Power Supply FET Overcurrent Notification Self-Test
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply control devices fail to reliably prevent overcurrent in self-driving vehicles by not ensuring proper notification from the notifying circuit when the voltage across the resistor circuit reaches a predetermined voltage, leading to potential overcurrent issues.
Innovation Solution
A power supply control device that includes a resistor circuit, a notifying circuit, and a processing unit to apply a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage to the resistor circuit and determine if the notifying circuit is making a notification, ensuring the switch turns off to prevent overcurrent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the switch is controlled to turn off when voltage reaches a predetermined level, then overcurrent is prevented, but the system requires additional testing mechanisms to ensure proper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the testing functionality with the existing power supply control structure. The processing unit that already controls the switch also performs the testing operations, and the same voltage application mechanisms are used for both normal operation and testing, reducing the need for separate dedicated testing components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the power supply control device multi-functional by enabling it to perform both normal power supply control and self-testing operations using the same hardware components. The switch, voltage application circuitry, and processing unit serve dual purposes: controlling power supply during normal operation and verifying notifying circuit functionality during testing mode
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
The solution effectively tests and ensures the notifying circuit's functionality, preventing overcurrent by reliably switching off the switch when the voltage reaches the predetermined level, thus ensuring safe power supply in self-driving vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a resistor circuit in which a current that rises when a current flowing through the switch rises flows; a notifying circuit configured to make a notification when a voltage across both ends of the resistor circuit reaches a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply control device controls a supply of power by switching a FET on or off. A current that rises when a current flowing through the FET rises flows through a resistor circuit. A drive circuit makes a notification when a voltage across both ends of the resistor circuit reaches a voltage greater than or equal to a reference voltage. A microcomputer instructs an application circuit to apply a voltage to the resistor circuit. As a result, the application circuit applies a voltage greater than or equal to the reference voltage to the resistor circuit. After instructing the application circuit to stop applying the voltage to the resistor circuit, the microcomputer determines whether or not the drive circuit is making the notification.