KR102103594B1 - Power supply apparatus with soft―start and protection - Google Patents

Abstract

The power supply with soft-start and protection is suitable for loads comprising a voltage stabilization unit and a load unit connected in parallel. The power supply device includes a power unit, a soft-start adjustment unit, a current detection unit and a control unit. The power unit generates a power voltage. The soft-start adjustment unit receives the power voltage, the first control signal and the second control signal, converts the power voltage into a soft-start current, and outputs the soft-start current to the voltage stabilization unit accordingly or outputs the power voltage to a voltage. Output to the stabilization unit. The current detection unit measures the current in the loop formed between the power unit and the voltage stabilization unit to generate the current detection signal (s). The control unit receives the current detection signal (s) to generate a first control signal and a second control signal.

Description

POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS WITH SOFT―START AND PROTECTION}

This application claims the priority of Taiwan Patent Application Serial No. 106204431 filed May 29, 2017 and Taiwan Patent Application Serial No. 106206915 filed May 15, 2017, all disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Included in the specification.

The present invention relates generally to a power supply, and more particularly to a power supply with soft-start and protection.

In general, devices such as motors or servers (including control circuits and drive circuits) need to be connected to a power supply with high power in order to obtain the power provided by the power supply for normal operation. However, the input terminals of devices such as motors or servers are often equipped with voltage stabilization circuits (typically consisting of one or more large capacitors). Voltage stabilization circuits are used to provide stabilized voltage stabilization when the load changes. When the main power switch of a high-powered power supply suddenly starts to operate, a large capacitor in the voltage stabilization circuit may suddenly generate a large current, that is, an inrush current. Since excessive inrush current occurs, without inrush current protection, the system must suffer the effects of a huge inrush current; If a predetermined inrush current or short circuit protection circuit is present, it can be determined as an error that a short circuit has occurred, and the short circuit protection function can be started. Therefore, such a motor or server may not operate normally.

Even, the power supply can support soft-start. However, the user sometimes starts the power supply before the power supply is connected to the load. As a result, the soft-start function is completed without load. This generates a power supply voltage generated at the output terminal of the power supply. In this situation, when the user connects the power supply to the load, a huge inrush current may suddenly occur, so that the protection circuit can initiate a short circuit protection function by determining that the circuit is short circuited as an error, thereby causing the motor Or a server failure occurs.

Moreover, in order to ensure that the power supply can still supply power to the load (motor or server) for operation, some manufacturers may remove the protection mechanism or raise the protection point. However, prolonged presence of inrush currents can damage the power supply and its internal components. Therefore, the power supply may not operate stably or the life of the power supply may be shortened. Therefore, the power supply device needs improvement and a new structure is needed to maintain the normal operation and reliability of the product.

In addition, when a damaged or faulty load device is connected to the power supply, the load device may be damaged or broken due to an internal short circuit problem, and an actual short circuit situation generally occurs with a large short circuit current to cause short circuit protection. The user can release the short circuit protection without repairing the damaged or failed load device, and then retrying and reconnecting it to the power supply, which will cause a safety problem by repeatedly generating an actual short circuit situation. For safety consciousness, there must be room for improvement and prevention of the repeated occurrence of this type of large short-circuit current.

The present invention provides a power supply with soft-start and protection to prevent the occurrence of an inrush current that damages the circuit and the power supply is in a protected state only because the instantaneous inrush current is incorrectly judged to be a short circuit. To prevent it from being locked. At the same time, the current value and energy of the inrush current can be suppressed and divided, thereby improving the safety, convenience and reliability of the circuit.

The present invention provides a power supply with soft-start and protection, suitable for powering a load. This load includes a voltage stabilization unit and a load unit connected in parallel. The power supply device with soft-start and protection includes a power unit, a soft-start adjustment unit, a current detection unit and a control unit. The power unit is under monitoring and generates a power voltage that may be a known voltage. The soft-start adjustment unit is connected to the power unit and is suitable for connection to the voltage stabilization unit, receives the power voltage, the first control signal and the second control signal, and adjusts the power voltage according to the first control signal and the second control signal. Convert to a soft-start current to adjust the soft-start current and output to the voltage stabilization unit or output the power voltage to the voltage stabilization unit (or stop outputting the power voltage to the voltage stabilization unit). The current detection unit is connected to the power unit and is suitable for connection to the voltage stabilization unit, and measures the current of the loop formed between the power unit and the voltage stabilization unit to generate the current detection signal (s). The control unit is connected to the current detection unit, and receives the current detection signal (s) to generate a first control signal and a second control signal.

The present invention provides a power supply with a protection mechanism, which includes a power unit, a soft-start adjustment unit, an output stage, a detection unit and a control unit. The power unit generates a power voltage. The soft-start adjustment unit is connected to the power unit, receives a power voltage and a plurality of control signals, converts the power voltage into a soft-start current according to the control signals to adjust and output the soft-start current, or power voltage Or stop printing. The output stage is connected to a soft-start adjustment unit and is suitable for outputting a soft-start current or power voltage. The detection unit is connected to the output terminal and detects the current state and / or voltage state to generate detection signal (s). The control unit is connected to the detection unit and the soft-start adjustment unit, and receives the detection signal (s) to generate control signals.

