control Unit. The electronic control unit 10 may be, for example, an autonomous driving ECU, or an ADAS ECU that performs controls to assist the driver's driving operations. ADAS is an abbreviation for Advanced Driving Assistant System. For example, levels 3 to 5 as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International) correspond to autonomous driving levels, and levels 1 to 2 correspond to driver assistance levels. The electronic control unit 10 may also be an infotainment system ECU or a cockpit ECU. A cockpit ECU is an ECU that controls the meter system, navigation system, air conditioning system, etc. The electronic control unit 10 may also be, for example, an integrated ECU that integrates multiple control functions.

[0016] The electronic control unit 10 comprises a multiphase power supply 20, a control unit 30, a processor 40, and a magnetic coupling degree detection device 50. The electronic control unit 10 may also include a load separate from the processor 40.

[0017] <Multiphase power supply> Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing a multiphase power supply. For convenience, some drivers are simplified in Figure 2. The multiphase power supply 20 is a power supply circuit. The multiphase power supply 20 steps down the input voltage to a predetermined voltage that can be supplied to a load such as the processor 40 and outputs it. The multiphase power supply 20 is a step-down DC-DC converter. The multiphase power supply 20 steps down the input voltage Vin to a predetermined voltage (for example, around 1V) and outputs it to the processor 40 as the output voltage Vout.

[0018] The electronic control unit 10 may also include a primary power supply circuit (not shown) that forms a power supply circuit together with the multiphase power supply 20. The primary power supply circuit is configured to step down the input voltage to a predetermined voltage and output it. The primary power supply circuit is a step-down DC-DC converter. The primary power supply circuit generates a constant voltage (e.g., 5V) lower than the power supply voltage (+B) based on a power supply from, for example, a battery mounted on the vehicle. In a configuration that includes a primary power supply circuit, the multiphase power supply 20 is a secondary power supply circuit that uses the voltage generated by the primary power supply circuit as its input voltage Vin.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the multiphase power supply 20 comprises multiple drive units (DRs) 21, a coupled inductor 22C having multiple inductors 22, and a capacitor 23. The multiphase power supply 20 has multiple phases, each including a drive unit 21 and an inductor 22. Phases are sometimes referred to as stages or channels. The number of phases is not particularly limited. The example multiphase power supply 20 has three phases. In Figure 2, the three phases are shown as Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3. In Figure 1, the numbers appended to the end of the DRs indicate which phase they constitute. For example, DR1 is a drive unit 21 that constitutes Phase 1.

[0020] The illustrated drive unit 21 includes MOSFETs 21H and 21L. MOSFET is an abbreviation for Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor. Other switching elements such as IGBTs may be used instead of MOSFETs 21H and 21L. IGBT is an abbreviation for Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor. MOSFETs 21H and 21L are connected in series between the power supply line to which the input voltage Vin is input and the ground (GND) line, with MOSFET 21H on the high side and MOSFET 21L on the low side. In Figures 1 and 2, the high-side MOSFET 21H is shown as MOSH, and the low-side MOSFET 21L is shown as MOSL. The illustrated drive unit 21 has a drive circuit (not shown) that turns MOSFETs 21H and 21L on and off based on a PWM signal, which will be described later.

[0021] One end of the inductor 22 is connected to the connection point (node) of MOSFETs 21H and 21L. The other end of the inductor 22 is connected to the output line. The inductor 22 is provided individually for each drive unit 21. The drive unit 21 and inductor 22 of each phase are connected in parallel to each other. Parallelization allows for an increase in the output current from the multiphase power supply 20, i.e., the load current.

[0022] Capacitor 23 is connected to the output line. The positive terminal of capacitor 23 is connected to the output line. The negative terminal of capacitor 23 is connected to ground. Capacitor 23 may be provided individually for each phase, or it may be provided in common for multiple phases. In the example multi-phase power supply 20, capacitor 23 is provided for each phase.

[0023] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a coupled inductor. Figure 4 is a plan view of the coupled inductor shown in Figure 3, viewed from above. Figure 5 is a plan view of the coupled inductor shown in Figure 3, viewed from below. Figure 6 is a plan view showing the core. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the coil. One coupled inductor 22C provides multiple inductors 22 that constitute a multiphase power supply 20.

[0024] In the following, the direction in which multiple coils are aligned is referred to as the X direction. The direction in which the two ends are aligned, which is one direction perpendicular to the X direction, is referred to as the Y direction. The direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions is referred to as the Z direction. Unless otherwise specified, the shape viewed from the Z direction, in other words, the shape along the XY plane defined by the X and Y directions, is referred to as the planar shape. The view from the Z direction is sometimes simply referred to as the planar view. The X direction corresponds to a predetermined direction.

[0025] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the coupled inductor 22C comprises a core 24 and multiple coils 25. Each coil 25 constitutes one inductor 22. The multiple coils 25 are arranged on a single core 24, that is, a common core 24, and are magnetically coupled to one another. By using the coupled inductor 22C, the magnetic flux between phases cancels each other out, making it possible to reduce the effective inductance.

[0026] The core 24 is formed using a magnetic material such as ferrite. The core 24 functions as a magnetic circuit. The core 24 has a plurality of core cores 241 and end cores 242, 243. The core cores 241 correspond to the core. The end cores 242 correspond to the first end and the end cores 243 correspond to the second end. The coil 25 is inserted through the core 24. The core 24 has the same number of core cores 241 as the number of phases. The core cores 241 are individually provided for the coil 25. The coil 25 is wound around the core cores 241. The core cores 241 extend in the Y direction. The plurality of core cores 241 are arranged in the X direction with a predetermined interval. The example core 24 has three core cores 241. Each core core 241 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped in shape. The three core cores 241 have the same shape as each other.

[0027] The end cores 242 and 243 are positioned opposite each other in the Y direction. The end cores 242 and 243 have a core core 241 in between them. The end cores 242 and 243 extend in the X direction, which is the direction in which the multiple core cores 241 are aligned. One end of the multiple core cores 241 is connected to end core 242, and the other end of the multiple core cores 241 is connected to end core 243. The end cores 242 and 243 magnetically connect the multiple core cores 241. The example end cores 242 and 243 have the same shape as each other. The end cores 242 and 243 are approximately rectangular parallelepipeds with the X direction as their longitudinal direction.

