Reverse-Connection Protection Circuit for Backup Power Supplies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional uninterruptible power supplies face challenges in protecting against reverse-connection and over-voltage conditions, as high-voltage reverse-connection protection diodes, TVS diodes, or fuses are inconvenient to replace and do not effectively prevent damage from reverse connections.
Innovation Solution
A backup power supply system comprising an interface, a battery control module, an activation module, and a switch unit, which includes a four-terminal interface, a battery control module to manage charging and discharging, an activation module to drive the battery control module upon external power supply activation, and a switch control module to disable the battery control module in case of reverse connections, utilizing a circuit with field effect transistors, microcomputers, and optical couplers to manage voltage signals and prevent reverse connection damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-voltage reverse-connection protection diodes, TVS diodes, or fuses are used to protect against reverse-connection and over-voltage conditions, then protection capability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to inconvenient replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects reverse-connection conditions and activates protection mechanisms without requiring manual intervention. The microcomputer monitors voltage polarity and controls the switch unit to disconnect the battery when reverse connection is detected, enabling the system to protect itself automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switch unit controlled by a microcomputer as an intermediary between the battery and the external power supply. This intermediary component enables automatic protection by detecting reverse connections and disconnecting the battery, replacing the need for manual replacement of protection diodes or fuses.
2Reliability
If conventional protection diodes or fuses are used, then protection against reverse connection is provided, but device complexity increases due to additional components that need replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The microcomputer serves multiple functions: it monitors the charging/discharging state of the battery, detects reverse-connection conditions, controls the switch unit to prevent damage, and manages overall power supply operations. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate protection components into a single intelligent control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive mechanical protection components (diodes, fuses) with an active electronic control system. The microcomputer-based control system uses electrical signal detection and electronic switching to achieve protection, substituting the mechanical/physical protection mechanism with an intelligent electronic one that provides both protection and system management functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A reverse-connection protecting device comprises an interface, a battery control module and an activation module. The interface includes first and second lead-in ends coupled to respective ones of first and second lead-out ends. The second lead-in end is couplable to a negative terminal of a backup battery. The second lead-out end is couplable to each negative terminal of a load and an external power supply. The battery control module is coupled to the first lead-in end of the interface and couplable to a positive terminal of the backup battery. The battery control module is configured to control the charging or discharging of the backup battery. The activation module is coupled to the battery control module, and couplable to the load and the external power supply. The activation module is configured to drive the battery control module after the external power supply is powered on, but disable the battery control module in an instance in which the load, the backup battery or the external power supply is reversely connected.