The present invention provides a power supply device having a protection mechanism including a power unit, a main power switch, an output stage, a detection unit and a control unit. The power unit generates a power voltage. The main power switch is connected to the power unit, receives the power voltage and (one or more) control signal (s), and outputs or stops the power voltage according to the control signal. The output stage is connected to the main power switch and is suitable for outputting the power voltage. The detection unit is connected to the output terminal and detects the current state and / or voltage state to generate the detection signal (s). The control unit is connected to the detection unit and the main power switch, and receives the detection signal (s) to generate control signal (s).

According to the power supply device having the soft-start function and the protection mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is controlled by the current detection unit to control the soft-start adjustment unit to adjust the magnitude of the current value of the soft-start current. The first control signal and the second control signal are generated according to the generated current detection signal (s), whereby the operating voltage appropriately accumulated by the voltage stabilization unit corresponds to the voltage value of the power voltage according to the soft-start adjustment unit. Equally or similarly increasing, the soft-start process is completed and then the power voltage is output directly to the voltage stabilization unit. Therefore, the inrush current generated to impair the circuit function can be effectively prevented. If the soft-start process fails due to an external short circuit, the control unit can detect the failure and stop the output of the power, generate an alarm, and even perform some protective actions to turn off the entire power system. Further, the display unit may further indicate whether the circuit is short-circuited or in another state, thereby improving circuit safety. Further, the control unit may generate a corresponding first control signal and a corresponding second control signal according to the current detection signal (s) and / or voltage detection signal (s) generated by the voltage detection unit at the same time.

Further, the detection unit detects the current state and / or voltage state of the output terminal to generate a detection signal, and the control unit determines the operating state of the power supply with the protection mechanism according to the detection signal, and the soft-start adjustment unit or In order to control the main power switch to perform the corresponding operation, it generates a corresponding control signal to determine whether the output voltage is continuously provided or entered a protection state. The generation of circuit current can be efficiently and accurately judged to prevent erroneous operation, i.e., to prevent erroneous determination of a short circuit due to only an inrush current. At the same time, through the soft-start process introduced by the soft-start adjustment unit or by turning on the main power switch according to a predetermined time and a predetermined coefficient and a (programmable) short-circuit protection mechanism, the current and energy of a large inrush current Can be prevented from being locked in a protected state by a power supply having a protection mechanism.

However, this summary may not include all aspects and embodiments of the present invention, which is not intended to be limiting or limiting in any way, and that the present invention disclosed herein includes its obvious improvements and modifications. It should be appreciated that it will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Features of exemplary embodiments considered to be novel and characteristic elements and / or steps of exemplary embodiments are disclosed in detail in the appended claims. The drawings are for illustration only and are not shown to scale. Exemplary embodiments regarding both configuration and operation methods may be best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:
1 is a schematic view of a power supply with soft-start and protection according to a first embodiment of the invention;
2 is a detailed circuit diagram of a soft-start adjustment unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a schematic view of a power supply device with a protection mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
4 is a schematic diagram of a power supply device having a protection mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The invention will now be more fully described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these examples are provided to make the present invention thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

Certain terms are used throughout the specification and the following claims to refer to specific components. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a manufacturer may refer to one component by different names. This specification distinguishes components having different functions rather than names. In the following description and claims, "comprising / comprising" is used in an open manner and should therefore be construed as "including but not limited to." “Substantially / substantially” means that a person skilled in the art can solve a technical problem within a predetermined error range in order to obtain a basic technical effect within an allowable error range. Also, the terms "connection" or "connection" cover any direct or indirect electrical coupling means. Thus, when one device is electrically connected to another device in the context, such connection may be through a direct electrical connection or through an indirect electrical connection through another device and connection. The description below relates to the best considered mode of carrying out the invention. This description is intended to illustrate the general principles of the invention and should not be construed in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is best determined by reference to the appended claims.

Also, the terms "comprises", "contains," and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. Therefore, a process, method, object or device comprising a series of elements may include these elements as well as other elements not explicitly mentioned, or may include elements unique to the process, method, object or device. Unless there are further restrictions, elements restricted by the expression "comprising-" do not exclude processes, methods, articles or other identical elements existing within the device that include such elements.

In the examples below, the same reference numbers are used to refer to the same or similar elements throughout.

1 shows a schematic diagram of a power supply with soft-start and protection according to a first embodiment of the invention. The power supply device 100 provided with soft-start and protection of this embodiment may supply power to the load 190, and accordingly, the load 190 may operate normally. In this embodiment, the load 190 includes a voltage stabilization unit 191 and a load unit 192 connected in parallel. In this case, the voltage stabilization unit 191 is, for example, a capacitor and has a voltage stabilization effect, and the load unit 192 is, for example, a motor controller, a motor or a server, or a battery in which the load is charged.

The power supply device 100 with soft-start and protection includes a power unit 110, a soft-start adjustment unit 120, a current detection unit 130 and a control unit 140.

The power unit 110 generates a power voltage that can be under monitoring and can be a known voltage. In this embodiment, the power unit 110 is, for example, a power supply or a battery or a charger, and generates a power voltage using large power to provide to the load 190 for use of the load 190.

The soft-start adjustment unit 120 is connected to the power unit 110, receives a power voltage, a first control signal and a second control signal, and adjusts the soft-start current to output to the voltage stabilization unit 191 Alternatively, the power voltage is converted into a soft-start current according to the first control signal and the second control signal to output the power voltage to the voltage stabilization unit 191. That is, for example, when the soft-start adjustment unit 120 starts a soft-start operation, the soft-start adjustment unit 120 is soft- in accordance with the first control signal and the second control signal of the control unit 140. Start current can be generated.