[0028] Each of the core sections 241 is divided into multiple sections in the Y direction, which is the direction opposite to the end cores 242 and 243. The example core section 241 is divided at the center in the Y direction. The core section 241 contains two core sections 2411 and 2412. In the Y direction, the lengths of the core sections 2411 and 2412 are approximately equal. Core section 2411 is connected to the end core 242. Core section 2411 extends from the surface of the end core 242 that faces the end core 243 toward the end core 243. Core section 2412 is connected to the end core 243. Core section 2412 extends from the surface of the end core 243 that faces the end core 242 toward the end core 242.

[0029] The core 24 has a gap 241G between the opposing surfaces of the core 2411 and core 2412, where no magnetic member is placed. The gap 241G is the space (interval) between the core 2411 and 2412. For example, adhesive material is placed in the gap 241G to fix the opposing core 2411 and 2412 together. Note that the division position is not limited to the center. For example, the division position may be set at a position offset from the center.

[0030] The coil 25 is formed using a metal material with good conductivity, such as copper. The coil 25 is formed by processing a metal sheet, not a metal wire. The metal sheet is sometimes referred to as a metal frame. Multiple coils 25 are formed from the same material and have the same shape. Multiple coils 25 have approximately equal inductance. Multiple coils 25 are arranged in the X direction with a predetermined spacing. Multiple coils 25 are arranged in the same orientation. The coils 25 are fixed to the core 24, for example, by adhesive. By bringing adjacent coils 25 closer together, the magnetic flux cancellation effect can be increased. In other words, the effective inductance reduction effect can be increased.

[0031] The coil 25 is formed by bending a metal sheet material having a predetermined thickness. The coil 25 has a main body portion 251 and terminal portions 252 and 253. The main body portion 251 is the part wound around the core portion 241. The main body portion 251 is the part that overlaps the core portion 241 in a plan view. The main body portion 251 has lower walls 2511 and 2512, side walls 2513 and 2514, and an upper wall 2515.

[0032] The thickness direction of the lower walls 2511 and 2512 is approximately parallel to the Z direction. One of the upper surfaces of the lower walls 2511 and 2512 faces the lower surface of the core 241. The example lower walls 2511 and 2512 have a planar shape that is approximately rectangular with the Y direction as the longitudinal direction. The upper surface of the lower wall 2511 faces the lower surface of the corresponding core 2411 and 2412. The upper surface of the lower wall 2512 faces the lower surface of the corresponding core 2411 and 2412. The lower walls 2511 and 2512 forming the same coil 25 are positioned at approximately the same location in the Z direction and are aligned in the X direction with a predetermined interval between them. The lower walls 2511 and 2512 face each other along their entire length in the Y direction.

[0033] The side wall 2513 is connected to the bottom wall 2511. The side wall 2513 extends from the bottom wall 2511 in the Z direction. The side wall 2513 faces the side surface of the core 241. The illustrated side wall 2513 is substantially rectangular in a plan view in the X direction. The side wall 2513 has approximately the same length as the bottom wall 2511 in the Y direction. The side wall 2513 is bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the bottom wall 2511. The thickness direction of the side wall 2513 is substantially parallel to the X direction. The lower end of the side wall 2513 is connected to the end of the bottom wall 2511 opposite to the end facing the bottom wall 2512.

[0034] Similarly, the side wall 2514 is connected to the bottom wall 2512. The side wall 2514 extends from the bottom wall 2512 in the Z direction. The side wall 2514 faces the side of the core 241 opposite to the side that the side wall 2513 faces. The example side wall 2514 is substantially rectangular in plan view in the X direction. The side wall 2514 has approximately the same length as the bottom wall 2512 in the Y direction. The side wall 2514 is bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the bottom wall 2512. The thickness direction of the side wall 2514 is substantially parallel to the X direction. The lower end of the side wall 2514 is connected to the end of the bottom wall 2512 opposite to the end facing the bottom wall 2511.

[0035] The upper wall 2515 bridges the side walls 2513 and 2514. The upper wall 2515 extends in the X direction. One end of the upper wall 2515 connects to the upper end of the side wall 2513, and the other end connects to the upper end of the side wall 2514. The upper wall 2515 has the same length as the side walls 2513 and 2514 in the Y direction. In plan view, the upper wall 2515 encompasses the entire areas of the side walls 2513 and 2514, and the lower walls 2511 and 2512.

[0036] The lower walls 2511, 2512, the side walls 2513, 2514, and the upper wall 2515 surround the core 241. The lower walls 2511, 2512, the side walls 2513, 2514, and the upper wall 2515 are attached to and wrapped around the core 241. The main body 251 is provided so as to overlap the gap 241G in a plan view.

[0037] Terminals 252 and 253 are external connection terminals in the coil 25. Terminals 252 and 253 are soldered to, for example, lands on a circuit board (not shown). The thickness direction of terminals 252 and 253 is approximately parallel to the Z direction. Terminals 252 and 253 are connected to the main body 251.

[0038] The example terminals 252 and 253 have a roughly rectangular shape in plan. Terminal 252 is connected to the lower wall 2511 of the main body 251 and extends in the Y direction. Terminal 252 extends in a straight line together with the lower wall 2511. Terminal 253 is connected to the lower wall 2512 of the main body 251 and extends in the Y direction, but in the opposite direction to terminal 252. Terminal 253 extends in a straight line together with the lower wall 2512. Terminals 252 and 253 connected to the same main body 251 are offset in the Y direction. Terminals 252 and 253 connected to the same main body 251 are offset in the X direction.

[0039] The terminal portion 252 is provided such that at least a portion of it overlaps with the end core 242 within the range of manufacturing variations. The terminal portion 253 is provided such that at least a portion of it overlaps with the end core 243 within the range of manufacturing variations. One of the plate surfaces of the terminal portion 252, the upper surface, faces the lower surface of the end core 242. The upper surface of the terminal portion 253 faces the lower surface of the end core 243. The terminal portions 252 and 253 may overlap a portion of the core 241 in a plan view. In the example, a portion of the terminal portion 252 overlaps a portion of the core 2411. A portion of the terminal portion 253 overlaps a portion of the core 2412.

[0040] The coupled inductor 22C may include a cover (not shown) in addition to the core 24 and the plurality of coils 25. The cover is positioned on the upper surface of the core 24 so as to cover the core 24 and the plurality of coils 25. The cover is used, for example, to suppress the adhesion of foreign matter to the coupled inductor 22C. The cover is used, for example, to suppress short circuits between the coils 25 due to conductive foreign matter. The cover is used, for example, to improve the suction during transport when mounting the coupled inductor 22C to a substrate. The material of the cover is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve the above objectives. For example, it may be a resin or a magnetic material.

