Smart power system

Abstract

A smart power system is described. In one or more embodiments, the smart power system includes a microcontroller and a power converter electrically connected to the microcontroller and configured to convert electrical energy from one form to another form. The system also includes a switching element electrically connected to the microcontroller and configured to control the distribution of the converted electrical energy to an electrical load. A sensing element is electrically connected to the electrical load and the microcontroller and configured to monitor the converted electrical energy distributed to the electrical load and to provide a feedback signal based on the converted electrical energy. The microcontroller is configured to verify and monitor the power converter and to control and monitor the distribution of the converted electrical energy to the electrical load based on the feedback signal.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The original application was a patent application submitted to the China Patent Office on March 11, 2016 (the international application date is August 6, 2013), with application number 201380079514.4, and the name of the invention is “Smart Power System”. Background Art

[0002] Industrial control systems (ICS), which can include process control systems (PCS), distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controller (PLC)-based systems, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, play a role in the production of goods and the provision of essential services. ICS is the hallmark of digital technologies that collect, monitor, analyze, decide, control, and act to safely produce and move physical things.

[0003] Industrial control systems (ICS) include power systems that employ various electrical components to supply, transmit, and use electricity. Typically, a power system includes one or more power supplies configured to supply power to the system. These power supplies can be direct current (DC) power supplies or alternating current (AC) power supplies. The power system delivers energy to electrical loads that perform functions. These loads can range from sensors to electric motors. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A smart power system is described. In one or more embodiments, the smart power system includes a microcontroller and a power converter electrically connected to the microcontroller, the power converter configured to convert electrical energy from one form to another form. A switching element electrically connected to the microcontroller is configured to control the distribution of the converted electrical energy to an electrical load. A sensing element electrically connected to the electrical load and the microcontroller is configured to monitor the converted electrical energy distributed to the electrical load and to provide a feedback signal based on the converted electrical energy. The microcontroller is configured to verify and monitor the power converter and to control and monitor the distribution of the converted electrical energy to the electrical load based on the feedback signal.

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the detailed description and the drawings may indicate similar or identical items.

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a smart power system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2A is a circuit diagram illustrating switching elements of a smart power system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2B is an example embodiment of the present disclosure showing an operation Figure 2A , an exemplary microcontroller control signal for the switching element shown in FIG. <1> and microcontroller signals <2> ) waveform diagram.

[0010] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a backplane having a smart power system integrated therein according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for controlling a smart power system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Overview

[0013] The power system employed by an industrial control system (ICS) provides power to electrical loads to allow the loads to perform certain functions. For example, the electrical loads may include input / output (I / O) modules configured to perform specialized functions within the ICS. These I / O modules may be subject to overcurrent events (e.g., the I / O modules become "hot"). However, the power system may still provide current to the I / O modules when the modules become hot, which may result in damage or possible destruction of the I / O modules. Additionally, the power system may provide power to every slot within the ICS. However, some slots may not be in use (e.g., a slot within the ICS does not have an I / O module interfaced to that slot).

[0014] Thus, a smart power system is described. The smart power system is configured to monitor one or more electrical loads powered by the smart power system. For example, the smart power system can be configured to monitor the current provided to the electrical load, the temperature associated with the electrical load, and the like. In some instances, the smart power system can stop supplying power to the electrical load when the electrical load is subjected to an overcurrent event. In one or more embodiments, the smart power system includes a microcontroller and a power converter electrically connected to the microcontroller. The power converter is configured to convert electrical energy from one form to another. For example, the power converter can convert electrical energy from alternating current (AC) electrical energy to direct current (DC) electrical energy, and vice versa. In another example, the amplitude characteristics and / or frequency characteristics of the electrical energy can be modified. The switching element electrically connected to the microcontroller is configured to control the distribution of the converted electrical energy to the electrical load.

