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“A Control Circuit And Output Voltage Health Monitoring Device For Dc Dc Converter And Methods Thereof”

Abstract: The present invention discloses a control circuit and a output voltage health monitoring device and methods for controlling switching operations of DC-DC converter. The method of controlling switching operation of a DC-DC converter comprises receiving (802) either an active low enable command signal or an active high enable command signal from a vehicle control unit (104). The method further comprises controlling (804) switching an ON and an OFF operation of the DC-DC converter (120) based on the received active low enable command signal or the active high enable command signal. The present disclosure provides a control circuit that can be adapted and reused for two diametrically opposing application requirements by minimal modifications and can also interface with wide range of DC- DC conversion architectures.

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Notices, Deadlines & Correspondence

Patent Information

Application #
Filing Date
15 March 2022
Publication Number
44/2023
Publication Type
INA
Invention Field
ELECTRICAL
Status
Email
Parent Application

Applicants

MINDA CORPORATION LIMITED
E-5/2, Chakan Industrial Area, Phase- III M.I.D.C. Nanekarwadi Tal: Khed, Dist., Pune Maharashtra India 410-501

Inventors

1. Ashish Ijantkar
E-5/2, Chakan Industrial Area, Phase- III M.I.D.C. Nanekarwadi, Tal: Khed, Dist., Pune Maharashtra India 410-501
2. Vikas Salvi
E-5/2, Chakan Industrial Area, Phase- III M.I.D.C. Nanekarwadi, Tal: Khed, Dist., Pune Maharashtra India 410-501
3. Pankaj Yadav
E-5/2, Chakan Industrial Area, Phase- III M.I.D.C. Nanekarwadi, Tal: Khed, Dist., Pune Maharashtra India 410-501

