Solid State Power Controller with Magnetoresistive Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power distribution systems in vehicles lack effective and efficient means to detect and respond to overcurrent and arc faults, which can lead to damage or failure in loads connected to solid state power controllers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of solid state power controllers with a microcontroller and magnetoresistive isolation, capable of detecting overcurrent conditions and arc faults, using a MOSFET switch and communication circuitry to manage power distribution, and an external device interface for configuration and user feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solid state power controllers are used to distribute power to loads, then power distribution efficiency is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to overcurrent and arc faults that can damage loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective actions by continuously monitoring current flow and detecting overcurrent conditions and arc faults before they can damage loads. The microcontroller proactively trips the solid state switch when fault conditions are detected, preventing damage rather than reacting after damage occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microcontroller as an intermediary between the power source and loads. This intermediary monitors electrical parameters, detects fault conditions, and controls the solid state switch to protect loads from overcurrent and arc faults, thereby resolving the contradiction between efficient power distribution and load protection.
2Device complexity
If the microcontroller is connected directly to communication contacts, then communication functionality is simplified, but the microcontroller becomes vulnerable to electrical noise and voltage spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetoresistive isolation as an intermediary between the microcontroller and communication contacts. This isolation barrier allows communication signals to pass while blocking electrical noise and voltage spikes from reaching the microcontroller, thus maintaining communication functionality while protecting the microcontroller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical connection with magnetoresistive isolation technology. Instead of using traditional galvanic isolation methods, the system uses magnetoresistive materials to transfer signals magnetically, eliminating the need for direct electrical contact and providing inherent protection against electrical disturbances.
3Measurement precision
If measurement circuitry draws current from the power connector, then voltage sensing is enabled, but power consumption increases and measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct electrical measurement with optical sensing. The optical sensor detects voltage levels optically without requiring electrical connection or current draw from the power connector, thereby enabling voltage sensing while eliminating the trade-off between measurement capability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary for voltage measurement. This intermediary converts electrical voltage information into optical signals that can be detected without drawing current from the power connector, thus enabling precise voltage sensing while minimizing power consumption.
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
The solution enables real-time detection and response to faults, minimizing damage to loads and improving the reliability of power distribution systems by isolating the microcontroller from external devices and providing user interface feedback through LEDs.
Implementation Method 1
the microcontroller is galvanically isolated from the communication contacts using magnetoresistive isolation
Implementation Method 2
solid state switch electrically connectable between the power connector and the load connector, where the switch includes an input
Data Source
AI summary
Solid state power controllers are described that include a switch controlled by a microcontroller and communication contacts. In one aspect of the invention, the microcontroller is galvanically isolated from the communication contacts using magnetoresistive isolation. In another aspect of the invention a number of solid state power controllers are connected to an external microcontroller to form a power distribution array. In addition, messages exchanged between the external microcontroller and the solid state power controllers can be used to configure the solid state power controllers and provide a user interface.