Redundant Power Supply Branch Circuit for Switch Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing redundant power supply systems lack effective monitoring and fail-safe mechanisms to detect branch failures and ensure continued operation with minimal additional components, especially in applications requiring high current supply.
Innovation Solution
The electrical power supply circuit incorporates at least two power supply branches, each with a first and second semiconductor switch connected in series to a common output, and a resistor connected between the switches and a reference potential, allowing for branch isolation, fault detection, and high current supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If monitoring and fail-safe mechanisms are added to detect branch failures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is merged with the existing power supply branches by using the same semiconductor switches and resistors for both power delivery and fault detection. The control unit utilizes existing circuit elements to monitor branch status, eliminating the need for separate monitoring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor switches serve dual purposes: they control power flow to loads and simultaneously enable fault detection by allowing the control unit to measure branch status. The resistors also serve multiple functions including current limiting and providing reference points for monitoring.
2Power
If semiconductor switches with low on-resistance are used to supply high currents, then power delivery capability is improved, but thermal dissipation loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary monitoring of branch status before attempting high current supply. By detecting potential faults early through the monitoring mechanism, the system can prevent conditions that would lead to excessive thermal dissipation and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the status of each branch through the semiconductor switches and resistors, providing feedback on branch health. This feedback enables the control unit to adjust operation to minimize thermal dissipation and prevent damage under high current conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power supply circuit includes at least two power supply branches. Each power supply branch includes a first semiconductor switch configured to be electrically connected to a power source. Each power supply branch includes a second semiconductor switch in series with the first semiconductor switch and electrically connected to a common output of the electrical power supply circuit. Each power supply branch includes a first resistor. A first end of the first resistor is electrically connected to an electrical connection between the first semiconductor switch and the second semiconductor switch. A second end of the first resistor is configured to be electrically connected to a reference potential.