ECU Multiphase Power Control for Inductor Short-Circuit Faults

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Solution Overview

Problem

The electronic control unit experiences sudden load fluctuations and output voltage exceeding the operating guaranteed range due to short circuits between inductors, which can cause processor abnormalities.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a multiphase power supply with a detector and a second processor to monitor and control the processing load of a first processor, preventing sudden load fluctuations by transitioning to a reduced mode when a short circuit occurs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the electronic control unit operates in normal mode with high processing load, then productivity is improved, but the output voltage may exceed the operating guaranteed range when a short circuit occurs between inductors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing loadVSAvoidoutput voltage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detector continuously monitors the output voltage before a short circuit can cause damage, and the second processor prepares to control the processing load in advance. When a short circuit is detected, the system immediately transitions to a reduced mode, preventing the output voltage from exceeding the operating guaranteed range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detector provides real-time feedback on the output voltage status to the second processor. Based on this feedback, the second processor dynamically adjusts the processing load of the first processor, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains output voltage within the guaranteed operating range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If a short circuit detection and control system is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second processor serves multiple functions: it monitors the output voltage through the detector, controls the processing load of the first processor, and manages the transition between normal and reduced modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The detector acts as an intermediary component that bridges the power supply system and the processor control system. It monitors the output voltage and provides information to the second processor, which then adjusts the processing load accordingly, simplifying the overall control architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260058543A1Electronic control unit

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 DENSO CORP

AI summary

An electronic control unit includes a multiphase power supply, a detector, a first processor, and a second processor. The multiphase power supply includes inductors. The detector performs detection of a short circuit between the inductors of the multiphase power supply, based on an output voltage of the multiphase power supply. The first processor operates with the output voltage of the multiphase power supply. The second processor monitors the first processor. The second processor controls a processing load of the first processor according to a result of the detection performed by the detector.