LOAD CONTROL DEVICE, LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM, AND LOAD CONTROL METHOD

Abstract

This load control device (1a) comprises a device (11a) having a plurality of operation modes according to applications and electrically connected to a load (31). The device (11a) has an operation mode determination circuit (12a). The operation mode determination circuit (12a) sets a temporary operation mode indicating an operation mode before determination, obtains operation mode information about the operation mode through communication, and determines the operation mode of the device on the basis of the obtained operation mode information and the temporary operation mode.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a load control device, a load control system, and a load control method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A load control device for controlling a load mounted on a vehicle is known (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-312040 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2002-224762 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional technology, a device that drives a load is required for each application, which increases the number of device types. On the other hand, if multiple functions according to the application are provided to a device in order to reduce the number of device types, there is a problem that the possibility of the device malfunctioning increases.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a load control device, a load control system, and a load control method that suppress malfunction of a device having a plurality of functions according to its application. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention solves the above problem by setting a provisional operation mode indicating the operation mode before being determined for a device having multiple operation modes according to the application and electrically connected to a load, acquiring operation mode information regarding the operation mode via communication, and determining the operation mode of the device based on the acquired operation mode information and the provisional operation mode. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent malfunction of a device having a plurality of functions according to its application. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an example of a block configuration diagram of a load control system including a load control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is an example of a terminal configuration of the semiconductor device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is an example of a circuit configuration of each of an input terminal, an H-level output terminal, and an L-level output terminal shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4A] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a connection between the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 1 and a swivel motor. [Figure 4B] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a connection between the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 1 and a tilt and telescopic motor. [Figure 4C] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a connection between the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 1 and a power seat motor. [Figure 4D] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a connection between the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 1 and a door mirror motor. [Figure 4E] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a connection between the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 1 and a light. [Figure 5A] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a connection between a semiconductor device and a load according to a comparative example. [Figure 5B] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a connection between a semiconductor device and a load according to a comparative example. [Figure 5C] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a connection between a semiconductor device and a load according to a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an example of a block configuration diagram of a load control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The load control system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an in-vehicle system mounted on a vehicle. The driving source and driving control subject of the vehicle mounted with the load control system 100 are not particularly limited. For example, the load control system 100 can be mounted on any of gasoline automobiles, hybrid automobiles, and electric automobiles. In addition, for example, the load control system 100 can be mounted on any of vehicles that run by driving a driver, vehicles that run with driving assistance that assists the driver in addition to driving the driver, and vehicles that run with an autonomous driving system without the driver being involved in driving.

[0011] The load control system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that controls loads not related to the driving, braking, and steering of the vehicle, so-called body-related loads, among a plurality of loads mounted on a vehicle. In this embodiment, a swivel motor 31, a tilt and telescopic motor 41, a power seat motor 51, a door mirror motor 61, and a light 71 are described as examples of loads controlled by the load control system 100, but the load control system 100 may control loads other than the loads shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the number of loads controlled by the load control system 100 is not particularly limited. In the following description, these motors and lights are referred to as "loads", but the name of "load" may be replaced with the name of "actuator".

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the load control system 100 includes load control devices 1a to 1e, an integrated control device 21, a swivel motor 31, a tilt and telescopic motor 41, a power seat motor 51, a door mirror motor 61, and a light 71. The integrated control device 21 and each load control device are connected to each other via an in-vehicle network 2 such as a controller area network (CAN) or a local interconnect network (LIN) in order to transmit and receive information between them. Also, as shown in Fig. 1, each load control device is electrically connected to a load. Each load control device is provided in the vicinity of the load to which it is connected, and for example, the load and the load control device are provided on the same board.

[0013] An overview of the load control system 100 will be described. In the load control system 100, the integrated control device 21 functions as a command center for controlling each load. The integrated control device 21 outputs a control signal for controlling the connected load to each load control device through the above-mentioned communication. As will be described later, the circuit configuration of each load shown in FIG. 1 and the connection with the load control device are different for each load. For this reason, the integrated control device 21 generates a control signal according to the application of each load control device. Taking the load control device 1a as an example, the integrated control device 21 generates a control signal for controlling the swivel motor 31 and outputs the generated control signal to the load control device 1a. On the other hand, the integrated control device 21 does not output a control signal for controlling the swivel motor 31 to the load control devices 1b to 1e. When the load control device 1a receives a control signal for controlling the swivel motor 31 from the integrated control device 21, the load control device 1a controls the swivel motor 31 based on the input control signal. The load control devices 1b to 1e control the connected loads based on the control signals corresponding to each load input from the integrated control device 21, similar to the load control device 1a. For ease of explanation, different reference symbols are used for the load control devices shown in Fig. 1, but the load control devices 1a to 1e are all the load control devices 1 according to this embodiment. Similarly, in Fig. 1, different reference symbols are used for the semiconductor devices provided in each load control device and the operation mode determination circuits provided in each semiconductor device, but the semiconductor devices 11a to 11e are all the semiconductor devices 11 provided in the load control device 1, and the operation mode determination circuits 12a to 12e are all the operation mode determination circuits 12 provided in the semiconductor devices 11.

