Vehicle Power Supply Circuit With Semiconductor Overvoltage Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulator components in vehicles are vulnerable to damage or destruction due to insufficient dielectric strength when exposed to excessively high voltages in the output line, particularly in long cable runs, leading to restricted use and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a semiconductor component with high impedance in the output line to prevent excessive voltage increases, using diodes or transistors to protect the voltage regulator component from damage by switching to a high impedance state during fault conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the output line length is increased to extend the supply range, then the coverage area is improved, but the vulnerability to voltage spikes and dielectric breakdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
A semiconductor component (diode or transistor) is introduced as an intermediary element in the output line. This component acts as a mediator that blocks high-voltage spikes from reaching the voltage regulator component while allowing normal operating voltages to pass through, thus protecting the regulator without limiting cable length
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor component is configured to preemptively block excessive voltages before they can cause damage to the voltage regulator. By positioning the protective component in the signal path and configuring it to conduct only at excessive voltage levels, the system prevents harmful voltage spikes from reaching vulnerable components
2Strength
If the dielectric strength of the voltage regulator component is increased to withstand higher voltages, then the protection against voltage spikes is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protection function is segmented from the voltage regulator component itself and implemented as a separate semiconductor component in the output line. This allows the voltage regulator to remain simple and cost-effective while the protective function is handled by a dedicated, simpler protective component
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor protective component serves as a sacrificial or replaceable element that can withstand voltage spikes without requiring the entire voltage regulator assembly to have high dielectric strength. This approach uses a low-cost protective component rather than expensive high-voltage-rated regulators
3Reliability
If a resistor is used in the feedback circuit to limit current, then the feedback terminal protection is improved, but the voltage regulation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor component serves as an intermediary that blocks excessive voltages before they reach the feedback terminal, eliminating the need for current-limiting resistors in the feedback circuit. This maintains precise voltage feedback while still providing protection against voltage spikes
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
Enhances the range of use by preventing damage from voltages up to 8 to 15 times the setpoint value, ensuring stable voltage supply to electrical consumers like sensor devices, even in vehicles with long cable runs and high on-board power supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
semiconductor component which comes to have a high impedance in the event of an excessively high voltage arising in a portion of the output line between the semiconductor component and the electrical consumer in order to prevent an excessive voltage increase at the output terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit arrangement for supplying power to an electrical consumer in a vehicle is provided. The circuit arrangement includes a voltage regulator component having an input terminal for inputting an input voltage, an output terminal for outputting an output voltage to the consumer, and a feedback terminal for inputting a feedback voltage that uses the voltage regulator component for regulating the output voltage. The circuit arrangement also includes an output line running from the output terminal to the consumer, and a feedback circuit connected to a circuit node of the output line and to the feedback terminal. To protect the output connection from a short-circuit-induced overvoltage, a semiconductor component arranged in a portion of the output line between the output terminal and the circuit node is provided.