TWI232017B - Overcurrent protection for the series fuse - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention includes a circuit that approximates the thermal behavior of a fuse or other electronic device that is coupled in series with the circuit. In one preferred embodiment, the circuit protects a fuse coupled in series with a rechargeable battery from clearing during soft short conditions. Thus, when the instantaneous current is temporarily above the current rating of the fuse, yet the root mean squared current is below the current rating of the fuse, the circuit works to estimate the heating of the fuse element and limit the current to a root mean squared value that is less than the current rating of the fuse. One embodiment includes a programmable comparator that actuates a counter which, in turn, increments to estimate heating of the element when the current exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Description

1232017 五、發明說明（1) 相關申請案相互參考 此申請案係延續美國非臨時性申請序號0 9 / 5 4 5，1 3 5的部 份，其於20 0 0年4月7-S提案，其主張優先權為美國臨時申 請序號6 0/1 72,273，其於1999年12月17日提案，其文獻包 含所有附加檔案及附註，皆以其完整内容在此引用做為參 考。 此申請案亦為延續美國非臨時性申請案，名為”同等矽 之 PTC 電路"（'’Silicon Equivalent PTC Circuit，，，由發 明人 John Wendell Oglesbee 於 20 0 0 年 l〇 月 17 日提案，其 主張優先振為美國6¾時申請序號，其於iggg年 1 0月2 2曰提案，其文獻包含所-有附加檔案及附註，皆以其 完整内容在此引用做為參考。 八1232017 V. Description of the invention (1) Cross-reference to related applications This application is a continuation of the US non-provisional application serial number 0 9/5 4 5, 1 3 5 and was proposed in April 7-S, 2000 , Which claims priority is US Provisional Application No. 6 0/1 72,273, which was proposed on December 17, 1999, and its document contains all additional files and notes, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. This application is also a continuation of the US non-provisional application, named "Silicon Equivalent PTC Circuit" ("Silicon Equivalent PTC Circuit", proposed by the inventor John Wendell Oglesbee on October 17, 2000 , It claims that the priority is to apply for the serial number of the United States at 6¾, which was proposed on October 22nd, iggg, and its document contains all the attached files and notes, all of which are incorporated herein by reference for their complete contents.

此申請案主張優先權為/美國臨時申請序號6〇/ 1 72 ， 其於測年㈣口日提案，其文獻包含所有附加案及附 注’皆以其完整内容在此引用做為參考。 此申請案進一 60/202, 150 ，其 加檔案及附註， 此申請案進一 60/203, 795 ，其 加樓案及附註， 步主張優先權為美國 於2 0 00年5月5日提案 皆以其完整内容在此 步主張優先權為美國 於2000年5月9日提幸 皆以其完整内容在此 技術範®壽 臨時申請序號 ’其文獻包含所有附 引用做為參考。 臨時申請序號 ’其文獻包含所有附 引用做為參考。This application claims priority to: / US Provisional Application No. 60/1 72, which was proposed on the date of the dating, and its document contains all additional cases and annotations', which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. This application goes to 60/202, 150 and its files and notes are added, this application goes to 60/203, 795 and its additions to the case and notes, it claims that the priority is that the United States proposed on May 5, 2000 Claiming priority in this step with its complete content is the United States on May 9, 2000. Fortunately, its full content is included in this Technical Fan® Temporary Application Serial Number ', and its literature contains all references cited. The provisional application serial number ′ contains references for all references.

本發明一般而言係關於加入串聯 路，及該較佳具體實施例更特定而 輕合保險絲的電子電 言係關於在加入串聯保The present invention generally relates to the addition of a series circuit, and the preferred embodiment is more specific and the electronic fuse of the light fuse is related to the addition of a series fuse.

1232017 五、發明說明（2) — -- 險、糸的％池充電電路中的保護電路，用於電路保護。 4 發明背景 子電路通常使用保險絲元件來保護。當過多的電流經 過一，險絲時，及超過該額定值的電流，該軟性保險絲材 料即療發’藉以使該電路斷路。舉例而言，一吹風機可包 含一 f險絲來保護該吹風機受到過電流的損害。如果不小 心=吹風機掉入水槽，水份即會產生一路徑而造成過量的 電，通，。此會造成該吹風機停止工作。為了避免對吹風 機造成損害’ 一與電源線串聯的保險絲即會跳過，藉此來 -切斷該吹風機與牆上的插座。 I猎此末 充電電池通常使用保險絲來1呆護電池。當充電電池，像 是那些以鐘製成者，如果菩被過充電，其可在高溫時釋放 氣體。當發生這種狀況時，即會影響到該電池的可靠性。 因此’充電電池組製造商通常放置保險絲（除于·電池保 護電路之外）在該電池包裝中。如果發生一暫時性的問 題’ δ亥電池保護電路，其包含電晶體開關，將會切斷電路 來防止一過電流狀況。但是，在發生電池保護電路失效的 嚴重狀況4 ’遠保險絲即會跳過而藉此來提供另一層的保 護。 這種保險絲的問題是其通常是不可替換的。換言之，製 造商通常將其焊到一電路板，而最終使用者無法處理。因 此，當該保險絲跳脫時，該電池受到保護^但其也變成無 用了，因為該電池現在已與該電池組的終端斷開了。通 常，一短路電流尖峰會造成該保險絲不慎***。此即熟知1232017 V. Description of the invention (2) —-The protection circuit in the dangerous and dangerous% pool charging circuit is used for circuit protection. 4 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Subcircuits are usually protected with fuse elements. When too much current is passed through the fuse, and the current exceeds the rated value, the soft fuse material is treated to open the circuit. For example, a hair dryer may contain an f-line to protect the hair dryer from damage caused by overcurrent. If you are not careful = the hair dryer falls into the sink, the water will create a path and cause excessive electricity. This will cause the hairdryer to stop working. In order to avoid damage to the hair dryer ’, a fuse in series with the power cord is skipped, thereby cutting off the hair dryer from the wall socket. At this point, rechargeable batteries usually use fuses to protect the battery. When rechargeable batteries, such as those made from bells, can be released at high temperatures if they are overcharged. When this happens, the reliability of the battery is affected. Therefore, manufacturers of 'rechargeable battery packs' often place fuses (except for battery protection circuits) in this battery package. If a temporary problem occurs, the δHai battery protection circuit, which includes a transistor switch, will cut off the circuit to prevent an overcurrent condition. However, in the severe case where the battery protection circuit fails, the 4 'far fuse will be skipped to provide another layer of protection. The problem with this type of fuse is that it is usually irreplaceable. In other words, manufacturers usually solder it to a circuit board, which the end user cannot handle. Therefore, when the fuse is tripped, the battery is protected ^ but it also becomes useless because the battery is now disconnected from the terminal of the battery pack. Usually, a short-circuit current spike can cause the fuse to explode accidentally. This is known