[0014] The swivel motor 31 is provided near the headlight of the vehicle and is a motor for moving the optical axis of the headlight in the left-right direction. In order to move the optical axis of the headlight in the left-right direction, the swivel motor 31 rotates not only in the forward direction but also in the reverse direction. The rotation direction of the swivel motor 31 is controlled by the semiconductor device 11a provided in the load control device 1a.

[0015] The tilt & telescopic motor 41 is a motor provided around the steering wheel of the vehicle for controlling the position of the steering wheel. The tilt & telescopic motor 41 includes a tilt motor 42 and a telescopic motor 43. The tilt motor 42 is a motor for adjusting the position of the steering wheel in the up and down direction. In order to adjust the position of the steering wheel in the up and down directions, the tilt motor 42 rotates not only in the forward direction but also in the reverse direction. The telescopic motor 43 is a motor for adjusting the position of the steering wheel in the front-rear direction. In order to adjust the position of the steering wheel in the forward and rearward directions, the telescopic motor 43 rotates not only in the forward direction but also in the reverse direction. The rotation directions of the tilt motor 42 and the telescopic motor 43 are controlled by a semiconductor device 11b provided in the load control device 1b.

[0016] The power seat motor 51 is a motor provided around the seat of the vehicle for reclining the seat in the forward and backward directions. To recline the seat forward and backward, the power seat motor 51 rotates not only in the forward direction but also in the reverse direction. The rotation direction of the power seat motor 51 is controlled by a semiconductor device 11c provided in the load control device 1c. The power seat motor 51 may be a motor for adjusting the position of the seat in the forward and backward directions by sliding it.

[0017] The door mirror motor 61 is a motor provided around the door mirror of the vehicle for controlling the door mirror. The door mirror motor 61 includes a mirror storage motor 62, a mirror up / down adjustment motor 63, and a mirror left / right adjustment motor 64. The mirror storage motor 62 is a motor for driving the door mirror to position it in the storage position and the deployment position. In order to drive the door mirror in the deployment direction and the storage direction, the mirror storage motor 62 rotates not only in the forward direction but also in the reverse direction. The mirror up / down adjustment motor 63 is a motor for adjusting the mirror surface direction of the door mirror in the up / down direction. In order to adjust the mirror surface direction of the door mirror in the upward and downward directions, the mirror up / down adjustment motor 63 rotates not only in the forward direction but also in the reverse direction. The mirror left / right adjustment motor 64 is a motor for adjusting the mirror surface direction of the door mirror in the left / right direction. In order to adjust the mirror surface direction of the door mirror in the left / right direction, the mirror left / right adjustment motor 64 rotates not only in the forward direction but also in the reverse direction. The rotation directions of the mirror retraction motor 62, the mirror up / down adjustment motor 63, and the mirror left / right adjustment motor 64 are controlled by a semiconductor device 11d provided in the load control device 1d.

[0018] The light 71 is an interior light provided in the vehicle, a so-called room lamp. For example, the light 71 may be a highly versatile board-type LED lamp. The light 71 is turned on and off by a semiconductor device 11e provided in the load control device 1e.

[0019] Semiconductor devices 11a to 11e shown in Fig. 1 are devices manufactured by connecting semiconductor chips with a lead frame and molding (sealing) them with resin. As described above, each of semiconductor devices 11a to 11e controls a load to which it is connected. Note that, although one semiconductor device 11 is shown for load control device 1 in Fig. 1, load control device 1 may include multiple semiconductor devices 11. The number of semiconductor devices included in load control device 1 is not particularly limited.

[0020] 2 is an example of the terminal configuration of the semiconductor devices 11a to 11e shown in FIG. The terminal configuration will be described using the semiconductor device 11, but the terminal configurations of the semiconductor devices 11a to 11e are the same as the terminal configuration of the semiconductor device 11. Each terminal shown in FIG. 2 is a so-called external pin that is drawn out by a lead frame to connect the semiconductor device 11 to the outside. In the example of FIG. 2, 16 terminals are shown as the terminals of the semiconductor device 11, but the number of terminals of the semiconductor device 11 is not particularly limited. The number of terminals of the semiconductor device 11 may be more than 16 or less than 16.

[0021] The semiconductor device 11 has a VCC power supply terminal 101 for supplying power to the semiconductor device 11, and a GND terminal 102 for defining the GND of the semiconductor device 11. The VCC power supply terminal 101 is connected to a power supply (e.g., a 5V power supply) on a substrate on which the load control device 1 is provided. The GND terminal 102 is connected to GND on a substrate on which the load control device 1 is provided.

[0022] The semiconductor device 11 also has an input terminal 103 and an input terminal 104. The input terminal 103 and the input terminal 104 are connected to a load, a sensor, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), etc. depending on the application of the load control device 1.

[0023] FIG. 3A is an example of the circuit configuration of the input terminal 103 and the input terminal 104. The circuit configuration will be described by taking the input terminal 103 as a representative example, but the circuit configuration of the input terminal 104 is the same as that of the input terminal 103. As shown in FIG. 3A, the input terminal 103 is configured by a so-called pull-up circuit, which is a circuit that connects to a power supply VCC via a pull-up resistor R1 when a switching element SW1 is turned on. An example of the switching element SW1 is a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor). The pull-up circuit is provided as a measure against floating of the input terminal 103. In FIG. 3A, B1 indicates an input buffer, MUX1 indicates a multiplexer, and A / D indicates an analog-to-digital conversion circuit.

