MOSFET Driver Fault Detection Using Closed-Loop Configuration Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuit fault detection systems for high-side/low-side power MOSFETs face issues with accurate fault identification due to incorrect configuration signals, leading to false overcurrent detection and potential damage during fail-safe mode transitions.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a configuration signal generated by the off-state diagnostic circuitry based on a comparator output, which determines the operative condition of hybrid drivers, allowing the on-state diagnostic circuit to operate correctly and avoid spurious faults by using a closed-loop approach to identify high-side or low-side configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the on-state diagnostic circuit operates without proper configuration signal, then fault detection coverage is reduced, but spurious faults and false overcurrent detection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The off-state diagnostic circuit generates the configuration signal before the on-state diagnostic circuit operates. This preliminary action ensures that the on-state diagnostic circuit receives correct configuration information (high-side or low-side) before attempting fault detection, preventing spurious faults from occurring during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the comparator output from the off-state diagnostic circuit as feedback to generate the configuration signal. This feedback mechanism ensures that the configuration signal accurately reflects the actual operative condition of the hybrid driver, allowing the on-state diagnostic circuit to adapt its operation accordingly and avoid false detections.
2Measurement precision
If the configuration signal is generated incorrectly, then the on-state diagnostic circuit cannot properly identify operative conditions, but fault detection capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The off-state diagnostic circuit acts as an intermediary that generates the configuration signal based on comparator output. This intermediary component ensures that the configuration signal is derived from actual circuit state measurements rather than assumptions, improving the precision of operative condition identification while maintaining reliable fault detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a driver circuit and diagnostic circuitry coupled to the driver circuit. The diagnostic circuitry includes an on-state diagnostic circuit and an off-state diagnostic circuit. The diagnostic circuitry, in operation: generates a configuration signal associated with an operative condition of the driver circuit based on a comparator output of the off-state diagnostic circuit; diagnoses conditions associated with the driver circuit; and controls operation of the on-state diagnostic circuit based on the configuration signal.