Solenoid Driver Circuit for Temperature-Compensated Current Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices used in vehicle systems face challenges in precisely detecting current output to solenoid valves due to temperature variations, leading to inconsistent control and potential ride quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device configuration that includes an output driving circuit, a detection resistor, an amplification unit, a current generation circuit, a reference resistor, an A/D converter, and a control circuit, which together enable precise digital detection and control of current output to solenoid valves, mitigating temperature-related variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a semiconductor device is used in a vehicle environment with wide temperature variations, then the device can operate across different temperatures, but the temperature characteristics cause imprecise current detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the current detection signal is continuously monitored and compared against reference values. The detected current information is fed back to the control circuit, which adjusts the output driving circuit to maintain precise current control despite temperature variations. This closed-loop feedback system compensates for temperature-induced drift in the semiconductor device characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of using multiple detection resistors with different resistance values to detect current across different temperature ranges. By selecting appropriate resistance values for each detection resistor, the system maintains optimal detection precision throughout the wide temperature variation range, effectively addressing the temperature characteristics problem through parameter optimization.
2Device complexity
If the current output to the solenoid is not precisely controlled, then the system is simpler, but the shift-change variability and ride quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current detection function into multiple parallel detection circuits, each using a detection resistor with a different resistance value. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for specific current ranges or temperature conditions, improving overall detection precision and reliability without requiring a single overly complex control system. The segmented approach distributes the control complexity across multiple simple, dedicated circuits.
3Measurement precision
If detection resistors with different resistance values are used, then current detection precision across temperature ranges is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the detection circuit with multiple detection resistors that serve universal functionality across different operating conditions. Each detection resistor can be selectively activated based on temperature or current range, allowing the same detection circuit structure to handle multiple scenarios. This multi-functionality approach improves measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the additional components are integrated into a unified control framework.
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 configuration effectively stabilizes current output to solenoid valves across varying temperatures, preventing shifts in vehicle performance and improving ride quality by canceling temperature characteristics in digital detection signals.
Implementation Method 1
a detection resistor connected between the output terminal and the output driving circuit
Implementation Method 2
an amplification unit configured to output an analog detection signal generated by amplifying a voltage between both ends of the detection resistor
Implementation Method 3
an A/D converter configured to convert the analog detection signal into a digital detection signal using the reference voltage as a reference
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
An output driving circuit outputs an output current to a solenoid incorporated in a vehicle through an output terminal. A detection resistor connected between the output terminal and the output driving circuit. An amplification unit configured to output an analog detection signal generated by amplifying a voltage between both ends of the detection resistor. A current generation circuit configured to output a reference current. A reference resistor connected between the current generation circuit and a ground and configured to output a reference voltage according to the reference current. An A/D converter configured to convert the analog detection signal into a digital detection signal using the reference voltage as a reference. A control circuit configured to control the output current output from the output driving circuit according to the digital detection signal.