DC-DC Converter Pin Lift Detection with Timed Shutdown Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Direct current (DC)-DC converters face damage due to pin lift conditions, which existing technologies fail to detect effectively without affecting efficiency or requiring additional pins.
Innovation Solution
A pin lift detection circuit comprising a current source, switch, resistive divider, amplifier, comparator, digital filter, and timer circuit that generates control signals to disable the DC-DC converter switches upon pin disconnection, preventing over-voltage and protecting the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pin lift detection is implemented using existing technologies, then pin disconnection can be detected, but DC-DC converter efficiency is affected and additional pins are required
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit utilizes existing internal nodes and signals within the DC-DC converter architecture to detect pin lift conditions. The circuit monitors the voltage at the output node using existing converter components, eliminating the need for additional external pins while maintaining converter efficiency. The self-service approach leverages the converter's own operational signals for detection purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit is designed to perform multiple functions using shared components. The same voltage monitoring mechanism serves both the normal operation feedback and the pin lift detection functions. This multi-functionality allows the system to detect pin disconnections without requiring dedicated separate circuitry that would impact converter efficiency.
2Reliability
If pin lift detection is implemented using existing technologies, then pin disconnection can be detected, but additional pins are required
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit utilizes existing internal nodes and signals within the DC-DC converter architecture to detect pin lift conditions. The circuit monitors the voltage at the output node using existing converter components, eliminating the need for additional external pins while maintaining converter efficiency. The self-service approach leverages the converter's own operational signals for detection purposes.
3Productivity
If pin lift detection is not implemented, then DC-DC converter efficiency is maintained, but the converter and load can be damaged due to pin disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit continuously monitors the output node voltage during normal operation, enabling early detection of pin lift conditions before damage occurs. By implementing preliminary detection using existing converter signals, the system can identify abnormal conditions and trigger protective actions without impacting overall converter efficiency during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit employs feedback mechanisms to monitor the output node voltage and compare it against expected operational ranges. When the monitored voltage indicates a pin lift condition, the feedback loop triggers protective shutdown signals. This feedback-based approach enables reliable damage prevention while maintaining efficiency through selective activation only when abnormal conditions are detected.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of pin lift detection circuit for a direct current (DC)-DC converter and DC-DC converters are disclosed. In an embodiment, a pin lift detection circuit for a DC-DC converter includes a current source, a switch connecting the current source to an electrical terminal of the DC-DC converter, a resistive divider connected to the switch and to the electrical terminal of the DC-DC converter, an amplifier connected to the resistive divider, a comparator connected to the amplifier and to the resistive divider, a digital filter connected to the comparator and configured to generate a flag signal in response to a disconnection between the electrical terminal of the DC-DC converter and a load of the DC-DC converter, and a timer circuit configured to generate control signals for the switch, the comparator, and the digital filter.