Self-protective high-current low-loss bi-directional semiconductor switch module and method of operation

ES 2 379 280 T3

DESCRIPTION

High current, low loss, self-protective two-way semiconductor switch module and method of operation.

Copyright

A part of the description in this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of any of the patent description, as it appears in the records or archives of the Patent and Trademark Office, but otherwise fully reserves all copyrights.

Field of the invention

This invention relates to high power solid state two-way switches used in vehicle electrical systems. In particular, this invention relates to a low loss, high current, self-protective two-way semiconductor switch and a method of operation, in which the switching device comprises an intelligent controller for controllable switching in response to various switching conditions. functioning.

Background

The present invention relates to a high current, low loss, two-way semiconductor switching device and a method of operation. More specifically, the present invention focuses on a two-way semiconductor switch module capable of controlling the magnitude and direction of an energy flow, for example electric current, between a first and a second terminal of the two-way switch module in response. to a measured value of the energy flow and a predefined value, and wherein the predefined value could be replaced by an input value received through a receiver included in the two-way switch module. The device is constructed in such a way that high current can be drawn, typically 100 to 1000 amps, making it ideal for applications in vehicle electrical systems.

Electrical systems comprising bi-functional devices in which each device can function as either a load or a source need a two-way switch so that electrical energy can be exchanged between the devices depending on the operating conditions of the system. For example, a vehicle electrical system generally comprises a battery and an alternator, in which each device can function either as a load or as a source. Whenever the alternator is not working, including the engine starting process, the battery provides electrical power to the vehicle's electrical system. When the battery is the source of electrical power it is desirable to have a switch monitor and limit the discharge energy of the battery, and disconnect the battery from the electrical system if necessary. The alternator functions as a source of electrical power after it reaches a certain RPM, at which point the battery is recharged by the alternator. When the alternator is the source of electrical power, it is desirable to have a switch monitor and limit the alternator power to the battery and electrical system, and disconnect the battery from the electrical system if the demand for recharging current from the battery causes it to break. exceed the capacity of the alternator. It is also desirable that the switch can sense a short circuit current in either direction and disconnect the power source from the short circuit. Therefore, there is a need for a two-way switch module that can control the magnitude and direction of electrical current by controlled activation / deactivation of said electrical current in either direction between two such bi-functional devices.

Vehicle electrical systems comprising multiple battery systems require a controlled exchange of electrical energy between the batteries. For example, a vehicle electrical system using a battery main and auxiliary system requires controllable switching of electrical current between the battery systems depending on the operating conditions of the vehicle. The main system is used during start-up and whenever the alternator is not running, and the auxiliary system is used when the vehicle's engine is not running. The main and auxiliary systems are connected in a parallel configuration and require a switchable means between them to control the exchange of electrical energy in both directions according to the operating conditions of the vehicle.

In the event that the Main System is depleted or otherwise defective, the Backup System can transfer electrical power to the Main System. Similarly, if the backup system has depleted its power and there is still a critical need to provide electrical power to the electrical loads, the Main System can transfer electrical power to the backup system. However, a transfer of electrical energy between these systems based solely on the amount of energy stored within these systems is not desirable. In a situation where electrical power is needed from the main system to start the vehicle, it is detrimental to allow the System to supply electrical power to a depleted auxiliary system. Similarly, when there is a critical need for the auxiliary system to provide electrical power to an auxiliary load, it is undesirable.

ES 2 379 280 T3 allow the auxiliary system to supply electrical power to a depleted main system. A two-way switch module that can receive input values ​​is preferred to control the amount and direction of electrical power exchange based on vehicle operating conditions.