[0015] In one embodiment, the switching element comprises a plurality of switches arranged in an H-bridge configuration. A sensing element electrically connected to the electrical load and the microcontroller is configured to monitor the converted electrical energy delivered to the electrical load and to provide a feedback signal based on characteristics of the converted electrical energy. In a specific embodiment, the sensing element comprises an impedance element.

[0016] The microcontroller is configured to verify and monitor the power converter, and is configured to control and monitor the distribution of the converted electrical energy to the electrical load based on the feedback signal. For example, the microcontroller can be configured to generate a control signal that controls the operation of the switching element. In an embodiment, a first microcontroller control signal can cause the switching element to switch between a closed configuration and an open configuration to at least substantially prevent the distribution of the converted electrical energy to the electrical load, while a second microcontroller control signal can cause the switching element to switch between an open configuration and a closed configuration to distribute the converted electrical energy to the electrical load. In another embodiment, one or more microcontroller control signals (e.g., an AC square wave, etc.) can cause the switching element to modify the converted electrical energy (e.g., modify the frequency characteristics of the electrical signal representing the converted electrical energy).

[0017] Exemplary Smart Power System

[0018] Figure 1An exemplary smart power system 100 according to the present disclosure is shown, operable to monitor and / or control power delivery to one or more electrical loads 102 (e.g., electrical loads 104A and 104B are shown for simplicity). In one or more embodiments, the electrical loads 102 may include input / output (I / O) modules 104 of an industrial control system (ICS). For example, the I / O modules 104 may include I / O modules used in telecommunications infrastructure. In another embodiment, the I / O modules may include I / O modules used in industrial and process control system infrastructure.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown in , the smart power system 100 includes a power converter 106 configured to provide power conversion functionality to the system 100. The power converter 106 includes an input terminal 108 for receiving electrical energy and one or more output terminals (e.g., output terminals 110 and 112 are shown for simplicity) for providing converted electrical energy to the system 100. The power converter 106 is configured to convert electrical energy from one form to another. For example, the power converter 106 can be configured to modify voltage amplitude characteristics and / or voltage frequency characteristics. In another example, the power converter 106 is configured to convert alternating current (AC) voltage to direct current (DC) voltage, and vice versa. In some embodiments, the power converter 106 is configured to receive electrical energy ranging from approximately ninety volts AC (90VAC) to two hundred and forty volts AC (240VAC). In other embodiments, the power converter is configured to receive electrical energy from a twenty-four volt DC (24VDC) power source. For example, the power converter 106 can receive a ninety volt AC (90VAC) signal at the input terminal 108. In another example, the power converter 106 can receive a one hundred twenty volt AC (120 VAC) signal at the input terminals 108. In yet another example, the power converter 106 can receive a two hundred forty volt AC (240 VAC) signal at the input terminals 108.

[0020] The smart power system 100 further includes one or more switching elements. Figure 1, the smart power system 100 shown includes a first switching element 114 and a second switching element 116, which are configured to control the operation (e.g., power supply) of an electrical load 102 (e.g., electrical load 104A and electrical load 104B). For example, the switching elements 114, 116 are configured to provide converted electrical energy to the electrical loads 104A, 104B to power the loads 104A, 104B. The first and second switching elements 114, 116 are electrically connected to the output terminals 110, 112, respectively. The switching elements 114, 116 are configured to each have an open configuration for at least substantially preventing the flow of current and a closed configuration for allowing the flow of current. In one or more embodiments, as described in more detail below, the switching elements 114, 116 can be configured to output a signal having a modified frequency characteristic relative to the frequency characteristic of the signal input to the respective switching elements 114, 116.

[0021] Each switching element 114, 116 is electrically connected to a sensing element 118, 120, which is configured to monitor the corresponding load 104A, 104B. The switching elements 114, 116 are configured to provide a feedback signal based on the current flowing to the corresponding load 104A, 104B. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each sensing element 118, 120 is electrically connected to a corresponding electrical load (e.g., electrical load 104A, 104B). The sensing elements 118, 120 are configured to monitor the corresponding electrical load 104A, 104B and provide a feedback signal based on the monitoring of the electrical load 104A, 104B. For example, the feedback signal may include a signal indicating the current value provided to the corresponding electrical load 104A, 104B.