Specification

FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 OF 1970) & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (SEE SECTION 10, RULE 13) “A CONTROL CIRCUIT AND OUTPUT VOLTAGE HEALTH MONITORING DEVICE FOR DC-DC CONVERTER AND METHODS THEREOF” MINDA CORPORATION LIMITED of E-5/2, Chakan Industrial Area, Phase- III, M.I.D.C. Nanekarwadi, Tal: Khed, Dist., Pune, Maharashtra, 410-501, India The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed. A CONTROL CIRCUIT AND OUTPUT VOLTAGE HEALTH MONITORING DEVICE FOR DC-DC CONVERTER AND METHODS THEREOF FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY [0001] The present invention relates to controlling a DC-DC converter. In particular, the present invention relates to a control circuit for controlling switching operations of the DC-DC converter and an output voltage health monitoring device. BACKGROUND [0002] An electronic device includes various components, each of which may operate at a different voltage level. Particularly for direct current (DC) voltage, a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter is required to adjust (step up or step down) and stabilize the voltage level of the electronic device. Various types of DC-DC converters are prevalent based on an application requirement. For instance, a buck converter is utilized for stepping down an input DC voltage to a predetermined voltage and a boost converter is utilized for stepping up the DC voltage to a predetermined voltage. These converters play a major role in DC power conversion circuits and are developed such that to meet varied application requirements. [0003] Conventionally the DC-DC converters are pre-configured for various electronic devices. For instance, one such specification may be whether a DC-DC converter is configured for an active high enabling or active low enabling, i.e., the converter is turned ON based on an enable signal, which can be either a HIGH or a LOW signal respectively. Thus, based on the specification, the DC-DC converter must be pre-configured for its operation. If an electronic device requires both the requirements, two separate circuits must be used, each being pre-configured for its stated operation. Such circuits are limited and can conform to only one application requirement. Furthermore, it is also difficult to re-configure such circuits, thereby being costly and inefficient for various circuit manufacturers. Hence, there is a need for a circuit that can conform to one or more application requirements with minimum modifications in the existing circuit design. thereby enhancing the cost-effectiveness and reusability of the circuit. Further such circuits are easily adaptable as they can interface with wide range of electronic devices and architectures with minimum effort. [0004] Monitoring and regulating the output voltage health is another major support function of a DC-DC converter. The output voltage of a DC-DC converter must be monitored against a predetermined window or range to ensure safety and protection of the connected loads from any undesirable fluctuations. For some manufacturers such assurance is an essential requirement. [0005] Thus, there exists a need for a control circuitry that overcome the above-mentioned limitations and is configurable for varied application requirements. [0006] The above-mentioned drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages of the prior arts and conventional techniques are explained just for exemplary purpose and this disclosure and description mentioned below would never limit its scope to only such problem. Person skilled in the art may understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above. SUMMARY [0007] The present disclosure overcomes one or more shortcomings of the prior art and provides additional advantages discussed throughout the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure. [0008] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described below may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure. [0009] In one non limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a control circuit for controlling switching operation of a DC-DC converter is disclosed. The control circuit comprises a command receiving unit configured to receive either an active low enable command signal or an active high enable command signal. The control circuit further comprises an input unit comprising a diode having an anode terminal and a cathode terminal, wherein the anode terminal is connected to a first DC voltage supply to be fed to the DC-DC converter. Here, the cathode terminal is configured to be connected to ground upon receiving the active low enable command signal. The cathode terminal is alternatively configured to connect to a positive terminal of the second DC voltage supply upon receiving the active high enable command signal. Further the diode conducts current upon receiving the active low enable command signal. The control circuit further comprises an output unit connected to an input of the DC-DC converter via a second transistorized switch. The second transistorized switch is configured to switch ON the DC-DC converter by connecting the input of the DC-DC converter with the first DC voltage supply when the diode conducts current. [0010] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a gate terminal of the second transistorized switch is connected to the anode terminal, a drain terminal of the second transistorized switch is connected to the first DC voltage supply (114) and a source terminal of the second transistorized switch is connected to ground. [0011] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the second transistorized switch is configured to switch ON the DC-DC converter by connecting the input of the DC-DC converter with the first DC voltage supply when the second transistorized switch is open. [0012] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the diode does not conduct current upon receiving the active high enable command signal. Further, the second transistorized switch is configured to switch OFF the DC-DC converter (120) by connecting the input of the DC-DC converter (120) to ground when the second transistorized switch is closed. [0013] In another non limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a control circuit for controlling switching operation of a DC-DC converter is disclosed. The control circuit comprises a command receiving unit configured to receive either an active low enable command signal or an active high enable command signal. The control circuit further comprises an input unit. The input unit includes a first transistorized switch having a base terminal, a collector terminal and an emitter terminal, wherein the emitter terminal is connected to ground. Here, the collector terminal of the first transistorized switch is connected to a first DC voltage supply to be fed to the DC-DC converter. The base terminal of the first transistorized switch is configured to connect to ground upon receiving the active low enable command signal. The base terminal is alternatively configured to