Programmable Fault Protect for Processor Controlled Drivers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Designing microcontroller-based power switching systems is complex due to the need for specialized knowledge in power supply design and analog power interface circuitry, making it challenging for engineers to select appropriate microcontrollers and adapt to evolving system requirements without significant investment in learning and potential waste of resources.
Innovation Solution
A Multi-Tile Power Management Integrated Circuit (MTPMIC) comprising multiple tiles (MCU/ADC, driver manager, and power manager) with a standardized bus, allowing configuration and reconfiguration of functional circuitry, including a Configurable Switching Power Supply Pulse Width Modulator (CSPSPWM) for flexible power supply generation, and a fault protect circuit for safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a microcontroller is selected for a power switching application, then the system can be controlled by a processor, but the engineer must have specialized knowledge in power supply design and analog power interface circuitry, increasing design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the microcontroller, power supply control circuitry, and analog power interface circuitry into a single integrated power management IC. This merging eliminates the need for engineers to separately design and integrate these complex subsystems, as they are pre-integrated in the chip. The microcontroller communicates with the power switching circuitry through standardized digital interfaces, while the integrated analog circuitry handles the complex power interface functions automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management IC is designed with universal functionality that can work with multiple microcontroller families and various power switching applications. The device provides standardized communication interfaces and configurable power management functions that adapt to different system requirements, eliminating the need for engineers to learn application-specific design details for each microcontroller platform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a specific microcontroller family is selected, then the system can be designed with that processor, but later changes in system function may require changing the microcontroller family, wasting time and money invested in learning
Solution Approach 1:
The power management IC provides universal compatibility with multiple microcontroller families through standardized communication interfaces and configurable functional blocks. This allows engineers to start with one microcontroller family and later switch to another if system requirements evolve, without needing to redesign the power management portion of the system. The device's programmable features and standardized interfaces ensure continued adaptability across different processor platforms.
3Ease of manufacture
If engineers design simple circuits for powering a microcontroller, then the microcontroller can operate by itself, but the skill set does not include designing complex switching power supplies needed for the overall system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the complex switching power supply design functions into the integrated power management IC, which includes pre-designed analog power interface circuitry and control logic. Engineers can design simple circuits that connect to the IC's standardized interfaces, while the IC internally handles the complex switching power supply operations. This provides both the ease of simple circuit design and the capability for complex power management through the integrated device.
Data Source
AI summary
A Multi-Tile Power Management Integrated Circuit (MTPMIC) includes a processor, a fault protect circuit, a first terminal, a driver that drives the first terminal, a second terminal, and detection circuitry that outputs a digital detection signal indicative of whether a predetermined condition is detected on the second terminal. The processor can program the fault protect circuit so that the fault protect circuit will later disable the driver as a function of multiple signals, including the digital detection signal. The function is programmable by the processor. In one example, if the detection circuitry detects the predetermined condition on the second terminal then the fault protect circuit disables all the high-side drivers and all low-side drivers of the MTPMIC independently of and without input from the processor.