Controller Protection Circuit for Defective Transistor Overvoltage Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical circuits for detecting circuit defects and preventing overvoltages in controllers are inadequate as they do not account for defects in the output MOS/PNP transistor, leading to potential destruction of on-chip circuits and consumers, especially in automotive applications where battery voltages can fluctuate.
Innovation Solution
An electrical circuit with a power controller and overvoltage suppression circuit, utilizing transistors, operation amplifiers, and feedback resistors, which detects defects in sub-circuits and output MOS transistors, limits voltage to prevent overvoltages and undervoltages, ensuring proper functioning of digital logic and load circuits within the range of 2.7 to 3.6 volts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the output MOS/PNP transistor is assumed to be defect-free for overvoltage protection, then the protection circuit can be simpler, but the system becomes vulnerable to uncontrolled battery voltage reaching the load and causing destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The defect detection circuit continuously monitors the transistor status before overvoltage conditions occur. By detecting defects in advance (such as drain-source short circuits), the system can prevent catastrophic failures before they happen, rather than reacting after damage occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the monitoring circuits continuously measure voltage drops and provide signals to control the power switch. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time detection of transistor defects and automatic response to prevent load damage.
2Device complexity
If battery voltage fluctuation is not monitored in automotive applications, then the system can operate without additional monitoring circuits, but uncontrolled voltage changes can destroy on-chip circuits and consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting overvoltage conditions, detecting transistor defects, and monitoring battery voltage fluctuations. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive protection without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each protection need.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors changes in voltage parameters to detect various fault conditions. By tracking voltage drop across the transistor and voltage levels at different points in the circuit, the system can identify defects and protect against battery fluctuations through parameter-based detection.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical circuit for detecting circuit defects and/or for preventing overvoltages in controllers. The electrical circuit including a power controller circuit, encompassing a first transistor, a control loop including an operation amplifier and a first reference voltage source, and feedback resistors, and an overvoltage suppression circuit, encompassing a second transistor, a control loop including an operation amplifier and a reference voltage source, and feedback resistors, the power controller circuit being provided to make a voltage available for the overvoltage suppression circuit and the overvoltage suppression circuit being provided to make a protected voltage available.