Although various devices have been proposed that address some aspects of the present invention, no single device has been constructed that provides controlled switching of high electrical currents in either direction between two bi-functional devices. For example, US Patent No. 5,323,044, Rumennikr, describes a novel way of constructing two-way switches using MOSFETs, but does not address controlling the magnitude and direction of electric current between such MOSFETs. In US Patent No. 4,755,697 to Kinzer, the invention focuses on a two-way output high voltage field effect semiconductor transistor that operates at high voltages and replaces electromechanical reed relays. The present invention controls high electrical currents of 100-1000 amps. Juzswik's patent, US Patent No. 5,210,475, describes a current sensing circuit that uses MOSFETs to detect an overcurrent condition in H-bridge power delivery circuits for two-way motors, but does not address the controlled switching of high electrical currents. In EP 1 241 041 A1 to Charaudeau et al, a control unit, which can function to control the torque applied to the wheels of a vehicle, manipulates a voltage matching circuit to control the direction of the flow of electrical energy through a capacitor, but fails to describe a switch module capable of controlling electrical energy in either direction based on the average magnitude of the energy flow. Accordingly, there is a need for a two-way switch module that can control the magnitude and direction of large electrical currents between a first and a second terminal of such a switch module.

Modern vehicle electrical systems use bi-functional devices that demand large electrical currents. Furthermore, the exchange of electrical energy between these devices must be controlled, based not simply on the available energy, but also on the operating conditions of the vehicle. Various vehicle operating conditions affect the function of each device that makes up the vehicle's electrical system. For example in a vehicle electrical system comprising a battery and an alternator, the battery functions as a source of electrical energy during the starting process of the vehicle and is subsequently converted into an electrical charge when the vehicle is running. The alternator is a load of electrical power during the starting process and functions as a source of electrical power while the vehicle engine is running. Such devices need a two-way switch module that can control the magnitude and direction of a large electrical energy between such devices while protecting the electrical system.

Summary

The present invention describes a two-way switch device and an operating method for controlling the magnitude and direction of an energy flow between a first and a second terminal of the two-way switch by controlled activation and deactivation of said energy flow in any sense. Furthermore, the two-way switch is furthermore capable of protecting itself by turning off the power flow in either direction when the power flow, its rate of change, duration or a temperature of the two-way switch exceeds threshold values.

In one aspect, a two-way switch module is described comprising a sensor, a two-way switch, and a controller. Preferably, the device comprises a two-way semiconductor switch, in which a power flow between a first and a second terminal of the two-way switch can be activated / deactivated in a controlled manner by applying a control signal to a control terminal of the two-way switch. Preferably, the device comprises a sensor capable of detecting the magnitude and direction of the energy flow between the first and second terminals of the two-way switch. Preferably, the device comprises a controller, such as a microprocessor, that controls the magnitude and direction of the energy flow by applying a time-varying control signal so that the average value of the energy flow in a given direction, such as the one detected by the sensor, does not exceed the predefined mean value recognized by the controller. Preferably, the processor is programmed to turn off power flow in either direction by applying a control signal to the control terminal when the rate of change of power or the magnitude of power after a predetermined event recognized by the controller is greater than the rate of change of energy or predefined energy magnitude, respectively. Preferably, the sensor is further capable of measuring a two-way switch module temperature and the processor is further programmed to apply a control signal when the temperature is greater than one or more superheat temperatures. Preferably, the device is further capable of receiving input values ​​through a receiver and the switching operation is performed either according to the input values ​​or the predefined values.

In one aspect, a method is described that comprises detecting an average magnitude of an energy flow in any direction between a first and a second terminal of a two-way switch module, comparing the average magnitude with a predefined magnitude, limiting from controlled energy flow in response to

ES 2 379 280 T3 the measured and predefined values ​​Preferably, the method further comprises detecting a rate of change of energy in any direction, comparing the rate of change with one or more transient current magnitudes, and deactivating the flow of energy in any direction. direction by applying a transient current deactivation signal when the rate of change of energy exceeds at least one of the one or more transient current magnitudes. Preferably, the method further comprises activating the energy flow in either direction by applying a transient current activation signal when a reset signal is received. Preferably, the method further comprises detecting an energy quantity in either direction after an event recognized by the controller, comparing the energy quantity with one or more energy change quantities, and deactivating the energy flow in either direction by applying a signal. energy change deactivation when the energy magnitude is greater than at least one of the one or more energy change magnitudes. Preferably, the method further comprises sensing a temperature of the two-way switch module, comparing the temperature with one or more superheat temperatures, and disabling the flow of power in either direction by applying an overheat signal when the temperature is greater than at least one of the one or more superheat temperatures. Preferably, the method further comprises receiving input values ​​through a receiver and controlling the flow of energy in response to the input values ​​or predefined values.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, detailed description, and claims.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a two-way switch module according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a functional diagram of a two-way switch module according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a two-way switch module depicting preferred embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a functional diagram of a two-way switch with an active input interface according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing preferred methods for switching a two-way switch module.