第6頁 1232017 五、發明說明（3) 的”麻煩的出錯"。如 棄該電池而購買另一 ^ $生一麻煩出錯時，使用者必須丟 的狀況。對於二此女^，即使該電池及電路可以是有缺點 需要1良的保ΐ電池成本超過一百美元，因此有 '、濩书路來防止串聯保險絲的麻煩出錯。 圖1為祀Μ 士 圖式簡單說明 I / 务明的一架構方塊圖。 圖2為根據本發明的_ 圖3為根攄太麻ΗΒ从私^對$間的比較圖形。 圖4本七月的一類似的熱估計器電路。 -圖4為根據本發明的一 -例。 …估"τ 私路的一較佳具體實施 參 圖5為根據本發明的一線性電流調節器。 發明/詳細說明 面佳具體實施例現在將詳細說明。請參考圖 明及整個” ΐ在整個圖面中代表相同的零件，如此處說 處明確相《V月ί利範圍中所用到#，以下的名詞皆採用此 確相關的思義，除非上下文清楚地指出，否則：” 一 an， the)皆包含複數之義，而"in”的意義 及on" 〇 口上u 、現在請參考圖1，其中所示為一電池保護電路，其為在 ^國臨時申請編號6 0/202, 1 50中所揭示，於2〇〇〇年5月5日 ^木’及美國臨時申請編號60/203，795，於2000年5月9日 ^ °邊保護電路1 〇 〇包含一分流電晶體1 〇 L及一串聯電曰曰 體102，以及一控制電路103。該控制電路1〇〇包含一具有 熱鐵條的分流調節器，如共同提出的美國專利申請Page 6 1232017 V. "Troublesome Error" in the description of the invention (3). If you discard the battery and buy another ^ $ If a trouble occurs, the user must lose it. For two women ^, even if the Batteries and circuits can have shortcomings and require a good battery. The cost of the battery is more than one hundred US dollars, so there is a way to prevent the trouble of series fuses. Figure 1 is a simple illustration of a schematic diagram of I A block diagram of an architecture. Figure 2 is a diagram of the comparison of the ^ Η Η Η Η 从 对 $ $ $ $ $ 根据 $ 根据 图 根据 根据 根据 根据 根据 根据 根据 根据 根据 根据 图 根据 根据 3 3 3 3 3-4 4 4 4 4 An example of the present invention .... A preferred embodiment of the quoting τ private circuit is shown in FIG. 5 for a linear current regulator according to the present invention. Invention / Detailed Description The preferred embodiment will now be described in detail. Please refer to图 明 和 全 ”代表 represents the same parts in the entire drawing. If it is said here that“ ## used in the range of V ί 利利 ”, the following nouns use this really relevant meaning unless the context clearly indicates , Otherwise: "an, the) contains The meaning of the number, and the meaning of "in" and on "〇 上 上 u, please refer to Figure 1, which shows a battery protection circuit, which is described in the country's provisional application number 6 0/202, 1 50 It was revealed that on May 5, 2000 ^ Mu 'and US Provisional Application No. 60 / 203,795, on May 9, 2000 ^ ° edge protection circuit 1000 includes a shunt transistor 100L and A series electric body 102 and a control circuit 103 are provided. The control circuit 100 includes a shunt regulator with a hot iron bar, such as a co-filed U.S. patent application

