Power Bridge Circuit Error Recognition Using Switched Current Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power bridge circuit error recognition methods require complex monitoring circuits with multiple components for high voltage design, leading to significant circuit outlay and inefficiency in diagnosing short circuits and open loads.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing two switched current sources connected to the load, with a control device to sequentially or simultaneously switch them on and off, allowing for efficient error recognition by testing voltages at the load with minimal circuit outlay, using a testing device and comparison device to detect errors such as short circuits and open loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex monitoring circuits with multiple components are used to differentiate and recognize errors in power bridge circuits, then error recognition capability is improved, but circuit outlay and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple error recognition functions into a single integrated circuit that uses one current source and one voltage measurement device to detect all error types (SCB1, SCB2, SCG1, SCG2, and OL), eliminating the need for separate monitoring circuits for each error type.
Solution Approach 2:
The single circuit design performs multiple functions: it can detect short circuits across high-side power switch, short circuits across series circuit of high-side power switch and load, short circuits across low-side power switch, short circuits across series circuit of low-side power switch and load, and open load conditions, making it a universal error recognition solution.
2Measurement precision
If separate current sources and voltage measurement devices are used for each error type, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple current sources and voltage measurement devices into a single integrated circuit that sequentially applies current and measures voltage to detect all error types with equal precision without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit uses periodic action by sequentially switching the current source on and off in different phases to apply test currents through different paths and measure corresponding voltages, enabling precise detection of all error types through time-multiplexed operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for recognizing an error in a power bridge circuit containing a load, a high-side branch and a low-side branch. Accordingly, a first switched current source is connected to the load and to a diagnosis connection for a high-potential of a diagnosis voltage, a second switched current source is connected to the load and to a diagnosis connection for a low-potential of the diagnosis voltage, and a control device for controlling the first switched current source and the second switched current source. The control device switches on one of the switched current sources when the high-side power switch and the low-side power switch are open, while the other switched current source is switched off. A testing device tests a voltage at the load when one of the switched current sources is switched on and the other of the switched current sources is switched off.