[0041] <Department Head> The control unit (PWMCU) 30 controls the multiphase power supply 20. The control unit 30 outputs a control signal to the drive unit 21 to control the on / off state of the drive unit 21. The control unit 30 performs voltage mode control, for example, by feedback of the output voltage Vout, to control the operation of the drive unit 21, i.e., the operation of MOSFETs 21H and 21L. The control unit 30 determines the pulse width (duty cycle) of the PWM signal, which is the control signal, based on the output voltage Vout, and controls the output voltage Vout of the multiphase power supply 20. The control unit 30 may perform current mode control instead of voltage mode control. In Figure 1, the PWM signal is shown as PWM. The number appended to the end of PWM indicates which phase it corresponds to.

[0042] The control unit 30 synchronously controls the multiple drive units 21 so that they switch in different phases from each other. By using multiple phases in this way, the switching frequency can be artificially increased even if the switching frequencies of the multiple drive units 21 are the same. This makes it possible to reduce the ripple component of the output voltage Vout and improve responsiveness. The control unit 30 switches the number of drive units 21 that are switched, i.e., the number of drive phases, according to the load current. The control unit 30 compares the load current with the threshold current and increases and / or decreases the number of drive phases according to the comparison result.

[0043] <Processor> A processor (PU) 40 is an example of a load that operates by receiving power from a multi-phase power supply 20. A processor 40 can be, for example, a CPU or a GPU. CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit. The electronic control unit 10 may have only one processor 40, or it may have multiple processors 40. The electronic control unit 10 may have multiple types of processors 40. The processor 40 may be provided as an SoC, a chiplet, or a SiP. An SoC is a single semiconductor chip on which multiple components are implemented to realize the functions of a system or device. SoC stands for System On Chip. SiP stands for System in Package.

[0044] The processor 40 executes predetermined control processes by running a control program stored in memory (not shown). Memory is a non-transitory tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores programs and data that can be read by the computer.

[0045] The core voltage of the processor 40 is around 1V (for example, less than 1V), and the load current is several tens of amperes or more (for example, 100A or more). To handle such low voltage and high current, the electronic control unit 10 is equipped with a multi-phase power supply 20 as a power supply circuit. The multi-phase power supply 20 steps down the input voltage to a voltage corresponding to the core voltage of the processor 40 and outputs it. By using the multi-phase power supply 20, it is possible to handle the increased performance of the processor 40 accompanying improvements in autonomous driving levels and advancements in infotainment functions, and in particular, to handle autonomous driving levels 3 and above.

[0046] In a high-performance processor 40, the current consumption fluctuates rapidly depending on the calculation process, requiring many capacitors 23 to supply a stable voltage even during sudden load changes. Using a coupled inductor 22C allows for a smaller effective inductance value, as described above, thus improving responsiveness during sudden load changes. This significantly reduces the number of capacitors 23 compared to a configuration using a normal single inductor. For example, the size of the multiphase power supply 20, and consequently the electronic control unit 10, can be reduced.

[0047] <Gap and Magnetic Coupling> In coupled inductors, the inductance value is adjusted by the core gap (gap) formed within the coil, just like in a typical coil. The core gap also significantly contributes to the degree of magnetic coupling between the coils.

[0048] Figure 8 shows a reference example of a coupled inductor with a large gap. Figure 9 shows a reference example of a coupled inductor with a different gap due to an inclined assembly. Both Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a low coupling state. As reference examples, Figure 8 shows coupled inductor 22CR1 and Figure 9 shows coupled inductor 22CR2. The elements of coupled inductors 22CR1 and 22CR2 are denoted by the same reference numerals as the elements of coupled inductor 22C described above.

[0049] In Figure 8, the gap 241G between the core 2411 and 2412 is uniformly large in all three core 241s. The core material on the core 2411 and end core 242 side and the core material on the core 2412 and end core 243 side are assembled at a distance in the Y direction. In this configuration, the magnetic coupling is weakened. Because all gaps 241G are uniformly large, the magnetic coupling is uniformly weakened.

[0050] In Figure 9, the core material on the central core 2411 and end core 242 side and the core material on the central core 2412 and end core 243 side are assembled in an inclined position. In such a configuration, the magnetic coupling is weakened. The gap 241G differs in multiple central cores 241, but the effect of the decrease in magnetic coupling degree is more pronounced in areas where the gap 241G is particularly large. In Figure 9, the flow of magnetic flux when current is passed through the central coil 25P2 is shown by solid arrows. In the example shown in Figure 9, the magnetic coupling with coil 25P1 is strong, and the magnetic coupling with coil 25P3 is weak.

[0051] Large gaps 241G and low bonding strength due to inclination can occur, for example, due to manufacturing variations. They may also occur retrospectively due to the application of external forces or aging. For example, aging of the adhesive placed in gap 241G may cause gap 241G to change retrospectively. External forces include, for example, stress due to vibration and thermal stress.

[0052] <Effects of low binding> Figure 10 shows the Ip and Vout waveforms when a coupled inductor with a low degree of magnetic coupling is used.

[0053] When using a low-coupling inductor, the magnetic flux cancellation effect weakens, resulting in a higher effective inductance value. As a result, the power supply response deteriorates when the current consumption Ip of a load such as a processor changes abruptly. As illustrated in Figure 10, the fluctuation in output voltage Vout due to abrupt changes in current consumption Ip becomes large, exceeding the load's guaranteed operating range. This effect is particularly significant when current consumption Ip decreases rapidly, as the amount of energy stored in the inductor directly affects the power supply voltage overshoot.

[0054] Furthermore, coupled inductors prevent magnetic saturation by canceling out magnetic flux. However, if the degree of coupling is low, the cancellation effect of magnetic flux weakens, leading to magnetic saturation. A magnetically saturated coil experiences a significant decrease in inductance, which may prevent it from switching properly.

[0055] <Magnetic coupling detection device> Figure 1 shows an example of a magnetic coupling degree detection device. The magnetic coupling degree detection device 50 includes a current detection unit (CD) 51 and a coupling degree detection unit (MCD) 52.

[0056] The current detection unit 51 detects the current flowing through the drive unit 21. The means for current detection are not particularly limited. The current detection unit 51 in the example is provided integrally with the drive unit 21. The current detection unit 51 may be, for example, a current sense provided on the same semiconductor chip as the MOSFETs 21H and 21L that constitute the drive unit 21. Alternatively, the current detection unit 51 may be provided separately from the drive unit 21.

