Open Wire Scan Circuit for Battery Pack Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting open circuit conditions between a multi-cell battery and an integrated circuit are time-consuming, hindering efficient fault detection in applications like hybrid or fully electric automobiles.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an open connection detection circuit that includes current sources, amplifiers, analog to digital converters, and control logic to quickly identify open connections by measuring voltage changes across inputs connected to a multi-cell battery pack, utilizing both primary and redundant detection methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current methods are used to detect open circuit conditions, then detection can be performed, but the detection process takes a substantial amount of time
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into multiple parallel measurement channels, each handling a specific input connection. The ADC sequentially measures voltages from multiple amplifiers that are connected to different inputs, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple connections without sequential testing, thus reducing total detection time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary voltage measurements at the beginning of a time period before actual operation, and compares these with measurements taken at the end of the time period. This preliminary action allows the system to detect open circuits proactively rather than reactively, reducing the time needed for fault detection during operation
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 rapid and reliable detection of open connections, improving fault detection efficiency and reducing the time required for identifying bad connections between the battery and integrated circuit.
Implementation Method 1
at least one device for turning on and off the at least one current source device, wherein the at least one device causes a current to flow through an input in the plurality of inputs to which the at least one device is connected
Implementation Method 2
at least one amplifier for amplifying voltages at adjacent inputs of the plurality of inputs and generating a voltage responsive thereto
Implementation Method 3
an analog to digital converter for measuring the voltage produced by the at least one amplifier, wherein the analog to digital converter measures voltages produced by the at least one amplifier at the beginning and end of a time period
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for an open wire scan are provided. In certain embodiments, An apparatus comprising a circuit includes a plurality of inputs for connecting with a plurality of outputs of a multi-cell battery pack; and an open connection detection circuit, formed within the circuit, for detecting an open connection on at least one of the plurality of inputs connected to the multi-cell battery pack and generating a fault condition responsive thereto. The open connection detection circuit comprises at least one current source device; and at least one device for turning on and off the at least one current source device. The open connection detection circuit also comprises at least one amplifier; an analog to digital converter; and a control logic circuit.