Intelligent Power Switch Ground Terminal Opening Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intelligent power switches (IPS) in motor vehicles fail to distinguish between load opening and ground terminal opening abnormalities, leading to incorrect signal interpretation by the microcomputer, which can result in inadequate countermeasures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a ground terminal opening detection circuit with constant-current circuits, diodes, and a Zener diode to detect a rise in potential at the ground terminal and output a distinct signal via a status output terminal, allowing the microcomputer to differentiate between load and ground terminal openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional IPS uses a single status output terminal (ST) for both load opening and ground terminal opening detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the microcomputer cannot distinguish between the two abnormality types
Solution Approach 1:
The single status output terminal is segmented into two separate terminals: ST for load opening detection and STG for ground terminal opening detection. This segmentation allows the microcomputer to receive distinct signals for different abnormality types, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity since the segmentation is achieved through circuit configuration rather than adding numerous components.
Solution Approach 2:
A ground terminal opening detection circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the ground terminal and the status output terminal. This intermediary circuit detects ground terminal opening abnormalities and transmits them through the dedicated STG terminal, enabling the microcomputer to accurately identify ground terminal openings without confusing them with load opening abnormalities.
2Device complexity
If the IPS integrates multiple functions (power switching, load opening detection, ground terminal opening detection) into a single chip, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential signal misinterpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated detection functions are segmented into separate output channels (ST and STG terminals), allowing the microcomputer to reliably interpret signals without confusion. This segmentation maintains the benefits of integration while eliminating the reliability issue of signal misinterpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides distinct feedback signals through separate terminals for different abnormality types. The microcomputer receives clear, differentiated feedback that enables accurate identification of the specific abnormality type, thereby maintaining high reliability despite the integrated architecture.
3Ease of operation
If the IPS uses a simple status output mechanism without dedicated ground terminal detection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of information occurs because the microcomputer cannot distinguish ground terminal openings from load openings
Solution Approach 1:
The status output information is segmented into two distinct channels (ST and STG terminals), each carrying specific abnormality information. This segmentation preserves ease of operation by maintaining simple terminal connections while preventing information loss through dedicated ground terminal opening detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground terminal opening detection circuit acts as an intermediary that captures and transmits ground terminal opening information through the STG terminal. This intermediary mechanism ensures that no information is lost during signal transmission, allowing the microcomputer to accurately identify the type of abnormality without complicating the overall operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device having a power source terminal, a ground terminal, an input terminal, an output terminal and a status output terminal. The semiconductor device includes a power semiconductor switch connected between the power source terminal and the output terminal, a logic circuit connected to the power semiconductor switch, and a ground terminal opening detection circuit connected to the ground terminal and the status output terminal. The logic circuit is configured to generate, according to a signal inputted to the input terminal, an output logic signal for turning on or off the power semiconductor switch. The ground terminal opening detection circuit is configured to detect a state in which the ground terminal is opened, based on a rise in a potential of the ground terminal, and to output, via the status output terminal, a detection signal in response to the detection of the state.