connect to a positive terminal of the second DC voltage supply upon receiving the active high enable command signal. Here, the first transistorized switch conducts current upon receiving the active high enable command signal. The control circuit further comprises an output unit connected to an input of the DC-DC converter via a second transistorized switch. The second transistorized switch is configured to switch ON the DC-DC converter by connecting the input of the DC-DC converter with the first DC voltage supply when the first transistorized switch conducts current. [0014] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a gate terminal of the second transistorized switch is connected to the emitter terminal of the first transistorized switch, a drain terminal of the second transistorized switch is connected to the first DC voltage supply and a source terminal of the second transistorized switch is connected to ground. [0015] In another embodiment, the second transistorized switch is configured to switch ON the DC-DC converter by connecting the input of the DC-DC converter with the first DC voltage supply when the second transistorized switch is open. [0016] In another embodiment, the first transistorized switch does not conduct current upon receiving the active low enable command signal. Further the second transistorized switch is configured to switch OFF the DC-DC converter by connecting the input of the DC-DC converter to ground when the second transistorized switch is closed. [0017] In another non limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of monitoring safe operation of a DC-DC converter (120) is disclosed. The method comprises determining (702) whether an output voltage of a DC-DC converter is within a predetermined range. The method further comprises transmitting (704) a command signal to trigger a vehicle control unit to generate and transmit either an active low enable command signal or an active high enable command signal to a control circuit (106) for controlling switching operation of a DC-DC converter. [0018] In another non limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined range is a safe operating output voltage range of the DC-DC converter. [0019] In another non limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmitting of the command signal is based upon determining whether the output voltage of DC-DC converter is within the predetermined range. [0020] In another non limiting embodiment of the present disclosure an output voltage health monitoring device is disclosed. The device comprising a determining unit configured to determine whether an output voltage of a DC-DC converter is within predetermined range; and a generating unit configured to generate a command signal to trigger a vehicle control unit to generate and transmit either an active low enable command signal or an active high enable command signal to a control circuit for controlling switching operation of a DC-DC converter. [0021] In another non limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the method of controlling switching operation of a DC-DC converter is disclosed. The method comprises receiving either an active low enable command signal or an active high enable command signal from a vehicle control unit. The method further comprises controlling switching an ON and an OFF operation of the DC-DC converter based on the received active low enable command signal or the active high enable command signal. [0022] In another embodiment, the controlling switching ON and OFF operation of the DC-DC converter further comprises switching ON the DC-DC converter (120) upon receiving the active low enable command signal and switching OFF the DC-DC converter upon receiving the active high enable command signal. [0023] In another embodiment, the controlling switching ON and OFF operation of the DC-DC converter further comprises switching ON the DC-DC converter upon receiving the active high enable command signal and switching OFF the DC-DC converter upon receiving the active low enable command signal. [0024] The main object of the invention is to provide for a cost-effective reusable circuitry for controlling switching operations of a DC-DC converter, that is adaptable to two diametrically opposing application requirements such as active high enable and active low enable operation. [0025] Another object of the invention is to provide for a low-cost and scalable circuit for monitoring safe operation of a DC-DC converter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0026] FIG. Error! Reference source not found. illustrates a block diagram for a vehicle system comprising a vehicle control unit, a control circuit for a DC-DC converter and an output voltage health monitoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram for an output voltage health monitoring device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0028] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram for a control circuit for controlling switching operations of a DC-DC converter in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0029] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary circuit diagram for a control circuit for controlling switching operation of a DC-DC converter in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0030] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram for output voltage health monitoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram for a vehicle system a DC-DC converter with incorporating a control circuit 106 and an output voltage health monitoring circuit 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart for a method of monitoring safe operation of a DC-DC converter in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0033] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for a method of controlling switching operation of a DC-DC converter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0034] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0035] In the present document, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration”. Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. [0036] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure. [0037] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus. [0038] As discussed in the background section, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) manufacture electronic devices based on varied application requirements. However, the manufactured device has a limited configuration and conform only to a single application requirement. Further cost effectiveness is a vital criterion for OEMs, while designing and fabricating an electronic circuitry. One such essential electronic circuit is a DC-DC converter that is configured to change an input voltage based on user needs. A control unit of the DC-DC converter controls the conversion operation of the DC-DC converter. DC-DC conversion circuits can be utilized in a vehicle control system to convert input voltage of a battery to supply reduced voltage to various loads used in various systems of the vehicle. [0039] As known in the art, the DC-DC converters have pre-configured specifications depending on an application requirement. For instance, one such specification may be whether a DC-DC converter is turned ON with an active high enabling or with active low enabling, i.e., the converter is turned ON based on either a HIGH or a LOW input signal. [0040] The present disclosure provides a control circuitry for a DC-DC converter that can be easily re-configured for two distinct application requirements by mounting of low-cost components into an existing circuity Thus providing a flexible circuitry that is configurable for more than one application with minimum modification. Particularly, a circuit and method for controlling switching operations of a DC-DC converter is disclosed. Further the circuit is capable of operating the DC-DC converter based on either an active high enable command signal, or active low enable command signal, by mounting low-cost components such as diode, transistorized switch etc. [0041] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. [0042] FIG. Error! Reference source not found. illustrates a block diagram for a vehicle system comprising a vehicle control unit, a control circuit for a DC-DC converter and an output voltage health monitoring device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [0043] Figure 1 describes a vehicle system 100 comprising a vehicle control unit 104. A vehicle control unit 104 also referred as electronic control unit is the brain of the vehicle and controls various operations of the vehicle. One such operation is conversion of an input DC voltage to cater to various voltage requirements of the connected loads and units of the vehicle. For example, a DC-DC converter 120 can be used for converting a fixed battery voltage to a lower voltage to supply power to a lighting unit of the voltage, that may require less voltage supply. All types of DC-DC converter architectures such as a buck converter, a boost converter or a buck-boost converter can be used within such a vehicle system 100. Furthermore, the system 100 comprises an output voltage health monitoring device 102 that monitors safe operation of the DC-DC converter 120. Further, the vehicle control unit (VCU) 104 is connected to a control circuit 106. This control circuit 106 controls the switching operations of the DC-DC converter 120, i.e., switching ON and OFF of the DC-DC converter 120. In one of more of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the control circuit 106 and the output voltage health monitoring device 102 can be incorporated within the DC-DC converter 120 or may be an external unit of the DC-DC converter 120. Further the control circuit 106 comprises a command receiving unit 108 configured to receive a command signal, that can be either an active low enable command signal or an active high enable command signal. For example, an active high enable command signal allows the DC-DC converter to be turned ON when a HIGH signal is provided in the command signal line. an active low enable command signal allows the DC-DC converter to be turned ON when a LOW signal is provided in the command signal line. Thus, the more than one type of DC-DC converter can be configured with the control circuit 106. [0044] In one embodiment this command signal is directly transmitted by the VCU 104. In another embodiment this command signal is directly transmitted by the output voltage health monitoring device 102. In yet another embodiment this command signal is transmitted by the VCU 104 depending on another command signal transmitted by the output voltage health monitoring device 102. [0045] The control circuit further comprises an input unit 110 that is connected to a first DC voltage supply 114 to be fed to the DC-DC converter 120. The input unit is also connected to a second DC voltage supply 116 upon based on whether the command signal is active high enable command signal or active low enable command signal. The components of the input unit can be any combination of one or more resistors, diodes or transistorized switches and are selected based on the application requirement i.e., active high enabling or active low enabling. [0046] The control circuit further comprises an output unit (112) connected to an input of the DC-DC converter (120) via a second transistorized switch (118). The second transistorized switch (118) configured to switch ON the DC-DC converter (120) by connecting the input of the DC-DC converter (120) with the first DC voltage supply. [0047] Further the control circuit does not demand any harness level change or change in existing architecture of the VCU 104 thereby reducing unnecessary engineering and component costs/efforts. The control circuit also provides a flexible interface to easily connect to wide range of pre-defined DC-DC conversion architectures. [0048] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram for an output voltage health monitoring device 102, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [0049] In another non limiting embodiment of the present disclosure the output voltage health monitoring device 102 comprises a sensing unit 202 configured to determine or sense whether an output voltage of a DC-DC converter 120 is within predetermined range. Further the device 102 also includes a transmitting unit 204 configured to transmit a command signal to trigger the vehicle control unit 104 to generate and transmit either an active low enable command signal or an active high enable command signal to a control circuit 106 for controlling switching operation of a DC-DC converter 120. [0050] In another non limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined range is a safe operating output voltage range or limit of the DC-DC converter. The predetermined range can also be referred as a window limit and may be configured within the VCU. The predetermined range may be directly or indirectly dependent on the operating voltages connected to one or more loads connected to the output of the DC-DC converter. In one of the embodiments, the window limit need not be hard-coded and can be configured based on user requirements. [0051] In another non limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmitting of the command signal is based upon determining whether the output voltage of DC-DC converter is within the predetermined range. In one embodiment, if the output voltage is within the predetermined limit, then the command signal may not be transmitted. [0052] Hence, the command signal is transmitted by the output voltage health monitoring device 102 can also be referred as a Power OK (POK) signal. The POK signal identifies the health of the output voltage of the DC-DC converter. In one of the embodiments, the POK signal may be used by the VCU in deciding the activation/deactivation of DC-DC convertor 120. Alternatively, the POK signal may also be directly connected to an input of the enable circuit in case, an emergency shutdown is needed. The POK signal may be a HIGH signal or a LOW signal, wherein in one embodiment, the HIGH signal indicates weak health of the output