[0024] 2, the semiconductor device 11 has H level output terminals 105 to 107 capable of outputting the voltage of the power supply VCC (VCC voltage), and L level output terminals 108 to 110 capable of outputting the voltage of GND (0V). The H level output terminals 105 to 107 and the L level output terminals 108 to 110 are directly or indirectly connected to a load (such as the swivel motor 31 shown in FIG. 1).

[0025] FIG. 3B is an example of the circuit configuration of the H-level output terminal 105 to the H-level output terminal 107. The circuit configuration will be described by taking the H-level output terminal 105 as a representative example, but the circuit configuration of the H-level output terminal 106 and the H-level output terminal 107 is the same as that of the H-level output terminal 105. As shown in FIG. 3B, the H-level output terminal 105 is configured with a circuit that outputs the voltage of the power supply VCC when the switching element SW2 is turned on. The H-level output terminal 105 can also function as an input terminal. The H-level output terminal 105 is configured with a circuit that connects to the power supply VCC via a pull-up resistor R2 when the switching element SW3 is turned on, that is, a so-called pull-up circuit. The H-level output terminal 105 is configured with a circuit that connects to GND via a pull-down resistor R3 when the switching element SW4 is turned on, that is, a so-called pull-down circuit. Note that the function of the input terminal is provided to detect the output current or output voltage from the load, but the H-level output terminal 105 only needs to function as an output terminal and does not need to function as an input terminal. The switching elements SW2 to SW4 may be, for example, MOSFETs. In addition, in Fig. 3(B), B2 denotes an input buffer.

[0026] FIG. 3C is an example of the circuit configuration of the L level output terminal 108 to the L level output terminal 110. The circuit configuration will be described by taking the L level output terminal 108 as a representative example, but the circuit configuration of the L level output terminal 109 and the L level output terminal 110 is the same as that of the L level output terminal 108. As shown in FIG. 3C, the L level output terminal 108 is configured with a circuit that outputs a voltage of GND when the switching element SW5 is turned on. Similarly to the H level output terminal 105, the L level output terminal 108 can also function as an input terminal. The L level output terminal 108 is configured with a circuit that connects to a power supply VCC via a pull-up resistor R4 when the switching element SW6 is turned on, that is, a so-called pull-up circuit. Note that, similar to the H level output terminal 105, the L level output terminal 108 does not have to function as an input terminal. Examples of the switching elements SW5 and SW6 include MOSFETs. Also, in FIG. 3C, B3 indicates an input buffer.

[0027] 2, the semiconductor device 11 has a communication terminal 111 and a communication terminal 112 for communicating with the integrated control device 21. The communication terminal 111 and the communication terminal 112 are connected to the integrated control device 21 via the in-vehicle network 2 shown in Fig. 1. Information from the integrated control device 21 received by the communication terminal 111 and the communication terminal 112 is output to an operation mode determination circuit 12 described later.

[0028] 2, semiconductor device 11 has mode terminals 113 to 116 for setting a provisional operation mode of semiconductor device 11. Mode terminals 113 to 116 are connected to a power supply or GND, for example, on a substrate on which load control device 1 is provided. The functions and provisional operation modes of mode terminals 113 to 116 will be described later.

[0029] Next, with reference to Figs. 4A to 4E, examples of connections between the load control devices 1a to 1e shown in Fig. 1 and the loads will be described. Fig. 4A shows an example of connections between the semiconductor device 11a and the swivel motor 31 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 4A, in the case of the swivel motor 31 including the motor M1, one semiconductor device 11a is used for the swivel motor 31. The H-level output terminal 105 and the L-level output terminal 108 are connected to one terminal of the motor M1, and the H-level output terminal 106 and the L-level output terminal 109 are connected to the other terminal of the motor M1. The motor M1 rotates in the forward or reverse direction according to the output voltage level of the semiconductor device 11a. The other terminals of the semiconductor device 11a not shown in Fig. 4A are not connected to the swivel motor 31. In addition, in FIG. 4A and later-described FIGS. 4B to 4E, the switching element SW2 corresponds to the switching element SW2 shown in FIG. 3(B), and the switching element SW5 corresponds to the switching element SW5 shown in FIG. 3(C).

[0030] FIG. 4B is a connection example between the semiconductor device 11b shown in FIG. 1 and the tilt and telescopic motor 41. As shown in FIG. 4B, in the case of the tilt and telescopic motor 41 including the motors M2 and M3, one semiconductor device 11b is used for the tilt and telescopic motor 41. The H level output terminal 105 and the L level output terminal 108 are connected to the motor M2 via a relay Re1, and the H level output terminal 106 and the L level output terminal 109 are connected to the motor M3 via a relay Re2. Since the motors M2 and M3 (tilt and telescopic motor 41) have a larger current flowing through them than the motor M1 (swivel motor 31) shown in FIG. 4A, the semiconductor device 11b is connected to the motors M2 and M3 via the relays Re1 and Re2. The relay Re1 controls the motor M2 and M3 in response to the output voltage level of the semiconductor device 11b. M2 The relay Re2 changes the direction of rotation of the motor in response to the output voltage level of the semiconductor device 11b. M3That is, motor M2 and motor M3 rotate in the forward or reverse direction according to the output voltage level of semiconductor device 11b. Note that other terminals of semiconductor device 11b that are not shown in FIG. 4B are not connected to tilt & telescopic motor 41.