[0057] The current detection unit 51 detects the current flowing through the drive unit 21 of the corresponding phase and outputs a current detection signal (CDS) to the coupling degree detection unit 52. The magnetic coupling degree detection device 50 includes at least one current detection unit 51. The current detection unit 51 is provided in at least the phases necessary for detecting the magnetic coupling degree.

[0058] The coupling detection unit 52 detects the magnetic coupling degree of the coupled inductor 22C based on the current value detected by the current detection unit 51. The coupling detection unit 52 detects the magnetic coupling degree between the inductors 22, i.e., between the coils 25, based on the current flowing through the drive unit 21 of at least one phase. The illustrated coupling detection unit 52 is provided separately from the drive unit 21, control unit 30, and processor 40 that constitute the multiphase power supply 20. The coupling detection unit 52 is implemented discretely.

[0059] The illustrated coupling detection unit 52 detects the magnetic coupling degree of all combinations of an inductor in any one phase and the inductors in the other phases excluding the chosen phase, based on the current value of the drive unit 21 in any one phase among multiple phases. The coupling detection unit 52 shown in Figure 1 detects the magnetic coupling degree between the inductor 22 of Phase 1 and the inductor 22 of Phase 2, and the magnetic coupling degree between the inductor 22 of Phase 1 and the inductor 22 of Phase 3, based on the current value of the drive unit (DR1) 21 of Phase 1. In other words, the coupling detection unit 52 detects the magnetic coupling degree of coils 25P1 and 25P2, and the magnetic coupling degree of coils 25P1 and 25P3.

[0060] Alternatively, the coupling degree detection unit 52 may detect the magnetic coupling degree of coils 25P2 and 25P3 and the magnetic coupling degree of coils 25P2 and 25P1 based on the current value of the drive unit (DR2) 21 in Phase 2. The coupling degree detection unit 52 may also detect the magnetic coupling degree of coils 25P3 and 25P1 and the magnetic coupling degree of coils 25P3 and 25P2 based on the current value of the drive unit (DR3) 21 in Phase 3. The coupling degree detection unit 52 may also detect the magnetic coupling degree for the currents of multiple drive units 21, for example, for the currents of all drive units 21.

[0061] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a coupling detection unit. At least part of the functions of the coupling detection unit 52 may be implemented in hardware, or at least part of the functions may be implemented in software. The coupling detection unit 52 may be configured to include, for example, analog circuits or digital circuits. The illustrated coupling detection unit 52 includes an A / D converter (ADC) 521, a differential arithmetic unit (DC) 522, a window comparator (WC) 523, and a latch unit (LS) 524.

[0062] The A / D converter 521 acquires the current value detected by the current detection unit 51, i.e., the current detection signal (CDS), and converts it into a digital signal. The A / D converter 521 outputs the current value converted into a digital signal to the differential arithmetic unit 522. The differential arithmetic unit 522 performs a differential operation on the output of the A / D converter 521, i.e., the current value. The differential arithmetic unit 522 outputs the calculation result to the window comparator 523. The coupling degree detection unit 52 performs a differential operation on the current of the drive unit 21, which has been acquired as a digital value by the A / D converter 521, and calculates the slope of the current flowing through the coupling inductor 22C.

[0063] The window comparator 523 determines whether the input signal is within a predetermined range and outputs the determination result to the latch unit 524. The window comparator 523 compares the input signal, which is the derivative value, i.e., the slope of the current, with the upper threshold and the lower threshold. The window comparator 523 outputs a High signal if the derivative value is within the predetermined range, i.e., between the upper threshold and the lower threshold. The window comparator 523 outputs a Low signal if the derivative value is less than the lower threshold or if the derivative value exceeds the upper threshold.

[0064] When the magnetic coupling of the coupling inductor 22C is low, the differential value, the current slope, becomes small. The window comparator 523 compares the current slope with an upper threshold value to determine whether it is smaller than the desired slope, that is, whether the magnetic coupling is low. Also, during periods when all drive units 21 are off, the current flowing through the drive units 21 decreases, and the current slope becomes negative. The window comparator 523 compares the current slope with a lower threshold value to determine whether it is a period when all drive units 21 are off. In other words, the window comparator 523 compares the current slope with the lower threshold value to exclude periods when all drive units 21 are off. When the current slope is within a predetermined range, the window comparator 523 determines that the magnetic coupling is lower than when it exceeds the upper threshold value and outputs a High signal.

[0065] The upper limit threshold, which is the upper limit of a predetermined range, is preferably set to match the current slope corresponding to the degree of magnetic coupling of the coupling inductor 22C so that the operating voltage of the processor 40 does not exceed the guaranteed operating voltage of the processor 40 when the load of the processor 40 fluctuates. In other words, the upper limit threshold is preferably set to match the current slope corresponding to the degree of magnetic coupling that is acceptable in order to not exceed the operating voltage of the processor 40 when the load of the processor 40 fluctuates.

[0066] The lower limit threshold, which is the lower limit of a predetermined range, is preferably set to match the current slope corresponding to the magnetic coupling degree when the gap 241G is at its maximum manufacturing value, i.e., the maximum manufacturing tolerance. If the magnetic coupling degree is very small, the current slope may not be positive even during the period when the drive unit 21 is ON. The lower limit threshold may be set to a value less than zero, for example.

[0067] The latch unit 524 captures the logic value of the input signal at a specific timing and holds that state as an output. The latch unit 524 is, for example, an RS latch. The latch unit 524 outputs a high-level signal when the reset signal is low and the input signal from the window comparator 523 is high. The latch unit 524 holds the previous state when the reset signal is low and the input signal from the window comparator 523 is low. The latch unit 524 outputs a low-level signal when the reset signal is high and the input signal from the window comparator 523 is low.

[0068] The output of the latch unit 524 is input to the processor 40 as a low coupling notification signal (LCS). The period during which the latch unit 524 outputs a high-level signal corresponds to the period during which the low coupling notification is turned on. The period during which the latch unit 524 outputs a low-level signal corresponds to the period during which the low coupling notification is turned off. For example, when the reset signal is at a low level and the input signal from the window comparator 523 becomes high, the latch unit 524 turns on the low coupling notification and outputs a high-level signal.