The current detection unit 130 is connected to the power unit 110 and is suitable for connection to the voltage stabilization unit 191, a loop formed between the power unit 110 and the voltage stabilization unit 191 (ie, the system loop) Measure the current of to generate current detection signal (s). In the soft-start process, the current detection signal (s) can specifically reflect the state of the current between the power unit 110 and the voltage stabilization unit 191.

The control unit 140 is connected to the current detection unit 130 and receives current detection signal (s) to generate a first control signal and a second control signal. That is, the control unit 140 controls the operation of the soft-start adjustment unit 120 in order to generate a soft-start current, that is, in the current detection signal (s), for example through a resistance in the soft-start adjustment unit. Depending on the state of the current, a corresponding first control signal and a corresponding second control signal are generated, so that the operating voltage established by the voltage stabilization unit 190 can be rapidly increased to a voltage value equivalent to the power voltage. have. In this embodiment, the control unit 140 is, for example, a microcontroller or microprocessor.

In the entire operation of the power supply 100 and the load 190 with soft-start and protection, first, the power unit 110 outputs the power voltage and the operating voltage on the voltage stabilization unit 191 is established at this time It is not, for example, 0V. The soft-start adjustment unit 120 generates an initial soft-start current predetermined by, for example, a resistive power ratio according to the first control signal and the second control signal, and accordingly, the operating voltage of the voltage stabilization unit 191 This is gradually established.

Then, in order to control whether the soft-start adjustment unit 120 continues to generate soft-start current, the control unit 140 detects the current to adjust the logic levels of the first control signal and the second control signal. A logic decision may be performed according to the monitoring result of the unit 130. That is, when the soft-start process has not been completed, the soft-start adjustment unit 120 continues to generate a soft-start current. When the soft-start process is completed, the soft-start adjustment unit 120 passes the power voltage to the voltage stabilization unit 191 (turns on the main power switch) and stops output of the soft-start current. In addition, the operating voltage established by the voltage stabilization unit 191 is provided to the load unit 192 so that the load unit 192 can operate normally.

According to the above, the control unit 140 generates a first control signal and a second control signal according to the current detection signal to control the soft-start adjustment unit 120 to generate a soft-start current, Accordingly, the operating voltage generated by the voltage stabilization unit 191 is gradually increased to be similar to the voltage value of the power voltage. Accordingly, when the soft-start process is completed, the soft-start adjustment unit 120 is controlled to directly output the power voltage to the voltage stabilization unit 191 that provides the operating voltage to the load unit 192. Thus, the soft-start process can reduce or limit the occurrence of inrush current to increase circuit safety.

In addition, the control unit 140 may determine whether a short circuit condition exists on the external circuit or load side, and the current value of the current detection signal from the current detection unit 130 and a predetermined current value during the soft-start process (eg, soft -The threshold of the short-circuit current under the start process and the impedance of the soft-start circuit) can be further compared, thereby generating a third control signal. For example, if the current value of the current detection signal is less than a predetermined current value (ie, a predetermined short circuit current value) under the soft-start process, it indicates that a short circuit has not occurred, and thus the control unit 140 is configured to obtain an example. For example, generate a third control signal with a low logic level; When the current value of the current detection signal is greater than a predetermined current value (ie, a predetermined short circuit current value), it indicates that a short circuit has occurred, and the control unit 140 may, for example, issue a third control signal with a high logic level. To create.

The above approach represents an external short circuit pre-detection mechanism during the soft-start process under known power unit voltage, soft-start impedance and predetermined current values before turning on the main power switch. Thus, this approach can proactively detect an external short circuit condition during the soft-start process and stop turning on the soft-start adjustment unit 120 (using the main power switch) to prevent an actual short circuit condition from occurring. have.

That is, when there is a damaged or short-circuited load device (i.e., load 190) connected to the power supply 100 with soft-start and protection, the control unit 140 determines to turn on the main power switch. Pre-detection of "external system loop impedance" can be performed before or when not in soft-start adjustment unit 120. (This is referred to as the “pre-detection of the external system loop short circuit” function.) If the control unit 140 (with the pre-detection mechanism) detects that an external short circuit exists in the entire system (including the main power switch) The soft-start adjustment unit 120 will not be turned on, which can prevent a short circuit situation from occurring.

In addition, the power supply device 100 with soft-start and protection includes the display unit 150. The display unit 150 is connected to the control unit 140 to display the third control signal and receives the third control signal generated by the control unit 140. At this time, the display unit 150 is, for example, an indicator light. For example, when the display unit 150 receives a third control signal having a low logic level, the display unit 150 does not shine. Therefore, this indicates that the circuit did not generate a short circuit. When the display unit 150 receives a third control signal having a high logic level, the display unit 150 lights up. Thus, this indicates that the circuit has caused a short circuit, thereby informing the user to perform a subsequent repair process on the power supply 100 or the load 190 thereof with soft-start and protection. Thus, this embodiment can further display whether a short circuit has occurred in the circuit, thereby improving the safety of the use of the power supply 100 or the entire system with soft-start and protection.