[0031] 4C is a connection example between the semiconductor device 11c shown in FIG. 1 and the power seat motor 51. As shown in FIG. 4C, in the case of a power seat motor 51 including a motor M4, one semiconductor device 11c is used for the power seat motor 51. The H level output terminal 105 and the L level output terminal 108 are connected to the motor M4 via a relay Re3, and the H level output terminal 106 and the L level output terminal 109 are connected to the motor M4 via a switching element SW6 and the relay Re3. The relay Re3 is Semiconductor Device 11c Depending on the output voltage level of the motor M4 Change the direction of rotation of the relay Re3 The switching element SW6 changes the rotation direction of the motor M4 depending on whether the switching element SW6 is turned on or off. The switching element SW6 is turned on or off depending on the output voltage level of the semiconductor device 11c. That is, the motor M4 rotates in the forward or reverse direction depending on the output voltage level of the semiconductor device 11c. Note that other terminals of the semiconductor device 11c that are not shown in FIG. 4C are not connected to the power seat motor 51.

[0032] 4D shows an example of a connection between the semiconductor device 11d shown in FIG. 1 and a door mirror motor 61. As shown in FIG. 4D, in the case of the door mirror motor 61 including the motors M5 to M7, two semiconductor devices 11d are used for the door mirror motor 61. 4D For the semiconductor device 11d on the left side as viewed from the front in FIG. 1, the H-level output terminal 105 and the L-level output terminal 108 are connected to one terminal of the motor M5, the H-level output terminal 106 and the L-level output terminal 109 are connected to the other terminal of the motor M5, and the H-level output terminal 107 and the L-level output terminal 110 are connected to one terminal of the motor M7. 4D4D, the H level output terminal 105 and the L level output terminal 108 of the semiconductor device 11d on the right side as viewed from the front are connected to one terminal of the motor M6, the H level output terminal 106 and the L level output terminal 109 are connected to the other terminal of the motor M6, and the H level output terminal 107 and the L level output terminal 110 are connected to the other terminal of the motor M7. The motors M5 to M7 rotate in the forward or reverse direction according to the output voltage level of the semiconductor device 11d. Note that other terminals of the semiconductor device 11d not shown in FIG. 4D are not connected to the door mirror motor 61.

[0033] FIG. 4E is a connection example between the semiconductor device 11e shown in FIG. 1 and a light 71. As shown in FIG. 4E, in the case of a light 71 including LED1 to LED6, one semiconductor device 11e is used for the light 71. One LED is connected to each output terminal of the semiconductor device 11e. Specifically, an H level output terminal 105 is connected to LED2, an H level output terminal 106 is connected to LED4, and an H level output terminal 107 is connected to LED6. In addition, an L level output terminal 108 is connected to LED1, an L level output terminal 109 is connected to LED3, and an L level output terminal 110 is connected to LED4. LED5 are connected to the light 71. The LED1 to LED6 are turned on or off according to the voltage level output from the output terminal to which they are connected. Other terminals of the semiconductor device 11e that are not shown in FIG. 4E are not connected to the light 71.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4A to 4E, the circuit configuration of the load and the number of terminals connected to the semiconductor device vary depending on the type of load, so it is possible to use a semiconductor device according to the type of load. Here, semiconductor devices according to the type of load will be described with reference to Figures 5A to 5C. Figures 5A to 5C show examples of connections between a semiconductor device and a load according to a comparative example.

[0035] For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, a motor M1 such as a swivel motor 31 ’A semiconductor device SD1 according to a comparative example can be used as a semiconductor device for controlling the motor M1. ’ Although the terminals connected to the motor M1 are different from those of the semiconductor device 11a of this embodiment (see FIG. 4A), the motor M1 is controlled by the semiconductor device 11a in the same manner as the motor M1 is controlled by the semiconductor device 11a. ’ can be controlled.

[0036] For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, a motor M5 such as a door mirror motor 61 ’ ~Motor M7 ’ A semiconductor device SD2 according to a comparative example can be used as a semiconductor device for controlling the motor M5. The semiconductor device SD2 is different from the semiconductor device SD1 in the circuit configuration of the output stage and the number of terminals connected to the load. The semiconductor device SD2 is different from the semiconductor device SD1 in the circuit configuration of the output stage and the number of terminals connected to the load. ’ ~Motor M7 ’ Although the terminals connected to the motors M5 to M7 are different from those of the semiconductor device 11d of this embodiment (see FIG. 4D), the motors M5 to M7 are controlled by the semiconductor device 11d. ’ ~Motor M7 ’ can be controlled.

[0037] Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 5C, LED1 such as light 71 ’ ~LED6 ’ A semiconductor device SD3 according to a comparative example can be used as a semiconductor device for controlling the LED1. The semiconductor device SD3 is different from the semiconductor devices SD1 and SD2 in the circuit configuration of the output stage and the number of terminals connected to the load. The semiconductor device SD3 is different from the semiconductor devices SD1 and SD2 in the circuit configuration of the output stage and the number of terminals connected to the load. ’ ~LED6 ’ Although the terminals connected to the LED1 and the LED2 are different from those of the semiconductor device 11e of this embodiment (see FIG. 4E), the semiconductor device 11e controls the LED1 to LED6 in the same way. ’ ~LED6 ’ can be controlled.