Detailed Description of Currently Preferred Embodiments

FIG. 1 represents a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a two-way switch module 5. In this embodiment, the two-way switch module 5 is connected through terminals T1 20 and T2 25 to two bi-functional devices 10 and 15, each one of them can act as a source or as a load. The two-way switch module 5 controls the electrical current in either direction between terminal T1 20 and terminal T2 25. A sensor and a control device, such as a microprocessor, are included in the two-way switch module 5. The two-way switch module 5 can be deactivated if the current, flowing in either direction between T1 20 and T2 25, its rate of change, duration or a temperature of the two-way switch module 5 exceeds threshold values ​​stored in the memory of the microprocessor. During steady state operation the microprocessor can apply a time-varying control signal to the two-way switch module 5 so that the average current does not exceed at least one of the one or more predefined average current values ​​stored in memory. microprocessor. The predefined values ​​can be different for each direction.

FIG. 2 depicts a functional diagram of one embodiment of a two-way switch module 30. In this embodiment the two-way switch module 30 comprises an input terminal 35 in which a control device such as a microprocessor can receive one or more average input quantities of an energy flow, for example electric current, in any direction. and applying a time-varying control signal according to the average input magnitudes received. The input terminal 35 can also be used to receive threshold values ​​for current flowing in either direction, its rate of change, duration, or a temperature from the two-way switch module 30. According to an alternative application of the present embodiment, the two-way switch module 30 can be used in a vehicle electrical system comprising a battery 45 and an alternator 55, wherein the battery 45 and the alternator 55 can act either as a source or as a load, depending on the vehicle's operating conditions. For example in a typical vehicle operation, during startup, battery 45 acts as a source of electrical power to alternator 55 and current flows in 50 from battery 45 to alternator 55. When alternator 55 reaches a certain RPM , acts as a source of electrical energy and current flows from it, at 40, to the battery 45. Average input magnitudes or threshold values ​​may vary during these operating conditions.

ES 2 379 280 T3 operation. Accordingly, the two-way switch module 30 can control the electric current in either direction between the battery 45 and the alternator 55 according to the input signal received through the input terminal 35.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting alternate embodiments of a two-way switch module 60. In one embodiment, the two-way switch module 60 comprises a two-way switch 65 that includes a first terminal T1 115 and a second terminal T2 110, in which an energy flow in either direction, at 70 or 75, between said terminals can be controlled by applying a control signal 125 to a control terminal 140 of the two-way switch 65, a sensor 90 that functions to measure an average magnitude of the energy flow in either direction, at 70 or 75, between said terminals and that makes it available through a signal through a detection line 95, and a processor 120, in which the processor 120 activates / deactivates the flow of energy in a controlled manner in any direction, in 70 or 75, applying a time-varying control signal 125 to the control terminal 140 so that the average magnitude of the energy flow, received through the sense line 95, do not exceed one or more predefined mean quantities stored in processor 120.

For example, the two-way switch module 60 is initially configured so that the two-way switch 65 conducts electrical current in one or both directions, at 70 and 75, between T1 115 and T2 110. The sensor 90 measures an average value of the electric current in a particular direction, say from T1 115 to T2 110 in 75, and generates a signal through the detection line 95 that contains the mean value and the corresponding direction of the electric current. Processor 120 receives the mean value and direction through sense line 95 and compares the mean value with a predefined mean value, stored in processor 120 memory, associated with that direction. If the mean value is below the predefined mean value for that particular direction, the processor 120 takes no action with respect to applying a time-varying control signal 125. When the mean value exceeds the predefined mean value, processor 120 applies a time-varying control signal 125 to control the mean magnitude of current in that direction.

