In-Circuit Testing For Integrity Of Solid-State Switches
First Claim
1. A method of testing first and second switches, wherein the first switch has first and second terminals and a control input, and wherein the second switch has first and second terminals and a control input, and wherein the second terminal of the first switch is in communication with the first terminal of the second switch, and wherein the first terminal of the first switch is adapted to be placed in communication with a power supply, and wherein the second terminal of the second switch is adapted to be placed in communication with a load, using a controller that is in communication with the control input of the first switch and the control input of the second switch, comprising the following steps performed in any order:
- a. Causing the controller to direct the first switch to open and to direct the second switch to close; and
causing the controller to sense the presence of power at the second terminal of the second switch, and, if power is present at the second terminal of the second switch, to indicate a fault;
b. Causing the controller to direct the second switch to close, and causing the controller to direct the first switch to open; and
causing the controller to sense the presence of power at the second terminal of the second switch, and, if power is present at the second terminal of the second switch, to indicate a fault.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A switching and fault detection circuit comprises two controllable switches capable of coupling a power source to a load. A controller can control the switches and test them for faults, and a voltage sensor can read the output voltage going to the load. Dual-redundant switches and fault detection circuitry can provide correct operation if one should fail. Control and feedback logic can determine if each of the solid-state switches is operating correctly during the power-on and power-off cycles and can also check for a fail-open condition during normal operations. If it is determined that a solid switch has failed open or closed, a fault can be generated.
34 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of testing first and second switches, wherein the first switch has first and second terminals and a control input, and wherein the second switch has first and second terminals and a control input, and wherein the second terminal of the first switch is in communication with the first terminal of the second switch, and wherein the first terminal of the first switch is adapted to be placed in communication with a power supply, and wherein the second terminal of the second switch is adapted to be placed in communication with a load, using a controller that is in communication with the control input of the first switch and the control input of the second switch, comprising the following steps performed in any order:
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a. Causing the controller to direct the first switch to open and to direct the second switch to close; and
causing the controller to sense the presence of power at the second terminal of the second switch, and, if power is present at the second terminal of the second switch, to indicate a fault;b. Causing the controller to direct the second switch to close, and causing the controller to direct the first switch to open; and
causing the controller to sense the presence of power at the second terminal of the second switch, and, if power is present at the second terminal of the second switch, to indicate a fault. - View Dependent Claims (2, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 21)
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3. A method of testing first and second switches, wherein the first switch has first and second terminals and a control input and a status output, and wherein the second switch has first and second terminals and a control input, and wherein the second terminal of the first switch is in communication with the first terminal of the second switch, and wherein the first terminal of the first switch is adapted to be placed in communication with a power supply, and wherein the second terminal of the second switch is adapted to be placed in communication with a load, using a controller that is in communication with the control input of the first switch and the control input of the second switch and the status output of the first switch, comprising the following steps performed in any order:
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a. Causing the controller to direct the first switch to open and to direct the second switch to close; and
causing the controller to sense the presence of power at the second terminal of the second switch, and, if power is present at the second terminal of the second switch, to indicate a fault;b. Causing the controller to direct the second switch to close, and causing the controller to direct the first switch to open; and
causing the controller to sense the presence of power at the second terminal of the second switch, and, if power is present at the second terminal of the second switch, to indicate a fault;c. Causing the controller to sense the status output of the first switch and, if a fault is indicated by the status output of the first switch, to indicate a fault. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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6. A method of controlling power communication from a power supply to a load, comprising:
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a. Providing a first switch; b. Providing a second switch, wherein the first and second switches are connected in series between the power supply and the load; c. Accepting an input indicating that power is to be communicated to the load; d. Closing the first switch and opening the second switch, and, if power is present at the load, indicating a fault; e. Opening the first switch and closing the second switch, and, if power is present at the load, indicating a fault; f. Closing the first switch and closing the second switch, and, if power is not present at the load, indicating a fault. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 20)
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Specification