[0038] As described with reference to Figs. 5A to 5C, the semiconductor device can be changed according to the type of the load to control the load. However, when different types of semiconductor devices are used for each load, the number of types of semiconductor devices increases, and device management becomes complicated. In view of such a problem, in this embodiment, a semiconductor device 11 is used in which the circuit configuration of the output stage is capable of individually controlling H-level output and L-level output (see Figs. 3(B) and 3(C)), and which can output an H-level voltage from an H-level terminal and an L-level voltage from an L-level terminal (see Fig. 2). As a result, as shown in Figs. 4A to 4E, even if the types of the loads are different, each load can be controlled by the same type of semiconductor device 11. The number of types of semiconductor devices for controlling the loads can be reduced, and the complexity of device management can be eliminated.

[0039] On the other hand, when the same type of semiconductor device 11 is used regardless of the type of load, there is a concern that the semiconductor device may malfunction due to differences in control according to the type of load. For example, in the connection example of FIG. 4A, the semiconductor device 11a requires control not to simultaneously turn on the switching element SW2 and the switching element SW5 in order to prevent a shoot-through current. On the other hand, in the connection example of FIG. 4E, the semiconductor device 11e requires control to simultaneously turn on the switching element SW2 and the switching element SW5 in order to light the LED1 to LED6. For example, in the connection example of FIG. 4A, if the semiconductor device 11a performs control for the light 71 shown in FIG. 4E instead of control for the swivel motor 31, the semiconductor device 11a may be damaged by the shoot-through current. In this embodiment, in order to suppress malfunction of the semiconductor device 11, which is highly versatile and has a plurality of operation modes according to the application, the load control device 1 uses information transmitted from the integrated control device 21 to determine the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 corresponding to the load to which it is connected.

[0040] The integrated control device 21 will now be described. The integrated control device 21 is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that outputs operation mode information to the load control device 1 and manages the operation mode of the load control device 1. The integrated control device 21 also outputs control signals for controlling the loads to the load control device 1 and is composed of a microprocessor 22 and a communication device 23 that control each load.

[0041] The operation mode information will be described by taking the load control device 1a shown in FIG. 1 as an example. The operation mode information includes information that can identify each operation mode (for example, a value previously set corresponding to each operation mode), information specific to the operation mode (for example, a prohibition on switching elements that do not turn on the switching elements SW2 and SW5 at the same time), and the like. A non-volatile memory such as a ROM stores a plurality of operation modes for controlling each load. The integrated control device 21 reads out the operation mode for the swivel motor 31 from the non-volatile memory. The integrated control device 21 outputs operation mode information including the operation mode for the swivel motor 31 to the load control device 1a. The integrated control device 21 also executes the same process for the load control device 1b to the load control device 1e as the process executed for the load control device 1a. For convenience of explanation, the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 set by the integrated control device 21 will be described as an externally set operation mode in order to distinguish it from the tentative operation mode set by the operation mode determination circuit 12.

[0042] A method for determining the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 will be described. The operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 is determined by the operation mode determination circuit 12 included in the semiconductor device 11. The operation mode determination circuit 12 has a function of comparing a provisional operation mode for determining the operation mode with operation mode information acquired via communication, and determines the operation mode based on the comparison result. Furthermore, if the operation mode determination circuit 12 obtains a result that is inappropriate for the provisional operation mode, including a mismatch in the comparison result, it is also possible for the operation mode determination circuit 12 not to determine the operation mode and to stop all output control to each load.

[0043] The operation mode determination circuit 12 sets a tentative operation mode indicating the operation mode before being determined, acquires operation mode information from the integrated control device 21 via communication, and determines the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 based on the acquired operation mode information and the tentative operation mode. In this embodiment, the operation mode determination circuit 12 sets the tentative operation mode based on the voltage levels of the mode terminals 113 to 116 of the semiconductor device 11.

[0044] For example, in the semiconductor device 11a shown in FIG. 1, when the mode terminals 113 to 116 are connected to GND on the substrate, the operation mode determination circuit 12 detects that the voltages of the mode terminals 113 to 116 are at the L level and recognizes that the 4-bit code set by the mode terminals 113 to 116 is "0000". When the 4-bit codes correspond to the respective operation modes, the operation mode determination circuit 12 sets the operation mode corresponding to the code "0000" as the provisional operation mode of the semiconductor device 11a. For example, when the operation mode corresponding to the code "0000" is the operation mode for the swivel motor 31, the operation mode determination circuit 12 sets the operation mode for the swivel motor 31 as the provisional operation mode of the semiconductor device 11a.

