Electric Power Steering System, Controller, and Method of Operation

摘要

An electric power steering system ( 10 ) for a vehicle includes a motor ( 12 ) for providing assistance in turning the wheels of the vehicle. The motor ( 12 ) is electrically connected to a controller ( 14 ). The controller ( 14 ) includes a power device ( 24 ), such as a power transistor ( 25 ), electrically connected to the motor ( 12 ) to variably provide electric power to the motor ( 12 ) as needed. The controller ( 14 ) also includes a gate drive device ( 26 ) electrically connected to the power device ( 24 ) for regulating operation the power device ( 24 ). A shutdown mechanism ( 32 ) is electrically connected between the gate drive device ( 26 ) and a power input ( 16 ). In the event of a fault, the shutdown mechanism ( 32 ) isolates electrical power from the gate drive device ( 26 ). This prevents the power device ( 24 ) from providing electric power to the power steering motor ( 12 ).