Current driving system for a solenoid

US9528625B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Infineon Technologies AG · DE

Inventors

• Christian Schweikert · Munich, DE
• Juergen Schaefer · Oberhaching, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 26, 2013
• Grant date: Dec 27, 2016
• Expiry date: Apr 19, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/0318
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A current driving system for a solenoid valve is described herein. In an embodiment, the current driving system comprises a pre-driver to control a control input of a transistor coupled to an electrical input of a solenoid valve. The transistor inducts electric power into the solenoid valve when the transistor is switched on.The current driving system further comprises a signal generator to produce a small signal and to output the small signal to the electrical input of the solenoid valve. The electric power being supplied by the small signal into the solenoid valve is substantially smaller than the electric power being supplied by the transistor when the transistor is switched on. The current driving system further comprises a measurement unit to measure a response to the small signal at the electrical input of the solenoid valve.