[0069] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the coupling degree detection process performed by the coupling degree detection unit. The coupling degree detection unit 52 performs the coupling degree detection process, for example, when power is supplied and it starts up.

[0070] The coupling degree detection unit 52 performs A / D conversion of the current detection signal (step S10). The coupling degree detection unit 52 acquires the current detection signal from the current detection unit 51 and performs A / D conversion.

[0071] Next, the coupling degree detection unit 52 performs a differential calculation of the current value (step S20). The coupling degree detection unit 52 performs a differential calculation of the A / D converted current value. The differential value obtained by the calculation corresponds to the slope of the current.

[0072] As shown in the timing chart described later, the derivative changes at the timing when the PWM signal switches between on and off. For example, the derivative changes at the timing when either PWM signal is turned on.

[0073] Figure 13 shows the relationship between magnetic coupling strength and current gradient. Figure 13 shows the current gradient when the Phase 2 PWM signal switches from off to on. A solid line indicating the current gradient indicates strong magnetic coupling. A dashed line indicating the current gradient indicates normal magnetic coupling. A dashed line indicating the current gradient indicates weak magnetic coupling. A double dashed line indicating the current gradient indicates very weak magnetic coupling.

[0074] Normally, the current slope takes a positive value when either PWM signal is turned on. "Normal" refers to the state within the manufacturing tolerance range. If the magnetic coupling is stronger than normal, the slope will be a larger positive value than normal. If the magnetic coupling is weaker than normal, the slope will be a smaller positive value than normal. However, when the magnetic coupling is very weak, the slope may take a negative value even when the PWM signal is on. In this example, the degree of magnetic coupling is determined when the current slope changes and stabilizes.

[0075] After step S20 is executed, the coupling degree detection unit 52 determines whether the current slope has changed and stabilized at a constant value (step S30). This suppresses false detections that occur when the current slope passes through a predetermined range during the process of changing. If the current value has not changed from the previous value, or if it is changing and not stable, the coupling degree detection unit 52 returns to step S10 and executes the processing from step S10 onwards again. If the current slope has changed and stabilized at a constant value, the coupling degree detection unit 52 then determines whether the current slope is within a predetermined range (step S40). The predetermined range is the range from the lower threshold to the upper threshold set in the window comparator 523. If the current slope is outside the predetermined range, the coupling degree detection unit 52 returns to step S10 and executes the processing from step S10 onwards again.

[0076] If the current gradient is within a predetermined range, the window comparator 523 of the coupling detection unit 52 then outputs a high-level signal (step S50). Next, the coupling detection unit 52 turns on low coupling notification (step S60). The coupling detection unit 52 outputs a high-level signal to the processor 40.

[0077] Next, the coupling degree detection unit 52 determines whether its power supply is off or not (step S70). If the power supply is off, the coupling degree detection process ends. If the power supply is not off, the coupling degree detection unit 52 returns to step S10 and executes the processes from step S10 onwards again.

[0078] Figure 14 is a timing chart showing an example of various signal waveforms when assembled normally. Figure 15 is a timing chart showing an example of various signal waveforms when assembled at an angle. Figures 14 and 15 show the PWM waveform for each phase, the output of the current sensing signal (CDS) from the A / D converter (ADC) 521, the output of the differential unit (DC) 521, the output of the window comparator (WC) 523, and the low coupling notification signal (LCS). Figures 14 and 15 show a simplified ON period for a given duty cycle. THU indicates the upper threshold of the window comparator 523, and THL indicates the lower threshold of the window comparator 523.

[0079] Figure 14 shows a waveform similar to the configuration shown in Figure 4, where multiple gaps 241G are approximately equal to each other and the gaps 241G approximately coincide with the center of the manufacturing tolerance. As described above, since the current of the drive unit (DR1) 21 is used, at the on-timing of the PWM signal in Phase 1, the current flowing through the drive unit 21 increases sharply with a positive slope. As a result, the output of the differential arithmetic unit 522 switches from negative to positive and exceeds the upper threshold THU.

[0080] By using coupled inductor 22C, the inductors 22 in each phase are magnetically coupled to one another, so even at the on-timing of the PWM signals in Phases 2 and 3, the current flowing through the drive unit 21 increases with a positive slope. Although the slope of the current due to magnetic coupling is smaller than the current slope at the on-timing of the PWM signal in Phase 1, the output of the differential arithmetic unit 522 exceeds the upper threshold THU.

[0081] When the PWM signal is switched from on to off, the current flowing through the drive unit 21 decreases, and the output of the differential arithmetic unit 522 shows a negative value. During the period when all Phase 1, 2, and 3 PWM signals are off, the output of the differential arithmetic unit 522 is below the lower threshold THL.

[0082] Therefore, the output of the differential arithmetic unit 522 will never fall within the predetermined range defined by the upper threshold THU and the lower threshold THL. The coupling detection unit 52 outputs a low-level signal as the coupling detection signal. In other words, it keeps the low coupling notification in the off state.

[0083] Figure 15 shows the waveform when the core material on the core 2411 and end core 242 side and the core material on the core 2412 and end core 243 side are assembled at an angle, similar to the configuration shown in Figure 9. Specifically, it shows the waveform when a coupled inductor 22C is used in which the gap 241G on the coil 25P1 side is narrow and the gap 241G on the coil 25P3 side is wide. Due to the angled assembly, at the on-timing of the PWM signal in Phase 3, the output of the differential arithmetic unit 522 falls within a predetermined range defined by the upper threshold THU and the lower threshold THL.

[0084] Therefore, at the ON timing of the PWM signal in Phase 3, the output of the window comparator 523 becomes High. After the output of the window comparator 523 first becomes High, the coupling detection unit 52 outputs a High-level signal as the coupling detection signal. In other words, it maintains the low coupling notification in the ON state. Figure 15 shows the waveform after the low coupling notification has already been switched from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0085] <Summary of the First Embodiment> The magnetic coupling degree detection device 50 of this embodiment includes a current detection unit 51 and a coupling degree detection unit 52. The current detection unit 51 detects the current flowing through the drive unit 21 of the multiphase power supply 20 equipped with a coupling inductor 22C. The coupling degree detection unit 52 detects the magnetic coupling degree of the coupling inductor 22C based on the current value detected by the current detection unit 51. The coupling degree detection unit 52 determines that the magnetic coupling degree is lower when the differential value of the current value is within a predetermined range compared to when it exceeds the upper limit of the predetermined range. In the illustrated magnetic coupling degree detection device 50, the upper limit threshold THU of the window comparator 523 corresponds to the upper limit of the predetermined range. Furthermore, the range defined by the upper limit threshold THU and the lower limit threshold THL corresponds to the predetermined range.

