SOLID STATE PRE-CHARGE MODULE

Abstract

A solid state pre-charge module includes a relay, a transistor connected to the relay and a solid state device connected to the transistor. The solid state device controls switching of the transistor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a pre-charge circuit formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment controlling power to a load.

FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating an exemplary inrush current based on a relay pre-charge.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a pre-charge module formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a pre-charge module formed in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

Claims

1. A pre-charge module comprising: a relay;a transistor connected to the relay; anda solid state device connected to the transistor, the solid state device controlling switching of the transistor.

2. A pre-charge module in accordance with claim 1, wherein the transistor comprises a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET).

3. A pre-charge module in accordance with claim 1, wherein the solid state device comprises a driver component driving a gate of the transistor at a fifty percent duty cycle.

4. A pre-charge module in accordance with claim 1, wherein the solid state device comprises a self-oscillating half-bridge driver.

5. A pre-charge module in accordance with claim 1, wherein the solid state device comprises a floating ground integrated circuit chip.

6. A pre-charge module in accordance with claim 1, wherein the relay comprises an electromechanical relay having a rating of twelve volts.

7. A pre-charge module in accordance with claim 1, further comprising an optocoupler connected between a LO output of the solid state device and a gate of the transistor.

8. A pre-charge module in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a photocoupler connected to a ground switch, the ground switch connected to the relay.

9. A pre-charge module in accordance with claim 1, wherein a normally open contact of the relay is connected to a power supply of at least 300 volts.

10. A pre-charge module in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a resistor and a capacitor and wherein the solid state device comprises a half-bridge driver, with the resistor and the capacitor setting a time period that the transistor is switched on.

11. A pre-charge module in accordance with claim 1, wherein the transistor is connected to a capacitor to be pre-charged and the transistor is switched off upon the capacitor reaching a full charge.

12. A pre-charge module in accordance with claim 1, wherein the transistor is connected to a capacitor to be pre-charged and the transistor is switched off upon the capacitor being charged to a predetermined capacity.

13. A pre-charge module in accordance with claim 1, wherein the transistor is connected to a high voltage power supply.

14. A pre-charge module in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a Zener diode connected to the solid state device reducing a voltage to the solid state device.

15. A pre-charge architecture comprising: a pre-charge module including a solid state device with electromechanical isolation, wherein the pre-charge module is connected across a main contactor; and a capacitor connected to the main contactor.

16. A pre-charge architecture in accordance with claim 15, wherein the capacitor has a capacitance of at least 1000 microfarads.

17. A pre-charge architecture in accordance with claim 15, wherein the pre-charge module comprises a relay and wherein contacts of the relay are connected to a power source of at least 300 volts.

18. A pre-charge architecture in accordance with claim 15, wherein the capacitor is part of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

19. A pre-charge architecture in accordance with claim 15, wherein the pre-charge module comprises a low voltage relay having a typical operating voltage of about twelve volts.

20. A pre-charge architecture in accordance with claim 15, wherein the pre-charge module comprises a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) with the switching of the MOSFET controlled by the solid state device and an optocoupler connected between the solid state device and a gate of the MOSFET.