[0045] The operation mode determination circuit 12 determines the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 by comparing the set tentative operation mode with the externally set operation mode included in the operation mode information. Specifically, when the tentative operation mode and the externally set operation mode match, the operation mode determination circuit 12 determines the tentative operation mode as the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11. For example, when a signal indicating the tentative operation mode and a signal indicating the externally set operation mode match, or when a numerical value indicating the tentative operation mode and a numerical value indicating the externally set operation mode match, the operation mode determination circuit 12 determines the tentative operation mode as the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11. On the other hand, when the tentative operation mode and the externally set operation mode do not match, the operation mode determination circuit 12 does not determine the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11. For example, when a signal indicating the tentative operation mode and a signal indicating the externally set operation mode do not match, or when a numerical value indicating the tentative operation mode and a numerical value indicating the externally set operation mode do not match, the operation mode determination circuit 12 does not determine the tentative operation mode as the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11.

[0046] In the semiconductor device 11a shown in FIG. 1, the integrated control device 21 transmits an operation mode including an operation mode for the swivel motor 31. Operation mode information is input to the operation mode determination circuit 12. For example, when the tentative operation mode of the semiconductor device 11a is set to the operation mode for the swivel motor 31, Operation mode information Since the externally set operation mode included in the register 11a coincides with the tentative operation mode, the operation mode determination circuit 12 determines the operation mode for the swivel motor 31 as the operation mode for the semiconductor device 11a. In this case, since the semiconductor device 11a can control the swivel motor 31, the operation mode determination circuit 12 outputs a signal requesting the start of control to the integrated control device 21. The integrated control device 21 generates a control signal for the semiconductor device 11a according to the determined operation mode for the swivel motor 31, and outputs the generated control signal to the load control device 1a. The control signal can be, for example, a signal that turns on or off the switching element SW2 and the switching element SW5 of the output stage. The swivel motor 31 starts to be driven by the signal output from the semiconductor device 11a.

[0047] For example, when the provisional operation mode of the semiconductor device 11a is set to the operation mode for the light 71, Operation mode information Since the externally set operation mode and the tentative operation mode included in the do not match, the operation mode determination circuit 12 does not determine the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11a. In this case, since the semiconductor device 11a cannot control the swivel motor 31, the operation mode determination circuit 12 outputs a signal requesting the control to be stopped to the integrated control device 21. The reason why the externally set operation mode and the tentative operation mode do not match is, for example, when the contact between the mode terminals 113 to 116 and the substrate is weak, the voltage of the mode terminals 113 to 116 becomes an intermediate voltage between the power supply voltage and the GND voltage, and the operation mode determination circuit 12 sets an incorrect tentative operation mode. Note that, as an example of the process of the operation mode determination circuit 12 after the comparison result of mismatch is obtained, the process of outputting a signal requesting the control to be stopped to the integrated control device 21 has been given, but the operation mode determination circuit 12 may execute other processes. For example, the operation mode determination circuit 12 may repeatedly compare the externally set operation mode and the tentative operation mode a predetermined number of times. The operation mode determination circuit 12 may also control a circuit in the output stage of the semiconductor device 11 so as to stop output to a connected load. The operation mode determination circuit 12 may also control a circuit in the output stage of the semiconductor device 11 so as not to execute output control to a connected load.

[0048] As described above, the load control device 1 according to this embodiment includes a semiconductor device 11 having a plurality of operation modes according to applications and electrically connected to a load. The semiconductor device 11 includes an operation mode determination circuit 12. The operation mode determination circuit 12 sets a tentative operation mode indicating an operation mode before being determined, acquires operation mode information related to the operation mode via communication, and determines the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 based on the acquired operation mode information and the tentative operation mode. Since the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 can be determined using the operation mode information acquired from outside before the semiconductor device 11 operates according to the operation mode, it is possible to suppress malfunction of the semiconductor device 11 having a plurality of functions according to applications.

[0049] In this embodiment, the operation mode information includes an externally set operation mode indicating the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 set by the integrated control device 21. The operation mode determination circuit 12 determines the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 by comparing the tentative operation mode with the externally set operation mode. Since the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 is determined by a relatively easy method of comparing two modes, the calculation load of the operation mode determination circuit 12 can be reduced. In addition, the circuit scale of the operation mode determination circuit 12 can be reduced, and as a result, the cost of the semiconductor device 11 can be reduced.

[0050] In this embodiment, when the tentative operation mode and the externally set operation mode match, the operation mode determination circuit 12 determines the tentative operation mode as the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11, and when the tentative operation mode and the externally set operation mode do not match, the operation mode determination circuit 12 does not determine the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11. It is possible to easily determine whether the setting of the tentative operation mode is correct or not, and the calculation load of the operation mode determination circuit 12 can be reduced. In addition, the circuit scale of the operation mode determination circuit 12 can be reduced, and as a result, the cost of the semiconductor device 11 can be reduced.

[0051] In a modification of this embodiment, when the provisional operation mode does not match the externally set operation mode, the operation mode determination circuit 12 does not execute output control from the semiconductor device 11 to the load. This makes it possible to prevent the load from operating before the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 is determined, thereby making it possible to suppress malfunction of the load.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, semiconductor device 11 has mode terminals 113 to 116 for setting a provisional operation mode, and operation mode determination circuit 12 sets the provisional operation mode based on the voltages of mode terminals 113 to 116. For example, when mode terminals 113 to 116 are connected to a power supply or GND on the board, the voltage of the mode terminals fluctuates relatively little even with changes in the surrounding conditions of load control device 1, so that the provisional operation mode can be set appropriately even if the surrounding conditions change.

