Protected Switching Element Internal Power Supply Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Protected field effect transistors (PROFETs) face issues with losing state information during power supply interruptions, particularly due to fluctuations caused by ISO pulses, which can lead to reduced lifetime and performance in overload conditions, as they rely on external power supply for logic and latch operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an internal power supply within the counter unit of the PROFET, which buffers the counter and latch components during short power interruptions, allowing for the maintenance of faulty condition information without external circuitry and ensuring data integrity by using a capacitor to store energy for a duration sufficient to overcome disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the PROFET uses external power supply for logic and latch operations, then the device complexity is reduced, but state information is lost during power supply interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an internal power supply unit nested within the counter unit that provides buffered power during external power interruptions. This nested structure allows the counter to maintain state information using the internal power supply when external power is interrupted, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Loss of information
If the counter unit is buffered during power interruptions, then data integrity is maintained, but the device requires additional internal power supply circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the internal power supply unit with the counter unit into a single integrated structure. The internal power supply is combined with the counter circuitry, allowing the counter to be buffered during power interruptions while minimizing additional complexity through this unified design approach.
3Productivity
If the PROFET restarts after power supply interruption, then operational continuity is improved, but unintended restarts occur causing reduced lifetime and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the internal power supply to preliminarily maintain the counter's state information during power interruptions. By preserving the faulty condition information in advance through buffering, the system can distinguish between intentional and unintentional restarts, preventing premature restarts that would reduce device lifetime and performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures that state information is not lost during power supply fluctuations, enabling the PROFET to maintain its operational state and performance by providing a buffered power source for the counter unit, thus preventing unintended restarts and extending the device's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
using a capacitor to store energy for a duration sufficient to overcome disturbances
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit is suggested comprising an electronic switching element, a logic unit coupled to control the electronic switching element, and a counter unit coupled to the logic unit, wherein the counter unit comprises a counter and an internal power supply.