Power Module Terminal Reconfiguration for Error Signal Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power modules require dedicated wiring and interface changes for reading information from power devices, leading to increased development costs and time when replacing existing products.
Innovation Solution
A power module configuration that uses control signals to drive the power device, includes error output circuits and switching circuits to convert input terminals into output terminals during abnormal conditions, allowing information output without dedicated wiring or interface changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If dedicated wiring is added to read information from the power device, then information reading capability is improved, but device complexity and development cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing input terminals serve dual purposes: normally receiving control signals, and during error conditions, outputting power device information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated information output terminals, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining information reading capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control signal input function and power device information output function into the same physical terminals. By merging these functions, the system avoids adding separate dedicated wiring for information output, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Loss of information
If dedicated wiring is added for information reading, then information output capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and development time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Existing input terminals are designed to perform multiple functions: control signal input during normal operation and power device information output during errors. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated terminals and wiring, reducing manufacturing cost and development time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its existing input terminals to serve the additional function of information output without requiring external dedicated wiring. The terminals essentially serve themselves by switching roles based on operational conditions, eliminating the need for separate information output infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If interface of reader is changed to read power device information, then information reading accuracy is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the original reader interface unchanged while enabling information output through existing control signal terminals. This allows the same reader interface to continue working with existing readers, maintaining adaptability and compatibility while still achieving information reading capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the reader interface to read information, the patent inverts the approach by having the power module output information through existing control terminals. This allows the reader to continue using its original interface while still acquiring power device information, thereby maintaining compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A power module according to the first embodiment incorporates a power device, and drives the power device by using a control signal acquired from a microcomputer being a control circuit. The power module includes: a plurality of first terminals that receive input of the control signal from the microcomputer; a main circuit that drives the power device based on the control signal, and detects an abnormality of the power module; an error output circuit that outputs an error signal from a second terminal to the microcomputer when the abnormality is detected by the main circuit; and a switching circuit that causes the first terminal to operate as an output terminal for the microcomputer when the error signal is output. Information of the power device is output from the first terminal operating as the output terminal to the microcomputer.