Load Switch Circuit with Signal Control Module for Over-Voltage Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circuits with multiple load paths experience over-voltage and high pulsed currents when switching between loads, leading to potential damage, particularly in LED products, and existing solutions either fail to eliminate these issues or complicate the circuit structure and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A device and circuit design that includes a signal control module and load switches with switch control terminals, where the signal control element switches between voltage/current intervals to ensure at least one controlled load branch remains conductive during switching, preventing open-circuit states and associated over-voltage and pulsed currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a switch is used to switch between multiple paths of loads, then different load paths can be turned on under different conditions, but over-voltage and high pulsed current are generated during switching which can damage the loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by ensuring that the alternative load path is pre-charged or pre-prepared before switching occurs. The signal control module monitors the state of both load paths and prepares the standby path in advance, so when switching is needed, the transition can occur without generating harmful over-voltage or pulsed current. This is achieved by having the signal control module detect when the active path needs switching and ensure the alternative path is ready to immediately take over without creating electrical shocks or surges.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal control module acts as an intermediary between the multiple load paths and the switching mechanism. It monitors the voltage and current states of both paths and controls the switching timing to prevent harmful electrical transients. The signal control module intermediates the switching process by ensuring that transitions occur only when safe, thereby protecting the loads from over-voltage and high pulsed current while still enabling adaptability between different load paths.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If buffer circuit is used to mitigate over-voltage, then some over-voltage protection is provided, but the over-voltage cannot be eliminated and high pulsed current still exists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the source of the problem by eliminating the need for over-voltage protection mechanisms entirely. Instead of adding buffer circuits that only partially mitigate over-voltage, the signal control module is designed to prevent over-voltage and high pulsed current generation at the source through intelligent switching control. This approach completely eliminates the harmful effects rather than merely reducing them, providing complete protection while maintaining system reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If logic for on and off time of switch is set to suppress over-voltage and high pulsed current, then protection is achieved, but circuit structure becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal control module performs self-service by autonomously monitoring the state of multiple load paths and making switching decisions without requiring complex external control logic or additional protection circuits. The module independently detects when switching is needed and executes the transition safely, eliminating the need for complicated timing logic or multiple protection components. This self-service approach achieves complete suppression of over-voltage and high pulsed current while keeping the circuit structure simple and cost-effective.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a device and a circuit for protecting controlled loads, and an apparatus for switching between the loads. The device includes: a plurality of load switches, comprising at least first and second load switches, wherein the first and second load switches are respectively in series connection with first and second controlled loads to form first and second controlled load branches in parallel connection, and each load switch is turned on when a switch control terminal is in a first voltage/current interval and turned off when the switch control terminal is in a second voltage/current interval; and a signal control module, including a signal control element, wherein the signal control element is switched between the switch control terminals of the first and second load switches for connection, and the signal control element enables, when being connected to the switch control terminal, the corresponding switch control terminal to be in the second voltage/current interval, and enables, when being disconnected from the switch control terminal, the corresponding control terminal to be in the first voltage/current interval.