Dual-Voltage Vehicle Power Network for Fault-Tolerant Controller Supply

The patent combines the 12V and 48V electrical networks into a single integrated on-board electrical network. The control unit coordinates both voltage circuits, allowing them to work together as one system. This merging approach enables the system to leverage the high power capability of the 48V network while maintaining compatibility with existing 12V components, thus improving overall power supply capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

The DC voltage converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can step down 48V to 12V for powering 12V components, step up 12V to 48V for charging the 48V battery, and provide isolated power paths for redundancy. This multi-functionality allows a single component to handle various power conversion tasks, reducing the need for separate dedicated converters for each voltage level and application.

The patent segments the power supply function by separating critical functions (engine starting, ABS/EPB) from non-critical functions (comfort systems). The 12V main battery is dedicated to critical functions requiring high current for engine starting, while the 48V battery handles comfort systems and auxiliary loads. This segmentation ensures that failures in the 48V system do not compromise the ability to start the engine or operate safety-critical systems.

The DC voltage converter acts as an intermediary between the 12V main battery and the 48V battery, providing controlled power transfer and isolation. It enables the two battery systems to interact when needed (for charging the 48V battery from the 12V main battery) while maintaining electrical isolation when independence is required (during engine starting or fault conditions). This intermediary component facilitates reliable operation without requiring direct permanent connections between the battery systems.

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the electrical network topology based on operating conditions and fault states. The switching elements enable the system to transition between different operational modes: normal operation where all components are connected, engine starting mode where non-essential loads are disconnected, and fault isolation mode where affected components are disconnected. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain reliability under varying conditions without requiring a completely separate static circuit for each scenario.

The control unit continuously monitors the state of the electrical network components and automatically activates or deactivates switching elements based on detected conditions. When a fault is detected in a component or battery, the control unit sends feedback signals to the switching elements to disconnect affected parts from the network, preventing fault propagation. This feedback mechanism enables automatic fault isolation without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical switches.