1232017 五、發明說明（4) =^5，135，4/7/00提案，其中所揭示。該分流調節器 0 4基^本上監視穿過該電池1〇5的電壓。當此電壓增加超過 一預定的臨限值時，該分流調節器1〇4造成 10 1；^ t, f „105 ^ ^ „ ,, Λ 壓。此流過該分流電晶體101的電流造成該分流電 曰曰體101由於I2R損耗而被加熱。當在該分流電晶體1〇1中’ t溫度到達一預定臨限值時，該分流調節器i 0 4造成該分 =電晶體進入一完全導電模式，藉此使穿過該分流電晶體. 1 0 1的阻抗最小化。此動作稱為一"熱鐵條，，效應。 糾，t藝的專業人士很快可發現當該分流電晶艟101變為 _飽和時，一低阻抗路徑即耦合於該電池i 〇 5。換言之，該 導電分流電晶體101成為穿過，電池丨05的一有效:短路，，〃。 ^ I防止該電池105自我放電，該分流調節器在^該鐵條動 ^進行時即斷開該串聯¢/晶體102。因此，該電池1〇5即成 為與该分流電晶體1 0 1成為電性解耦合狀雜。 除了該串聯電晶體1 0 2的斷路動作之外了該/聯電晶體 102也執行其它的功能。除了該分流調節器1〇4之外，該栌 制1路也包含一同等石夕PTC電路106，其插述於發明人 Wendell 0glesbee所提美國非臨時中請案名為"同等矽的 PTC 電路"（"silicon一equivalent PTC circuit”），其於 2 0 0 0年10月17日提案。該同等矽PTC電路1〇6最佳地^以範 例來解釋。在某些狀況下’跨過該電池丨〇6的電壓可低於 預定的臨限值（而因此該分流電晶體1 〇 i波未導通），但流 經該電池1 0 5的電流可在一不正常的範圍。不正常的^ ^1232017 V. Description of the invention (4) = ^ 5,135, 4/7/00 proposal, disclosed in it. The shunt regulator monitors the voltage across the battery 105. When this voltage increases beyond a predetermined threshold, the shunt regulator 104 causes 10 1; ^ t, f „105 ^ ^„, Λ voltage. The current flowing through the shunt transistor 101 causes the shunt capacitor 101 to be heated due to I2R loss. When the temperature of the shunt transistor 101 reaches a predetermined threshold, the shunt regulator i 0 4 causes the shunt transistor to enter a fully conductive mode, thereby passing through the shunt transistor. The impedance of 1 0 1 is minimized. This action is called a "hot iron bar" effect. Correction, professionals in the art will soon find that when the shunt power transistor 101 becomes _saturated, a low impedance path is coupled to the battery i 05. In other words, the conductive shunt transistor 101 becomes through, and one of the batteries 05 is effective: short circuit, 〃. ^ I prevents the battery 105 from self-discharging, and the shunt regulator disconnects the series / crystal 102 when the iron bar is moving. Therefore, the battery 105 becomes electrically decoupled from the shunt transistor 101. In addition to the disconnection action of the series transistor 102, the / transistor 102 also performs other functions. In addition to the shunt regulator 104, the system 1 also contains an equivalent Shi Xi PTC circuit 106, which is inserted in the US non-provisional application filed by the inventor Wendell 0glesbee named "quote of equivalent silicon" Circuit " (" silicon-equivalent PTC circuit "), which was proposed on October 17, 2000. This equivalent silicon PTC circuit 106 is best explained by example. In some cases' The voltage across the battery may be lower than a predetermined threshold (and thus the shunt transistor 100i wave is not turned on), but the current flowing through the battery 105 may be in an abnormal range. Abnormal ^ ^

O:\68\68684.ptd 第8頁 1232017 五、發明說明（5) 流疋不需要的，因為其會潛在地危及該電池1 〇 5或一主控 裝置。因此，當該電流在該串聯電晶體丨〇 2中流動時，其 會超過一預定的電滴r臨限值，該同等矽pTC電路1 〇 6即造成 該串聯電晶體來開始在其歐姆的或線性的區域中導通。其 係使違串聯電晶體1 〇 2的阻抗增加來達成。此阻抗的增加 會造成遠裝置因為I2 R的損失而加熱。當該溫度到達一預 定的臨限值時，該同等矽PTC電路106即造成該串聯電晶體 1 02斷路。 -該f制電路100也包含一電流限制電路1〇7。如上所述， 4同等矽PTC電路1 0 6在該溫度到達一預定臨限值時，即造 成該串聯電晶體丨0 2斷路。此％熱會需要時間。如果一短 路被連接跨過該裝置時，了非常高的電流會傳送通過該電 池1 0 5#。如果該電流足夠/高時，對於該電池1 〇 5的損害將在 a亥同等石夕PTC電路106具有時間被加熱到足以出d剪而發、 生。在這種事件中，言亥電流限制電路1〇7將限制脈衝電流 到一預定的位準而可保護該電池丨〇 5。 “ΐΐ:電路皆提供該電池的保護時，t有其它的問題 因丨僅包含以上的元件而不知不覺地發生。此狀況即為孰 二=路"。本發明的一個目的在於提供-保護機制 來防止軟性短路。 造:Ϊ = Ϊ為流經該電池105的電流足夠高於會潛在地 ί ΐ η 7 Λ ^ ^ / ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ a #1] 錯，/、也不夠南來造成該同等矽PTC電路106 來在足夠短的時間内斷開該串聯電晶體來保證該保險絲O: \ 68 \ 68684.ptd Page 8 1232017 V. Description of the invention (5) Unwanted because it could potentially endanger the battery 105 or a master control device. Therefore, when the current flows in the series transistor, it will exceed a predetermined threshold value of the electric drop r, and the equivalent silicon pTC circuit will cause the series transistor to start at its ohmic Or in a linear region. This is achieved by increasing the impedance of the series transistor 102. This increase in impedance will cause the remote device to heat up due to the loss of I2R. When the temperature reaches a predetermined threshold, the equivalent silicon PTC circuit 106 causes the series transistor 102 to open. -The f-system circuit 100 also includes a current limiting circuit 107. As described above, when the equivalent silicon PTC circuit 106 reaches a predetermined threshold value, the series transistor 02 is disconnected. This% heat will take time. If a short circuit is connected across the device, a very high current will be passed through the battery 1 0 5 #. If the current is sufficient / high, damage to the battery 105 will occur at the same time as the PTC circuit 106, which is heated enough to produce a cut. In such an event, the current limiter circuit 107 will protect the battery by limiting the pulse current to a predetermined level. "Ϊ́ΐ: When the circuit provides protection for the battery, t has other problems because it only contains the above components and unknowingly occurs. This situation is 孰 二 = 路 ". One object of the present invention is to provide- Protection mechanism to prevent soft short circuit. Ϊ = Ϊ is that the current flowing through the battery 105 is sufficiently higher than it would potentially ί η 7 Λ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ a # 1] False, /, also Not enough to cause the equivalent silicon PTC circuit 106 to disconnect the series transistor in a short enough time to ensure the fuse

