Overcurrent Protection Circuit for Boost Converters Near Vin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional overcurrent protection devices in electronic modules, such as boost converters, struggle to effectively reduce current when the output voltage is close to or less than the input voltage, leading to inadequate protection and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An overcurrent protection device that includes an overcurrent detection unit, an electricity storage unit, and an electricity consumption unit on the transmission path, which consumes stored electricity to reduce the current flowing in the module, using existing elements like resistors or triodes to manage the current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the output voltage is close to or less than the input voltage in a boost converter, then the current reduction amount on the electricity storage element becomes very small or negative, but the overcurrent protection device still needs to effectively reduce current to protect the module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electricity consumption unit as an intermediary component connected in parallel with the electricity storage unit. This mediator actively consumes electricity from the storage element, creating an additional current reduction pathway that works independently of the boost converter's voltage ratio, thereby enabling effective overcurrent protection even when Vout is close to or less than Vin
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing a controlled electricity consumption mechanism that dynamically adjusts the discharge current from the electricity storage unit. By controlling the consumption rate through the electricity consumption unit, the system can achieve effective current reduction regardless of the voltage relationship between input and output
2Reliability
If conventional overcurrent protection devices disconnect the electronic module from the power source, then overcurrent protection is achieved, but the operation of the module and associated circuits is disturbed and difficult to restart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electricity consumption function from the main power transmission path and implements it as a separate, parallel electricity consumption unit. This allows the protection mechanism to operate independently without disrupting the normal power flow to the load, enabling the module to maintain operational continuity while still providing effective overcurrent protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic protection mechanism where the electricity consumption unit is controllably activated or deactivated based on the operational state. This dynamic approach allows the system to switch between normal operation and protection mode without complete disconnection, maintaining ease of operation and operational continuity
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
This solution enables effective overcurrent protection in electronic modules, even when the output voltage is close to or less than the input voltage, by consuming stored electricity, thereby preventing damage to the module and its components.
Implementation Method 1
an electricity consumption unit, capable of consuming electricity that passes through the electricity transmission path while being connected in the electricity transmission path
Data Source
AI summary
Voltage converter having overcurrent protection. In some embodiments, a voltage converter can include a voltage converting circuit configured to receive an input voltage and generate an output voltage. The voltage converter can further include an overcurrent protection circuit coupled to the voltage converting circuit and having a detection unit configured to detect an overcurrent condition associated with the voltage converting circuit. The overcurrent protection circuit can further include a consumption unit configured to selectively consume and thereby reduce a current in a path associated with the voltage converting circuit based on the detection of the overcurrent condition.