Protection method for semiconductor end stages, e.g. transistors in a motor vehicle DC motor drive, e.g. for a windscreen wiper motor, where transistor junction temperature is estimated and compared with an allowable limit

摘要

A method for protection of semiconductor end stages, e.g. transistors in a motor vehicle DC motor drive that is controlled with a microcontroller and a driver. According to the method the temperature of the end stages, or transistor junction temperature, is estimated using a software model based on an initial temperature. The estimated temperature is compared with a maximum allowable temperature of the semiconductor end stages.