PMIC Switch Temperature Sensing for Leakage Damage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management integrated circuits (PMICs) lack an effective method to detect damage to switches, which can lead to overheating and fire due to leakage current.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for detecting switch damage in PMICs, involving temperature measurement before and after applying power supply voltage, calculating temperature change, comparing it to a threshold, and selectively turning off the switch if damage is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature sensing is used to detect switch damage, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensing function with the existing power management IC structure by integrating a temperature sensor within the switch module. This merging approach allows damage detection without adding completely separate detection systems, thereby improving reliability while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch module performs self-detection of damage by monitoring its own temperature through the integrated temperature sensor. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external detection devices, resolving the contradiction by improving detection capability while minimizing additional complexity.
2Measurement precision
If leakage current sensing is used to detect switch damage, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical leakage current sensing with thermal field sensing. By detecting temperature changes caused by leakage current rather than measuring the current directly, the system achieves damage detection precision while avoiding the complexity of high-precision current sensing circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature acts as an intermediary parameter that indirectly reflects switch damage conditions. Instead of directly sensing leakage current, the temperature sensor detects the thermal effect of leakage current, providing a simpler detection mechanism that maintains detection precision through thermal measurement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If real-time temperature monitoring is implemented, then safety is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic temperature monitoring rather than continuous real-time monitoring. The temperature sensor measures temperature at specific intervals during switch operation, which provides adequate safety monitoring while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor operates in a low-power mode with intermittent measurement cycles, effectively using brief, low-energy sensing events rather than sustained high-power monitoring. This approach maintains safety through periodic checks while minimizing energy consumption.
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
Effectively detects switch damage without sensing leakage current, preventing overheating and fire by ensuring the damaged switch is not activated.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a first temperature of a switch included in a power management integrated circuit
Implementation Method 2
When a switch of the PMIC is damaged and leakage current flows through the switch, overheating and fire may occur
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of operating a device for detecting a damage to a switch included in a power management integrated circuit, the method including: measuring a first temperature of a switch included in a power management integrated circuit; detecting an input voltage applied to the switch; measuring a second temperature of the switch based on the detected input voltage being a power supply voltage; obtaining a first temperature change amount of the switch, based on the first temperature and the second temperature; comparing the first temperature change amount with a threshold temperature change amount; and selectively turning off the switch based on a result of the comparing.