[0022] like Figure 2A As shown in , the first switching element 114 and the second switching element 116 may include a plurality of switches 202, 204, 206, 208 arranged in an H-bridge configuration (e.g., an H-bridge device). In one or more embodiments, the switches 202, 204, 206, 208 may include one or more transistors, such as metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), electromechanical relays, etc. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the switches 202, 204, 206, 208 each include a MOSFET device, which includes: drain terminals 202A, 204A, 206A, 208A; source terminals 202B, 204B, 206B, 208B; and gate terminals 202C, 204C, 206C, 208C. In addition, in the following discussion, the combination of switch 202 and switch 206 and / or the combination of switch 204 and switch 208 may be referred to as a "common FET pair." As Figure 2AAs shown in FIG, sensing elements 118, 120 may include impedance elements 210, 212, respectively. For example, impedance elements 210, 212 may include one or more resistors, electrical traces having a known resistance, or one or more MOSFETs.

[0023] like Figure 2A As shown in FIG, first switching element 114 includes an input terminal 214 electrically connected to drain terminals 202B, 204B of switches 202, 204. Input terminal 214 of first switching element 114 is configured to receive converted electrical energy from power converter 106, and output terminals 216, 218 are configured to be electrically connected to load 104A. First output terminal 216 is electrically connected between source terminal 202A of switch 202 and drain terminal 206B of switch 206, and output terminal 218 is electrically connected between source terminal 204A of switch 204 and drain terminal 208B of switch 208. Source terminal 206A of switch 206 and source terminal 208A of switch 208 are electrically connected to microcontroller 122, second switching element 116, and sensing element 118.

[0024] The second switching element 116 includes switches 220 and 222 arranged in series, which reduces the number of switches required for the switching element (e.g., compared to a switching element used as an H-bridge device). In one or more embodiments, switches 220 and 222 may include one or more transistors, such as metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), electromechanical relays, and the like. In a specific embodiment, the switching element 116 includes an input terminal 224 electrically connected to the source terminals 202B and 204B of switches 202 and 204, and an output terminal 226. The input terminal 224 of the second switching element 116 is configured to receive converted electrical energy from the first switching element 118. The output terminal 226 is configured to be electrically connected to the load 104B. As shown, the output terminal 226 is electrically connected between the source terminal 220A of switch 220 and the drain terminal 222B of switch 222. The source terminal 222A of switch 222 is electrically connected to the microcontroller 122 and the sensing element 120. In some embodiments, system 100 may include additional electrical loads 102, depending on the capabilities of system 100. In these embodiments, system 100 may employ additional switching elements (e.g., switches 220, 222 arranged in series) and corresponding sensing elements for each additional electrical load.

[0025] like Figure 1As shown in FIG, the smart power system 100 includes a microcontroller 122 configured to control and monitor power delivery to the electrical load 102. For example, the microcontroller 120 is configured to monitor and / or control the delivery of converted electrical energy to the electrical loads 104A, 104B. The microcontroller 120 is electrically connected to the power converter 106, the switching elements 114, 116, and the sensing elements 118, 120.