In one embodiment, the two-way switch 65 includes a two-way semiconductor switch 145 and an interface unit 155 as shown in FIG. 4. The two-way semiconductor switch 145 may comprise a pair of MOSFETs. According to this alternative embodiment, the source terminal of a first MOSFET is connected to the drain terminal of a second MOSFET, and the drain terminal of the first MOSFET is connected to the source terminal of the second MOSFET, thus providing a first and a second terminal of the two-way switch 65, such as T1 115 and T2 110 explained above. A first and second output terminals, 150 and 160, of interface unit 155 are connected to the gate terminals of the first and second MOSFETs and applying a time-varying control signal 125 to a control terminal 140 of interface unit 155, the interface unit is caused to selectively apply the time-varying control signal to the gate terminal of one of the MOSFETs.

In applications where high current level switching is required, a variation of the present embodiment includes a two-way semiconductor switch comprising two series of MOSFETs, each series connected in a parallel configuration. According to this alternative embodiment, the source terminals of all MOSFETs of a first series in parallel are connected to the drain terminals of all MOSFETs of a second series in parallel, and the drain terminals of all MOSFETs of the first series in parallel are connected to the source terminals of all the MOSFETs of the second series in parallel, thus providing first and second terminals of the two-way switch 65, such as T1 115 and T2 110 explained above. The gate terminals of all the MOSFETs of the first series in parallel are connected to one of the outputs of an interface unit 155, such as that shown in FIG. 4 at 150, while the gate terminals of all the MOSFETs of the second series in parallel are connected to the other output of the interface unit 155 at 160. Applying a time-varying control signal 125 to the control terminal 140 of the interface unit 155 causes the interface unit to selectively apply the time-varying control signal 125 to the gate terminals of all the MOSFETs of one of the series in parallel.

In one embodiment, the two-way switch module 60, comprising a two-way semiconductor switch 65, is configured such that when a voltage level of an electrical signal 125 varies over time, applied to a control terminal 140 of an interface unit 155 included in the two-way switch 65, is substantially above a mean voltage level, the interface unit 155 applies the time-varying electrical signal 25 to the gate terminal of one of the MOSFETs, thereby allowing power to flow from the first terminal T1 115 to the second terminal T2 110 at

75. When the voltage level of the time-varying electrical signal 125 is substantially below a mean voltage level, the interface unit 155 applies the time-varying electrical signal 125 to the gate terminal of the other MOSFET, thus allowing so that the energy flows from the second terminal T2 110 to the first terminal T1 115 at 70.

ES 2 379 280 T3

The sensor 90 measures an average value of an energy flow, for example electric current, in either direction, in 70 or 75, between T1 115 and T2 110 by measuring instantaneous values ​​and calculating an average value from the instantaneous values. Instantaneous values ​​are captured according to the definition of the sensor used. In one embodiment, sensor 90 comprises a sensor with a definition on the order of one millisecond in which instantaneous current values ​​are represented by values ​​sampled every one millisecond. According to a variation of the present embodiment, an average value of current can be obtained by adding several of these samples, for example a thousand samples, and dividing them by the number of samples to arrive at an average value. According to a variation of the present embodiment, the sensor 90 comprises a sensor that measures instantaneous values ​​of electric current and transmits them together with their sense to the processor 120 through the detection line 95. The processor 120 is programmed to receive the instantaneous values ​​and calculate a mean value from the instantaneous values.

In one embodiment, sensor 90 comprises a sensor that is capable of measuring a first voltage 100 and a second voltage 105 and transmitting them to processor 120 through sense line 95. Processor 120 is programmed to calculate an average magnitude of current in either direction, at 70 or 75, between T1 115 and T2 110 and consequently apply a time-varying control signal as explained above. For example the sensor measures a first voltage at 100, say 28 Volts, and a second voltage at 105, say 20 Volts. This can occur when the two-way switch 65 is set to an open circuit position in both directions 70 and 75. The processor is programmed to calculate a direction of electrical current by subtracting the first voltage 100 from the second voltage 105. According to this example, the direction of the current is from T1 115 to T2 110 since the result of the subtraction, +8 Volts, is a positive value. When the two-way switch 65 is set to the closed circuit position, the first and second voltages at 100 and 105 will be substantially equal to a third voltage. Processor 120 is programmed to calculate a voltage difference by subtracting the third voltage from the largest value of the first and second voltages, in this example the first voltage by 100, and compare the voltage difference to a predefined voltage associated with that sense and apply a control signal that varies over time so that the voltage difference does not exceed the predefined voltage.

