Dynamic Threshold Circuit Protection for High Current Power Supplies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circuit protection devices are not suitable for power suppliers with large current outputs, as they are burdened with high stress before enabling protection, leading to potential damage and shortened lifetimes due to constant threshold detection and lack of latch and reset functions.
Innovation Solution
A circuit protection device with a judgment module and control module, including a comparator, feedback unit, and reset unit, which compares output current and voltage signals to dynamically adjust the protection threshold, enabling fast response to overcurrent or short circuits, and includes a feedback mechanism to maintain protection state and a reset function to release latch state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional circuit protection device uses a constant threshold for overcurrent detection, then the circuit protection device can be simple in design, but the internal components and load are burdened with huge stress before the protection device is enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a constant threshold to a dynamic threshold that varies with output voltage. The protection threshold is no longer fixed but changes according to the operating conditions, specifically scaling with the output voltage level. This allows the protection device to adapt to different operating states and reduce stress on components during startup and transient conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by making the protection threshold a variable parameter rather than a constant. The threshold is adjusted based on the output voltage parameter, creating a proportional relationship between the threshold and the operating voltage. This parameter change enables the protection device to maintain appropriate protection levels across different operating conditions without requiring complex absolute threshold settings.
2Reliability
If a conventional circuit protection device uses a constant threshold, then the device can respond only after the overcurrent exceeds the threshold, but this causes delayed protection response for large current power suppliers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a protection threshold that is appropriately set from the beginning based on the output voltage level. Instead of using a fixed threshold that may be too high for certain operating conditions, the threshold is preliminarily configured to scale with the voltage, ensuring protection is activated at the correct moment for each operating state. This prevents delayed response during startup and transient conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic threshold adjustment enables the protection device to respond appropriately to changing operating conditions. As the output voltage changes during startup and operation, the threshold dynamically adjusts to maintain proper protection sensitivity. This ensures the protection function is enabled at the right time without unnecessary delays, improving both response effectiveness and timing.
3Device complexity
If a conventional circuit protection device lacks latch and reset functions, then the circuit design remains simple, but the application scope is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by integrating multiple functions into the protection device, including overcurrent protection, latch functionality, and reset capabilities. The device is designed to handle various failure conditions and operational states, making it applicable to a broader range of power supply scenarios. This multi-functionality expands the device's adaptability while maintaining reasonable design complexity through systematic integration of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback through the latch and reset mechanism. When an overcurrent condition is detected, the latch function maintains the protection state, and the reset function provides a controlled way to restore normal operation. This feedback mechanism ensures the protection device can maintain its protective function throughout the fault condition and provides a structured method for system recovery, significantly enhancing the device's applicability to various operational scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit protection device is applied to a power supply module. The circuit protection device includes a judgment module and a control module. The judgment module includes a comparing unit, a feedback unit and a reset unit. The comparing unit has an output terminal, a first input terminal and a second input terminal. The feedback unit is electrically connected to the output terminal and the first input terminal. The reset unit is electrically connected to the feedback unit and the first input terminal. The control module is electrically connected to the comparing unit and the reset unit of the judgment module. The comparing unit receives a first reference signal representing the output current of the power supply module and a second reference signal representing the output voltage of the power supply module, and outputs a judgment signal to the control module.