[0026] As shown, the microcontroller 122 includes a processor 124 and a memory 126. The processor 124 provides processing functionality for the microcontroller 122 and may include any number of processors or other processing systems, as well as resident or external memory for storing data and other information accessed or generated by the microcontroller 122. The processor 124 may execute one or more software programs (e.g., modules) that implement the techniques described herein. The memory 126 is an example of a tangible computer-readable medium that provides a storage function for storing various data associated with the operation of the microcontroller 122, the software functions described herein, or other data that directs the processor 124 and other elements of the microcontroller 122 to perform the steps described herein. Although a single memory 126 is shown within the microcontroller 122, various types and combinations of memories may be employed. The memory 126 may be integral with the processor 124, may be an independent memory, or may be a combination of the two. The memory may include, for example, removable and non-removable storage elements such as RAM, ROM, flash memory (eg, SD card, mini SD card, micro SD card), magnetic memory, optical memory, USB memory devices, and the like.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the microcontroller 122 includes a smart power system module 128 that can be stored in the memory 126 and can be executed by the processor 124. For example, the smart power system module 128 can include computer-readable instructions that are configured to be executed by the processor 124 to define and drive the control of one or more systems 100. In an embodiment, the smart power system module 128 represents functionality for controlling the operation of the switching elements 114, 116 based on one or more input parameters. The input parameters can include, but are not limited to, feedback signals provided by the sensing elements 118, 120, monitoring signals indicative of power conversion parameters associated with the power converter 106, and signals received from an external controller.

[0028] As described in greater detail herein, the smart power system module 128 is configured to cause the processor 124 to compare input parameters to one or more programmable thresholds to control one or more aspects of the operation of the system 100. In some embodiments, the smart power system module 128 may be upgradeable (e.g., one or more computer-readable instructions may be replaced based on upgrade requirements). For example, one or more programmable thresholds may be upgraded based on the electrical load 102 interfaced with the system 100 (e.g., the computer-readable instructions may be upgraded based on different power characteristics associated with the electrical load 102 interfaced with the system 100).

[0029] In some embodiments, the smart power system module 128 is configured to cause the processor 124 to store historical data regarding the electrical loads 102 in the memory 126. For example, the smart power system module 128 can cause the processor 124 to store data regarding the temperature associated with the electrical loads 102 (e.g., the temperature at discrete time intervals), store data regarding the current delivered to the electrical loads 102 (e.g., the current values delivered to the electrical loads at discrete time intervals), and so on. The smart power system module 128 can be configured to cause the processor 124 to provide historical trend data regarding specific electrical loads 102 (e.g., historical trend data associated with electrical load 102A, historical trend data associated with electrical load 102B, etc.). In some instances, the smart power system module 128 can use the historical trend data to warn users associated with the smart power system 100 that a specific load 102 is failing (or that a load 102 is about to fail).

[0030] The microcontroller 122 may be operatively connected to the switching elements 114, 116. For example, Figure 2A As shown in FIG, microcontroller 122 is operatively connected to gate terminals 202C, 204C, 206C, 208C, 220C, and 222C. During operation of smart power system 100, microcontroller 122 is configured to selectively issue control signals (e.g., operating signals) to gate terminals 202C, 204C, 206C, 208C, 220C, and 222C to control the operation of corresponding switching elements 114 and 116. Terminals 202C and 208C of switching element 114 and terminal 222C of switching element 116 are configured to receive a first microcontroller control signal; and terminals 204C and 206C of switching element 114 and terminal 220C of switching element 116 are configured to receive a second microcontroller control signal.

[0031] In an embodiment, the first microcontroller control signal may include a signal having a square wave characteristic, and the second microcontroller control signal may include a signal having a square wave characteristic that is approximately one hundred eighty degrees (180°) out of phase with respect to the first microcontroller control signal (see Figure 2B ). For example, during a first discrete time interval, the control signal may cause the switches 202, 208, 220 to be in a closed configuration to allow current flow and may cause the switches 204, 206, 222 to be in an open configuration to at least substantially prevent current flow. During a second discrete time interval, the control signal may cause the switches 204, 206, 220 to be in a closed configuration to allow current flow and may cause the switches 202, 208, 222 to be in an open configuration to at least substantially prevent current flow. Using control signals that are at least approximately one hundred and eighty degrees (180°) out of phase relative to each other may allow the switching elements 114, 116 to generate a higher frequency converted energy signal (e.g., a converted signal having a higher frequency characteristic relative to the frequency characteristic of the converted signal at the input terminal 214 of the switching element 114) at the output terminals 216, 218, which may be used to at least partially power the loads 104A, 104B.