In addition, the power supply device 100 with soft-start and protection further includes a voltage detection unit 160. The voltage detection unit 160 is connected to the control unit 140 and is suitable to be connected in parallel to the voltage stabilization unit 191 (i.e., to two terminals of the voltage stabilization unit 191), to the control unit 140 The operating voltage on the voltage stabilization unit 191 is measured to generate a voltage detection signal, thereby performing a subsequent process. In the soft-start process, the voltage detection signal can specifically reflect the state of the established operating voltage on the voltage stabilization unit 191. Further, in this embodiment, in the soft-start process, the control unit 140 can monitor the established operating voltage on the voltage stabilization unit 191 according to the voltage detection signal provided by the voltage detection unit 160, thereby Accordingly, the control unit 140 may generate the first control signal and the second control signal to control the soft-start adjustment unit 120 according to the current detection signal and the voltage detection signal to adjust the output of the soft-start current. have. In another embodiment, after the soft-start is completed, the voltage detection unit 160 may continue to monitor the power voltage or output terminal of the power unit 110, and the control unit 140 may have different overvoltages or shortages depending on the environment. A voltage protection signal can be output.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the soft-start adjustment unit 120 is configured to connect to the positive terminal of the power unit 110 and the current detection unit 130 is the negative terminal of the power unit 110 , But is not limited to the present disclosure. The soft-start adjustment unit 120 and the current detection unit 130 can change the configuration position, that is, the soft-start adjustment unit 120 is configured to connect to the negative terminal of the power unit 110 and the current detection unit The 130 is configured to connect to the positive terminal of the power unit 110, and the same effect is also obtained. An embodiment of the system structure after modification may still refer to the description of FIG. 1, which may be omitted.

2 shows a detailed circuit diagram of the soft-start adjustment unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The soft-start adjustment unit 120 includes a first switching unit 210 (which is a main power switch) and a current adjustment unit 220.

The first switching unit 210 is connected to the power unit 110 and the control unit 140 and is suitable for connection to the voltage stabilization unit 191, receives the power voltage and the first control signal, the first control signal According to this, the output or output of the power voltage to the voltage stabilization unit 191 is stopped.

The current adjustment unit 220 is connected to the control unit 140 and connected to the first switching unit 210 in parallel, receives the power voltage and the second control signal, and soft-start current to the voltage stabilization unit 191 The power voltage is converted into a soft-start current to produce a.

In addition, the current storage unit 220 includes a first resistor R1 and a second switching unit S2. The first resistor R1 has a first terminal and a second terminal, and the first terminal of the first resistor R1 is connected to the power unit 110.

The second switching unit S2 is connected to the second terminal of the first resistor R1, the control unit 140 and the voltage stabilization unit 191, and receives the second control signal C2. The second switching unit S2 receives the second control signal C2 to be executed or not according to the control of the second control signal C2.

The second switching unit S2 is a MOSFET, for example a P-type MOSFET. The first terminal of the second switching unit S2 (ie, the gate of the P-type MOSFET) receives the second control signal C2, and the second terminal of the second switching unit S2 (ie, the P-type) The source of the MOSFET) is connected to the first resistor R1, and the third terminal of the second switching unit S2 (ie, the drain of the P-type MOSFET) is connected to the voltage stabilization unit 191. In another embodiment, the second switching unit S2 can also be implemented by an N-type MOSFET.

Also, in this embodiment, the first switching unit 210 is a MOSFET, for example a P-type MOSFET. The first terminal of the first switching unit 210 (ie, the gate of the P-type MOSFET) receives the first control signal C1, and the second terminal of the first switching unit 210 (ie, the P-type) The source of the MOSFET) is connected to the power unit 110, and the third terminal of the first switching unit 210 (ie, the drain of the P-type MOSFET) is connected to the voltage stabilization unit 191. Also, the first switching unit 210 is a MOSFET having a large power.

In the entire operation, when the power supply device 100 with soft-start and protection starts to operate, the control unit 140 is not executed by the first switching unit 210 but by the second switching unit S2. Thus, for example, a first control signal C1 having a high logic level and a second control signal C2 having a low logic level are generated. Therefore, the path through which the soft-start current flows is the first resistor R1 and the second switching unit S2, so that the operating voltage on the voltage stabilization unit 191 can increase to a voltage value close to the power voltage.

Then, when the operating voltage of the voltage stabilization unit 191 is close to or nearly equal to the power voltage, the control unit 140 controls, for example, with a low logic level to turn on the first switching unit 210. The second switching unit S2 generates a current control unit by generating a signal C1 and thus the first switching unit 210 is executed, for example, by generating a second control signal C2 having a high logic level. It is not implemented to turn 220 off. Thus, the soft-start process is completed, whereby the power unit 100 is connected to the voltage stabilization unit 191 to provide the operating voltage directly to the load unit 192. Thus, the soft-start current operates within the maximum allowed by the power requirement of the resistor through the resistor in the current adjustment unit 220. The soft-start current gradually establishes the operating voltage on the voltage stabilization unit 191. When the operating voltage on the voltage stabilization unit 191 is close to or nearly the same as the power voltage, the first switching unit 210 is allowed to execute, thereby preventing the inrush current from being generated which may impair the circuit function, thereby Improve circuit safety.

3 shows a schematic view of a power supply device with a protection mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The power supply device 300 having a protection mechanism includes a power unit 310, a soft-start adjustment unit 320, an output terminal 330, a detection unit 340 and a control unit 350.

The power unit 310 generates a power voltage. In this embodiment, the power unit 310 is, for example, a power supply or a battery or a charger, and may provide a power voltage using a large amount of power to provide to the load for use of the load.

The soft-start adjustment unit 320 is connected to the power unit 310, receives the power voltage and a plurality of control signals, and adjusts and outputs the soft-start current or outputs the power voltage according to the control signal (s) The power voltage is converted into a soft-start current. That is, the soft-start adjustment unit 320 is controlled by the control signal (s) to adjust the magnitude of the soft-start current or to directly output or stop outputting the power voltage.