1232017 五、發明說明（6) 保5蒦電路i 〇 8即包含在該控 1 0 9並未跳開。因此， 制電路1 0 3中。 論來用於方便I者、來甘自圖1的電路編號將可透過圖2的討 的必要性。，所示為解釋該保險絲保護電路108 限制電路1〇7Λ 為當一同等石夕㈣106電路及電流 I生的動作係包含在該控制電路100中。假設 J過该電池m的電壓維持在該預定的臨限 ，一Υ 所+。、s a 路可以成一明顯的電流脈衝，其如線 ，此線2 02將可持續為一自我決定的最大值 V、由二該，池電路的阻抗及該短路的阻抗）。但是，此處 ’、包机限制電路在點2 0 3 —處阻擋及限制。該電流持續 被點203所限制，直到該串跔恭曰 弘机持、，，只 且Θ爭W弘日日體1 0 2加熱到一預定臨限 值。g此發生時，該同等矽PTC電路106在點204啟動。該 啟動作用造成該串聯電晶體102的阻抗102來上升及對應 的電流來下降，線2 〇 5 )，直到在該串聯電晶體丨〇 2中產生 的功率在線2 0 6上達到與功率發散平衡。 在此將簡紐地討論保險絲。保險絲在一充份的電流流經 該保險絲一段充份的時間時被跳過。舉例而言，一 2 A保 險絲將會無限地通過2 A。一 2 · 1 A的電流將會造成一 2 A 保險絲在某段時間11之後而被跳過。一丨〇 a電流將造成一 2 A保險絲在一時間12之後被跳過，其中t2小於t丨。因 此’電流及時間的乘積（其正比於該保險絲t元件的p r加 熱）將會造成一保險絲來跳過。 再次參考圖2，如果一軟式短路將置於跨過一電池的終1232017 V. Description of the invention (6) The circuit of the 5th protection i 08 is included in the control 1 0 9 and does not jump off. Therefore, the control circuit 103 is used. For the sake of convenience I, the circuit numbers from Figure 1 will be discussed through the necessity of Figure 2. It is shown that the fuse protection circuit 108 limiting circuit 107a is included in the control circuit 100 when an equivalent circuit of the electric circuit 106 and the current I is generated. Suppose that the voltage of J across the battery m is maintained at the predetermined threshold, and + is +. , S a can be an obvious current pulse, such as a line, this line 202 will continue to a self-determined maximum value V, the impedance of the cell circuit and the impedance of the short circuit). However, here, the charter restriction circuit is blocked and restricted at the point 2 0 3. The current continues to be limited by point 203 until the string of lines congratulates Hongji, and Θ is contested by Hongri Sun body 102 to a predetermined threshold value. g When this occurs, the equivalent silicon PTC circuit 106 is activated at point 204. The starting effect causes the impedance 102 of the series transistor 102 to rise and the corresponding current to decrease (line 2 05), until the power generated in the series transistor 102 reaches a balance with power divergence on line 2 06 . Fuses will be discussed briefly here. The fuse is skipped when a sufficient current flows through the fuse for a sufficient time. For example, a 2 A fuse will pass 2 A indefinitely. A 2 · 1 A current will cause a 2 A fuse to be skipped after a certain period of time 11. A 丨 0 a current will cause a 2 A fuse to be skipped after a time of 12, where t2 is less than t 丨. Therefore, the product of current and time (which is proportional to the pr heating of the t element of the fuse) will cause a fuse to skip. Referring again to Figure 2, if a soft short is placed across the end of a battery

第10頁 1232017 五、發明說明（7) ϊηίΐ:可在一電流下來放電，其足以造成該保險絲在 : 電路107斷路之前被跳過。藉由該範例，假設 忒電&限制電路1〇7，被設定限制電流在10 Α。 Λ :編的額定值為2 Α。如果該使用者將該電池放置； 及1匙鏈中，其具有—特定阻抗，短路該電池組 2 /输匙鏈的阻抗可造成像是5 “電流來流經該 :=晶？〇2。如果此策略可呈現其自己，線2〇9將代表 二电。虽s亥串聯電晶體1 02被加熱時，該 在點208處出錯。但是，此時不會關聯到該串Ξ 保險絲109的熱特性。因此，該保險絲僅能夠導通電流 ^ ‘::2』9。在這些條件之下’該電池組將因為一麻煩出錯 而.吏為無用，即使該電池蜞105仍是在工作狀態。因此， 此發明的目的是要產生二電路來模擬藉由在線21〇處限制 電流之保險絲的熱特性，其時間為點2丨1，所以在-曲 之下的區域’其代表目前的時間，其並不足以跳過該保Page 10 1232017 V. Description of the invention (7) ϊηίΐ: It can be discharged under a current, which is enough to cause the fuse to be skipped before the circuit 107 is opened. With this example, it is assumed that the battery & limiting circuit 107 is set to limit the current to 10 A. Λ: The edited rating is 2 Α. If the user places the battery; and in a 1-key chain, which has a specific impedance, shorting the battery pack 2 / impedance of the key chain can cause something like 5 "current to flow through the: = crystal? 〇2. If this strategy can manifest itself, the line 209 will represent the second power. Although the tandem transistor 120 is heated, it should make an error at point 208. However, at this time it will not be associated with the string 保险丝 fuse 109 Thermal characteristics. Therefore, the fuse can only conduct current ^ ':: 2' 9. Under these conditions, the battery pack will be useless because of a trouble, even if the battery 蜞 105 is still in operation. Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to generate two circuits to simulate the thermal characteristics of the fuse by limiting the current at line 21, its time is point 2 丨 1, so the area below the-'represents the current time, It is not enough to skip the guarantee

絲。由於軟性短路造成的麻煩出錯的鑰匙鏈問題藉此將= 消除。 J 現在請參考圖3，其所示為一電子電路3〇〇，其可估 保險絲的熱反應。一第一電阻301係類似於該寄生阻抗而 造成在一保險絲造成功率產生。此第一電阻3 〇1限制一 入電壓的電流，其正比於該保險絲的加熱。因此，哕一 電阻301，其結合於該電容30 3，其定義」電路來允^气; 容3 03來以正比於一保險絲的加熱的速率來充電，其由該 阻抗及熱質量所定義。一第二電阻3〇2，其以正比於保=wire. The troublesome keychain problem caused by a soft short will thus = be eliminated. J Please refer now to Figure 3, which shows an electronic circuit 300, which can estimate the thermal response of the fuse. A first resistor 301 is similar to the parasitic impedance and causes a fuse to generate power. This first resistor 3 01 limits the current of an input voltage, which is proportional to the heating of the fuse. Therefore, the first resistor 301, which is combined with the capacitor 303, defines the circuit to allow gas; the capacitor 303 is charged at a rate proportional to the heating rate of a fuse, which is defined by the impedance and thermal mass. A second resistor 302, which is proportional to the protection =