Sensor 90 generates a signal on detection line 95 that contains an average measured value. The signal is used by processor 120 to control the switching operation. In one embodiment, the signal comprises a data block that includes an average magnitude of electrical current in a corresponding direction. For example, a sensor can be used that generates an eight-bit data block in which the most significant bit contains the direction of the current and the remaining seven bits contain the mean magnitude.

In one embodiment, sensor 90 is further capable of measuring a difference magnitude of an energy flow, for example electric current, in either direction, in 70 or 75, between T1 115 and T2 110. The difference magnitude is the difference between two consecutive instantaneous values ​​obtained in a predetermined time interval apart. Sensor 90 generates a signal on detection line 95 that contains the magnitude of difference in a corresponding direction. Processor 120 uses the signal to control the switching of a two-way switch 65 by applying a time-varying signal 125 to the control terminal 140 of two-way switch 65. For example, sensor 90 is configured to detect instantaneous values ​​of electrical current with a particular sampling rate, say a millisecond, and calculate the difference between the instantaneous values ​​obtained 30 milliseconds apart. According to a variation of the present embodiment, the sensor 90 comprises a sensor that detects instantaneous values ​​of electric current and transmits them together with their sense to the processor 120 through a signal on the detection line 95, in which the processor 120 is program to receive the signal and calculate the difference with respect to the instantaneous values.

In one embodiment, sensor 90 is further capable of sensing a temperature from two-way switch module 60 and generating a signal containing the temperature measured by sensing line 95. The signal is received by processor 120, wherein the Processor disables power flow in either direction, at 70 or 75, between T1 115 and T2 110 when the temperature is greater than one or more predetermined temperatures stored in processor memory 120. According to a variation of the present embodiment, the sensor 90 detects a temperature of one of the MOSFETs used in the two-way switch 65, as explained above, and the processor 120 deactivates that particular MOSFET by preventing electrical current only in that In particular, said electric current from T2 110 to T1 115 at 70, while allowing the other MOSFET to conduct the electric current in the other direction at 75.

Processor 120 is programmed to control the switching operation of two-way switch module 60. Processor 120 is not limited to digital processors. Analog or other discrete or integrated circuit components may be provided to allow two-way switch module 60 to perform the same functions as those performed by processor 120. Processor 120 preferably comprises a microprocessor, a processor clock, and a power supply. In a preferred embodiment, the microprocessor is a 68C08 processor having fast internal memory, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, available from Motorola, Inc. of Schaumburg, Illinois. The internal clock may be a crystal-type oscillator or other oscillating mechanism known to those practicing the art, and the power source may be an integrated or discrete circuit configured to supply the processor 120 with an appropriate DC voltage. I know

ES 2 379 280 T3 contemplates that the processor 120 may be a combination of discrete or separate individual integrated circuits packaged in a single housing or it may be manufactured in a single integrated circuit.

In one embodiment, when an average value measured in a particular direction, say T1 115 to T2 110 at 75, is above a predefined mean value corresponding to that direction, processor 120 executes a subroutine, stored in the memory of the device. processor 120, causing it to apply a time-varying control signal 125 to enable / disable the two-way switch 65, so that the mean magnitude does not exceed a predefined mean magnitude corresponding to that particular direction. The predefined mean magnitude for each direction can be the same or different depending on the application. The time-varying control signal 125 may be an electrical signal in analog or digital format or, when a wireless interface is preferred, it may be an electromagnetic signal in the form of a radio frequency signal or an optical signal. According to a variation of the present embodiment, the processor 120 applies a time-varying control signal 125 whose frequency is a function of the frequency of the processor's oscillator. According to another variation of the present embodiment, the processor 120 applies a time-varying control signal 125 whose frequency has been programmed into the memory of the processor 120.

