Electronic Fuse Control Circuit for Overcurrent Protection During MCU Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cost-effective semiconductor switches in vehicle architectures lack a reliable cable protection function during software updates of microcontrollers, as they require central processing unit involvement, which is unavailable during reprogramming.
Innovation Solution
A circuit arrangement with a controllable electronic fuse connected to a logic circuit, utilizing an analog-digital converter and comparator to monitor current, allowing independent fuse control without central processing unit intervention, ensuring overcurrent protection during memory writes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a microcontroller with central processing unit is used to control the electronic fuse, then the cable protection function can be implemented, but the system becomes unavailable during software updates of the read-only memory
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent parts: a microcontroller for normal operation and a separate logic circuit for fuse control during updates. The logic circuit operates autonomously using a dedicated comparator and analog-digital converter, while the microcontroller handles software updates without interference. This segmentation allows both cable protection and software updates to function simultaneously without conflict.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard semiconductor switches are used to reduce cost, then the device becomes more economical, but they lack integrated cable protection function requiring additional microcontroller involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The logic circuit is designed to be self-sufficient during software updates, independently monitoring current through the comparator and controlling the electronic fuse without requiring microcontroller intervention. This self-service capability maintains cable protection functionality while the microcontroller performs software updates, eliminating the need for complex coordinated control between standard semiconductor switches and the microcontroller.
3Reliability
If the central processing unit monitors current during software updates, then overcurrent protection is maintained, but the processing unit is overloaded and cannot perform memory writing
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated comparator acts as an intermediary between the current measuring device and the electronic fuse control during software updates. The comparator continuously compares the digitized current value with a reference value and directly controls the fuse switch, freeing the microcontroller to perform memory writing operations without interruption. This intermediary mechanism ensures both overcurrent protection and uninterrupted software updates.
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
Enables reliable overcurrent protection for multiple load paths during microcontroller reprogramming by simplifying the circuit and reducing board space, while maintaining functionality during software updates.
Implementation Method 1
analog-digital converter (ADC) which is configured to convert determined values of the current through the load path into digital values
Implementation Method 2
comparator (Comp) which is connected to the analog-digital converter for receiving the determined and digitized current values, to the microcontroller for receiving reference values and to the logic circuit for transmitting control signals, wherein the comparator is configured to compare the digitized current values with the reference values
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit arrangement is described having a controllable electronic fuse which is arranged in a load path and whose control input is connected to a logic circuit, having a microcontroller which is formed with at least one central processing unit, with at least one read-only memory in electrical communication therewith and at least one analog-digital converter, having a current measuring device which is configured to record the current through the load path and is connected to the at least one analog-digital converter for transmitting the recorded current values, and having a comparator connected to the at least one analog-digital converter for receiving the recorded and digitized current values, to the microcontroller for receiving current limit values and to the logic circuit for transmitting control signals.