[0053] In this embodiment, the semiconductor device 11 is a semiconductor device configured with a switching element. The switching element is a MOSFET. Even if the semiconductor device 11 is configured with a MOSFET switching element that requires measures against shoot-through current, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of shoot-through current due to malfunction. It is also possible to prevent an overvoltage from being applied to a load or an overcurrent from flowing through a load due to a malfunction of the semiconductor device 11.

[0054] Moreover, the load control system 100 according to this embodiment includes a load control device 1 and a load (a swivel motor 31, a tilt & telescopic motor 41, a power seat motor 51, a door mirror motor 61, and a light 71). As illustrated in FIG. 4A, in the load control system 100, when the current flowing through the load is less than a predetermined current value, the semiconductor device 11 and the load are directly connected. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, in the load control system 100, when the current flowing through the load is equal to or greater than a predetermined current value, the semiconductor device 11 and the load are indirectly connected via a relay. Since the connection form with the load can be changed depending on the type of load, a highly versatile load control system 100 can be provided.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the load control system 100 includes an integrated control device 21 that outputs operation mode information to the load control device 1 and controls the semiconductor device 11 according to the determined operation mode of the semiconductor device 11. Even if multiple loads are provided in various locations, the control of each load can be consolidated in the integrated control device 21. Since the number and types of integrated control devices can be reduced, the range in which electrical equipment such as loads can be arranged is expanded, and the degree of freedom in layout design can be increased.

[0056] The above-described embodiments are described for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention, and are not described for the purpose of limiting the present invention. Therefore, the elements disclosed in the above embodiments are intended to include all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0057] For example, in the above embodiment, a method of determining the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 by comparing the tentative operation mode with the externally set operation mode has been described, but the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 may be determined by other methods. For example, the operation mode determination circuit 12 may determine whether or not the setting result of the tentative operation mode is correct using operation mode information including information other than the externally set operation mode, and determine the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 based on the determination result. Specifically, when the operation mode determination circuit 12 determines that the setting result of the tentative operation mode is correct, it determines the tentative operation mode as the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11, and when it determines that the setting result of the tentative operation mode is incorrect (when it determines that there is an error in the setting result of the tentative operation mode), it does not determine the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11. For example, an error detection technique such as a checksum can be used. The operation mode information output by the integrated control device 21 to the load control device 1 is Externally configured operation modeThe tentative operation mode may be an error detection code for detecting an error in the tentative operation mode. For example, the integrated control device 21 may generate a sum (error detection code) of each bit of the code indicating the tentative operation mode as the operation mode information, and output the generated operation mode information to the load control device 1. After setting the tentative operation mode, the operation mode determination circuit 12 calculates the sum of each bit of the code indicating the tentative operation mode, and compares the calculated sum with the sum included in the operation mode information. If the sums match, the operation mode determination circuit 12 determines that the setting result of the tentative operation mode is correct, and if the sums do not match, the operation mode determination circuit 12 determines that the setting result of the tentative operation mode is incorrect. It is possible to easily determine whether the setting of the tentative operation mode is correct, and the calculation load of the operation mode determination circuit 12 can be reduced. In addition, the circuit scale of the operation mode determination circuit 12 can be reduced, and the size of the semiconductor device 11 can be reduced. As a result, the size of the substrate on which the semiconductor device 11 is provided can also be reduced, and the degree of freedom in layout design in the load control system 100 can be increased. Furthermore, if the operation mode determination circuit 12 determines that the total values ​​do not match and that the setting result of the provisional operation mode is incorrect, it does not execute output control to the connected load, as in the modified example of the above embodiment. It is possible to prevent the load from operating before the operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 is determined, and thus it is possible to suppress malfunction of the load.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the method based on the voltages of the mode terminals 113 to 116 has been described as a method for setting the tentative operation mode of the semiconductor device 11, but the tentative operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 may be determined by other methods. The tentative operation mode may be stored in an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), which is a type of non-volatile memory and has a relatively low capacity. The operation mode determination circuit 12 may set the tentative operation mode of the semiconductor device 11 by reading the tentative operation mode from the EEPROM. In the case of such a setting method, the tentative operation mode corresponding to the load to be controlled is stored in the EEPROM in advance for each load control device. Since the tentative operation mode can be set without providing a mode terminal in the semiconductor device 11, the size of the semiconductor device 11 can be reduced. As a result, the size of the board on which the semiconductor device 11 is provided can also be reduced, and the degree of freedom in layout design in the load control system 100 can be increased. The EEPROM may be either a type built into the operation mode determination circuit 12 or a type externally attached to the operation mode determination circuit 12. As another setting method, the operation mode determination circuit 12 may determine whether or not the output terminals of the semiconductor device 11 are connected to a load based on the input current from the load, and determine the provisional operation mode according to the number of output terminals connected to the load, the magnitude of the input current from the load, or a combination of these.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the semiconductor device 11 has the operation mode determination circuit 12. However, the load control device 1 may include the operation mode determination circuit 12 separately from the semiconductor device 11. The load control system 100 may include the operation mode determination circuit 12 separately from the load control device 1.

