Webasto has been granted a patent for a method to check semiconductor switch faults. By evaluating current measurements or voltage pulses based on duty cycle, faults like short circuits or open circuits can be detected efficiently and cost-effectively. GlobalData’s report on Webasto gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Webasto, Hydrogen fuel cells was a key innovation area identified from patents. Webasto's grant share as of January 2024 was 47%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method for checking semiconductor switch for faults using pwm signal
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11881848B2) discloses a method and device for checking a semiconductor switch for faults. The method involves driving the semiconductor switch with a PWM signal of variable duty cycle. When the switch operates at a duty cycle of 100% or 0%, the current measurement of the overall system is evaluated to detect any faults. On the other hand, when the duty cycle is between 0% and 100%, the evaluation focuses on the voltage pulses generated across the semiconductor switch. By counting these voltage pulses, the method can detect a short circuit or an open circuit in the semiconductor switch.
The device for carrying out this method includes components such as a capacitor and an A/D converter to tap off and process the voltage pulses generated across the semiconductor switch. Additionally, a diode is used to convert these voltage pulses into positive pulses for the A/D converter. The device counts the voltage pulses for evaluation purposes, enabling the detection of faults like short circuits or open circuits in the semiconductor switch. Moreover, if the duty cycle is at 100% or 0%, the evaluation is halted, and any faults are determined through the current measurement of the overall system. This innovative method and device provide a reliable way to check semiconductor switches for faults, ensuring the efficient operation of the overall system they are integrated into.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
