Automotive Cellular Modem Temperature Control Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer technologies, such as cellular modems, often fail to meet the harsh environmental specifications of automotive applications, leading to performance degradation or damage when operated outside their rated temperature range, and cannot reliably turn back on after cooling down.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a telematics controller and a control circuit that monitors the temperature of a network access device, using a thermistor and comparator to disable power during high temperatures and enable power when the temperature returns to a safe level, ensuring the device operates within its rated range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cellular modem operates in automotive environment without temperature monitoring, then the device can be placed in harsh environments, but the device will be damaged when temperature exceeds rated range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements temperature monitoring feedback through a temperature sensor that continuously measures the modem's temperature and provides this information to a control circuit. When the temperature exceeds the rated range, the control circuit receives feedback and automatically shuts down power to the modem, preventing damage while allowing the device to operate in harsh automotive environments.
2Reliability
If the cellular modem powers itself off during high temperature, then the device is protected from damage, but the device cannot turn back on when temperature drops to safe level
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor continues to provide feedback to the control circuit even after the modem is shut down. When the temperature drops below the threshold, the control circuit receives this feedback and automatically restores power to the modem, enabling automatic recovery without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own temperature and making decisions to shut down or restore power based on temperature conditions. The control circuit and temperature sensor work together to protect the modem and enable automatic recovery, eliminating the need for external intervention.
3Productivity
If consumer technologies are ported to automotive applications, then connectivity requirements are met, but the devices fail to meet harsh environmental specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary between the temperature sensor and the modem power supply. It receives temperature information from the sensor and controls the power supply to the modem based on temperature conditions, enabling consumer technologies to operate reliably in harsh automotive environments by mediating the interaction between the device and the environment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents damage to cellular modem components by automatically powering them off during high temperatures and turning them back on when safe, ensuring reliable operation within specified temperature limits.
Implementation Method 1
using a thermistor and comparator to disable power during high temperatures
Implementation Method 2
using a thermistor and comparator to disable power during high temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a network access device is provided. The system includes a processor, the network access device, and a control circuit. The processor being in communication with the network access device through a communication link. The control circuit monitoring a temperature of the network access device and activating or deactivating the network access device based on the temperature.