Pulse Driver Output Discharge for Open/Short Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load driving devices fail to accurately distinguish between disconnection and short-circuiting in the connection path between the pulse driving circuit and the resistive load, due to the absence of a clear discharge path for capacitors, leading to undetected abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a switching discharge unit that discharges capacitor charges through a resistor connected to the output terminal and ground potential, allowing for the differentiation between disconnection and short-circuiting by changing the output terminal voltage levels, and using a post-discharge detection unit to determine the occurrence of these abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the number of circuit components is reduced to lower cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the ability to detect disconnection and short-circuiting abnormalities is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own output terminal voltage as the detection signal source. The pulse driving circuit's output terminal voltage naturally reflects the connection status between the pulse driving circuit and resistive load, eliminating the need for separate detection circuits or additional components. This self-service approach enables abnormality detection while maintaining circuit simplification.
2Device complexity
If a capacitor is provided between the output terminal and ground potential without an alternative discharge path, then circuit simplification is achieved, but the output terminal voltage becomes fixed at high level when disconnection occurs, making it indistinguishable from short-circuiting to power supply potential
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary discharge of the capacitor through the resistive load before conducting abnormality detection. By controlling the pulse driving circuit to output a pulse signal that charges the capacitor, then stopping the pulse output to allow capacitor discharge through the resistive load, the system creates a known initial state (low voltage level) before measurement. This preliminary action ensures that subsequent voltage level measurements accurately reflect connection status rather than residual capacitor charge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic pulse signals from the pulse driving circuit to charge and discharge the capacitor in a controlled manner. The periodic nature of the pulse output creates predictable voltage patterns that facilitate reliable abnormality detection. By synchronizing the detection timing with the periodic pulse cycle, the system can distinguish between normal operation, disconnection, and short-circuiting conditions.
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
Enables accurate detection of disconnection and short-circuiting to the power supply potential, allowing for appropriate notification of abnormalities and preventing pulse driving circuit failure.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor disposed between the output terminal and a ground potential
Implementation Method 2
a switching discharge unit which forms a discharge path through which electric charges charged in the capacitor are discharged
Data Source
AI summary
A load driving device includes a pulse driving circuit which has a capacitor between an output terminal and a ground potential, a level detection circuit which detects whether an output terminal voltage on the output terminal of the pulse driving circuit is at high level or at low level, a switching discharge unit for forming a discharge path through which electric charges charged in a capacitor are discharged by switching of a switch from a non-discharge side to a discharge side, and switching the switch to the discharge side over a discharge maintenance time in a state where the application of a pulse voltage by the pulse driving circuit stops and the output terminal voltage is maintained at high level, a post-discharge detection unit, and a determination unit.