[0032] Figure 2B , is used to control the switching elements 114, 116 when they are in the closed configuration to deliver the converted electrical energy to the load 102. The microcontroller 122 is further configured to issue microcontroller control signals for switching the switching elements 114, 116 between a closed configuration that allows delivery of the converted electrical energy and an open configuration that prevents delivery of the converted electrical energy.

[0033] The smart power system module 128 can be configured to operate the switching elements 114, 116 based on feedback signals received from the sensing elements 118, 120. As described above, the feedback signals represent the current flowing through the respective switching elements 114, 116 and / or the respective switching elements 118, 120. In an embodiment, the smart power system module 128 is configured to cause the processor 124 to compare the feedback signals with a programmable current threshold. The smart power system module 128 is further configured to direct the processor 124 to cause the microcontroller to generate a signal to cause the switching elements 114, 116 to transition from a closed configuration to an open configuration, which can prevent the electrical load 102 from being damaged or destroyed due to an overcurrent event. The programmable current threshold can be defined based on the electrical load 102 interfaced with the system 100. For example, a first programmable current threshold can be defined for a first electrical load 104A, and a second programmable current threshold (e.g., a lower current threshold, a higher current threshold, or the same current threshold) can be defined for a second electrical load 104B. In another embodiment, the smart power system module 128 can be configured to control the operation of the switching elements 114, 116 based on monitoring signals received from the power converter 106. For example, the microcontroller 122 is configured to interface with the power converter 106 to continuously monitor the power efficiency and / or power conversion parameters associated with the power converter 106. The smart power system module 128 is also configured to cause the processor 124 to verify that the power converter 106 is operational. For example, the smart power system module 128 can be configured to cause the processor 124 to verify that the power efficiency and / or power conversion parameters are operating within a set range of programmable power converter parameters.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, a controller 130 is configured to interface with the microcontroller 122 and the electrical load 102. The controller 130 includes a processor 132 and a memory 134 and is configured to communicate bidirectionally with the microcontroller 122. The controller 130 may be external to the smart power system 100 and may be configured to at least partially control the operation of the microcontroller 122 and / or to provide electrical load parameters (e.g., diagnostic information) to the microcontroller 122. From the perspective of the controller 130, the microcontroller 122 may appear to be an input / output module.

[0035] In embodiments, the controller 130 and / or the microcontroller 122 may each include respective unique security credentials (e.g., a key 136 and a key 138) for identifying each other or other components of the system 100. These keys 136, 138 may be provided to the respective controller 130 and microcontroller 122 to form a key pair, thereby providing security functionality to the system 100. If the controller 130 does not recognize the key 138 associated with the microcontroller 122, the controller 130 may be configured to prevent the microcontroller 122 from operating, and vice versa. The use of the keys 136, 138 may prevent unauthorized use of the system 100 or prevent microcontrollers (or controllers) from other manufacturers from being used within the system 100.

[0036] The controller 130 is also connected to the electrical load 102. The controller 130 is configured to receive an electrical load signal from the electrical load 102 representing one or more electrical load parameters. For example, the parameters may include, but are not limited to, parameters representing the flow of current through the load 102, a temperature associated with the electrical load, and the like. These parameters may represent diagnostic information received from the electrical load 102. The controller 130 is configured to provide a controller signal indicating the electrical load parameter to the microcontroller 122. In an embodiment, the smart power system module 128 is configured to direct the processor 124 to compare the controller signal with a programmable electrical load parameter threshold. The electrical load parameter threshold may represent an electrical load current flow threshold, an electrical load temperature threshold, and the like. For example, the smart power system module 128 may direct the processor 124 to compare the electrical load parameter threshold associated with the electrical load 104A with a corresponding programmable electrical load parameter threshold. Based on the comparison (e.g., the temperature within electrical load 104A is too high, electrical load 104A is drawing too much current, etc.), smart power system module 128 is configured to direct processor 124 to transition switching elements 114, 116 corresponding to electrical load 104A from a closed configuration to an open configuration to at least substantially prevent the converted electrical energy from powering electrical load 104A. In some embodiments, controller 130 comprises a slave device to microcontroller 122.

