Power Switch Module State Transitions for Smart Grid ECU Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In smart grid power supply arrangements, a short circuit to ground on one power supply line can cause the protection circuitry to decouple the electronic control unit (ECU) from the fault-free power supply line, leading to a loss of power due to high current flow and reverse voltage protection triggering, resulting in the ECU being isolated from an active power supply.
Innovation Solution
A power switch module that transitions from an ON state to a latched-OFF state upon detecting over-current or over-temperature conditions, and then to a current-limited state to protect the switching device while maintaining power supply to the load, by controlling the switching device to limit current flow and detect voltage levels, thereby preventing further damage and ensuring power availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protection circuitry latches off the power switch upon detecting over-current condition, then the switching device is protected from damage, but the load (ECU) is decoupled from the power supply even when the fault is on a different power supply line
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power supply arrangement into multiple independent power supply lines (first power supply line Vsup1 and second power supply line Vsup2), each with its own primary power switch (110, 120). This segmentation allows the protection circuitry to isolate only the faulty line while maintaining power supply through other lines, preventing total power loss to the ECU.
Solution Approach 2:
The control component continuously monitors operating conditions (current, temperature) and provides feedback to determine the appropriate state transitions. Upon detecting an over-current condition, the system transitions to a latched-OFF state, then evaluates whether to transition to a current-limited state based on voltage level feedback, enabling intelligent decision-making that balances protection with power availability.
2Reliability
If secondary power switches are coupled in series between power supply lines, then protection against over-current and reverse voltage is provided, but high current flow through the switches can trigger protection functionality causing decoupling from fault-free power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The second power supply line Vsup2 acts as an intermediary ground reference that allows the secondary power switches (130, 140) to be coupled in series without creating a direct short circuit path. This intermediary configuration enables the switches to provide protection while the control component can manage current flow to prevent unnecessary triggering of protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control component dynamically changes the operating parameter of the power switch module by transitioning between different states (ON, latched-OFF, current-limited). In the current-limited state, the switching device controls current flow to remain below the trip current threshold, allowing the system to maintain protection functionality while avoiding unnecessary decoupling from the power supply.
3Reliability
If the power switch module transitions to a latched-OFF state upon over-current detection, then the switching device is protected, but the ECU loses power supply even when the original fault is on a different line
Solution Approach 1:
The power switch module implements dynamic state transitions rather than a static latched-OFF state. The control component can transition between ON state, latched-OFF state, and current-limited state based on real-time operating conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain power supply to the ECU through current limitation rather than complete disconnection, reducing power interruption time.
Data Source
AI summary
A power switch module comprising a control component. Upon an indicated operating condition fulfilling a protection condition, the control component is arranged to transition the power switch module from an ON state to a latched-OFF state in which the control component is arranged to configure the switching device to be turned off to decouple the load node from the power supply node. Having transition to the latched-Off state, the control component is further arranged to determine whether a voltage level at the load node exceeds a threshold voltage level, and if it is determined that the voltage level at the load node exceeds the threshold voltage level, transition the power switch module from the latched-OFF state to a current-limited state in which the control component is arranged to control the switching device to limit current-flow there through.