Electronic Fuse Standby Current Sensing for Fast Overcurrent Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuses used for overcurrent protection in circuit devices experience substantial power consumption under standby mode, which is undesirable for maintaining efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electronic fuse system with a transistor device and control device that includes a sense-and-control mechanism to detect current increases during standby mode, outputting an interrupt signal for fast and accurate overcurrent protection while minimizing standby power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fuse is used for overcurrent protection in standby mode, then overcurrent protection is provided, but power consumption is substantial
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic fuse implements periodic current measurements during standby mode instead of continuous monitoring. The control device is configured to periodically measure the current through the transistor device and only activate full protection mechanisms when an overcurrent condition is detected, thereby maintaining reliability while significantly reducing standby power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fuse with an electronic system comprising a transistor device and a control device. This substitution allows for intelligent current monitoring and control, enabling the system to distinguish between normal and abnormal current conditions, thus providing protection only when necessary and reducing unnecessary power consumption during standby operation.
2Speed
If continuous current monitoring is implemented, then fast overcurrent detection is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs current measurements at periodic intervals during standby mode rather than continuously monitoring. When a current increase is detected during periodic measurement, the system immediately activates fast protection response. This approach maintains detection speed for actual overcurrent events while reducing power consumption by keeping the monitoring circuit in a low-power state between measurements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of a control device for an electronic fuse and a method for controlling an electronic fuse are described. Embodiments of a control device for an electronic fuse may include an interface configured to receive a current from a transistor device of the electronic fuse. Additionally, the control device may further include a sense-and-control device coupled to the interface and configured to detect an increase in the current received at the interface under a standby mode of the electronic fuse and to output an interrupt signal in response to the increase in the current received at the interface.