[0037] Figure 3An exemplary system including a backplane 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the smart power system 100 is integrated within the backplane 300. Backplanes such as the backplane 300 are typically found within industrial or telecommunication systems for power and / or communication signal transmission. As shown, the backplane 300 includes pluggable input / output (I / O) modules 302 (e.g., electrical loads 102). For example, the backplane 300 may include a connector 304 (e.g., a slot) configured to mate with the I / O module 302, the connector 304 enabling the I / O module 302 to interface with the smart power system 100 and using the smart power system 100 to at least partially power the I / O module 302 as described above. For example, the backplane 300 may use a power source 306, such as a DC power source or an AC power source, and the power converter 106 of the smart power system 100 is configured to convert electrical energy from one form to another form and is configured to use the converted electrical energy as described above to at least partially power the input / output module 302.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the electrical loads 102 (e.g., the input / output modules 302) may each include a processor 308 configured to provide processing functionality to the respective load 102. For example, as described herein, the input / output modules 302 are configured to interface with the controller 130. The processor 308 may be configured to provide one or more electrical load 102 parameters to the controller 130. For example, the parameters may include diagnostic information, such as current flow associated with the load 102, a temperature associated with the load 102, and the like.

[0039] In an embodiment, the input / output module 302 may include an input module, an output module, and / or both an input and an output module used in an industrial control system. The input module may be used to receive information from input instruments of the industrial control system in a process or field, while the output module may be used to send instructions to output instruments in the field. For example, the I / O module 302 may be connected to a process sensor, such as a sensor for measuring pressure in a pipeline in a gas plant, refinery, etc. In an embodiment, the input / output module 302 can be used to collect data and control systems in applications including, but not necessarily limited to: industrial processes, such as fabrication, production, power generation, manufacturing, and refining; infrastructure processes, such as water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, oil and gas pipelines, power transmission and distribution, wind farms, and large communications systems; facility processes for buildings, airports, ships, and space stations (e.g., for monitoring and controlling heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and energy consumption); large campus industrial process plants, such as oil and gas, refining, chemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, water and wastewater, pulp and paper, utility power, mining, metals; and / or critical infrastructure.

[0040] In another embodiment, the input / output module 302 may include an input module, an output module, and / or an input and output module used within the telecommunications network. For example, the input module may be used to receive information from an input device of the telecommunications network, while the output module may be used to send instructions to an output device in the telecommunications network.

[0041] like Figure 3As shown in FIG, the backplane 300 may include one or more additional smart power systems 100 that may be integrated therein. The additional smart power systems 100 are configured to provide redundant functionality within the backplane 300 in the event that one or more smart power systems 100 become inoperable. For example, each smart power system 100 integrated within the backplane 300 (e.g., system 100(1), system 100(2), ..., 100(N)) is individually interfaced with each I / O module 302 (e.g., electrical load 102) connected to the backplane 300. In an embodiment, each smart power system 100 is configured to provide a sufficient amount of converted electrical energy to each I / O module 302 so that the input / output module 302 can be powered by only a single power system 100. In another embodiment, one or more smart power systems 100 may be used to power the input / output module 302. For example, the first smart power system 100 and the second smart power system 100 may be configured to at least substantially power the first I / O module 302. The controller 130 may be configured to select which of the systems 100(1), 100(2), ... 100(N) to provide converted power to which I / O module 302, based on the requirements of the backplane 300. Additionally, while only one controller 130 is shown, it is contemplated that multiple controllers 130 may be used within the backplane 300 to provide redundant functionality for the controllers 130.

[0042] In an embodiment, the smart power system 100 is configured to selectively provide power to one or more connectors 304. For example, the controller 130 (or multiple controllers 130) can be configured to provide information to the smart power system 100 (e.g., the processor 124 of the system 110) that one or more connectors 304 are not in use. The smart power system 100 can use this information to prevent the distribution of power to these connectors 304. For example, the smart power system module 128 of the smart power system 100 can cause the processor 124 to prevent the switching elements (e.g., switching elements 114, switching elements 116) corresponding to the unused connectors 304 from transitioning to a closed configuration.

