DC-DC Converter Drive Module Protection via Electric Charge Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling a DC-DC voltage converter's drive module in motor vehicles are inadequate in preventing damage from current and temperature overload, as they rely on imprecise or slow measurements of current amplitude and temperature, failing to protect the module when short-circuit voltage is below detection range.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures the amplitude of current flowing through the drive module's switches, determines the electric charge transported, and interrupts operation when the charge exceeds a preset threshold, with an optional restart after a cooling period once temperature drops below a threshold, using an integrator circuit and comparator to ensure precise monitoring and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current amplitude measurement is used to protect the drive module, then the protection response is delayed, but the drive module may be damaged by prolonged current flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal-based protection mechanisms (temperature sensors and thermal models) with an electrical charge measurement system. By measuring the electrical charge transported through the drive module and comparing it to a predetermined threshold, the system achieves instantaneous protection response without the time delay inherent in thermal measurement and processing.
2Reliability
If temperature measurement is used to protect the drive module, then the protection is slow, but the current may damage the module before interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes thermal-based protection (temperature measurement and thermal modeling) with an electrical charge measurement system. This substitution enables instantaneous detection and response to overload conditions, eliminating the time delay associated with thermal measurement and processing while providing reliable drive module protection.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If voltage threshold detection is used for short-circuit protection, then detection is limited to high voltage cases, but low voltage short circuits remain undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from voltage threshold to electrical charge threshold. By measuring the electrical charge transported through the drive module and comparing it to a predetermined charge threshold, the system can detect both high-voltage and low-voltage short-circuit conditions, providing comprehensive protection coverage across all operating conditions.
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
This method effectively prevents damage to the drive module by precisely quantifying the moment to stop the module based on electric charge, rather than relying on current amplitude or temperature measurements, allowing for continuous monitoring and protection against overload.
Implementation Method 1
a step of measuring the amplitude of the current flowing through that of the first switch or of the second switch that is in the on state, a step of determining the electric charge transported by said current
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for controlling a module for driving a transistor of a DC-DC voltage converter allowing at least one fuel injector of a motor-vehicle internal combustion engine to be controlled. The method includes a step of measuring the amplitude of the current flowing through that of the first switch or of the second switch that is in the on state, a step of determining the electric charge transported by the current, and a step of interrupting the operation of the drive module when the determined electric charge is higher than a preset maximum electric-charge threshold.