1232017 五、發明說明（8) "一"" -- 、’、糸的熱消散到該大氣中的速率來相應地放電該電容3 〇 3。 α亥^電率303通常比充電速率要慢。在任何事件下，如果 此电路的輸出係耦舍於具有一參考電壓⑽4的一比較器-3^5，該參考電壓304可設定到一位準，藉以在該保險絲正 常地跳過時而對應於一預定的時間。因此，當跨過該電容 3 03的電壓會超過該參考電壓3〇4，該保險絲保護電路可斷 路，串聯電晶體，藉此來防止該保險絲的麻煩出錯。 當圖3 .中所示的電路為一有效的保險絲加熱估計電路， 其很難實現於一矽積體電路（IC)。此係因為電阻元件很難1232017 V. Description of the invention (8) " 一 " "-The rate at which the heat of the heat is dissipated into the atmosphere to discharge the capacitor accordingly. The alpha-electric rate 303 is usually slower than the charging rate. In any event, if the output of this circuit is coupled to a comparator-3 ^ 5 with a reference voltage ⑽4, the reference voltage 304 can be set to a level so that it corresponds to when the fuse is normally skipped A predetermined time. Therefore, when the voltage across the capacitor 303 will exceed the reference voltage 304, the fuse protection circuit can be opened and a transistor can be connected in series, thereby preventing troublesome errors of the fuse. When the circuit shown in FIG. 3 is an effective fuse heating estimation circuit, it is difficult to implement in a silicon integrated circuit (IC). This is because the resistance element is difficult

削去矽。此外，該電容可為一大尺寸，使其會佔據該矽的 大量面積，使成本很高。 一 現在請參考圖4，其所示/為本發明的一較佳具體實施 例。該電路40 0為能夠便.堂地實現在矽上的一熱保險絲估 計裝置、。該電路40 0包含一電流輸入，其正比於在一通過 π件中流動的電流位準。此位準可使用在本技藝中已知的 多種技術來ϊ測，其包含感測跨過一串聯電阻的電壓。豆 亦提供一臨限電壓402。 ’、 一比較器403比較該臨限電壓4〇2與該電流位準4〇1。當 該電流位準401超過該臨限電壓4〇2時，即表示一潛在的麻 煩出錯電流流動，一比較器404的輸出成為主動性高，並 啟動-第-時脈405的致能接腳。該第一時脈4〇5係直接耦 合於一上/下計數器407。當該計數器4〇7向止計數時，此 類似於在電路加熱中的該串聯保險絲。. 當該電流位準401係小於該臨限電壓4〇2，該比較器輸出Remove the silicon. In addition, the capacitor can be a large size, which can occupy a large area of the silicon, making it costly. -Please refer now to Fig. 4, which shows / is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This circuit 400 is a thermal fuse estimation device that can be easily implemented on silicon. The circuit 40 0 includes a current input which is proportional to the level of current flowing in a through π member. This level can be measured using a variety of techniques known in the art, including sensing a voltage across a series resistor. Bean also provides a threshold voltage 402. 'A comparator 403 compares the threshold voltage 402 with the current level 401. When the current level 401 exceeds the threshold voltage 402, it indicates a potentially troublesome error current flow, the output of a comparator 404 becomes highly active, and the enable pin of the -th-clock 405 is activated. . The first clock 405 is directly coupled to an up / down counter 407. When the counter 407 counts down, this is similar to the series fuse in the circuit heating. When the current level 401 is less than the threshold voltage 402, the comparator output

第12頁 1232017 五、發明說明（9) 4二為：動性低。、此可將該第一時脈4°5關閉，但經由-串 ^向1§ 41 4造成一主動性高信號來致能— 為主動時，該時脈輸^係i合 出4i 5 Λ刀Λ A’ *由一預定的因數來區分該時脈輸 成# 4奴具體實施例2。此區分的輸出416造 ί;;;Γ下計數，其由於熱量消散到該環境而類似於 保險絲it件。其對於本技藝的專業人士將可瞭解， 1率區分器412為視需要選用’其中該時脈可設計來以 =同的頻率振盪。該頻率計數器412的好處在於.，苴可程 二化為任何任意的因t ’其在此範例具體實施例中不需要 頻區分的發生是辱為一串聯保險絲損失熱量到該 =兄速率低於該電流流經該保險絲被加熱的速率。因 ^ Ϊ下計數或冷卻的速率（因為頻率區分）低1向上計 旦或/ ‘Γ。其可瞭解到，該串聯保險絲並不會損失一些熱 里到该裱境，而電流正流經它。藉此原因，一視需要的冷 郃輸入41 7已透過"或"二極體41 8及41 9來邏輯化地盥該第7 2脈413進行或"運算。因此，當該串聯保險絲在當該 =桃位準40 1超過及小於該臨限電壓4〇2時被冷卻，該溫度 、’&不會下降低於環境溫度，其係由在計數器4 0 7中的〇的數 目來代表，其可校準到一預定的溫度。 其好處為當該計數器4〇7到達0時會使該第二時脈413停 止計數。該第二時脈停止的第一動機是要來防止内部保護 電路進行不必要的電池放電。因此，一閂鎖，例如可加入 第13頁 1232017Page 12 1232017 V. Description of the invention (9) 4 The second is: low mobility. This can turn the first clock 4 ° 5 off, but enable it by creating a high active signal through -string ^ to 1§ 41 4 — when active, the clock input ^ is 4i 5 Λ The knife Λ A '* distinguishes the clock output by # 4 slave by a predetermined factor. This distinguished output 416 results in a count down, which is similar to a fuse it because of the dissipation of heat into the environment. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the 1-rate discriminator 412 may be used as needed, where the clock can be designed to oscillate at the same frequency. The advantage of the frequency counter 412 is that it can be transformed into any arbitrary factor t ', which does not require frequency discrimination in this example and specific embodiment. It is a loss of heat to a series fuse to the rate lower than The current flows through the rate at which the fuse is heated. Count up or cool down (because of frequency discrimination) by 1 lower ^ count up or / ‘Γ. It can be understood that the series fuse does not lose some heat into the mounting environment, and the current is flowing through it. For this reason, a cold input 41 7 as required has been logically processed by the 7 2 pulse 413 through " or " diodes 4 1 8 and 4 9. Therefore, when the series fuse is cooled when the = peach level 40 1 exceeds and is lower than the threshold voltage 4 0 2, the temperature, & does not fall below the ambient temperature, which is caused by the counter 4 0 It is represented by the number of 0 in 7, which can be calibrated to a predetermined temperature. The advantage is that the second clock 413 stops counting when the counter 407 reaches 0. The first motivation for this second clock stop is to prevent the internal protection circuit from performing unnecessary battery discharge. So a latch can be added, for example, Page 13 1232017