voltage of the DC-DC converter. Weak health may indicate that the output voltage is either exceeding an upper limit of the predetermined range or below the lower limit of the predetermined range. When the POK signal is a LOW signal, it may indicate strong health of the output voltage of the DC-DC converter. Strong health may indicate that the output voltage is less than or equal to an upper limit of the predetermined range and greater than or equal to the lower limit of the predetermined range. For instance, there may be a user requirement for DC-DC converter to provide an output voltage within a range of say 9Volts to 15 Volts. In that case, if monitored output voltage does not conform to said range, a HIGH POK signal shall be generated to indicate that the output voltage is not suitable or safe for the connected loads. [0053] In one of the embodiments, the circuit of monitoring device 102 may use low-cost discrete components such as Zener diodes and transistorized switched to determine whether the output voltage of DC-DC converter is within the predetermined range. Thus, the present disclosure avoids the usage of expensive window comparator circuits implemented using comparator or Operational Amplifier (op-amp) ICs, thereby reducing the component costs/engineering costs. Further, the circuit of monitoring device 102 can be reused across diverse engineering system requirements and can interface with wide range of DC-DC conversion architectures. The present disclosure also provides for a cost- effective and scalable circuit of monitoring device that can be tailored or re-configured for different window limits easily. It also provides an efficient mechanism for communicating the health status of the output voltage to an external system such as a VCU 104 or a system control unit or any other electronic unit. [0054] In one of the embodiments, the circuit of monitoring device 102 may comprise one or more resistor with different resistance values, selected in such a manner to conform to the pre-determined range. In one of the embodiments, the circuit of monitoring device 102 may comprise one or more Zener diodes with different breakdown voltage values, selected in such a manner to conform the pre-determined range. [0055] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram for a control circuit 106 for controlling switching operation of a DC-DC converter in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [0056] The circuit of Figure 3 is applicable to an active low enabling requirement of the DC-DC converter, wherein a low logic level is applied to an enable pin of the DC-DC converter 120, to turn ON the DC-DC conversion process. On providing a high logic level to the enable pin of the DC-DC converter, the DC-DC conversion process is turned OFF. Hence, whenever the conversion process needs to be halted/disabled due to reasons such as malfunction/diagnosis and maintenance etc. a high logic level can be applied to the enable pin to render conversion process inactive. This would disable the convertor output from powering the loads at the output of the DC-DC converter 120. [0057] In one embodiment, the control circuit 106 illustrated herein for controlling switching operation of a DC-DC converter 120 comprises a command receiving unit J4 108 configured to receive either an active low enable command signal or an active high enable command signal. The control circuit further comprises an input unit 110 comprising a diode D6 having an anode terminal and a cathode terminal, wherein the anode terminal is connected to a first DC voltage supply (VIN) 114 to be fed to the DC-DC converter 120 and wherein the cathode terminal is connected to ground upon receiving the active low enable command signal. The cathode terminal is further configured to connect to a positive terminal of the second DC voltage supply 116 upon receiving the active high enable command signal. Further the diode D6 conducts current upon receiving the active low enable command signal. The control circuit further comprises an output unit 112 connected to an input of the DC-DC converter 120 via a second transistorized switch 118. The second transistorized switch 118 configured to switch ON the DC-DC converter 120 by connecting the input of the DC-DC converter 120 with the first DC voltage supply VIN when the diode conducts current. [0058] In one of the embodiments, the control circuit 106 that controls the DC-DC converter may be present within the DC-DC converter circuit itself. Figure 3 illustrates one such embodiment, wherein the illustrated dashed line separates the DC-DC conversion circuitry with the vehicle control unit or electric control unit (VCU/ECU) that performs vehicle side operations. The circuit in Figure 3 takes 2 inputs – a command signal at J4, and an input voltage VIN. The circuit comprises 1 zener diode Z4, 1 diode D6 and 4 resistors R25, R16, R18, and R20, 1 capacitor C5, and 1 metal–oxide– semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) transistor Q10. The output of the circuit 106 is connected to an Under Voltage Lock out (UVLO) pin of pulse width modulation (PWM) controller IC. The PWM IC is further connected to the DC-DC converter 120. Here, a gate terminal of the second transistorized switch Q10 is connected to the anode terminal, a drain terminal of the second transistorized switch Q10 is connected to the first DC voltage supply VIN, a source terminal of the second transistorized switch is connected to ground. Here the Zener diode Z4 and the capacitor C5 provide a voltage protection circuitry that prevents any malfunction related to voltage fluctuations and noise . [0059] The below description provides the working of the circuit for 2 conditions -when command signal at J4 is a LOW signal and when command signal at J4 is HIGH signal. For the low signal, input pin is connected to ground GND. In this case, since the cathode of D6 is connected to a lower voltage and the anode terminal is connected to a higher voltage VIN, diode D6 conducts and becomes forward biased. This allows voltage at point (T49) to become ~ 0.7V (Diode voltage drop). Further the circuit illustrates a potential divider circuit comprising resistors R18 and R20. The potential divider circuit further provides a voltage drop and hence the voltage at point T5 would be less than 0.7 Volts (as determined at T49). Since this voltage is directly provided to the gate terminal of the MOSFET Q10, in turn MOSFET Q10 turns OFF. This is because the gate voltage VGS of the Q10 becomes less than its turn ON threshold VGS_th. This makes Undervoltage-lockout (UVLO) pin of PWM IC to be pulled up to the VIN. This is because voltage at drain terminal of Q10 becomes equal to VIN. A Pullup resistor is also connected between the VIN and the UVLO pin. The PWM controller then feeds this input voltage VIN to a DC-DC converter 120 and the process of conversion is enabled. [0060] Alternatively, for the high signal, input pin is connected to a positive terminal of a supply voltage such as a battery. In this case, since the cathode terminal of D6 is connected to a greater voltage