[0086] The magnetic coupling degree detection device 50 detects the degree of magnetic coupling between the inductors 22, i.e., between the coils 25, in the coupling inductor 22C based on the current flowing through the drive unit 21. The slope of the current, i.e., the derivative, is larger when the magnetic coupling is strong and smaller when the magnetic coupling is weak. Also, during the period when the drive unit 21 is off in any phase, the current decreases and the derivative becomes negative. The coupling degree detection unit 52 determines that the degree of magnetic coupling is low, i.e., low coupling, when the derivative of the current value is within a predetermined range. Therefore, it is possible to detect low coupling in the coupling inductor 22C. For example, it is possible to detect low coupling due to manufacturing variations, aging, etc.

[0087] As illustrated, in a configuration where a multiphase power supply 20 supplies power to a processor 40 which is a load, the upper limit of a predetermined range may be set to match the current slope corresponding to the degree of magnetic coupling of the coupling inductor 22C such that the operating voltage of the processor 40 does not exceed the guaranteed operating voltage when the load of the processor 40 fluctuates. This allows for the determination of low coupling within a range that has a real effect. When the differential value is below the upper limit, it can be determined that the coupling is low enough to exceed the guaranteed operating voltage.

[0088] As illustrated, the core 241 of the core 24 of the coupled inductor 22C may be divided into multiple parts in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrangement of the coils 25, and have gaps 241G. In such a configuration, the lower limit of the predetermined range may be set to match the current slope corresponding to the degree of magnetic coupling when the gap 241G is at its maximum manufacturing value. This allows for the determination of a low degree of coupling within a range that can occur during manufacturing, by setting a lower limit corresponding to the maximum value that can be tolerated in terms of manufacturing tolerances.

[0089] As illustrated, the coupling degree detection unit 52 may detect the magnetic coupling degree of all combinations of an inductor 22 in any one phase and the inductors 22 in the other phases excluding the chosen phase, based on the current value of the drive unit 21 in any one of the multiple phases. In other words, the coupling degree detection unit 52 may detect the magnetic coupling degree based only on the current flowing through one of the multiple drive units 21. This simplifies the magnetic coupling degree detection device 50 compared to a configuration that detects the magnetic coupling degree based on the current value of each phase. For example, it becomes possible to reduce costs.

[0090] The electronic control device 10 of this embodiment includes a multiphase power supply 20, a control unit 30, a processor 40, and a magnetic coupling degree detection device 50. The multiphase power supply 20 has multiple phases, each including a drive unit 21 and an inductor 22, with each phase's inductor 22 being composed of a coupling inductor 22C. The control unit 30 controls the on / off state of the drive unit 21. The processor 40 operates by receiving power from the multiphase power supply 20. The magnetic coupling degree detection device 50 has a current detection unit 51 that detects the current flowing through the drive unit, and a coupling degree detection unit 52 that detects the magnetic coupling degree of the coupling inductor 22C based on the current value detected by the current detection unit 51. The coupling degree detection unit 52 determines that the magnetic coupling degree is lower when the differential value of the current value is within a predetermined range compared to when it exceeds the upper limit of the predetermined range. Therefore, similar to the magnetic coupling degree detection device 50 described above, it is possible to detect a low coupling degree of the coupling inductor 22C. For example, it is possible to detect a low coupling degree due to manufacturing variations, aging deterioration, etc.

[0091] (Second Embodiment) This embodiment is a modification based on the prior embodiment, and the description of the prior embodiment can be referenced. In the prior embodiment, the derivative value itself was used. Alternatively, the average value of the derivatives may be used as the derivative value.

[0092] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the coupling degree detection unit in the magnetic coupling degree detection device and electronic control device according to this embodiment. Figure 16 corresponds to Figure 12. The configuration of the coupling degree detection unit 52 is the same as in the prior embodiment. As shown in Figure 16, the processing in steps S10, S20, S30, S40, S50, S60, and S70 is the same as in the prior embodiment.

[0093] After executing the process in step S20, the coupling detection unit 52 then calculates the average value of the derivatives (step S25). The average value is the average value of the derivatives over a predetermined period. The predetermined period is shorter than one cycle of the switching period. The predetermined period may be shorter than, for example, the ON period of the corresponding phase. In steps S30 and S40, the coupling detection unit 52 performs a determination process using the average value.

[0094] The differential arithmetic unit 522 may calculate the average value of the derivatives and output the average value. The window comparator 523 may calculate the average value of the derivatives. An average value calculation unit may be provided between the differential arithmetic unit 522 and the window comparator 523, which holds the output of the differential arithmetic unit 522 for a predetermined period and calculates the average value. The other configurations are the same as those described in the prior embodiment.

[0095] <Summary of the second embodiment> As illustrated, the coupling degree detection unit 52 may detect the magnetic coupling degree using the average value of the differential value over a predetermined period shorter than one switching period as the differential value. This suppresses misjudgment caused by noise causing the differential value to instantaneously fall within the predetermined range. In other words, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of low coupling degrees.

[0096] (Third embodiment) This embodiment is a modification based on a prior embodiment, and the description of the prior embodiment can be incorporated by reference. In the prior embodiment, the coupling degree detection unit was provided separately from the other elements constituting the electronic control unit. Alternatively, the coupling degree detection unit may be provided integrally with the other elements constituting the electronic control unit.

[0097] Figure 17 shows an example of an electronic control device according to this embodiment. Figure 17 corresponds to Figure 1. In the electronic control device 10, the coupling degree detection unit 52 is provided within the processor 40. The coupling degree detection unit 52 is provided integrally with the processor 40. In the illustrated electronic control device 10, one coupling degree detection unit 52 that detects the magnetic coupling degree based on the current flowing through the Phase 1 drive unit (DR1) 21 is provided within the processor 40. The other configurations are the same as those described in the prior embodiment.

[0098] <Summary of the third embodiment> As illustrated, the coupling degree detection unit 52 may be provided in the processor 40. By providing the coupling degree detection unit 52 within the processor 40, the electronic control unit 10 can be simplified compared to configuring the coupling degree detection unit 52 using discrete components. For example, the coupling degree detection unit 52 can be constructed at a low cost.

