Linked eFuse and ORING Control for Output Overvoltage Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In redundant power conversion systems, existing technologies lack effective protection against output overvoltage, which can cause damage due to the lack of immediate disconnection of the electronic fuse (eFuse) when an overvoltage condition is detected, especially when the ORING controller has visibility to the output but the eFuse controller does not.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method that link separate electronic fuse (eFuse) and ORING controllers, where the ORING controller's open-drain Power Good (PG) pin is connected to the eFuse's Enable (EN) pin, allowing the ORING controller to turn off the eFuse when an overvoltage is detected, thereby preventing further damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate eFuse and ORING controllers are used in redundant power converters, then device complexity is reduced and cost is minimized, but output overvoltage protection is insufficient because the eFuse controller cannot detect overvoltage conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling mechanism where the ORING controller's Power Good (PG) pin is connected to the eFuse controller's Enable (EN) pin. This intermediary connection allows the ORING controller to communicate overvoltage detection status to the eFuse controller, enabling the eFuse to be turned off when needed without requiring full integration of both controllers
2Reliability
If the eFuse controller has full visibility to output conditions, then overvoltage protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ORING controller serve a dual function: its primary role in ORing redundant power supplies and a secondary role in monitoring output overvoltage conditions. By having the ORING controller's PG pin coupled to the eFuse controller, the system leverages the ORING controller's existing output visibility to provide protection, eliminating the need for the eFuse controller to have direct output visibility
3Reliability
If the eFuse is immediately disconnected during overvoltage events, then protection effectiveness is improved, but response time requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a pre-configured coupling between the ORING controller's PG pin and the eFuse controller's EN pin before operation begins. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when an overvoltage condition occurs, the eFuse controller can immediately respond by turning off the eFuse without requiring complex real-time communication protocols or additional processing delays
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for linking separate eFuse and ORING controllers for output overvoltage protection in power conversion applications. Voltage regulators are configured in parallel. An input circuit includes an input controller, the input circuit being coupled to an input of at least one voltage regulator of the voltage regulators. An output circuit includes an output controller, the output circuit being coupled to an output of the at least one voltage regulator. The output controller is coupled to the input circuit to cause the input circuit to prevent power to the at least one voltage regulator in response to the output controller detecting an overvoltage condition.