Forced Current Sharing Circuit for Multi-Phase Fuse Imbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The passive current sharing of multi-phase electronic fuses in power supply systems leads to uneven current distribution due to manufacturing variations, resulting in overheating and potential failure of components, posing a risk of fire and board damage.
Innovation Solution
A forced current sharing circuit utilizing a multi-phase coupled device with equal coupling coefficients and mutual inductance between phases, ensuring equal current distribution through active induction, and incorporating a current detection unit and discharge mechanism to manage current imbalances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multi-phase electronic fuses are used in parallel to increase current flow capacity, then the current carrying capability is improved, but the current distribution becomes uneven due to manufacturing variations, leading to overheating and component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using current detection units that continuously monitor the current flowing through each phase of the multi-phase electronic fuse. When current imbalance is detected, the system adjusts the gate drive signals to redistribute the current evenly across all phases, preventing overheating and component failure while maintaining high current carrying capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the operating parameters of the multi-phase electronic fuse by adjusting gate voltages and switching frequencies based on real-time current measurements. This allows the system to adapt to manufacturing variations and maintain uniform current distribution across all phases, resolving the reliability issue while preserving the increased current capacity
2Device complexity
If passive current sharing is used through wiring layout, then the circuit complexity is reduced, but the current sharing cannot be actively controlled, leading to individual fuses exceeding working limits and overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service current balancing where the system automatically detects and corrects current imbalances without external intervention. Current detection units monitor each phase, and the control logic automatically adjusts gate drive signals to equalize current distribution, preventing overheating while maintaining relatively simple circuit architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces current detection units and control logic as intermediary elements between the power supply and the multi-phase electronic fuse. These intermediaries actively monitor and regulate current distribution, ensuring uniform temperature across all phases while adding minimal complexity to the overall system
3Reliability
If individual electronic fuses fail due to overheating, then the reliability of that component decreases, but the load current must be redistributed to remaining fuses, causing further deterioration and potential fire hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective action by continuously monitoring current distribution and preemptively adjusting gate drive signals to prevent any single phase from exceeding its safe operating limits. This proactive current balancing prevents overheating and component failure before they can occur, eliminating the fire hazard associated with cascade failures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand protection by designing the current sharing circuit with built-in balancing capabilities that cushion against current imbalances. The system prepares for potential failures by maintaining equal current distribution across all phases, preventing any single component from being overloaded and reducing the risk of catastrophic failure and fire
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
Ensures balanced current flow across phases, preventing overheating and component failure, enhancing system stability and reliability without additional control logic, and maintaining consistent current distribution under dynamic and static conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling coefficient and a mutual inductance between each two phases in the multi-phase coupled device are 1, so that currents at the first terminal and the second terminal of each phase in the multi-phase coupled device are equal to currents at first terminals and the second terminals of other phases
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a forced current sharing circuit, chip, motherboard, and electronic device, and relates to the technical field of power supply technology. A first terminal of each phase in the multi-phase coupled device is connected to an output terminal of a current channel; a second terminal of each phase in the multi-phase coupled device is connected to second terminals of other phases in parallel and then connected to a load; and a coupling coefficient and a mutual inductance between each two phases in the multi-phase coupled device are 1, so that currents at the first terminal and the second terminal of each phase in the multi-phase coupled device are equal to currents at first terminals and the second terminals of other phases.