and the anode terminal is connected to a lesser voltage VIN, diode D6 do not conduct and becomes reverse biased. This allows voltage at point (T49) to become VIN. Further the potential divider circuit further provides a voltage drop and hence the voltage at point T5 would always be greater than turn ON threshold VGS_th of Q10 . Since this voltage is directly provided to the gate terminal of the MOSFET Q10, in turn MOSFET Q10 turns ON. This is because the Gate voltage VGS of the Q10 is greater than or equal to its turn ON threshold VGS_th . This makes Undervoltage-lockout (UVLO) pin of PWM IC to be pulled down to ground. This is because voltage at drain terminal of Q10 becomes equal to 0V as the source terminal is connected to ground. The PWM controller feeds a zero-input voltage which then disables the process of a DC-DC converter 120. [0061] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the second transistorized switch is configured to switch ON the DC-DC converter 120 by connecting the input of the DC-DC converter 120 with the first DC voltage supply 114 when the second transistorized switch is open. [0062] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the diode D6 does not conduct current upon receiving the active high enable command signal. Further the second transistorized switch Q10 is configured to switch ON the DC-DC converter 120 by connecting the input of the DC-DC converter 120 to ground when the second transistorized switch is closed. [0063] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the first DC voltage supply 114 and second DC voltage supply 116 are selected such that difference between a voltage of the first DC voltage supply 114 and a voltage of the second DC voltage supply 114 is equal to or greater than a forward bias voltage of the diode D6. [0064] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary circuit diagram for a control circuit 106 for controlling switching operation of a DC-DC converter 120 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [0065] The circuit of Figure 4 is applicable to an active high enabling requirement of the DC-DC converter, wherein a high logic level is applied to an enable pin of the DC-DC converter 120, to turn ON the DC-DC conversion process. On providing a low logic level to the enable pin of the DC-DC converter, the DC-DC conversion process is turned OFF. Hence, whenever the conversion process needs to be halted/disabled due to reasons such as malfunction/diagnosis and maintenance etc. a low logic level can be applied to the enable pin to render conversion process inactive. This would disable the convertor output from powering the loads at the output of the DC-DC converter 120. [0066] In one embodiment, the control circuit 106 illustrated herein for controlling switching operation of a DC-DC converter 120 comprises a command receiving unit 108 at J4 configured to receive either an active low enable command signal or an active high enable command signal. The control circuit further comprises an input unit 110. The input unit includes a first transistorized switch Q11 having a base terminal, a collector terminal and an emitter terminal, wherein the emitter terminal is connected to ground. The collector terminal is connected to a first DC voltage supply VIN to be fed to the DC-DC converter 120. The base terminal is configured to connect to ground upon receiving the active low enable command signal. The base terminal is also configured to connect to a positive terminal of the second DC voltage supply 116 upon receiving the active high enable command signal. Here, the first transistorized switch Q11 conducts current upon receiving the active high enable command signal. Further, the control circuit comprises an output unit 112 connected to an input of the DC-DC converter 120 via a second transistorized switch Q10. The second transistorized switch 118 configured to switch ON the DC-DC converter by connecting the input of the DC-DC converter with the DC voltage supply when the first transistorized switch Q10 conducts current. [0067] In one of the embodiments, the control circuit 106 that controls the DC-DC converter may be present within the DC-DC converter circuit itself. Figure 4 illustrates one such embodiment, wherein the illustrated dashed line separates the DC-DC conversion circuitry with the vehicle control unit or electric control unit (VCU/ECU) that performs vehicle side operations. The circuit in Figure 3 takes 2 inputs – a command signal at J4, and an input voltage VIN. The circuit comprises 1 zener diode Z4, 1 diode D6 and 4 resistors R25, R16, R18, and R20, 1 capacitor C5, and 1 metal–oxide– semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) transistor Q10 and an NPN transistor Q11. The output of the circuit 106 is connected to an Under Voltage Lock out (UVLO) pin of pulse width modulation (PWM) controller IC. The PWM IC is further connected to the DC-DC converter 120. Here, the present disclosure, a gate terminal of the second transistorized switch Q10 is connected to the emitter terminal of the first transistorized switch Q11, a drain terminal of the second transistorized switch Q11 is connected to the first DC voltage supply VIN, a source terminal of the second transistorized switch Q11 is connected to ground. [0068] The below description provides the working of the circuit for 2 conditions -when command signal at J4 is a LOW signal and when command signal at J4 is HIGH signal. For the low signal, input pin is connected to ground GND. In this case, the base terminal of the Q11 is connected to ground and the collector terminal is connected to a voltage VIN, thus forward bias voltage of base-emitter junction of Q11 is not met and thus transistor Q11 does not conduct This allows voltage at point (T49) to become equal to VIN. Further the circuit illustrates a potential divider circuit comprising resistors R16, R18 and R20. The potential divider circuit further provides a voltage drop and hence the voltage at point T5 can be determined as greater than turn ON threshold VGS_th of Q10. Since this voltage is directly provided to the gate terminal of the MOSFET Q10, in turn MOSFET Q10 turns ON. This is because the Gate voltage VGS of the Q10 is greater than or equal to its turn ON threshold VGS_th . This makes Undervoltage-lockout (UVLO) pin of PWM IC to be pulled down to ground. This is because voltage at drain terminal of Q10 becomes equal to 0V as the source terminal is connected to ground. The PWM controller feeds a zero-input voltage which then disables the process of a DC-DC converter 120. [0069] Alternatively, for the high signal, input pin is connected to a positive terminal of a supply voltage such as a battery. In this case, the base terminal of the Q11 is connected to a second DC voltage supply and the collector terminal is connected to a voltage VIN, thus forward bias voltage of base-emitter junction of Q11 is met and thus transistor Q11 is turned ON. This allows voltage at point (T49) to become equal to 0.7V. Further the circuit illustrates a potential divider circuit comprising resistors R18 and R20. The