五、發明說明（10) S/R正反’所以當該計數器“？到達計 — 時脈41 3將成為除能…例中，該第一：该弟二 脈407皆不被致台匕，古不丨不士 … 及弟二時 值。+破致此，·直到電流再一次地超過預定的臨限— 泫计數器的輸出，在此範例具體實施例中 比；壓4H接ί =位輸入4°8到一類比電壓410。此類 私坚41 u接者耦合到一線性調節器4 η，其合 带 在險Ϊ中，所以該串聯保險絲可防：麻煩出： -概括而1 ，當電流超過一預定的臨限值時，玆 出404成為高點，造成第-時·脈40 5被致能，而第二剧 4向13上=:Γ㈣ 胸：J 該串聯保檢絲的加熱），而-區分的時脈 的/Λ5、計數器407的向下計數（-代表該串聯-保險絲 η冷部）。該最高有效位元408係耦合到一d/a轉換器 哕二:增加時，該d/a 410的輸出即增加，造成在 〃險絲中的電流流動由一線性電流調節器41 1所限 ::，此，當電流超過該臨限值一段時間，該電路4〇〇限 制電&來防止該串聯保險絲受到跳開。 因此，當該電流位準401低於該臨限電壓4〇2時，該第二 時脈413被致能，其代表該串聯保險絲的冷卻。此時脈413 =表當在串聯保險絲中的電流下降低於該臨限值時，將持 二地冷卻。該冷卻不會低於環境，其係由該器的〇計 數來代表。 ΙΗΙΙΗ1Π 第14頁 1232017 五、發明說明（12) 串聯保險絲506的電流時，其代表該保險絲元件正加埶 中，該線性放大器507的輸出即增加，造成該穿過:、 it* Ϊ著增加，藉此枣，降低電流。該電路5 00使用負反饋來 持續中斷電流，直到達到一平衡狀態。 、 因此，總而言之，在傳統電池電路中的問題，在一 ::$載電流只有在低於該保護電路電流限制臨 【生時即會發生。藉此現象，該保護電路可維持一 於其最大極限值，例如4.5安培。如果4.499安谇要流 ，該保護電路的加熱，係根據該串聯穿過 二milH〇hmS 的最小值成為〇.7〇“atts。 I·生π % ^ =況下，此〇.708 Watts不會使該保護電路因埶 技1其可以承”久來熱性出*，使該保險絲 在Μ保4電路到達其出錯溫度期間成為斷路。 性為絲：該保護電路必須具有-保，延遲特 "短路"電n ί ^間延遲保險絲。該保1蔓電路必須維持 ϋΛΛ 在一預定極限之上一段時間，該保 制電流以保護該保險絲。在理想的世 性模型ΐϊΐί將包含該保險司出錯特性的一熱性及電 是這種Ί &狎二在5亥保險絲發生任何損害之前來關閉。但 且非“貴。 的熱特性的時ί :遲=二其包含-對應於該保險絲 以為像是最大4 5 Α β。 脈衝，該電流極限致可 • 。但疋，·對於持續的過載狀況，本發V. Description of the invention (10) S / R positive and negative 'so when the counter "? Reached the counter-clock 41 3 will become disabled ... In the example, the first: the second pulse 407 is not caused to the dagger, The ancient time is not good ... and the second time value. + This is the case, until the current again exceeds the predetermined threshold—the output of the counter, compared in this example and specific embodiment; The bit input is 4 ° 8 to an analog voltage of 410. This type of private 41 u connector is coupled to a linear regulator 4 η, and its combination is in danger, so the series fuse can prevent: trouble out:-general and 1 When the current exceeds a predetermined threshold, the 404 becomes a high point, causing the -time · pulse 40 5 to be enabled, and the second play 4 to 13 =: Γ㈣ Chest: J The tandem wire Heating), and-differentiated clock of / Λ5, down counting of counter 407 (-represents the series-fuse η cold section). The most significant bit 408 is coupled to a d / a converter. When increasing, the output of the d / a 410 increases, causing the current flowing in the fuse to be limited by a linear current regulator 41 1:, when the current exceeds this For a period of time, the circuit 400 limits the current & to prevent the series fuse from being tripped. Therefore, when the current level 401 is lower than the threshold voltage 402, the second clock 413 is caused. Yes, it represents the cooling of the series fuse. At this time, pulse 413 = indicates that when the current in the series fuse drops below the threshold, it will be cooled by two grounds. The cooling will not be lower than the environment, which is caused by the It is represented by the zero count of the device. ΙΗΙΙΗ1Π Page 14 1232017 V. Description of the invention (12) When the current of the series fuse 506, it represents that the fuse element is being added, the output of the linear amplifier 507 increases, causing the pass: , It * increases slowly, thereby reducing the current. The circuit 5000 uses negative feedback to continuously interrupt the current until it reaches an equilibrium state. So, in short, the problem in traditional battery circuits is in one :: $ The load current will only occur when it is lower than the current limit of the protection circuit. By this phenomenon, the protection circuit can maintain a value above its maximum limit, such as 4.5 amps. If 4.499 amps are flowing, the protection Heating the road, according to this system through a series of minimum two milH〇hmS become 〇.7〇 "atts. I · Health π% ^ = In this case, the 0.0708 Watts will not cause the protection circuit to withstand the long-term thermal output due to technology 1 and make the fuse open when the M4 circuit reaches its error temperature. The property is silk: the protection circuit must have -guaranteed, delay special "short circuit" electric delay fuse. The guarantee circuit must maintain ϋΛΛ above a predetermined limit for a period of time, the guaranteed current is Protect the fuse. In an ideal world model, the thermal and electrical properties that would contain the faulty characteristics of the insurance company are such that they are closed before any damage occurs to the fuse. But it is not "expensive." The thermal characteristics of the time ί: lag = two which contains-corresponding to the fuse thought like a maximum of 4 5 Α β. Pulse, this current limit is acceptable. But 疋, · For persistent overload conditions, the present

