Intelligent fuse box for the power distribution system of a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to intelligent fuse box () for a vehicle's multiplex power distribution system, the fuse box including outputs () for driving the vehicle's functional components/actuators and/or cable buses () equipped with intelligent_nodes (), the latter in turn having outputs for driving functional components/actuators (), and further including means serving fuse functions between the outputs () and the vehicle's power supply bus (). The fuse-function means are controlled solid-state switches (). The fuse box () includes inputs () for receiving messages controlling the ON/OFF state of solid-state switches () and a microprocessor (), the latter controlling the solid-state switches () based on a program stored in the microprocessor memory () and on current limits predetermined in configuration data (). In addition to the actual fuse functions, the controlled operation of the solid-state switches offer a plurality of auxiliary functions such as rush current limiting, programmable reconfiguration of current limits, dynamic fuse functions (e.g., to implement a low-current Asleep mode in a parked vehicle) and measurement of system overall load current.