Multi-Output Fault Detection Circuit With Shared Threshold Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor integrated circuits for on-vehicle DTTB systems require multiple regulators to detect open-circuit faults in multiple antennas, leading to increased cost and mounting area, and existing solutions are not optimized for detecting faults in systems with two loads having the same characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit with multiple output terminals, current control elements, a control circuit, fault detection circuit, and a voltage converter circuit that uses external resistors to detect open/short circuit faults in multiple loads with shared threshold voltages, allowing for downsizing and cost reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple regulators are used to detect open-circuit faults in multiple antennas, then fault detection capability is improved, but cost and mounting area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple regulator functions and fault detection capabilities into a single integrated circuit. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes multiple output terminals for connecting to multiple loads (antennas), with a unified fault detection circuit that monitors all outputs, thereby reducing the number of separate regulators needed and decreasing mounting area while maintaining fault detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs multiple functions: it regulates power to multiple loads simultaneously and detects faults in any of the connected loads. The single chip serves as both a multi-channel power supply and a comprehensive fault detection system, eliminating the need for separate dedicated fault detection circuits for each antenna
2Reliability
If multiple regulators are used to detect open-circuit faults in multiple antennas, then fault detection capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple regulator functions and fault detection capabilities into a single integrated circuit. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes multiple output terminals for connecting to multiple loads (antennas), with a unified fault detection circuit that monitors all outputs, thereby reducing the number of separate regulators needed and decreasing mounting area while maintaining fault detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs multiple functions: it regulates power to multiple loads simultaneously and detects faults in any of the connected loads. The single chip serves as both a multi-channel power supply and a comprehensive fault detection system, eliminating the need for separate dedicated fault detection circuits for each antenna
3Measurement precision
If different thresholds are set for respective output terminals, then fault detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different threshold values to different output terminals based on their specific requirements. The fault detection circuit includes multiple comparison circuits, each with configurable threshold values tailored to the characteristics of the connected loads. This allows optimized fault detection for each channel while maintaining a unified circuit structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adjustment of threshold parameters for each output terminal to optimize fault detection accuracy. By allowing independent threshold configuration for each channel, the system can adapt to different load characteristics and operating conditions, improving detection precision without requiring fundamentally different circuit architectures
4Adaptability or versatility
If redundant terminals and external resistors are used, then fault detection flexibility is improved, but IC size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the threshold-setting function from the IC interior and places it in external circuitry. By moving the resistor elements outside the IC, the chip area is reduced while maintaining the flexibility to adjust detection thresholds through external component selection. The IC retains the necessary control logic and comparison functions internally
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient detection of open/short circuit faults in multiple loads with reduced component count and space requirements, optimizing power supply ICs for on-vehicle DTTB systems by using shared threshold voltages for equivalent loads.
Implementation Method 1
includes multiple voltage comparator circuits each of which compares a voltage proportional to a voltage of one of the output terminals with a predetermined threshold voltage and detects an open-circuit state or a short-circuit state of the respective output terminals
Implementation Method 2
a voltage convertor circuit that generates the predetermined threshold voltage according to a voltage of the external terminal, the voltage of the external terminal being generated by flowing a current through the external resistor
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes: one input terminal; multiple output terminals; multiple first current control elements connected between the input terminal and the respective output terminals; a control circuit that controls the first current control elements; a fault detection circuit that includes multiple voltage comparator circuits each of which compares a voltage proportional to a voltage of one of the output terminals with a predetermined threshold voltage and that detects an open-circuit state or a short-circuit state of the output terminals; an external terminal connected to an external resistor; a voltage convertor circuit that generates the threshold voltage according to a voltage of the external terminal that is generated by flowing a current through the external resistor, the threshold voltage being applied to an input terminal of each of the voltage comparator circuits; and a detection result output terminal for outputting a detection result by the fault detection circuit.