Load Switch Controller with Sequential Protection Circuit Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load switches with protection circuitry consume excessive power due to continuously operating protection mechanisms, failing to meet the demands for lower power operation and consumption.
Innovation Solution
A load switch apparatus with a controller that activates over-current, over-temperature, and short-circuit detection circuits in sequential intervals, using NMOS transistors and an oscillator to generate timing signals, allowing for reduced power consumption while maintaining protection against excessive current and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protection circuitry operates continuously to ensure device safety, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of protection parameters (over-current, over-temperature, short-circuit) instead of continuous monitoring. The controller activates protection circuits at predetermined intervals, switching between active monitoring and low-power states. This periodic operation maintains adequate protection capability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous monitoring schemes.
2Reliability
If protection circuits are activated frequently to detect faults quickly, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of protection circuit activation intervals based on operational conditions. The controller can modify sampling frequencies and activation timing according to system state, enabling faster fault detection when needed while reducing power consumption during normal operation. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between detection speed and energy usage.
Data Source
AI summary
Load switches are relatively common and in use with a variety of applications, and conventional load switches have been designed to have continually operating protection circuitry, which can consume a great deal of power. Here, a load switch integrated circuit (IC) is provided where a controller within the IC activates and deactivates various protection circuits in a sequence, allowing the protection circuit to protect the IC while also reducing power consumption.