In addition, the soft-start adjustment unit 320 includes a main power switch 321 and a current adjustment unit 322. The main power switch 321 is connected to the power unit 310, the control unit 350 and the output terminal 330. The current adjusting unit 322 is connected to the control unit 350 and is connected in parallel to the main power switch 321. For example, when the soft-start adjustment unit 320 starts operating the soft-start process, the control unit 350 adjusts the current to control the current value of the soft-start current in operation according to different control signals. The main power switch 321 may be controlled to turn off and control the unit 322. Alternatively, when the soft-start process is completed, the main power switch 321 is turned on to directly output the power voltage, and the operation of the current adjustment unit 322 is turned off. Alternatively, during the soft-start process, if the control unit 350 finds that the soft-start process has failed and has not completed normally, such as a short circuit from an external circuit or external load, the control unit 350 switches the main power Turn off 321 and the operation of the current adjustment unit 322, that is, the output of the power voltage is turned off at the output terminal.

The output terminal 330 is connected to the soft-start adjustment unit 320 and is suitable for outputting a soft-start current or power voltage. The output stage 330 is also suitable for being connected to a load to output a soft-start current or power voltage to the load.

The detection unit 340 is connected to the output terminal 330 to generate a detection signal and detects the current state and / or voltage state of the output terminal 330. The current state and / or voltage state of the output terminal 330 is, for example, the current value of the soft-start current and / or the voltage value of the output terminal 330, and the voltage (such as overcurrent or short circuit) in the detection unit and / or Or some detection signal / event generated by the current protection circuit. For example, when the output terminal 330 is connected to the load after the power supply device 300 with the protection mechanism is already operated, a detection signal / event of the protection circuit with overcurrent or short circuit protection occurs.

The control unit 350 is connected to the detection unit 340 and the soft-start adjustment unit 320 and receives detection signal (s) to generate a control signal. That is, when the control unit 350 receives the detection signal (s), the control unit 350 depends on the current operating situation or the state of the system (for example, the power supply device 300 with a protection mechanism), that is Operation of the power supply device 300 with a protection mechanism to generate a control signal correspondingly to a change in the current value and / or voltage value, and correspondingly to an input of a detection signal / event generated by the voltage and / or current protection circuit Can decide. The above-described operation state is, for example, whether the soft-start operation of the soft-start adjustment unit 320 is completed, or whether the output terminal 330 is connected to the load when the power supply device 300 with the protection mechanism has already been operated. Or, the first time the power supply device 300 with the protection mechanism detects the load current.

In the entire operation, it is assumed that the power supply device 300 having the protection mechanism is reliably connected to the load, that is, the output terminal 330 is connected to the load. The user starts the operation of the power supply device 300 with the protection mechanism, and then generates a control signal to the soft-start adjustment unit 320 so that the control unit 350 performs a soft-start operation. That is, the soft-start adjustment unit 320 may be controlled to adjust and output the soft-start current, and the soft-start current is output to the load through the output terminal 330. Then, the detection unit 340 can detect the current state and / or voltage state of the output terminal 330 to correspondingly generate a detection signal to the control unit 350, whereby the control unit 350 corresponds The effect of monitoring and protection is obtained by performing a subsequent process.

During the soft-start process, the control unit 350 continues to monitor whether the current value of the soft-start current to the output terminal 330 is normal through the detection unit 340. When the detected current value of the soft-start to the output stage 330 is normal, the control unit 350 controls the soft-start adjustment unit 320 to adjust the magnitude of the corresponding soft-start current, for example. A corresponding control signal can be generated, so that the operating voltage of the load is gradually increased to be equal to or close to the voltage value of the power voltage. When the soft-start process is complete, the control unit 350 can generate a corresponding control signal to the soft-start adjustment unit 320 to output the power voltage directly to the load.

Also, during the soft-start process, if the current value of the detection signal generated by the detection unit 340 is not the expected soft-start current value and the current value is greater than the predetermined soft-start current pack, this is the circuit. Indicates that it may have a short circuit problem. If, after the predetermined monitoring time, the control unit 350 still determines that the current value of its received detection signal is greater than the predetermined current value, this indicates that the system circuit has a short circuit problem. Accordingly, the control unit 350 generates a corresponding control signal so that the power supply 300 with the protection mechanism stops the output of the soft-start current or turns off completely, or the circuit has a short circuit problem. An alarm is generated to indicate to the user to perform a subsequent repair process on the power supply 300 or its load with a protection mechanism.

In another embodiment, this embodiment describes that the power supply device 300 with the protection mechanism is not connected to the load when it starts to operate, that is, the output terminal 330 is not connected to the load. The user starts the operation of the power supply device 300 with the protection mechanism, and the control unit 350 controls the soft-start adjustment unit 320 to perform a soft-start process. Then, the control unit 350 continuously monitors whether the current state and / or voltage state of the output terminal 330 is normal through the detection unit 340, and the control unit 350 outputs the output terminal 330 to the load. You can find that you are not connected. At this time, the control unit 350 may return to the initial state of the soft-start process, that is, the main power switch 321 is not turned on and only the current limited path with the resistance of the soft-start process is initiated and enabled. When the load is connected, it waits to connect to the load to perform the soft-start process again. If the standby time exceeds the predetermined "idle time" without being connected to the load, the control unit 350 is corresponding to the power supply device 300 with the protection mechanism completely turned off to save power consumption. Generate control signals.