第16頁 1232017 發明說明（13) ^即在該料來降㈣料的電流 五 段時 值ϊ Γ:包含一比轉男臨限值，用以偵測超過m 的即¥性放電電流。如果預疋限 上，即將一計數器依時脈向上，代表限值之 下，過一計數器依時脈向 2元件為加熱中而= = : = 低於正常的設計溫度極限。 果μ计數TO持續來累積計數向上超過一特殊的斗私 ，即開始對於發生該保護電的月會^ 牛低。對於母個額外兮計數(在向上的方向） 周節臨限值的數值。這是-可憐：對： 计该保險絲元件溫度。如果在該計數^的溫^數估-計了/ :二二的=流限制調節器電路將逐漸地開始降低經過該 : = 不：以保護該保險絲。該計數器必須被保護 藉由一數學範例：雖然並不完全，該算式可以 ”RMS電流維持在設計範圍α。對此範例，其假設該/向、 枯ΐϊί為向下計數率的兩倍，而該時脈及計數器縮放則 使^什數器在連續於向上方向中計數的一秒之後來到達其 ，鍵值。其也假設該尖峰電流限制為4· 5. Α，該保險絲額 定為3 A，而該預定臨限值為2 Α。因為向上速率為向下速Page 16 1232017 Description of the invention (13) ^ That is, when the material comes to reduce the current of the material for five periods Value ϊ Γ: Contains the threshold of a ratio to male, which is used to detect the current that is more than m. If the pre-limit is high, that is, a counter is clockwise up, which means that the counter is below the limit. After a counter is clockwise, the element 2 is heating and = =: = is lower than the normal design temperature limit. If the μ count TO continues to accumulate counts upwards over a special fight, it will start to be low for the month when the protection occurs. For female extra counts (in the upward direction) weekly threshold values. This is-Poor: Yes: Calculate the temperature of the fuse element. If the temperature is estimated in the count ^ -counted /: 22 == current limit regulator circuit will gradually begin to decrease after the: = No: to protect the fuse. The counter must be protected by a mathematical paradigm: although it is not complete, the formula can "maintain the RMS current in the design range α. For this example, it is assumed that the direction / counter and the dead end are twice the down count rate, and The clock and counter scaling allow the counter to reach its key value after one second of continuous counting in the upward direction. It also assumes that the peak current limit is 4.5 A, and the fuse is rated at 3 A , And the predetermined threshold is 2 Α. Because the upward speed is the downward speed

第17頁 !232〇17 --_ 五、發明說明（14) 率的兩倍，且因為尖峰電流永遠小於4· 5 A，且當向下計 數k ’ §亥電流永遠低於2 · 0 A，然後在一段時間中平均的 遠電流的均方根即不能超過下式： -Page 17! 232〇17 --_ 5. Description of the invention (14) twice the rate, and because the peak current is always less than 4.5 A, and when counting down k '§ Hai current is always lower than 2 0 A , And then the root mean square of the far current averaged over a period of time cannot exceed the following formula:-

Root Mean Squared = SQRT([4.5A*4.5A*1Sec]+ [2· 0Α*2· 〇A*2Sec ]/3 second) = 3 · 1 A .. 該計數器演算法的積分特性使得一 3 · 〇的RMS數值絕不會 在任何操作時段中超過。因此，該保險絲將永遠受到保 一 護。 當本發明的較佳具體實施例已經過描述及說明_，其應清 戋地是本發明並非受限於此。對於本發明的專業人士而 言丄可在不背離由以下申請專琍範圍所定義的本發明精神 及紅圍之下’進行許多不5的修正，改變，變化，取代及 同義者。 /Root Mean Squared = SQRT ([4.5A * 4.5A * 1Sec] + [2 · 0Α * 2 · 〇A * 2Sec] / 3 second) = 3 · 1 A .. The integral characteristic of this counter algorithm makes a 3 · The RMS value of 0 will never be exceeded during any operating period. Therefore, the fuse will always be protected. When the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it should be clear that the present invention is not limited thereto. For the professionals of the present invention, many modifications, changes, changes, substitutions and synonyms can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as defined by the scope of the following application and the red circle. /

Claims (1)