[0099] <Variation> As shown in Figure 18, the coupling degree detection unit 52 may be provided in the drive unit 21. By providing the coupling degree detection unit 52 in the drive unit 21 of the corresponding phase, the electronic control device 10 can be simplified compared to configuring the coupling degree detection unit 52 as discrete components. For example, the coupling degree detection unit 52 can be constructed at a low cost.

[0100] As shown in Figure 19, the coupling degree detection unit 52 may be provided in the control unit 30. By integrating the coupling degree detection unit 52 with the control unit 30, the electronic control device 10 can be simplified compared to configuring the coupling degree detection unit 52 as discrete components. For example, the coupling degree detection unit 52 can be constructed at a lower cost.

[0101] The configuration shown in this embodiment can be combined with either the configuration described in the first embodiment or the configuration described in the second embodiment.

[0102] (Fourth Embodiment) This embodiment is a modification based on a prior embodiment, and the description of the prior embodiment can be referenced. In the prior embodiment, when low coupling was detected, a low coupling notification was turned on. In addition, the processor may execute a predetermined process triggered by the low coupling notification.

[0103] As described above, if the magnetic coupling degree of the coupled inductor 22C is low, the effective inductance value becomes high, resulting in poor power supply responsiveness when the processor 40's current consumption Ip changes abruptly. The fluctuation of the output voltage Vout accompanying the abrupt change in current consumption Ip becomes large, exceeding the operating range guaranteed for the processor 40. For example, when switching from automatic operation mode to manual operation mode, when the current consumption Ip decreases rapidly, the amount of energy stored in the inductor is directly related to the power supply voltage overshoot, so the effect is significant. There is a risk that the processor 40 may malfunction.

[0104] Figure 20 shows an example of processing performed by the processor in the electronic control unit according to this embodiment. When the processor 40 of the electronic control unit 10 is powered on and started up, for example, it performs the processing shown in Figure 20.

[0105] The processor 40 determines whether or not there is a low coupling notification from the magnetic coupling detection device 50 (step S100). The processor 40 determines whether or not it has received a low-level signal indicating low coupling as a low coupling notification signal (LCS). If there is no low coupling notification, the process in step S100 is repeated.

[0106] If a low-cooldown notification is received, the processor 40 switches to low-load processing (step S110) and terminates the series of processes. If high-load processing is being performed, the process in step S110 causes the processor 40 to switch to low-load processing. If low-load processing is being performed, the process in step S110 causes the processor 40 to maintain low-load processing. The processor 40 maintains low-load processing, for example, until the low-cooldown notification is released. The other configurations are the same as those described in the prior embodiment.

[0107] <Summary of the fourth embodiment> As illustrated, the coupling detection unit 52 may notify the processor 40 of the decrease in magnetic coupling when it determines that the magnetic coupling is low. Upon receiving the low coupling notification, the processor 40 may reduce the processing load compared to before the notification was received. Even if the load fluctuation characteristics of the multiphase power supply 20 deteriorate due to the decrease in magnetic coupling, it is possible to suppress the output voltage Vout from exceeding the operating range guaranteed by the processor 40.

[0108] The configuration shown in this embodiment can be combined with any of the configurations described in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or the third embodiment.

[0109] (Other embodiments) The disclosures in this specification and drawings are not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The disclosures include the exemplary embodiments and variations thereof by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosures are not limited to combinations of parts and / or elements shown in the embodiments. The disclosures are implementable in a variety of combinations. The disclosures may have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosures include those in which parts and / or elements of the embodiments have been omitted. The disclosures include substitutions or combinations of parts and / or elements between one embodiment and another. The scope of the disclosed technical areas is not limited to the descriptions of the embodiments. Some of the scope of the disclosed technical areas are indicated by the claims and should be understood to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0110] The disclosures in the specification and drawings are not limited by the claims. The disclosures in the specification and drawings encompass the technical ideas described in the claims and extend to a wider and more diverse range of technical ideas than those described in the claims. Therefore, a variety of technical ideas can be extracted from the disclosures in the specification and drawings without being bound by the claims.

[0111] When an element or layer is referred to as “on top of,” “connected to,” “linked to,” or “joined,” it may be directly on top of, connected to, or joined to another element or layer, and there may also be an intervening element or layer. In contrast, when an element is referred to as “directly on top of,” “directly connected to,” “directly linked to,” or “directly joined to” another element or layer, there is no intervening element or layer. Other words used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used in this specification, the term “and / or” includes any combination and all combinations relating to one or more of the enumerated items relating to each other. That is, the statement A and / or B means at least one of A and B.

[0112] Spatially relative terms such as "inside," "outside," "back," "below," "low," "above," and "high" are used here to facilitate descriptions of the relationship between one element or feature and other elements or features, as illustrated. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawing is turned upside down, an element described as "below" or "directly below" another element or feature will be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both up and down orientations. The device may also be oriented in other directions (it may be rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatially relative descriptors used in this specification will be interpreted accordingly.

[0113] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses several technical concepts, as listed in the following paragraphs. Some paragraphs are written in a multiple dependent form, where subsequent paragraphs optionally refer to preceding paragraphs. Furthermore, some paragraphs are written in a multiple dependent form, referring to other multiple dependent forms. These paragraphs written in multiple dependent forms define several technical concepts.

[0114] <Technical philosophy 1> Multiple phase inductors (22) are formed by coupled inductors (22C), and a current detection unit (51) detects the current flowing through the drive unit (21) of a multiphase power supply (20) that supplies power to a load, A coupling degree detection unit (52) detects the degree of magnetic coupling of the coupling inductor based on the current value detected by the current detection unit, Equipped with, The coupling degree detection unit determines that the magnetic coupling degree is lower when the differential value of the current value is within a predetermined range compared to when it exceeds the upper limit of the predetermined range.

[0115] <Technical philosophy 2> The load includes a processor (40), The magnetic coupling degree detection device according to Technical Concept 1, wherein the upper limit of the predetermined range is set to match the current slope corresponding to the magnetic coupling degree of the coupling inductor so as not to exceed the guaranteed operating voltage of the processor when the load of the processor fluctuates.