In other situations, if the standby time is not connected to the load and does not exceed a predetermined " idle time, " the user connects the load to the power supply 300 with a protection mechanism, i.e., the load is connected to the output terminal 330. Connected. Since the power supply 300 with the protection mechanism is already in the initial state of the soft-start process, the detection unit 340 can detect the soft-start power value from the detection unit 340 when the load is connected. have. Therefore, the control unit 350 can generate a corresponding control signal to complete the soft-start process and monitor whether the soft-start process is normal. If the soft-start current value is greater than the predetermined soft-start current value of the control unit 350, this indicates that the external load circuit is shorted. Accordingly, the control unit 350 has a corresponding control so that the power supply 300 with the protection mechanism stops or completely turns off the output of the soft-start current, or generates an alarm to indicate that the circuit is shorted. Generates a signal to inform the user to perform a subsequent repair process on the power supply 300 or its load with a protection mechanism.

In another situation, it is assumed that in the entire operation, the power supply device 300 with the protection mechanism is not connected to the load, that is, the output terminal 330 is not connected to the load. The user initiates the operation of the power supply device 300 with the protection mechanism, and accordingly, the soft-start adjustment unit 320 is executed so that the control unit 350 performs the soft-start process to complete the soft-start process. In order to output the power voltage directly, the main power switch 321 is controlled to turn on. Then, the control unit 350 continuously monitors whether the current state and / or voltage state of the output terminal 330 is normal or not through the detection unit 340, and waits to connect to the load. When not connected to the load and the waiting time exceeds a predetermined "idle time", the control unit 350 sends a corresponding control signal so that the power supply 300 with the protection mechanism is completely turned off to save power consumption. To create.

In other situations, if the standby time is not connected to the load and does not exceed a predetermined " idle time, " the user connects the load to the power supply 300 with a protection mechanism, i.e., the load is connected to the output terminal 330. Connected. Since the power supply device 300 with the protection mechanism has already completed the soft-start process and the main power switch 321 is turned on, the detection unit 340 continues to be in the current state and / or voltage of the output terminal 330 To detect the condition and generate a detection signal to the control unit 350 to perform a subsequent process. Accordingly, when the current value of the detection signal generated by the detection unit 340 suddenly increases, and when the current value is greater than the predetermined short-circuit current value of the control unit 350 during the soft-start process, this means that the circuit Indicates that it may have an inrush current or it may have a short circuit problem. At this time, the control unit 350 may start short-circuit protection by turning off the main power switch 321, and as a result, restart the soft-start process to limit the inrush current or perform short-circuit protection.

Thereafter, during the restart of the soft-start process, the control unit 350 can continuously monitor the current value of the detection signal generated from the detection unit 340. If the current value of the detection signal is less than the predetermined soft-start current value, this indicates that the circuit is not short-circuited, that is, the suddenly increased upper current value is an instantaneous inrush current. Accordingly, the control unit 350 generates a corresponding control signal to control the soft-start adjustment unit 320 to continue performing the soft-start process. During the restart of the soft-start process, if the current value of the detection signal generated from the detection unit 340 is greater than the predetermined soft-start current, this indicates that the circuit is shorted. Thus, the control unit 350 generates a corresponding control signal so that the power supply 300 with the protection mechanism stops the output of the soft-start current, turns off completely, or generates an alarm indicating that the circuit is shorted. , Thereby informing the user to perform a subsequent repair process on the power supply 300 with the protection mechanism or its load. Alternatively, the control unit 350 can lock the power supply 300 with a protection mechanism in a protected state or completely turn off the power supply 300 with a protection mechanism to save power consumption. You can.

4 shows a schematic view of a power supply device with a protection mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The power supply device 400 having a protection mechanism includes a power unit 410, a main power switch 420, an output terminal 430, a detection unit 440, and a control unit 450.

The power unit 410 generates a power voltage. In this embodiment, the power unit 410 is, for example, a power supply or a battery or charger, and generates a power voltage using large power to provide to the load.

The main power switch 420 is connected to the power unit 410, receives a power voltage and a control signal, and outputs a power voltage according to the control signal. In this embodiment, the main power switch 420 is, for example, a MOSFET. The main power switch 420 performs or does not perform according to the control of the control signal (s) so as to output or not output the power voltage corresponding to the output terminal.

The output terminal 430 is connected to the soft-start adjustment unit 420 and is suitable for outputting a power voltage. The output stage 430 is also suitable for connecting to a load to output power voltage to the load.

The detection unit 440 is connected to the output terminal 430 to generate a detection signal to detect the current state and / or voltage state of the output terminal 430. At this time, the current state and / or voltage state of the output terminal 430 is, for example, a current and / or voltage value of the output terminal 430, and a detection signal / event generated by a protection circuit (such as an overcurrent or short circuit protection circuit). It includes. For example, a detection signal / event of a protection circuit with overcurrent or short circuit protection is generated when the output terminal 430 is connected to the load after the power supply 400 with the protection mechanism has already been operated.

