Power Circuit Overvoltage Protection via Delayed Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power circuits for self-driving devices face the risk of damage due to abrupt interruptions in output voltage, which can occur during abnormal state detection, potentially leading to damage of the power circuit itself.
Innovation Solution
A power circuit configuration that includes a first and second circuit, an inductor, a fifth switching element, and a control circuit, where the control circuit brings the fifth switching element into conduction during switching control and into non-conduction after a delay time, allowing for controlled shutdown and discharge of energy stored in the inductor, thereby preventing overvoltage and potential damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the output voltage is abruptly interrupted to protect the load during abnormal state detection, then the load is protected, but the power circuit itself may be damaged due to overvoltage
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs preliminary action by controlling the fifth switching element to maintain conduction for a predetermined period after abnormal state detection, before interrupting the output voltage. This preliminary continuation of conduction allows the inductor's stored energy to be discharged through the switching element, preventing overvoltage damage while still protecting the load ultimately.
Solution Approach 2:
The fifth switching element serves as a cushioning mechanism by providing a controlled discharge path for the inductor's stored energy. By maintaining conduction temporarily, it absorbs and dissipates the energy that would otherwise cause overvoltage spikes, cushioning the power circuit against damage during shutdown.
2Speed
If the fifth switching element is brought into non-conduction immediately when switching control is interrupted, then the shutdown response is fast, but overvoltage occurs due to energy stored in the inductor
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit implements preliminary action by maintaining the fifth switching element in conduction for a predetermined period after detecting the need for shutdown. This delayed interruption allows the inductor's stored energy to be safely discharged, preventing overvoltage while ultimately achieving fast shutdown protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The predetermined period allows the system to rush through the energy discharge process quickly. By maintaining conduction just long enough for the inductor energy to dissipate, the system skips the harmful overvoltage phase and transitions rapidly to the protected shutdown state.
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
The solution effectively suppresses overvoltage and prevents damage to the power circuit by allowing energy stored in the inductor to be discharged during shutdown, ensuring the safe operation of self-driving devices.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor (30) connected between a first node (N1) and a second node (N2)
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a power circuit supplying a voltage or a current from an output terminal to a load comprises a first circuit, a second circuit, an inductor, a fifth switching element, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to bring the fifth switching element into conduction when switching control on at least two of the first to fourth switching elements is to be executed according to an output to the load connected via the output terminal, and bring the fifth switching element into non-conduction after a delay time passes from a time the first to fourth switching elements have been brought into non-conduction when the first to fourth switching elements are to be brought into non-conduction.