Switching Circuit With Two-Level Overcurrent Recovery Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switching circuits fail to implement self-recovery from short circuits and often cannot meet the requirement for transient power outage time, leading to overstress issues and inadequate load management.

Innovation Solution

A switching circuit with a control circuit that employs a two-level control policy, using a sampling unit, switch component, and control circuit to manage power supply by turning the switch component on and off for specific durations based on reference voltages and overcurrent signals, ensuring short-term and long-term disconnection to address both short and long-term overcurrent conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single control manner is used in the switching circuit, then the control circuit is simple, but the circuit cannot implement self-recovery after a short circuit or meet the load's transient power outage time requirement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-recovery capabilityVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit is segmented into multiple control modes: a first control mode for single overcurrent events that provides short-time disconnection to meet transient power outage requirements, and a second control mode for repeated overcurrent events that provides long-time disconnection for self-recovery. This segmentation allows the circuit to handle different fault scenarios appropriately without requiring overly complex control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit dynamically switches between different control modes based on the fault condition. When a single overcurrent is detected, the first control mode is activated with short disconnection time. When repeated overcurrents are detected, the second control mode is activated with long disconnection time for self-recovery. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between simplicity and self-recovery capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the switch component is turned off for a long duration to address long-time overcurrent impact, then the load protection is improved, but the requirement for transient power outage time is not met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload protectionVSAvoidpower outage time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit dynamically adjusts the disconnection duration based on the fault condition. For single overcurrent events, it uses short disconnection time (first duration) to meet transient power outage requirements. For repeated overcurrent events indicating serious faults, it uses long disconnection time (second duration) to protect the load and enable self-recovery. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between load protection and power outage time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit changes the time parameter of disconnection based on the detected fault condition. The first control mode sets the disconnection time to a short duration, while the second control mode sets it to a long duration. This parameter change allows the system to meet different requirements for different fault scenarios, resolving the contradiction between protection and power outage time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If the switch component is turned off for a short time during single overcurrent, then the load power outage requirement is met, but the impact of long-time overcurrent on the load is not addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outage timeVSAvoidload protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit uses feedback from the overcurrent detection to determine the appropriate control mode. When a single overcurrent is detected, feedback triggers the first control mode with short disconnection. When repeated overcurrents are detected, feedback triggers the second control mode with long disconnection for comprehensive load protection. This feedback mechanism ensures both transient power outage requirements and long-term load protection are met.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit dynamically responds to feedback signals from overcurrent detection. Based on whether the overcurrent is single or repeated, the circuit dynamically selects between short-time and long-time disconnection modes, ensuring both transient power outage requirements and comprehensive load protection are satisfied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4475438A1Switching circuit, drive module, control method, and power supply device
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP4475438A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4475438A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4475438A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

This application provides a switching circuit, a drive module, a control method, and a power supply device. The switching circuit is configured to conduct or cut off power supplied by a power supply apparatus to a load. The switching circuit includes: a sampling unit, a switch component, and a control circuit. A first end of the sampling unit is configured to connect to an output end of the power supply apparatus. One end of the switch component is configured to connect to a second end of the sampling unit. The other end of the switch component is configured to connect to the load. The control circuit is connected to the second end of the sampling unit and a control end of the switch component. The control circuit is configured to: in response to that a sampling voltage at the second end of the sampling voltage reaches a first reference voltage, control the switch component to be turned on after the switch component is turned off for first duration; and in response to that a quantity of times the sampling voltage reaches the first reference voltage in preset duration reaches a preset quantity of times, control the switch component to be turned on after the switch component is turned off for second duration. The second duration is greater than the first duration.