In one embodiment , processor 120 is programmed to apply a control signal 125 to control terminal 140 of two-way switch 65 to turn off electrical current in both directions. Processor 120 then receives, through sense line 95, a first voltage at 100 and a second voltage at 105 generated by sensor 90. The processor determines a current flow direction by subtracting the first voltage from the second voltage. The processor 120 then applies a control signal 125 to the control terminal 140 to activate the electrical current and then receives a third voltage through the detection line 95 that is generated by the sensor 90, said third voltage is detected either at 100 or 105. Processor 120 calculates a voltage difference by subtracting the third voltage from the largest value between the first voltage and the second voltage. The processor compares the voltage difference with a predefined voltage associated with that direction and applies a time-varying control signal so that the voltage difference does not exceed the predefined voltage.

In one embodiment, processor 120 is further programmed to apply a transient current disable signal 125 to disable the flow of energy in either direction between the first terminal T1 115 and the second terminal T2 110 when an instantaneous magnitude of the energy flow in any sense measured by sensor 90 is greater than one or more transient current magnitudes. For example the signal in the detection line 95, generated by the sensor 90, can contain an instantaneous value of electric current in the direction of T1 115 to T2 110. The processor 120 receives the signal through the detection line 95 and it applies a transient current deactivation signal 125, thereby deactivating the electric current in that direction only, when the instantaneous value is greater than a transient current value corresponding to that direction. Processor 120 continues to turn on / off in a controlled manner the two-way switch 65 allowing electrical current to flow in the other direction from T2 110 to T1 115.

In one embodiment, processor 120 is programmed to continue applying transient disable signal 125 until a reset signal 130 is received by processor 120 through a receiver 135 capable of receiving reset signal 130. Receiving the reset signal 130, the processor 120 applies a transient current activation signal 125 to activate the electrical current in that direction.

In one embodiment, processor 120 is further programmed to determine a time interval beginning at a time when an instantaneous amount of energy flow in either direction between first terminal T1 115 and second terminal T2 110 of the power switch two-way 65, included in the signal on detection line 95 and generated by sensor 90, exceeds one or more quantities of excess capacity and ends at a time when the instantaneous quantity falls below the one or more quantities of excess capacity, and to deactivate the flow of energy by applying a 125 signal of excess deactivation capacity when the time interval is substantially equivalent to one or more excess capacity time intervals. For example, during the time that sampled values ​​of electrical current in a given direction are generated by sensor 90 on detection line 95, processor 120 is programmed to start a counter whose count is proportional to one clock cycle of the clock. processor 120 when a sampled value of current exceeds a predefined value of current and stops the counter when a subsequent sample falls below the predefined value of current. Processor 120 determines a time interval from the counts and applies a control signal 125 to deactivate two-way switch 65 when the time interval is substantially equal to a predefined time interval. The amounts of excess capacity and the time intervals for each direction can be the same or different depending on the application.

In one embodiment, processor 120 is further programmed to apply a switch off signal 125 to turn off the flow of power in either direction between the first terminal T1 115 and the second terminal T2 110 of the two-way switch 65 when a magnitude of difference of energy flow in either direction, as measured by sensor 90 discussed above, is greater than one or more magnitudes of change. For example, the

ES 2 379 280 T3 signal 95, generated by sensor 90, can contain a different value of electric current in the direction of T2 110 to T1 115. Processor 120 receives signal 95 and applies a switch deactivation signal 125, deactivating thus the electric current in that sense only, when the difference value is greater than an exchange value corresponding to that sense. Processor 120 continues to turn on / off in a controlled manner the two-way switch 65 allowing electrical current to flow in the other direction from T1 115 to T2 110.

