Self-protected, intelligent, power control module

• US 7,742,273 B1
• Filed: 07/31/2006
• Issued: 06/22/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Vladimir Shvartsman
• Original Assignee: Vladimir Shvartsman
• Inventors: Shvartsman, Vladimir A., Ivanyuk, Yuriy
• Primary Examiner(s): Fureman; Jared J
• Assistant Examiner(s): CLARK, CHRISTOPHER JAY
• Application Number:
  US11/496,362
• Time in Patent Office: 1,422 Days
• Field of Search: 361/103, 361160-166, 361/170, 361/191, 361/195, 307/10.1
• US Class Current: 361/160
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 3/087 for dc applications
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/0822 in field-effect transistor switches
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2017/0806 against excessive temperature

Abstract

An intelligent, self-protected control module which is a fully protected and configured as a multi-terminal device controlling a number of power field-effect transistors for delivering power to loads. The device can contain a central processing unit or logic, precision Hall-Effect based current sensors for precise measuring of bypass currents, temperature sensors, and input/output circuitry as well as an optional RF receiver. The inputs can incorporate de-bouncing techniques to prevent false turn on/off. Inputs can provide command signals for the processor or logic with built-in watchdog circuitry to monitor the input power supply. The CPU or logic can provide communications with external devices, generate alarms, generate control signals to turn-on/turn-off power MOSFETs, and analyze currents and temperature of each channel. Unlike an electromechanical relay, the present invention is free from arcing and sparking, there are no contact materials to wear, and it is noiseless. The present invention provides over-current protection by shutting down a troubled channel if it is overloaded. It provides protection to the load by limiting the bypass current to the preset value, or shutting the channel off in a case of over-current. The present invention provides over-temperature protection by shutting down an appropriate channel if any of the MOSFET'"'"'s temperature reaches a predetermined value. The present invention can generate an output signal that is capable of driving an external indicator lamp if a problem has occurred. An optional RF receiver designed to receive a coded signal from a key-chain transmitter can provide a method of enabling the module to accept a control signal from the input remotely.

Claims

1. A single module integrated control module comprising:

a plurality of solid-state self-protective relays, each relay having at least one input and at least one output connectable to a load external to said module, said load being switched onto or off-of a DC supply voltage by said relay;

at least one of said relays having its input directly controllable by a source external to said module;

at least one of said relays having its input timed to cause the relay to switch on and off sequentially approximately one second on, and approximately one second off;

at least one of said relays having at least one of its inputs delayed by approximately one minute;

and wherein each of said solid state self-protective relays includes;

a MOSFET power transistor, said MOSFET power transistor having an on resistance of around 20 milliohms;

a control and driver circuitry for sensing at least one input condition and turning said MOSFET power transistor on or off;

a Hall Effect sensor measuring at least a portion of current flowing through said MOSFET power transistor'"'"'s load for detecting an over-current condition and notifying said control and driver circuitry of said over-current condition;

a temperature sensor in proximity to said MOSFET power transistor for providing detection of an over-temperature condition and notifying said control and driver circuitry of said over-temperature condition;

wherein said control and driver circuitry disables said MOSFET power transistor in the case of an over-current or an over-temperature condition.

2. The single module integrated control module of claim 1 further comprising a radio frequency receiver and decoder adapted to electrical connect an internal ground in said module to an external battery ground upon receipt of a particular radio signal.

3. The single module integrated control module of claim 1 further comprising at least one alarm output activated when any of said solid state self-protective relays disables.

4. The single module integrated control module of claim 1 wherein said module controls a motorcycle electrical system and has inputs selected from the group consisting of ignition, horn, start, lights, and flashers, and has outputs selected from the group consisting of IGN module, horn, starter, headlights, left flasher and right flasher.