Method and controller for an electric motor with switch testing

Abstract

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.