Referring to FIG. 3, an embodiment of a two-way switch module 60 in which one or more average input quantities are used to apply a time-varying control signal 125 will be explained. According to this alternative embodiment, the two-way switch module 60 comprises the same hardware as described above, that is, a two-way switch 65, a sensor 90, a processor 120 and further includes a receiver 135 capable of receiving one or more plus input mean magnitudes and generate a signal 130 that includes the one or more input mean magnitudes. In one application, receiver 135 may be connected to a vehicle computer network so that the one or more average input magnitudes vary as vehicle operating conditions change. Processor 120 controls power flow on / off in either direction by applying a time-varying control signal 125 to control terminal 140 of two-way switch 65 so that an average magnitude, as detected by the sensor 90 and received through detection line 95, does not exceed the one or more mean input magnitudes received through receiver 135. For example, the two-way switch module 60 is initially configured to conduct electrical current in both directions between T1 115 and T2 110. The sensor 90 measures an average value of the electrical current in a particular direction, say from T1 to T2. , and generates a signal on the detection line 95 that contains the mean value and the corresponding sense. Processor 120 compares the mean value with an input mean value received through receiver 135. If the mean value is below the mean input value for that particular sense, the processor 120 takes no action with respect to applying a time-varying control signal 125. When the average value exceeds the average input value, the processor 120 applies a time-varying control signal 125 to vary the average current magnitude in that direction.

In one embodiment, processor 120 is further programmed to use one or more predefined mean quantities, previously stored in processor 120 memory, instead of the input mean quantities received through receiver 135. According to a variation of the present embodiment, the receiver 135 generates a signal containing a data block that includes an average value of an energy flow, a direction of the energy flow, and an indicator that indicates whether the average input quantity should be used. or predefined mean magnitude. According to another variation of the present embodiment, the processor 120 may use previously stored predefined mean quantities instead of input mean quantities when the receiver 135 cannot generate the signal containing the input mean quantities or the processor is unable to receive them.

In one embodiment, receiver 135 comprises a data interface capable of receiving a time-varying input signal and a data block capable of extracting one or more average input quantities from the time-varying input signal and wherein the receiver generates a signal 130 that includes the one or more input average magnitudes. According to a variation of the present method, the receiver 135 is an input port of the processor 120, such as an RS232 input port, which receives a time-varying input signal containing, among others, one or more average input magnitudes. . Receiver 135 can be used to receive other quantities such as one or more transient current quantities, one or more excess capacity quantities, one or more excess capacity time intervals, one or more change quantities and one or more temperatures. overheating.

Referring to Fig. 3, an embodiment of the operation of the two-way switch module 60 is now described. The two-way switch 60 is turned on when either T1 115 or T2 110 is connected to a power source.

Similarly, processor 120 receives its power from either source 80 or 85. Upon power-up, processor 120 applies a control signal 125 to control terminal 140 to place two-way switch 65 in a closed-loop position. at 70 and 75 so that electric current can flow in either direction between terminal T1 115 and terminal T2 110. Processor 120 then receives a signal on detection line 95, generated by sensor 90, containing a mean amount of electrical current and a corresponding sense. Processor 120 compares the average magnitude with a predefined average magnitude associated with that direction and applies a time-varying control signal so that the average magnitude does not exceed the predefined average magnitude.

In a situation where the two-way switch module 60 is used in a vehicle electrical system, the T1 terminal 115 can be connected to a battery and the T2 terminal can be connected to a starter motor and an alternator. During the starting of the vehicle engine, the starter motor draws a considerable electric current from the battery and the two-way switch module is configured so that the predefined average magnitude of electric current in the direction of T1 115 to T2 110 is sufficiently therefore the two-way switch 65 is set to drive in that direction at 75, to ensure that

ES 2 379 280 T3 the vehicle's engine can properly complete its starting procedure. When the vehicle's engine is running and the alternator produces power, the battery is recharged by the alternator and electrical current flows from T2 110 to T1 115. In a scenario where the battery is severely depleted, the demand for electrical current in the alternator can prove to be detrimental to the vehicle's electrical system. The processor 120 receives the mean magnitude and direction of the electric current through the detection line 95, generated by the sensor 90, and applies a control signal 125 that varies with time so that it demands current by the battery from the alternator. it is limited.

In a situation, where the battery develops a short or otherwise draws excessive electrical current from the alternator, the processor 120 determines a time interval during which the electrical current remains above a predetermined excess current value. Processor 120 then applies a control signal 125 to disable the flow of electrical current from T2 110 to T1 115.

In other situations, in which the electrical current demand, or its rate of change, from any device connected to either terminal T1 115 or terminal T2 110, exceeds predefined values, processor 120 applies a control signal 125 to turn off the electric current in that sense. In applications where environmental or operating conditions expose the two-way switch module 60 to temperatures above predefined temperatures, the processor 120 deactivates the two-way switch 65 to protect it from damage.