potential divider circuit further provides a voltage drop and hence the voltage at point T5 can be determined as less than 0.7 Volts. Since this voltage is directly provided to the gate terminal of the MOSFET Q10, in turn MOSFET Q10 turns OFF. This is because the Gate voltage VGS of the Q10 is less than its turn ON threshold VGS_th . This makes Undervoltage-lockout (UVLO) pin of PWM IC to be pulled up to the VIN. This is because voltage at drain terminal of Q10 becomes equal to VIN The PWM controller feeds VIN input voltage which then enables the process of a DC-DC converter 120. [0070] In another embodiment, the second transistorized switch is configured to switch ON the DC-DC converter (120) by connecting the input of the DC-DC converter 120 with the first DC voltage supply 114 when the second transistorized switch is open. [0071] In another embodiment, the first transistorized switch does not conduct current upon receiving the active low enable command signal. Further the second transistorized switch is configured to switch ON the DC-DC converter (120) by connecting the input of the DC-DC converter 120 to ground when the second transistorized switch is closed. [0072] In another embodiment, the first DC voltage supply 114 and second DC voltage supply 116 are selected such that difference between a voltage of the first DC voltage supply 114 and a voltage of the second DC voltage supply 116 is equal to or greater than a forward bias voltage of base-emitter junction of the first transistorized switch Q11. [0073] Here, the circuit implementations of Figure 3 and Figure 4 share almost same circuit components except a single component of the input unit. For Figure 3, the input unit contains a Diode D6, while for Figure 4, the input unit instead contains a transistorized switch Q11. Hence the same PCB and electronic assembly can be reused for both the cases. Even testing/validation process can be common for both these cases. Here, the control circuit of Figure 4, can re-use the circuit of Figure 3 by omitting Diode D6 and mounting transistor Q11 from the circuit design of Figure 3, to provide Active High Enable operation for a DC-DC converter. The control circuit of the present disclosure can be reused for any logic level requirements at both input and output sides. At the input end two variants are addressed: Active low and active high as enable logic command levels. Similarly at the output of control circuit, “active high” or “active low” enable requirement for the subsequent circuit being in line with application requirements can be addressed. In the current application, Q10 output high is taken as “converter/power supply enable” for the subsequent converter circuit. However, if some other application low output at Q10 may be needed for subsequent converter circuit, the definition of active high and active low definition of the command signal coming from the ECU can be revised. [0074] In another embodiment, the enable circuit of Figure 3 and Figure 4, apart from DC-DC converters, may also be used for linear power supplies as well as other power sources with enable logic inputs. [0075] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram for output voltage health monitoring device 102 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [0076] Monitoring health of the output voltage post the conversion process is also an essential aspect of DC-DC conversion. Power monitoring functionality may be useful in other engineering systems for activation of a back-up power source or initiating a controlled shut down. Figure 5 illustrates the circuitry of the output voltage health monitoring device of Figure1 and Figure 2. The output voltage health monitoring device 102 monitors the output voltage health of a DC-DC converter, against a prescribed window. This cost-effective monitoring circuit 102 can be tailored for different window limits with minimum modifications and also provides an efficient mechanism for communicating the health status of the output voltage to the VCU 104. This health status feedback is provided in form of Power OK Signal (POK signal). [0077] As described in Figure 2, the command signal or POK signal is transmitted by the output voltage health monitoring device 102 for deciding the activation/deactivation of DC-DC convertor 120. The POK signal may be a HIGH signal or a LOW signal, wherein in one embodiment, the HIGH signal indicates weak health of the output voltage of the DC-DC converter. Weak health may indicate that the output voltage is either exceeding an upper limit of the predetermined range or below the lower limit of the predetermined range. When the POK signal is a LOW signal, it may indicate strong health of the output voltage of the DC-DC converter. Strong health may indicate that the output voltage is less than or equal to an upper limit of the predetermined range and greater than or equal to the lower limit of the predetermined range. [0078] The circuit of Figure 5 takes one input that is the output voltage (VCL_OUT1) of the DC-DC converter 120 in order to transmit a POK signal to VCU. The dashed line in Figure 4 separates the DC-DC conversion circuitry incorporating the monitoring device 102 with the vehicle control unit 104 that performs vehicle side operations. The circuit senses VCL_OUT1 (DC-DC converter output voltage) and based on that will either provide low signal (0~0.7V) when no fault detected or provide High signal (~ VCC) when fault detected. The output line may be connected to a pullup resistor R pull up. The circuit comprises 2 zener diodes D104 AND D9, 4 resistors R47, R48, R60 and R62; 3 capacitors C92, C91, C90 and 2 NPN transistors Q15 and Q17. The output voltage is compared with certain two limits of the predetermined range. Herein, the upper limit and the lower limit is referred as Max specification limit and Min specification limit respectively. These prescribed limits can be altered by suitably tailoring break down voltages of the Zener diodes D9 and D104 without modifying the PCB layout. The break down voltage of Zener diode D9 defines the lower limit. The break down voltage of Zener diode D104 defines the upper limit. Further VCL_OUT 1is connected to a cathode of Zener Diode D9 and the anode of the Zener diode D9 is connected to the base terminal of transistor Q15. The collector terminal of the transistor Q15 is connected to the output terminal of the device 102. The emitter terminal of transistor Q15 is connected to ground. Further the collector terminal of transistor Q17 is connected to cathode of Zener diode D9. The base terminal of transistor Q17 is connected to anode of Zener diode D104. The cathode of Zener diode D104 is connected to VCL_OUT1. The various capacitors and resistors referred above provide a voltage protection circuitry that prevents any malfunction related to voltage fluctuations or noise. [0079] Table 1 shows three conditions of operation performed by the circuit of the monitoring device 102: 9 Fault condition Transistor Q15 Transistor Q17 1 POK Signal 1 Output Voltage > Max .specification limit OFF ON High (VCC) Output Voltage