The control unit 450 is connected to the detection unit 440 and the main power switch 420 and receives a detection signal to generate control signal (s). That is, when the control unit 450 receives the detection signal, the control unit 450 is configured to respond to a current operation state of the power supply device 400 having a protection mechanism or a change in the current value and / or voltage value of the detection signal. Accordingly, a corresponding control signal can be determined and generated. The above operating state may be, for example, whether the output terminal 430 is connected to the load before or after the power supply device 400 with the protection mechanism starts operation, or the power supply device 400 with the protection mechanism. ) Whether or not a short circuit has occurred when connected to the load. This means that the control mechanism in the control unit 450 can be "dynamically" configured and "reprogrammed" according to the current operating state of the power supply with the protection mechanism. That is, when the control unit 450 receives the detection signal, the control unit 450 may generate a corresponding control signal according to the current setting value or state of the control mechanism of the control unit 450. For example, the power supply 400 with a protection mechanism operates the initialization of system operation for the first time during the power-on phase, and controls the unit 450 to divide the current magnitude and the energy of the inrush current when the load is connected. ), The set values of "short-circuit current protection threshold" and / or "short-circuit protection delay time threshold" may be set to a lower value with higher sensitivity. After completing the process for reducing and dividing the inrush current, the setting values of the "short-circuit current protection threshold" and / or "short-circuit protection delay time threshold" in the control unit 450 provide short-circuit protection under normal operating conditions. It can be set to a higher value with lower sensitivity to perform.

In the entire operation in one embodiment, it is assumed that the power supply 400 with the protection mechanism is securely connected to the load, that is, the output terminal 430 is connected to the load. The user initiates operation of the power supply 400 with a protection mechanism, and then the control unit 450 generates a control signal to the main power switch 420 for the main power switch 420 to execute. That is, the main power switch 420 may output a power voltage to the load through the output terminal 430. The detection unit 440 can then detect the current state and / or voltage state and the detection signal / event generated by the voltage and / or current protection circuit, so that the control unit 450 performs the corresponding subsequent process Thereby generating a detection signal to the control unit correspondingly to obtain the effect of monitoring and protection.

When the current value of the detection signal generated by the detection unit 440 suddenly increases and the current value is greater than the "short-circuit current protection threshold" and / or "short-circuit protection delay time threshold" of the control unit 450, this Indicates that the circuit may have an inrush current or may be shorted. At this time, the control unit 450 starts the short circuit protection by turning off the main power switch 420. And as a result, within a predetermined time, the control unit 450 may attempt to determine whether the source of the shorted current is an inrush current or an actual short. As a result, according to a predetermined time interval, the control unit 450 controls and executes the main power switch 420 to provide the power voltage to the load through the output terminal 430, for example, up to 3 times (count) Preset. At the same time, the control unit 450 may, through the detection unit 440, determine the current state and / or voltage state of the output stage 430 through the detection unit 440 to determine whether or not the circuit is actually actually shorted or inrush current is still present in the system. Detection signals / events generated by voltage and / or current protection circuits (such as overcurrent or short circuit event signals) are continuously detected.

In another embodiment, this embodiment describes that the power supply 400 with the protection mechanism is not connected to the load, that is, the output terminal 430 is not connected to the load. The user starts the operation of the power supply device 400 having the protection mechanism, and accordingly controls and executes the switching unit 420 so that the control unit 450 outputs the power voltage to the output terminal 430. The control unit 450 then continuously monitors whether the current state and / or voltage state of the output terminal 430 is normal or not through the detection unit 440 and waits for the load to be connected. When the load is not connected and the waiting time exceeds a predetermined "idle time", the control unit 450 generates a corresponding control signal, so that the power supply 400 with the protection mechanism is completely turned off and consumes power. Is saved.

In other situations, if the standby time does not exceed a predetermined " idle time " without load, the user connects the load to the power supply 400 with a protection mechanism, ie the load is connected to the output terminal 430 . Since the power supply device 400 with the protection mechanism is already operating, the current value of the detection current generated by the detection unit 440 suddenly increases. If the current value is greater than the “short-circuit protection threshold current value” of the control unit 450, this indicates that the circuit may have a large inrush current or may be shorted. At this time, within a predetermined time interval, the control unit 450 controls and executes the switching unit 420 to provide a power voltage to the load through the output terminal 430, for example, presets up to three times. The control unit 450 determines the current state of the output terminal 430 and the voltage (such as an overcurrent or short circuit event signal) through the detection unit 440 and determines whether the circuit is actually actually shorted or inrush current still exists in the system. / Or detection signals / events generated by the current protection circuit are continuously detected.

After a predetermined time interval and / or a predetermined count that causes the control unit 450 to control and execute the main power switch 420, the control unit 450 still receives the received current value of its detection signal “short” If it is higher than the "current protection threshold" value, it can be determined that the circuit is shorted. Accordingly, the control unit 450 generates a corresponding control signal to generate an alarm to indicate that the power supply device 400 having the protection mechanism stops operation or the circuit is shorted, thereby providing the protection mechanism to the user. May inform the power supply 400 equipped or its load to perform a subsequent repair process, or the control unit 450 may lock the power supply 400 with a protection mechanism in a protected state, Alternatively, in order to save power consumption, the power supply device 400 having a protection mechanism may be completely turned off.

As a result, within a predetermined time interval and / or predetermined coefficient that causes the control unit 450 to control and execute the main power switch 420, the control unit 450 receives the received current value of its detection signal. It is determined that it is less than the "short-circuit protection threshold current value", which indicates that the circuit is not short-circuited, that is, the suddenly increased upper current value is an instantaneous inrush current. The control unit 450 then generates a corresponding control signal in order for the control switching unit 420 to continue executing so as to continue providing the power voltage to the load and the circuit not erroneously determining as a short circuit. Thus, the power supply with the protection mechanism is not locked in the protected state.

