9.3.2.2.1.1 High Accuracy Load Current Sense
In many automotive modules, it is required that the high-side switch provide diagnostic information about the downstream load. With more complex loads, high accuracy sensing is required. A few examples follow:
- LED Lighting: In many architectures, the Body Control Module must be compatible with both incandescent bulbs and also LED modules. The bulb may be relatively simple to diagnose. However, the LED module will consume less current and also can include multiple LED strings in parallel. The same BCM is used in both cases, so the high-side switch must be able to accurately diagnose both load types.
- Solenoid Protection: Often solenoids are precisely controlled by low-side switches. However, in a fault event, the low-side switch cannot disconnect the solenoid from the power supply. A high-side switch can be used to continuously monitor several solenoids. If the system current becomes higher than expected, the high-side switch can disable the module.