[0043] Exemplary Smart Power System Process

[0044] Figure 4An exemplary process (method) 400 for operating the smart power system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In the illustrated method 400, electrical energy is converted from one form to another form (block 402). For example, the power converter 106 is configured to receive electrical energy in a first form and convert the first type of electrical energy into a second form of electrical energy (e.g., modifying voltage amplitude characteristics, modifying voltage frequency characteristics, converting from an AC voltage signal to a DC voltage signal, and converting from a DC voltage signal to an AC voltage signal). Figure 4 As shown in FIG4 , the distribution of the converted electrical energy is controlled by the switching elements (block 404). In one or more embodiments, the switching elements 114, 116 are configured to control the distribution of the converted electrical energy to the electrical load 102. As described above, the microcontroller 122 is configured to control the operation of the switching elements 114, 116, which causes the switching elements 114, 116 to control the distribution of the converted electrical energy. For example, the microcontroller 122 is configured to cause the switching elements 114, 116 to transition from a closed configuration to an open configuration to at least substantially prevent the distribution of the converted electrical energy to the electrical load 102. In another example, the microcontroller is configured to cause the switching elements 114, 116 to transition from an open configuration to a closed configuration to allow the distribution of the converted electrical energy to the electrical load 102.

[0045] A feedback signal is generated based on the converted energy at the sensing element (block 406). As described above, the sensing elements 118, 120 are electrically connected to the microcontroller 122. In one or more embodiments, the sensing elements 118, 120 provide a feedback signal to the microcontroller 122, which may be representative of the current flow delivered to the electrical load 102. Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the operation of the switching elements is controlled based on the feedback signal at the microcontroller (block 408). As described above, the switching elements 118, 120 are configured to transition between a closed configuration for allowing the distribution of the converted electrical energy to at least one electrical load and an open configuration for at least substantially preventing the distribution of the converted electrical energy to the corresponding electrical loads 104A, 104B. For example, the microcontroller 122 is configured to issue a microcontroller control signal for transitioning the switching elements 114, 116 between a closed configuration for allowing the distribution of the converted electrical energy and an open configuration for preventing the distribution of the converted electrical energy.

[0046] Summarize

[0047] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or process operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A smart power system comprising: Microcontroller; a power converter electrically connected to the microcontroller, the power converter configured to convert electrical energy from one form to another; a switching element electrically connected to the microcontroller, the switching element configured to control distribution of the converted electrical energy to at least one electrical load; a sensing element electrically connected to the at least one electrical load and the microcontroller, the sensing element configured to monitor the converted electrical energy delivered to the at least one electrical load, the sensing element configured to provide a feedback signal based on the converted electrical energy; as well as a controller configured to be integrated with a backplane, the controller being electrically connected to the at least one electrical load and the microcontroller, the controller being configured to bidirectionally communicate with the microcontroller and at least partially control operation of the microcontroller, the controller including unique security parameters associated with the controller, and the microcontroller including unique security parameters associated with the microcontroller, the controller being configured to prevent operation of the microcontroller if the unique security parameters associated with the microcontroller are not recognized, the microcontroller being configured to prevent operation of the controller if the unique security parameters associated with the controller are not recognized; The microcontroller is configured to verify and monitor the power converter, and the microcontroller is configured to control and monitor the distribution of the converted electrical energy to the at least one electrical load based on the feedback signal.

2. The smart power system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one electrical load includes an intelligent electrical load, and the intelligent electrical load includes a processor.

3. The smart power system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to receive diagnostic information from the at least one electrical load, and the controller is configured to provide the diagnostic information to the microcontroller.

4. The smart power system according to claim 3, wherein: The controller comprises a slave device, and the microcontroller comprises a master device.

