DC-DC Converter Over-Temperature Detection via Multiplexed Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic systems for DC-DC voltage converters lack effective methods to detect over-temperature conditions in buck and boost mode integrated circuits, which can lead to electrical coupling issues and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic system that includes microcontrollers, temperature sensors, analog multiplexers, and bi-directional MOSFET switches, where the microcontroller generates control signals to transition the switches to an open operational state if temperature thresholds are exceeded, effectively de-coupling the DC-DC voltage converter from batteries to prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature monitoring is implemented in DC-DC voltage converter, then over-temperature conditions can be detected, but device complexity increases due to additional temperature sensors and multiplexers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single temperature sensing system that monitors both the buck mode integrated circuit and the boost mode integrated circuit through multiplexed temperature sensors. Instead of requiring separate dedicated temperature sensors for each IC, the system uses a universal temperature monitoring approach where sensors can be shared across multiple monitoring points via an analog multiplexer, reducing the total number of sensors needed while maintaining comprehensive temperature coverage.
2Reliability
If bi-directional MOSFET switches are used for protection, then electrical coupling issues are prevented, but device complexity increases due to additional switch control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service protection mechanism where the bi-directional MOSFET switches are automatically controlled by the microcontroller based on temperature feedback. When over-temperature conditions are detected in either the buck or boost mode ICs, the system automatically triggers the MOSFET switches to de-couple the converter from the batteries without requiring external intervention or complex control circuitry. The existing microcontroller and temperature sensors serve the dual purpose of monitoring and triggering protection, making the system self-protecting.
3Measurement precision
If separate temperature monitoring for buck and boost mode ICs is implemented, then accurate temperature detection is achieved, but loss of information occurs due to difficulty in identifying which specific IC is overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based temperature monitoring system where the microcontroller continuously reads temperature data from sensors monitoring both the buck mode integrated circuit and the boost mode integrated circuit. The system provides differentiated feedback by separately tracking and comparing temperatures of each IC against their respective threshold values. This enables the microcontroller to identify which specific IC is overheating and trigger appropriate protection actions, eliminating the information loss problem while maintaining accurate temperature detection for both 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 system effectively determines over-temperature conditions in buck and boost mode integrated circuits, preventing electrical coupling and potential damage by transitioning the bi-directional MOSFET switches to an open state, thus ensuring safe operation of the DC-DC voltage converter.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor generating a first temperature signal indicative of a temperature level of the buck mode integrated circuit
Implementation Method 2
The first analog multiplexer receives the first temperature signal and outputs the first temperature signal to the first analog-to-digital converter
Implementation Method 3
The first analog-to-digital converter generates a first temperature value corresponding to the first temperature signal from the first temperature sensor
Implementation Method 4
The microcontroller generates second and third control signals to command the first bi-directional MOSFET switch and the second bi-directional MOSFET switch, respectively, to each transition from a closed operational state to an open operational state
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic system for a DC-DC voltage converter is provided. A first temperature sensor generates a first temperature signal associated with a buck mode integrated circuit. A first analog multiplexer outputs the first temperature signal to a first analog-to-digital converter which generates a first temperature value. A second temperature sensor generates a second temperature signal associated with a boost mode integrated circuit. A second analog multiplexer outputs the second temperature signal to a second analog-to-digital converter which generates a second temperature value. A microcontroller generates control signals to command first and second bi-directional switches in the DC-DC voltage converter to each transition to an open operational state if the first temperature value is greater than a first threshold temperature value.