Circuit Assemblage for Power Channel Voltage Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle electrical systems face challenges in reliably supplying power to safety-relevant loads, particularly in highly automated driving scenarios, as they can become coupled in the event of a single fault, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A circuit assemblage and method that compares two power supply channels to select the channel closest to the optimum supply voltage using self-locking and self-conducting power semiconductors, preventing simultaneous switching and ensuring fail-safe operation by using a hardware-based mutual interlock system and intelligent analog logic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two redundant power supply channels are used to supply safety-relevant loads, then reliability is improved, but the risk of channel coupling in the event of a fault increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent channels (first channel with first energy reservoir and first DC voltage converter, second channel with second energy reservoir and second DC voltage converter) that operate separately. Each channel has its own protection logic and switching mechanisms, preventing fault propagation between channels while maintaining redundancy for safety-relevant loads.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling element with protection logic acts as an intermediary between the two power supply channels. This intermediary monitors both channels and implements switching operations to prevent direct coupling of the channels during faults, while still allowing controlled interaction for load balancing and failover operations.
2Productivity
If intelligent channel selection based on voltage comparison is implemented, then power supply efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously compares the output voltages of both DC voltage converters in advance and pre-determines the optimal power supply channel based on voltage proximity to the reference value. This preliminary comparison enables rapid switching decisions without complex real-time calculations during actual power supply operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage comparison and channel selection logic is implemented using electronic circuits and control logic rather than mechanical switching mechanisms. The coupling element uses electronic voltage sensing and comparison circuits to automatically select the optimal channel, replacing what would otherwise require complex mechanical measurement and switching systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit assemblage for carrying out a comparison between a first signal and a second signal in consideration of a reference signal, the circuit assemblage encompassing: a first channel in which the first signal is processed; and a second channel in which the second signal is processed, a first differential amplifier, which obtains a first difference between the first signal and the reference signal, and a first unit for obtaining an absolute value, which obtains a first absolute value from the first difference, being provided in the first channel, and a second differential amplifier, which obtains a second difference between the second signal and the reference signal, and a second unit for obtaining an absolute value, which obtains a second absolute value from the second difference, being provided in the second channel; and a comparator that compares the first absolute value with the second absolute value.