5. The smart power system according to claim 1, wherein: The switching element comprises an H-bridge device configured to modify the converted electrical energy, the H-bridge comprising at least one common field effect transistor (FET) pair.

6. The smart power system according to claim 1, wherein: The sensing element is configured to provide the feedback signal to the microcontroller based on the converted electrical energy delivered to the at least one electrical load, and the microcontroller is configured to control and monitor the delivery of the converted electrical energy to the at least one electrical load based on the feedback signal.

7. The smart power system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one electrical load includes an input / output (I / O) device.

8. The smart power system according to claim 1, wherein: The microcontroller includes a processor and a memory configured to store a tangible computer-readable medium containing a program executable by the processor to cause the processor to control the operation of at least one of the switching element or the power converter based on a first power characteristic.

9. The smart power system according to claim 8, wherein: The microcontroller is configured to receive a tangible computer-readable medium containing an upgrade program executable by the processor to cause the processor to control the operation of at least one of the switching element or the power converter based on a second power characteristic, the second power characteristic being different from the first power characteristic.

10. The smart power system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one electrical load has a programmable electrical load parameter threshold associated therewith, and the microcontroller is configured to cause the switching element connected to the at least one load to transition from a closed configuration to an open configuration upon registering a feedback signal that exceeds the programmable electrical load parameter threshold associated with the at least one electrical load, the at least one electrical load comprising a first electrical load and a second electrical load, the first electrical load having a first programmable electrical load parameter threshold associated therewith, the second electrical load having a second programmable electrical load parameter threshold associated therewith, the first programmable electrical load parameter threshold being different from the second programmable electrical load parameter threshold.

11. The smart power system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one electrical load includes an input / output (I / O) device, the I / O module being part of an industrial control system.

12. The smart power system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to provide historical trend data associated with a given electrical load.

13. The smart power system according to claim 12, wherein: The microcontroller is configured to use the historical trend data associated with a given electrical load to determine whether the given electrical load has failed.

14. The smart power system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller and the microcontroller are each assigned a corresponding security key, the controller is configured to prevent the microcontroller from operating if the corresponding security key associated with the microcontroller cannot be recognized, and the microcontroller is configured to prevent the controller from operating if the corresponding security key associated with the controller cannot be recognized.

15. The smart power system according to claim 1, wherein: The smart power system is configured to be carried by the backplane, which is a component in an industrial system or a telecommunication system.

16. The smart power system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to receive diagnostic information from the at least one electrical load, the controller is configured to provide the diagnostic information to the microcontroller, the controller and the microcontroller are each assigned a corresponding security key as their respective security parameters, the controller is configured to prevent the microcontroller from operating if the corresponding security key associated with the microcontroller cannot be recognized, and the microcontroller is configured to prevent the controller from operating if the corresponding security key associated with the controller cannot be recognized.

17. A smart power system comprising: Microcontroller; a power converter electrically connected to the microcontroller, the power converter configured to convert electrical energy from one form to another; a switching element electrically connected to the microcontroller, the switching element configured to control distribution of the converted electrical energy to at least one electrical load; a sensing element electrically connected to the microcontroller and configured to be electrically connected to the at least one electrical load, the sensing element configured to monitor the converted electrical energy delivered to the at least one electrical load, the sensing element configured to provide a feedback signal based on the converted electrical energy; as well as a controller electrically connected to the microcontroller and configured to be electrically connected to the at least one electrical load, the controller configured to bidirectionally communicate with the microcontroller and at least partially control the operation of the microcontroller, the controller and the microcontroller each being assigned a respective unique security key as their respective security parameters, the controller configured to prevent the microcontroller from operating if the respective unique security key associated with the microcontroller is not recognized, the microcontroller configured to prevent the controller from operating if the respective unique security key associated with the controller is not recognized; The microcontroller is configured to verify and monitor the power converter, and the microcontroller is configured to control and monitor the distribution of the converted electrical energy to the at least one electrical load based on the feedback signal.

Images