Integrated Power Supply Redundancy With Current-Based Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply control devices with redundancy functions require multiple power supply control ICs, increasing the size and cost of electronic control units (ECUs) and wasting backup power supply circuits during normal operation.
Innovation Solution
A power supply control device with a single integrated circuit that includes multiple power supply circuits, a control circuit, an output current monitor, and a storage unit for setting operation modes, allowing seamless and intelligent functions to manage power distribution efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple power supply control ICs are used to implement redundancy function, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power supply control ICs into a single integrated circuit that contains multiple power supply control circuits (first power supply control circuit and second power supply control circuit). This merging approach maintains the redundancy function while reducing the number of discrete components, thereby decreasing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single power supply control device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in normal mode using the first power supply control circuit, switch to backup mode using the second power supply control circuit when failure is detected, and provide seamless power supply transition. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate redundant ICs.
2Reliability
If backup power supply circuit is separated from main power supply circuit, then reliability is improved, but use of energy is reduced during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The second power supply control circuit (backup) is prepared in advance within the same integrated circuit as the first power supply control circuit. The backup circuit remains in a ready state but does not actively supply power during normal operation, allowing for rapid switching upon failure detection while minimizing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the first power supply control circuit (normal operation) and the second power supply control circuit (backup operation) based on detected failure conditions. The output switch selectively connects to either circuit, optimizing energy utilization by using only the active power supply while maintaining backup readiness.
3Reliability
If multiple power supply control ICs are used, then redundancy function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple power supply control circuits into a single semiconductor device, reducing the total number of ICs required from two to one. This merging directly reduces component procurement costs, assembly costs, and development costs associated with multiple customized ICs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single power supply control device provides both normal operation and backup functionality, eliminating the need to develop and manufacture separate specialized ICs for each function. This universal design reduces overall development costs and simplifies the manufacturing supply chain.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply control device includes: a plurality of power supply circuits; a control circuit that controls the power supply circuits; an output current monitor that monitors output currents of the power supply circuits; and a storage unit in which any one of a plurality of operation modes for controlling the power supply circuits is settable. The control circuit controls the power supply circuits based on the operation mode set in the storage unit and the output currents monitored by the output current monitor.