Sanity monitor for power module
US10144292B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 29, 2016 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 29, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/72
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Described herein is a method and sanity monitoring system for power modules that detect abnormal conditions with respect to transistors in the power modules. A sanity monitor is added to each transistor. The sanity monitor can include a sensor that detects voltage, current, temperature, magnetic fields or similar parameters that indicate a health of a transistor. A failure handling device receives measurements from the sanity monitors and determines whether the measured parameters are within expected ranges for the transistors. If an abnormality is detected, the failure handling device performs a corrective action. For example, the failure handing device can reduce the overall current in a power stage to prevent remaining transistors from failing. The failure handling device additionally informs the driver, (e.g., via an input/output (I/O device), of the problem, indicating that the driver should bring the car to service.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.