Electronic Fuse Switch-Off Verification via Consumer Voltage Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for checking the switch-off capability of electronic fuses cannot be performed without interrupting the voltage supply to connected consumers, particularly in critical applications like always-on consumers in motor vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that monitor the voltage at the consumer side to check the switch-off capability of electronic fuses by switching them to a non-conductive state and verifying if the voltage drops to a threshold within a set time, allowing continuous operation of the consumer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electronic fuse is switched to non-conductive state to check switch-off capability, then the switch-off capability can be verified, but the voltage supply to the consumer is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic testing of the electronic fuse by temporarily switching it to non-conductive state for short intervals, allowing verification of switch-off capability while maintaining overall voltage supply continuity. The test is performed periodically rather than continuously, enabling the consumer to remain powered while the fuse functionality is verified at scheduled intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary monitoring of consumer voltage before and during the fuse switching operation. By measuring the voltage at the consumer side before switching the fuse to non-conductive state and monitoring its behavior during the transition, the system can verify switch-off capability while detecting any abnormal voltage drops that would indicate a problem with the consumer or circuit.
2Measurement precision
If voltage monitoring is performed at high frequency to detect voltage drops, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage monitoring is performed periodically at high frequency during the critical switching intervals when the fuse transitions between conductive and non-conductive states. Between these critical monitoring periods, the sampling rate can be reduced, thereby maintaining accurate detection of voltage drops during fuse operation while minimizing overall energy consumption of the monitoring system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for checking the switch-off capability of an electronic fuse which is arranged between a voltage source and a consumer. The method includes monitoring a voltage at the consumer, switching the electronic fuse to a non-conductive state, and checking whether the voltage at the consumer drops to a threshold voltage within a set time. The present invention also relates to a system for checking the switch-off capability of an electronic fuse. The system includes a voltage source, a consumer, an electronic fuse between the voltage source and the consumer, a voltage measuring device to measure the voltage at the consumer, and a checking unit. The checking unit monitors the voltage at the consumer via the voltage measuring device, switches the electronic fuse to a non-conductive state, and checks whether the voltage at the consumer drops to a threshold voltage within a set time.