Universal Solenoid Driver IC with Synchronized Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive systems, such as transmission and fuel injection systems, face challenges in efficiently controlling solenoids due to the complexity of integrating multiple solenoid drivers and the need for synchronized actuation across various components, leading to increased system costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A driver integrated circuit (IC) with first and second control units, communicatively coupled with sensors and each other via a peripheral bus, forms both an inner and outer control loop to actuate solenoids based on sensor data and electrical parameters, allowing for coordinated control of solenoids in automotive systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate solenoid driver circuits are used to control different solenoids, then each solenoid can be controlled independently, but the system complexity and integration requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent solenoid driver circuits into a single integrated driver IC that can control multiple solenoids. The driver IC includes multiple output channels, each capable of driving a solenoid independently, while sharing common control logic and communication interfaces. This merging approach maintains the reliability of independent solenoid control while significantly reducing system integration complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver IC is designed with universal control capabilities that can manage different types of solenoids (e.g., transmission control solenoids, fuel injection solenoids) through a single device. The integrated circuit incorporates multiple output drivers, configurable control parameters, and adaptable communication interfaces that allow it to perform multiple functions across different automotive applications, eliminating the need for separate dedicated driver circuits for each solenoid type.
2Device complexity
If a single driver IC controls multiple solenoids, then system complexity is reduced, but synchronized actuation across solenoids becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The driver IC incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the actuation status of each controlled solenoid. By implementing feedback loops that detect solenoid position, current draw, and operational state, the control unit can adjust timing and drive signals to ensure synchronized actuation across multiple solenoids. This feedback approach enables precise coordination while maintaining the benefits of a simplified integrated architecture.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple control units are integrated in a single driver IC, then component count is reduced, but the communication and coordination between control units increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The driver IC employs a segmented control architecture where the control logic is divided into multiple independent control units or modules, each responsible for specific solenoid outputs. These segmented control units communicate through defined internal interfaces and protocols, allowing parallel operation with minimal coordination overhead. This segmentation approach reduces the complexity of internal communication compared to a fully centralized control structure while maintaining the component reduction benefits of integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a driver integrated circuit (IC) comprising a first control unit and a second control unit, a first solenoid that is electrically coupled to the first control unit, a second solenoid that is electrically coupled to the second control unit; at least one sensor, a clock that synchronizes a microcontroller and the driver IC, and a peripheral bus that communicatively couples the first control unit, the second control unit. The microcontroller and the driver IC form an outer control loop that actuates the first solenoid and the second solenoid, and the first control unit, the second control unit, and the at least one sensor form an inner control loop that controls the first solenoid and the second solenoid.