Documents

Application Documents

# Name Date
1 202221014094-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [15-03-2022(online)].pdf 2022-03-15
2 202221014094-PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION [15-03-2022(online)].pdf 2022-03-15
3 202221014094-POWER OF AUTHORITY [15-03-2022(online)].pdf 2022-03-15
4 202221014094-FORM 1 [15-03-2022(online)].pdf 2022-03-15
5 202221014094-DRAWINGS [15-03-2022(online)].pdf 2022-03-15
6 202221014094-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [15-03-2022(online)].pdf 2022-03-15
7 202221014094-Proof of Right [26-12-2022(online)].pdf 2022-12-26
8 202221014094-FORM-26 [15-03-2023(online)].pdf 2023-03-15
9 202221014094-FORM 18 [15-03-2023(online)].pdf 2023-03-15
10 202221014094-DRAWING [15-03-2023(online)].pdf 2023-03-15
11 202221014094-CORRESPONDENCE-OTHERS [15-03-2023(online)].pdf 2023-03-15
12 202221014094-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [15-03-2023(online)].pdf 2023-03-15
13 Abstract1.jpg 2023-05-02
14 202221014094-FER.pdf 2025-03-31
15 202221014094-FORM 3 [29-05-2025(online)].pdf 2025-05-29
16 202221014094-PETITION UNDER RULE 137 [23-09-2025(online)].pdf 2025-09-23
17 202221014094-OTHERS [23-09-2025(online)].pdf 2025-09-23
18 202221014094-FER_SER_REPLY [23-09-2025(online)].pdf 2025-09-23
19 202221014094-CLAIMS [23-09-2025(online)].pdf 2025-09-23

Search Strategy

1 202221014094_SearchStrategyNew_E_search202221014094odtE_07-03-2025.pdf