Method and controller for an electric motor with switch testing

摘要

For each phase of a controller, a pair of semiconductor switches comprises a high side switch and a low side switch. A direct current voltage bus provides electrical energy to the semiconductor switches at a test voltage level less than a full operational voltage level. A measuring circuit is adapted to measure the direct current bus voltage. A data processor determines that a deficiency in a tested, related semiconductor switch is present if the measured direct current bus voltage decreases or collapses upon activation of a particular semiconductor switch in the same phase of the controller, or if other sequential test results indicate a deficiency. If the deficiency in the related semiconductor switch is present the processor may prevent the voltage supply from providing the full operational voltage to the direct current data bus to prevent damage to the motor or the controller, for example.

主权项

1. A method for determining a deficiency in the operation of a semiconductor switch of a controller, the method comprising:
providing electrical energy to the semiconductor switches at a test voltage level less than a full operational voltage level; activating a particular semiconductor switch of a certain phase of the controller; measuring a direct current bus voltage; and determining that a deficiency in a tested, related semiconductor switch is present if the measured direct current bus voltage decreases or collapses by at least a material deviation or at least a transient deviation upon activation of the activated particular semiconductor switch in the same phase of the controller, the material deviation being a threshold difference value between the measured direct current bus voltage and the decreased or collapsed measured direct current bus voltage.