In another situation, after a predetermined time interval and / or a predetermined coefficient that causes the control unit 450 to control and execute the main power switch 420, the control unit 450 receives the received current value of its detection signal. It is determined that this is greater than the " short-circuit protection threshold current value ", which indicates that the circuit is short-circuited, i.e., that the suddenly increased upper current value was caused by the short circuit. The control unit 450 then controls and turns off the switching unit 420 and generates a corresponding control signal so as not to provide a power voltage to the load, so that the power supply with the protection mechanism is locked in the protected state do.

In addition, the power supply 400 with a protection mechanism further includes a counting and timing unit 460. The counting and timing unit 460 is connected (or integrated within the control unit) to the control unit 450 and provides (programmable) count values to the control unit. When the current value of the detection signal generated by the detection unit 440 suddenly increases, the control unit 450 changes the main power switch 420 according to a predetermined time interval and / or a predetermined coefficient corresponding to the counter value. ) Is controlled and executed. The control unit 450 then continues to detect the current state of the output stage 430 through the detection unit 440 to determine whether the current is a shorted current or just an instantaneous inrush current.

According to the power supply device with the soft-start function and the protection mechanism of the embodiments of the present invention, the control unit is connected to the current detection unit to control the soft-start adjustment unit to adjust the magnitude of the current value of the soft-start current. Generates a first control signal and a second control signal according to the current detection signal generated by, and accordingly the operating voltage generated by the voltage stabilization unit is appropriately increased equal to or close to the voltage value according to the soft-start adjustment unit Thereby completing the soft-start process and then outputting the power voltage directly to the voltage stabilization unit. Thus, the inrush current generated without a soft-start process that can damage the circuit can be effectively prevented. In addition, the display unit may further indicate whether the circuit is shorted to improve circuit safety. Further, the control unit may further generate a corresponding first control signal, a corresponding second control signal, and a voltage detection signal generated by the voltage detection unit simultaneously according to the current detection signal. Thus, the generated inrush current which can damage the circuit can also be effectively prevented.

In addition, the detection unit detects the current state and / or voltage state of the output terminal to generate a detection signal, and the control unit determines the operating state of the power supply with the protection mechanism according to the detection signal and whether the output voltage is continuously provided Alternatively, a corresponding control signal is generated to control the soft-start adjustment unit or the main power switch to perform a corresponding operation to determine whether to enter the protection state. Therefore, it can be effectively determined that the circuit is not short-circuited or prevents incorrect operation, that is, it does not prevent only an instantaneous inrush current that causes the circuit to be incorrectly determined to be short-circuited. At the same time, through a soft-start adjustment unit that allows the control unit to control and execute the main power switch or a soft-start process introduced by multiple short-circuit protection, the current and energy of a large inrush current are divided to provide a protection mechanism. The power supply is prevented from being locked in a protected state.

Although the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts of the present invention that other changes can be made to the exemplary embodiments beyond the embodiments specifically described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims (18)

A power supply device having soft-start and protection for supplying power to a load including a voltage stabilization unit and a load unit connected in parallel,
A power unit generating a power voltage;
Connected to the power unit and connected to the voltage stabilization unit, receiving the power voltage, the first control signal and at least one second control signal to adjust a soft-start current, the first control signal and the at least Convert the power voltage to a soft-start current according to one second control signal to enable the at least one second control signal to output the soft-start current to the voltage stabilization unit, or the first control Soft-start adjustment to stop the system or turn off the power by outputting the power voltage to the voltage stabilization unit by enabling a signal, or by disabling both the first control signal and the at least one second control signal. unit;
A current detection unit connected to the power unit, connected to the voltage stabilization unit, and measuring a current in a loop formed between the power unit and the voltage stabilization unit to generate a current detection signal;
A control unit connected to the current detection unit and receiving the current detection signal to generate the first control signal and the second control signal; And
And a display unit connected to the control unit and receiving the third control signal generated by the control unit to display the third control signal,
During a soft-start process, the control unit further compares a current value of the current detection signal from the detection unit with a predetermined current value to perform a pre-detection function of an external system loop short circuit and indicate a short circuit condition accordingly. Power supply with soft-start and protection for generating the third control signal. delete According to claim 1,
When the current value of the current detection signal is less than the predetermined current value, this indicates that a short circuit has not occurred and the control unit generates a third control signal with a low logic level to the display unit; When the current value of the current detection signal is greater than the predetermined current value, this indicates that a short circuit has occurred, and the control unit generates a third control signal with a high logic level, power with soft-start and protection. Feeder. According to claim 1,
A voltage detection unit connected to the control unit and connected to the voltage stabilization unit in parallel, and measuring a voltage on the voltage stabilization unit to generate a voltage detection signal to the control unit, further comprising soft-start and protection. Power supply. According to claim 1,
The soft-start adjustment unit is:
A power supply connected to the power unit and the control unit and connected to the voltage stabilization unit, receiving the power voltage and the first control signal, and outputting the power voltage to the voltage stabilization unit according to the first control signal 1 switching unit; And
It is connected to the control unit and connected to the first switching unit in parallel, receives the power voltage and the second control signal, converts the power voltage into the soft-start current to convert the soft-start current to the voltage Power supply with soft-start and protection, comprising a current adjustment unit outputting to a stabilization unit. The method of claim 5,
The current adjustment unit is:
A first resistor having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal of the first resistor is connected to the power unit; And
And a second switching unit connected to the second terminal of the first resistor, the control unit and the voltage stabilization unit, and receiving the second control signal. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

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