Solid-State Power Switch Fault Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power switch devices lack effective diagnostic capabilities to distinguish and analyze various fault conditions, such as overcurrent, delta temperature, and overtemperature, which limits their ability to provide precise fault indication and debugging.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a solid-state power switch and an interface that outputs a signal with values selectively indicative of triggered fault conditions, allowing for discrimination between different fault conditions through a control system that operates the power switch and utilizes current or voltage signals to indicate specific fault states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional power switch devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the diagnostic capability to distinguish and analyze fault conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fault indication function by providing multiple independent output signals (first output signal, second output signal, third output signal) that each correspond to specific fault conditions (overcurrent, delta temperature, overtemperature). This segmentation allows precise fault discrimination while maintaining a modular device structure where each signal path can be independently implemented.
Solution Approach 2:
The power switch device is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating multiple diagnostic capabilities into a single device. The device not only performs power switching but also simultaneously monitors multiple fault conditions (overcurrent, temperature gradient, overtemperature) and provides corresponding output signals, making it a universal device that combines power control with comprehensive fault diagnostics.
2Measurement precision
If multiple fault conditions are monitored, then the diagnostic precision is improved, but the signal output complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal output structure is segmented into distinct, independent output signals for different fault conditions. Each output signal (first, second, third output signals) is dedicated to indicating a specific fault type, which simplifies the interpretation logic compared to a single complex multi-state signal. This segmentation reduces the complexity of signal processing and analysis while maintaining high diagnostic precision.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If fault diagnostic capabilities are enhanced, then the debugging ability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves enhanced fault detection capability through multi-functionality, where a single power switch device simultaneously performs power switching and multiple fault detections (overcurrent, delta temperature, overtemperature). This integrated approach improves debugging ability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the diagnostic functions are built into the same device structure that performs the primary power switching function.
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprises a solid-state power switch and a control configured to operate the power switch if at least one of a plurality of fault conditions of the device is triggered. An interface is configured to output a signal having a value selectively indicative of the triggered at least one fault condition in response to the at least one fault condition being triggered.