Power Supply Control for Single Event Latch-Up Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current single event latch-up protection circuits in power supplies for aerospace applications are complex, costly, and prone to causing circuit damage due to high current bursts, and existing solutions require additional components that increase design complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system that includes a control circuit to detect single event latch-up by monitoring state signals and switching off power supply circuits to prevent damage, utilizing a voltage converter and point-of-load circuits to generate and manage voltages and signals, thereby reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single event latch-up protection circuit is added to detect and respond to latch-up events, then circuit reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the latch-up detection function with the existing power supply control circuitry. The control circuit integrates both normal power management and SEL detection/response functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection circuits and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: normal power supply control, SEL detection through monitoring state signals, and SEL response by switching off power supply circuits. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of separate components needed
2Reliability
If traditional single event latch-up protection circuits with multiple modules are used, then detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional modules (current acquisition, voltage comparison, switch control, and timing functions) into a single integrated control circuit, reducing component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit uses existing power supply state signals for detection purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection components. The system leverages its own operational signals to monitor for latch-up conditions, reducing component requirements
3Reliability
If space specification components are used to ensure reliability in aerospace applications, then circuit reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a protection circuit that can be implemented using commercial specification components rather than expensive space-grade components. The control circuit and power supply circuits are designed to be replaceable and cost-effective, maintaining reliability through design rather than component specification
4Reliability
If the power supply circuit is switched off immediately when single event latch-up is detected, then circuit protection is improved, but loss of time occurs due to required restart
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is pre-configured with the capability to immediately switch off power supply circuits upon detecting latch-up conditions. The circuit design anticipates potential SEL events and has the response mechanism ready, enabling rapid protection without delay while the restart function is available when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply is provided. The power supply includes a power supply circuit and a control circuit. The power supply circuit includes a voltage converter and multiple point-of-load circuits. The voltage converter generates a third voltage according to a first voltage. The load point-of-load circuits generate at least one second voltage and at least one state signal according to the third voltage. The at least one second voltage is suitable for supplying power to a load. The control circuit is coupled to the power supply circuit. The control circuit determines whether a single event latch-up occurs in the power supply circuit according to the at least one state signal. When the single event latch-up occurs in the power supply circuit, the control circuit switches off the power supply circuit to stop generating the at least one second voltage and the at least one state signal.