In one embodiment, the two-way switch module 60 receives mean input quantities through receiver 135. Receiver 135 may be used to receive other quantities such as one or more transient current quantities, one or more quantities of overcapacity, one or more overcapacity time intervals, one or more magnitudes of change, and one or more superheat temperatures, collectively referred to as input values. Receiver 135 can be connected to a vehicle computer network where vehicle operating conditions are determined. The input values ​​may change depending on the operating conditions of the vehicle.

In a situation, where the two-way switch module 60 is integrated into an electrical system of a vehicle, the processor 120 receives input values ​​that vary according to the operating conditions of the vehicle. For example during vehicle start-up, the electrical current input values ​​from T1 115 to T2 110 can be set high enough so that the high current demand by a starter motor, connected to terminal T2 110, can be accomplished from a battery connected to terminal T1 115. Subsequently, during the time that the vehicle engine is running, a device, such as an alternator, connected to terminal T2 110 may develop a short or otherwise high electrical current demand. The vehicle's computer network can transmit a different input value to processor 120, through receiver 135, so that the electric current from the battery will be limited or interrupted, applying an appropriate control signal 125 as explained above. .

In another situation, where the same configuration is used, other devices connected to terminal T2 110, may need an increase in electrical current such that the battery has to be disconnected so that the alternator can properly supply power to the devices. . The processor 120 receives input values ​​according to the operating conditions existing in the vehicle and applies a control signal 125, to prevent the electric current from T2 110 to T1 115. Subsequently, an input value can be received from a vehicle's computer network through receiver 135, so that processor 120 applies a time-varying control signal 125 to slowly charge the battery by limiting electric current.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an implementation method of the two-way switch module 60 shown in Fig. 3. Upon power-up at 170, the processor 120 receives power from a bi-functional device, such as a battery connected to the first terminal T1. 115 of the two-way switch 65, and applies a signal to the control terminal 140 of the two-way switch 65 at 175 to activate the two-way switch 65. Processor 120 reads current, temperature, and voltage values ​​at 185 from a signal generated by sensor 90 at 180. Processor 120 determines at 195 whether a disable signal is present. According to a variation of the present method, the deactivation signal can be received through receiver 135. If the disable signal is present, the processor applies a signal 200 to the control terminal 140 of the two-way switch 65 to disable the two-way switch 65 at 205 and the processor 120 terminates the present procedure at 210. If the disable signal is not present, processor 120 continues to process signal 95 generated by sensor 90 at 215.

Processor 120 evaluates signal 95 for short circuit (transient current magnitude), excess current (difference magnitude), current sense, excess voltage, undervoltage, and excess temperature (overheat temperature) at 220. The processor continues to make comparisons of these quantities with previously stored predefined values ​​or input values ​​obtained through receiver 135 at 230. If the comparisons require the switch to open, then processor 120 applies

ES 2 379 280 T3 an appropriate signal, as explained hereinabove, to open the two-way switch 65 at 240 and go back to step 180. If the comparisons are not valued as a true value at 250, the Processor 120 continues to determine if a time-varying control signal needs to be applied to limit the current to 255.

If processor 120 determines that the condition requires two-way switch module 60 to limit current by 260, processor 120 applies a time-varying control signal to control terminal 140 of two-way switch 65 to maintain a current. which is equivalent to a previously stored predefined value or an input value received through receiver 135 at 265. If the condition does not require the two-way switch module 60 to limit the current at 270, the processor 120 applies a signal to close the two-way switch 65.

The above describes a two-way switch module and a method of operation. The two-way switch module comprises a controller, such as a microprocessor, which functions to control the magnitude and direction of a power flow between a first and a second terminal of the two-way switch by controlled on / off of the flow of power. energy so that the flow of energy in any direction does not exceed a predefined mean value corresponding to that direction. The two-way switch may comprise a receiver in which an input mean value is received and used to control the switching operation. The two-way switch module is also capable of being switched off when the energy flow, its rate of change, duration or a temperature of the two-way switch exceeds threshold values.