[0060] Further, in the above embodiment, the load control system 100 has been described taking as an example the configuration of one integrated control device 21, but a plurality of integrated control devices 21 may be provided according to the types of loads, the functions of the loads, and the like.

[0061] In the above embodiment, one VCC power supply terminal 101 has been described as an example of the power supply terminal of the semiconductor device 11, but the semiconductor device 11 may have multiple power supply terminals. For example, the semiconductor device 11 may have power supply terminals for an H-level voltage corresponding to the input voltage of the load for the H-level output terminals 105 to 107. Also, the semiconductor device 11 may have power supply terminals for a pull-up power supply for the input terminals 103 and 104.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the load control device 1 controls a load such as a motor or an LED, but the load control device 1 may function as a part of the load. For example, the load control device 1 may function as a switch or a relay by the semiconductor device 11 formed of a switching element. Examples of the switch include a combination switch and a steering switch of a vehicle. Examples of the relay include an ACC relay, a power socket relay, an IGN (ignition) relay, and a blower fan motor relay of a vehicle.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the load control system 100 is mounted on a vehicle, but the load control system 100 may be provided on something other than a vehicle. For example, the load control system 100 may be provided on an industrial machine other than a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 100...Load control system 1a to 1e: Load control device 11a to 11e: Semiconductor devices 12a to 12e...Operation mode determination circuit 2. In-vehicle network 21...Integrated control device 22...Microprocessor 23...Communication equipment 31...Swivel motor 41...Tilt and telescopic motor 42...Tilt motor 43...Telescopic motor 51...Power seat motor 61...Door mirror motor 62...Mirror folding motor 63...Mirror up / down adjustment motor 64...Mirror left / right adjustment motor 71…Light

Claims

1. A load control device having a plurality of operating modes corresponding to a plurality of applications, the load control device comprising a device electrically connected to a load, The device comprises: a semiconductor device connectable to a plurality of types of loads, A plurality of mode terminals and an operation mode determination circuit for setting a provisional operation mode are provided, The operation mode determination circuit includes: setting the tentative operation mode indicating the operation mode before being determined based on voltage levels of the plurality of mode terminals; acquiring operation mode information regarding the operation mode, the operation mode including an error detection code for detecting an error in the provisional operation mode, via communication; A load control device that compares a provisional operation mode with operation mode information acquired via communication, and if the provisional operation mode that has been set matches an externally set operation mode included in the operation mode information, determines the provisional operation mode as the operation mode of the semiconductor device.

2. 2. The load control device according to claim 1, The operation mode determination circuit includes: determining whether or not the setting result of the provisional operation mode is correct using the error detection code; If it is determined that the setting result is correct, the provisional operation mode is determined as the operation mode of the device; A load control device that does not determine the operation mode of the device when it determines that the setting result is incorrect.

3. 3. The load control device according to claim 2, A load control device that does not execute output control from the device to the load when the operation mode determination circuit determines that the setting result is incorrect.

4. 2. The load control device according to claim 1, the operation mode information includes an externally set operation mode indicating the operation mode of the device that is set by a means other than the operation mode determination circuit, The operation mode determination circuit determines the operation mode of the device by comparing the provisional operation mode with the externally set operation mode.

5. 5. The load control device according to claim 4, The operation mode determination circuit includes: If the provisional operation mode and the externally set operation mode match, determining the provisional operation mode as the operation mode of the device; A load control device that does not determine the operation mode of the device when the provisional operation mode and the externally set operation mode do not match.

6. 6. The load control device according to claim 5, The load control device, wherein the operation mode determination circuit does not execute output control from the device to the load when the provisional operation mode and the externally set operation mode do not match.

7. The load control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the device has a terminal for setting the provisional operation mode, The operation mode determination circuit is a load control device that sets the provisional operation mode based on the voltage of the terminal.

8. A load control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The device has a storage unit that stores the provisional operation mode, The operation mode determination circuit reads out the provisional operation mode from the storage unit, thereby setting the provisional operation mode.

9. A load control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The device is a load control device that is a semiconductor device composed of a switching element.

10. 10. The load control device according to claim 9, The load control device, wherein the switching element is a MOSFET.

11. A load control system including the load control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and the load, When the current flowing through the load is less than a predetermined current value, the device and the load are directly connected; A load control system in which the device and the load are indirectly connected when the current flowing through the load is equal to or greater than the predetermined current value.

12. 12. The load control system of claim 11, A load control system including an integrated control device that outputs the operation mode information to the load control device and controls the device in accordance with the determined operation mode of the device.

13. A load control method for controlling a load control device having a plurality of operation modes corresponding to a plurality of uses and including a device electrically connected to a load, using an operation mode determination circuit, comprising: The device comprises: a semiconductor device connectable to a plurality of types of loads, A plurality of mode terminals for setting a provisional operation mode and the operation mode determination circuit are provided, The load control method includes: setting the provisional operation mode indicating the operation mode of the device before being determined based on voltage levels of the plurality of mode terminals; acquiring operation mode information regarding the operation mode, the operation mode including an error detection code for detecting an error in the provisional operation mode, via communication; A load control method comprising: comparing a provisional operation mode with operation mode information acquired via communication; and, if the provisional operation mode that has been set matches an externally set operation mode included in the operation mode information, determining the provisional operation mode as the operation mode of the semiconductor device.

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