Switch Device State Sensing via Node Voltage Temporal Behavior
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor switches lack effective methods for sensing their state independently of control signals, which is crucial for safety-relevant applications where determining the correct open or closed state is essential, unlike mechanical switches.
Innovation Solution
A switch device comprising a first and second switch, along with an evaluation circuit that monitors the temporal behavior of a node between them to detect potential fault conditions, allowing for the determination of the switches' states and leakage currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical switches are used for high-voltage applications, then state sensing can be implemented using parallel sense contacts with low power consumption, but semiconductor switches lack effective methods for sensing their state independently of control signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sense contacts with an electrical measurement system that monitors voltage temporal behavior at a node between switches. Instead of using separate mechanical sense contacts parallel to the main contacts, the invention uses an evaluation circuit that measures voltage changes over time at a single accessible node, thereby sensing the state of semiconductor switches without requiring separate mechanical sensing components.
2Loss of information
If parallel sense contacts are used in mechanical switches, then state information can be obtained independently from control signals, but this concept cannot easily be transferred to semiconductor switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an evaluation circuit as an intermediary that extracts state information from the temporal behavior of voltage at a node between switches. This intermediary measurement system allows state information to be obtained independently from control signals for semiconductor switches, bridging the gap between the mechanical sense contact concept and semiconductor switch operation without requiring direct adaptation of the mechanical contact approach.
3Productivity
If semiconductor switches are used instead of mechanical switches, then capabilities increase, but ability to obtain independent state information for safety-relevant applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the evaluation circuit continuously monitors the temporal behavior of voltage at the node between switches and uses this information to determine switch states. This feedback loop provides independent verification of switch state for safety-relevant applications, allowing semiconductor switches to maintain their high capabilities while restoring the ability to obtain reliable state information without dependence on control signals.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of a switch device, the switch device includes a first switch, a second switch and an evaluation circuit. The evaluation circuit is configured to evaluate a temporal behavior of a node between the first switch and the second switch to detect a possible fault condition of at least one of the first switch or the second switch. A corresponding fault detection method for a switch device having a first switch and a second switch is also provided.