Intelligent Semiconductor Switch Idle Mode for Reverse Current Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic fuses, particularly in automotive applications, face challenges in fault tolerance and functional safety, and they also consume significant internal power, which is a concern when the vehicle is parked.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method for an intelligent semiconductor switch that includes an electronic switch with a load current path, a control circuit to generate control signals, a current monitoring circuit to detect overcurrents, and a reverse current detection circuit. The circuit operates in both normal and idle modes, with the idle mode reducing internal current consumption by disabling unnecessary components when specific conditions are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronic switch is used to replace a classical fuse, then the fuse can be reset and reused, but the internal power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic fuse dynamically switches between normal mode and idle mode based on operational conditions. In idle mode, the control circuit is deactivated to minimize power consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly transition back to normal mode when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between reusability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters by switching between two distinct modes: normal mode with full functionality and higher power consumption, and idle mode with reduced functionality and lower power consumption. This parameter change allows the electronic fuse to adapt its power consumption level based on the required level of protection.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring is performed to ensure functional safety, then fault detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is made dynamic by enabling it only when necessary (normal mode) and disabling it when the system is idle and safe. This dynamic adjustment of monitoring intensity allows the system to maintain fault detection capability when needed while minimizing power consumption during safe operating periods.
3Reliability
If the electronic fuse operates in normal mode continuously, then functional safety is maintained, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on the vehicle's status. When the vehicle is parked and no faults are present, the electronic fuse transitions to idle mode with minimal power consumption. When the vehicle is active or a fault is detected, it switches to normal mode to ensure functional safety, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous safety monitoring and power consumption during parking.
4Reliability
If reverse current detection is implemented, then protection against reverse current is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated reverse current detection circuit acts as an intermediary component that specifically handles reverse current detection. This specialized circuit works in conjunction with the main control logic to provide reverse current protection without significantly complicating the overall system architecture, as the detection function is isolated to a specific module.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit may comprise an electronic switch with a load current path, which is switched between an output node and a supply node and is designed to connect or disconnect the output node to or from the supply node in accordance with a control signal. The circuit further comprises a control circuit which is designed to generate the control signal based on an input signal, and a current monitoring circuit which is designed to receive a current measurement signal that represents the load current flowing through the load current path, and to generate a protective signal, based on the current measurement signal, which indicates whether the output node should be disconnected from the supply node. The circuit further comprises a reverse current detection circuit, which is designed to detect that the load current is flowing in the reverse direction, namely from the output node to the supply node.