Port Controller Real-Time Fault Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fault detection systems in multi-port systems are limited in detecting a broad range of fault conditions, especially when the power path is enabled, and often require additional power switches, increasing system cost and voltage drop, while failing to protect noncompliant downstream ports from short circuits and over-voltages.
Innovation Solution
A port controller with real-time fault detection capabilities, utilizing a pair of back-to-back transistors and control voltage regulation circuits to monitor and detect faults independently, enabling detection of shorts and other faults when the power path is active, and disabling other port controllers to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fault detection systems are used in multi-port systems, then fault detection capability is limited, but system cost increases due to additional power switches and voltage drop
Solution Approach 1:
The existing power switches in the multi-port system are made to serve dual functions: their primary power switching function and an additional fault detection function. By monitoring the control voltage levels across these existing switches, the system can detect shorts and faults without requiring dedicated detection hardware, thus achieving multi-functionality and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power switches perform self-diagnosis by monitoring their own control voltage levels. When a short or fault occurs, the control voltage changes in a detectable manner, allowing the system to identify faults through the switches' inherent electrical characteristics rather than requiring external detection mechanisms.
2Reliability
If additional power switches are added for fault detection, then fault detection range is improved, but system cost and voltage drop increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fault detection function is extracted from the power switching operation itself. By monitoring the control voltage levels during normal power delivery, the system can detect faults without adding separate detection circuits or switches, thereby eliminating the additional voltage drop and energy loss that would result from extra switching components.
3Productivity
If conventional fault detection is used, then system cost increases, but real-time detection capability is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The fault detection operates continuously during normal power delivery by constantly monitoring control voltage levels. This continuous monitoring enables real-time detection of faults without interrupting power delivery or requiring additional active detection components, achieving continuous useful action for both power delivery and fault detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A port controller circuit is configured to control power transfer on a power path between a first terminal and a second terminal. The controller circuit includes first and second transistors connected in series between the first terminal and the second terminal, a control terminal of the first transistor receiving a first gate voltage and a control terminal of the second transistor receiving a second gate voltage. A first gate voltage control circuit generates the first gate voltage driving the control terminal of the first transistor and regulates the first gate voltage to keep the first transistor turned on. In response to the first gate voltage control circuit regulating the first gate voltage to a voltage value less than a first voltage level, the first gate voltage control circuit asserts a first signal to indicate a fault condition at the first transistor.