[0116] <Technical philosophy 3> The coupled inductor has a core (24) and a plurality of coils (25) arranged on the core, aligned in a predetermined direction and magnetically coupled to one another. The coil has a main body portion (251) wound around the core and terminal portions (252, 253) connected to the main body portion. The core has a plurality of core portions (241) individually provided with respect to the coil and around which the corresponding main body portion of the coil is wound, a first end portion (242) to which one end of the plurality of core portions is connected, and a second end portion (243) arranged in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, sandwiching the plurality of core portions between itself and the first end portion, to which the other ends of the plurality of core portions are connected. The core portion is divided into multiple parts in the orthogonal direction and has gaps (241G), A magnetic coupling degree detection device according to Technical Concept 1 or Technical Concept 2, wherein the lower limit of the predetermined range is set to match the current gradient corresponding to the magnetic coupling degree when the gap is at its maximum manufacturing value.

[0117] <Technical philosophy 4> The magnetic coupling degree detection device according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 3, wherein the coupling degree detection unit detects the magnetic coupling degree of all combinations of an inductor in any one of the phases and an inductor in any of the other phases excluding the arbitrary phase, based on the current value of the drive unit in any one of the phases among the multiple phases.

[0118] <Technical philosophy 5> A magnetic coupling degree detection device according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 4, wherein the coupling degree detection unit detects the magnetic coupling degree using the average value of the differential value over a predetermined period shorter than one cycle of the switching period of the drive unit as the differential value.

[0119] <Technical philosophy 6> A multiphase power supply (20) having multiple phases including a drive unit (21) and an inductor (22), wherein the inductors of each phase are configured by a coupled inductor (22C), A control unit (30) that controls the on / off state of the drive unit, A processor (40) that operates by receiving power from the aforementioned multi-phase power supply, A magnetic coupling degree detection device (50) having a current detection unit (51) for detecting the current flowing through the drive unit, and a coupling degree detection unit (52) for detecting the degree of magnetic coupling of the coupling inductor based on the current value detected by the current detection unit, Equipped with, The coupling degree detection unit determines that the magnetic coupling degree is lower when the differential value of the current value is within a predetermined range compared to when it exceeds the upper limit of the predetermined range.

[0120] <Technical philosophy 7> The coupling degree detection unit is provided in the processor, and is an electronic control device according to technical concept 6.

[0121] <Technical philosophy 8> The coupling degree detection unit is provided in the drive unit, as described in technical concept 6, for the electronic control device.

[0122] <Technical philosophy 9> The coupling degree detection unit is provided in the control unit, as described in technical concept 6, in the electronic control device.

[0123] <Technical Thought 10> When the coupling degree detection unit determines that the magnetic coupling degree is low, it notifies the processor of the decrease in magnetic coupling degree. The processor, upon receiving the notification, reduces the processing load compared to before receiving the notification, as described in any one of technical concepts 6 to 9 of the Electronic Control Unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0124] 10...Electronic control unit, 20...Multiphase power supply, 21...Drive unit, 21H, 21L...MOSFET, 22...Inductor, 22C...Coupling inductor, 23...Capacitor, 24...Core, 241, 2411, 2412...Core core, 241G...Gap, 242, 243...End core, 25, 25P1, 25P2, 25P3...Coil, 251...Main body, 2511, 2512...Bottom wall, 2513, 2514...Side wall, 2515...Top wall, 252, 253...Terminal section, 30...Control unit, 40...Processor, 50...Magnetic coupling degree detection device, 51...Current detection unit, 52...Coupling degree detection unit, 521...A / D converter, 522...Differential arithmetic unit, 523...Window comparator, 524...Latch section

Claims

1. Multiple phase inductors (22) are formed by coupled inductors (22C), and a current detection unit (51) detects the current flowing through the drive unit (21) of a multiphase power supply (20) that supplies power to a load, A coupling degree detection unit (52) detects the degree of magnetic coupling of the coupling inductor based on the current value detected by the current detection unit, Equipped with, The coupling degree detection unit determines that the magnetic coupling degree is lower when the differential value of the current value is within a predetermined range compared to when it exceeds the upper limit of the predetermined range.

2. The load includes a processor (40), The magnetic coupling degree detection device according to claim 1, wherein the upper limit of the predetermined range is set to match the current slope corresponding to the magnetic coupling degree of the coupling inductor such that the operating guaranteed voltage of the processor is not exceeded when the load of the processor fluctuates.

3. The coupled inductor has a core (24) and a plurality of coils (25) arranged on the core, aligned in a predetermined direction and magnetically coupled to one another. The coil has a main body portion (251) wound around the core and terminal portions (252, 253) connected to the main body portion. The core has a plurality of core portions (241) individually provided with respect to the coil and around which the corresponding main body portion of the coil is wound, a first end portion (242) to which one end of the plurality of core portions is connected, and a second end portion (243) arranged in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, sandwiching the plurality of core portions between itself and the first end portion, to which the other ends of the plurality of core portions are connected. The core portion is divided into multiple parts in the orthogonal direction and has gaps (241G), The magnetic coupling degree detection device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the lower limit of the predetermined range is set to match the current gradient corresponding to the magnetic coupling degree when the gap is at its maximum manufacturing value.

4. The magnetic coupling degree detection device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling degree detection unit detects the magnetic coupling degree of all combinations of an inductor in any one phase and an inductor in the other phases excluding any one phase, based on the current value of the drive unit in any one of the multiple phases.

5. The magnetic coupling degree detection device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling degree detection unit detects the magnetic coupling degree using the average value of the differential value over a predetermined period shorter than one cycle of the switching period of the drive unit as the differential value.

6. A multiphase power supply (20) having multiple phases including a drive unit (21) and an inductor (22), wherein the inductors of each phase are configured by a coupled inductor (22C), A control unit (30) that controls the on / off state of the drive unit, A processor (40) that operates by receiving power from the aforementioned multiphase power supply, A magnetic coupling degree detection device (50) having a current detection unit (51) for detecting the current flowing through the drive unit, and a coupling degree detection unit (52) for detecting the degree of magnetic coupling of the coupling inductor based on the current value detected by the current detection unit, Equipped with, The coupling degree detection unit determines that the magnetic coupling degree is lower when the differential value of the current value is within a predetermined range compared to when it exceeds the upper limit of the predetermined range.

7. The coupling degree detection unit is provided in the processor, as described in claim 6.

8. The electronic control device according to claim 6, wherein the coupling degree detection unit is provided in the drive unit.

9. The electronic control device according to claim 6, wherein the coupling degree detection unit is provided in the control unit.

10. When the coupling degree detection unit determines that the magnetic coupling degree is low, it notifies the processor of the decrease in magnetic coupling degree. The electronic control device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the processor, upon receiving the notification, reduces the processing load compared to before receiving the notification.

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