Single-Port Driver Circuitry for Load Control and Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional discrete driver circuitry for vehicle controllers is costly, space-consuming, and lacks comprehensive fault diagnostic capabilities, particularly for detecting open circuit and short circuit faults, due to its reliance on multiple microprocessor ports and numerous components.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based controller with discrete driver circuitry that utilizes a single port for both control signal output and feedback signal input, allowing for efficient power application to electrical loads and fault condition detection, including open and short circuit faults, through configurable logic and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional discrete driver circuitry uses multiple microprocessor ports for control and feedback, then fault detection capability is improved, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines control signal output and feedback signal input functions into a single microprocessor port. The driver circuit is designed so that the same port that outputs the control signal also receives the feedback signal, eliminating the need for separate dedicated feedback ports and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single microprocessor port is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as an output port for control signals during normal operation and as an input port for feedback signals during diagnostic modes. This multi-functional design allows the same hardware resource to perform both control and diagnostic functions, reducing component count while maintaining reliability
2Power
If conventional discrete driver circuitry uses numerous discrete components, then output drive capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete driver circuits into a single integrated driver circuit that can provide the same total output drive capability. This consolidation reduces the number of individual components that need to be sourced, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the required power output capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated driver circuit is designed to provide multiple output channels and diagnostic functions within a single component, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate discrete driver circuits. This multi-functional integration reduces Bill of Materials (BOM) costs and simplifies the manufacturing process
3Ease of operation
If conventional discrete driver circuitry is configured with multiple ports, then control signal routing is simplified, but circuit board space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines control and feedback signal paths into a single port interface, which reduces the number of trace routes required on the circuit board. This consolidation frees up board space while the internal circuitry maintains clear signal routing through dedicated control logic that manages both control output and feedback input through the same physical interface
Data Source
AI summary
A controller having discrete driver circuitry for driving an electrical load and a method are provided. The controller includes a microprocessor having ports configurable to operate as inputs or outputs. The controller also includes discrete driver circuitry connected to ports of the microprocessor. The discrete driver circuitry is configured to apply electrical power to drive an electrical load. The controller further has logic for configuring the ports of the microprocessor as an output to enable on/off of the output signal that drives the electrical loads, and further for configuring the ports of the microprocessor as an input to receive feedback signals from the discrete driver circuitry. The feedback signals are processed to detect fault conditions.