曰Say 1232017 案號 90111074 六、申請專利範圍 1. 一種用以近似一電子裝置的熱特性之電子電路，其 中該電子裝置係從以保險絲和電晶體組成的群組所選出， 該電路係串聯耦合於一保險絲，且其中該電路可降低輸送 到該保險絲的電流，措以防止該保險絲跳開，只要電流的 均方根數值低於該保險絲的電流額定值。 2. 如申請專利範圍第1項之電路，其中該電路係以半導 體晶片來製成。 3. 如申請專利範圍第2項之電路，其中該電路係耦合於 一可充電電池。 4. 如申請專利範圍第3項之電路，其中該電路包含： a. —比較器，其用以感測當流經該保險絲的電流超 過一預定臨限值時； b. 至少一個耦合到該比較器的時脈，該至少一個時 脈可由電流超過該預定的臨限值來啟動；及 c. 一計數器，其具有至少一輸出位元，該計數器在當 該電流超過該預定臨限值時增加，而在當該電流低於該預 定臨限值時降低。 5. 如申請專利範圍第4項之電路，其中該電路進一步包 含： a · —數位到類比轉換器，其具有一輸出及一輸入， 使得該輸入耦合到至少該計數器的一輸出位元；及 b. —線性電流調節器，其耦合於該數位到類比轉換 器，使得該線性電流調節器在該數位到類比轉換器的輸出 增加時，用以限制電流。1232017 Case No. 90111074 6. Scope of patent application 1. An electronic circuit for approximating the thermal characteristics of an electronic device, wherein the electronic device is selected from the group consisting of a fuse and a transistor, and the circuit is coupled in series to a A fuse, and wherein the circuit can reduce the current delivered to the fuse to prevent the fuse from tripping as long as the rms value of the current is lower than the current rating of the fuse. 2. The circuit of item 1 in the scope of patent application, wherein the circuit is made of a semiconductor wafer. 3. The circuit of claim 2 in which the circuit is coupled to a rechargeable battery. 4. The circuit of claim 3, wherein the circuit comprises: a. A comparator for sensing when the current flowing through the fuse exceeds a predetermined threshold; b. At least one coupled to the The clock of the comparator, the at least one clock can be activated by a current exceeding the predetermined threshold; and c. A counter having at least one output bit, the counter is activated when the current exceeds the predetermined threshold Increases and decreases when the current is below the predetermined threshold. 5. The circuit according to item 4 of the scope of patent application, wherein the circuit further comprises: a digital-to-analog converter having an output and an input such that the input is coupled to at least one output bit of the counter; and b. — a linear current regulator coupled to the digital-to-analog converter such that the linear current regulator is used to limit the current when the output of the digital-to-analog converter increases. O:\68\68684-930929.ptc 第22頁 1232017 案號 90111074 曰 修正 六、申請專利範圍 6. 一種用以近似估計一電子裝置的熱特性之電子電 路，其包含： a. 至少一個感測電流之電阻器，該至少一個電阻器 可在當電流超過一預定臨限值時來啟動一第一信號；及 b. 至少一個耦合到用以感測電流之電阻器的時脈， 使得該至少一個時脈會在當該第一信號被啟動時來致能； 其中該電路係串聯耦合於一保險絲且該電路限制該電 流藉以防止該保險絲跳開，只要在該保險絲中流動的均方 根電流低於該保險絲的電流額定值。 7. 如申請專利範圍第6項之電路，其包含： a. 時脈選擇邏輯，其中當至少一個用以感測電流的 裝置被啟動時，即選擇一對應的時脈；及 b. —計數器，其具有耦合到時脈選擇邏輯的一增加 輸入及輕合到該時脈選擇邏輯的一減少輸入。 8. 如申請專利範圍第7項之電路，其進一步包含： a. 一耦合到該計數器的數位到類比轉換器；及 b. —耦合到該數位到類比轉換器的線性電流調節 器，其中該線性電流調節器係限制了正比於該數位到類比 轉換器的一輸出之電流。 9 · 一種保護串聯耦合於一電子電路的保險絲之方法， 該方法包含以下步驟： a. 提供用以比較保險絲中的電流與一預定臨限值的 比較器； b. 提供用以決定該電流高於該預定臨限值的時間以O: \ 68 \ 68684-930929.ptc Page 22 1232017 Case No. 90111074 Amendment VI. Patent Application Scope 6. An electronic circuit for approximately estimating the thermal characteristics of an electronic device, comprising: a. At least one sensing A resistor for current, the at least one resistor may activate a first signal when the current exceeds a predetermined threshold; and b. At least one clock coupled to the resistor for sensing the current, such that the at least A clock is enabled when the first signal is activated; wherein the circuit is coupled in series with a fuse and the circuit limits the current to prevent the fuse from tripping, as long as the rms current flowing in the fuse Below the fuse's current rating. 7. The circuit of item 6 of the scope of patent application, which includes: a. Clock selection logic, wherein when at least one device for sensing current is activated, a corresponding clock is selected; and b. —Counter It has an increase input coupled to the clock selection logic and a decrease input closed to the clock selection logic. 8. The circuit of claim 7 further comprising: a. A digital-to-analog converter coupled to the counter; and b. A linear current regulator coupled to the digital-to-analog converter, wherein the The linear current regulator limits the current proportional to an output of the digital-to-analog converter. 9 · A method for protecting a fuse coupled in series with an electronic circuit, the method comprising the following steps: a. Providing a comparator for comparing the current in the fuse with a predetermined threshold value; b. Providing for determining the current high At the time of the predetermined threshold O:\68\68684-930929.ptc 第23頁 1232017 _案號90111074_年月日_ifi_ 六、申請專利範圍 及該電流低於該預定臨限值時間之電子電路； c. 感測在該保險絲中流動的電流，及 d. 降低該電流到一均方根位準，其係低於該保險絲 的電流額定值。 10. 如申請專利範圍第9項之方法，其中該保險絲係串 聯耦合於一可充電電池。O: \ 68 \ 68684-930929.ptc Page 23 1232017 _Case No. 90111074_Year_Month_ifi_ VI. The scope of the patent application and the electronic circuit when the current is lower than the predetermined threshold; c. The current flowing in the fuse, and d. Reduce the current to a root mean square level, which is lower than the current rating of the fuse. 10. The method as claimed in claim 9 wherein the fuse is coupled in series to a rechargeable battery. O:\68\68684-930929.ptc 第24頁O: \ 68 \ 68684-930929.ptc Page 24