Bidirectional Diode Circuit Element for Battery Voltage Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage measuring apparatuses for lithium ion batteries in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles face issues with potential differences between power supply and reference voltages, leading to unintended current flow and communication malfunctions, especially due to disturbances and oscillations, which cannot be adequately addressed by existing configurations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a bidirectional diode circuit element into the communication channel between adjacent measuring units to prevent current flow when potential differences occur, ensuring reliable communication by maintaining a forward voltage higher than the potential difference, and integrating this diode within a single integrated circuit chip to minimize component count and prevent electrostatic discharge failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional voltage measuring apparatus measures voltages of battery cells in a battery cell array, then the voltage measurement function is achieved, but potential differences between power supply and reference voltages cause unintended current flow and communication malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
A diode circuit element is introduced as an intermediary component in the communication channel between adjacent measuring units. This diode prevents unintended current flow caused by potential differences while allowing legitimate communication signals to pass through, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining communication reliability and blocking harmful currents.
Solution Approach 2:
The diode circuit element is configured to preemptively block potential difference induced currents before they can cause communication malfunctions. By placing the diode in the communication channel, the system proactively prevents harmful current flow in the opposite direction, addressing the reliability issue before it manifests.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measuring units are connected in a daisy chain configuration for voltage measurement, then the measurement coverage is improved, but communication malfunctions occur due to potential differences between adjacent measuring units
Solution Approach 1:
The diode circuit element serves as a protective intermediary in the daisy chain connection between measuring units. It allows the extended measurement coverage to be maintained while preventing potential difference induced currents from disrupting communication stability between adjacent units in the chain.
3Reliability
If the communication channel between measuring units is protected against potential differences, then communication reliability is improved, but additional circuit components increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A single diode circuit element is introduced as a minimal intermediary component to protect the communication channel. This simple addition provides reliable protection against potential difference induced currents without significantly increasing device complexity, as the diode can be integrated into the existing communication circuitry with minimal additional components.
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
The solution enables proper current communication even with potential differences between power supply and reference voltages, enhancing the robustness and reliability of the voltage measuring apparatus, particularly in vehicles, while maintaining a low component count and preventing electrostatic discharge issues.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional diode circuit element is connected to the communication channel extending between the adjacent measuring units
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage measuring apparatus is configured to measure voltages of respective battery cells of a battery cell array including a plurality of battery cell groups each including a predetermined number of battery cells connected in series. The voltage measuring apparatus includes a plurality of measuring units each provided for each of the battery cell groups. The adjacent measuring units are connected through a communication channel so as to perform current communication therebetween. A bidirectional diode circuit element is connected to the communication channel extending between the adjacent measuring units.