A multi-channel electronic load with channel selection function

Abstract

This invention discloses a multi-channel electronic load capable of channel selection. This multi-channel electronic load utilizes an Objective Function (Ob) containing multiple target weights, where W1, W2, and W3 are weights for power consumption, efficiency, and temperature balance, respectively. Based on the voltage V... i and current I i The power dissipation of each channel is calculated based on real-time values, and channels are selectively turned on or off to minimize the Ob objective function value and optimize the power dissipation P of each channel. i This maximizes energy efficiency, avoids unnecessary energy consumption, and improves resource utilization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic load technology, and more specifically, to a multi-channel electronic load capable of channel selection. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of science and technology, various electronic products are emerging in an endless stream. The most important factor determining whether an electronic product can operate normally is the power supply, and the key to ensuring power supply quality is the load. Early load devices mainly used a constant load resistance method, which involved calculating the required resistance value based on the actual current and voltage values, and then selecting a resistor with appropriate power to build the actual circuit. The disadvantages of this method are limited power and a limited measurement range. With the emergence and application of electronic loads, the quality and efficiency of power supply testing have been effectively improved, which is conducive to the establishment of automated testing system platforms.

[0003] An electronic load is a device that can simulate real-world load conditions and is widely used in performance testing of power supplies, batteries, and other electronic devices. By adjusting parameters such as current, voltage, and resistance, various load conditions can be simulated, such as constant current loads, constant voltage loads, and programmable loads, thereby testing the performance of electronic components and products under different load conditions. Electronic loads have multiple operating modes, including constant current (CC), constant voltage (CV), constant power (CP), and constant resistance (CR) modes, which enable them to adapt to different testing requirements.

[0004] Commercially available electronic loads are typically single-channel, stand-alone models. In factory-scale power supply testing systems, a single electronic load can only test one power supply at a time. To improve production testing efficiency, it's necessary to purchase multiple electronic loads to form a system that can simultaneously test multiple power modules. To address these issues, multi-channel electronic loads have emerged. Multi-channel electronic loads can test multiple channels simultaneously, independently controlling and measuring parameters such as voltage, current, and power for each channel.

[0005] However, traditional multi-channel electronic loads lack efficient channel selection and management mechanisms, making it difficult to achieve optimal balance in terms of power consumption, efficiency, and temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a multi-channel electronic load that can realize channel selection function, so as to solve the problem that the lack of efficient channel selection and management mechanism in multi-channel electronic loads makes it difficult to achieve the best state in terms of power consumption, efficiency and temperature balance.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a multi-channel electronic load that can realize channel selection function includes a master control module, multiple slave control modules and multiple power dissipation modules, wherein the multiple slave control modules and multiple power dissipation modules are connected in a one-to-one correspondence;

[0008] The host control module is used to communicate with the host computer and receive instructions and data sent by the host computer. The host control module obtains the current channel voltage, current and power dissipation module status information fed back by each slave control module in real time through the internal communication bus.

[0009] Calculate the power dissipation of each channel based on the obtained voltage and current values;

[0010] Define the objective function of Ob, which includes multiple objective weights, as follows:

[0011]

[0012] Where W1, W2, and W3 are the weights for balancing power consumption, efficiency, and temperature, respectively, P i X is the power dissipation of the i-th channel. i V is a binary variable representing whether the i-th channel is selected. i and I i P represents the voltage and current values ​​of the i-th channel, respectively. max For maximum power consumption limit, V max and I max T represents the maximum values ​​of voltage and current, respectively. i Let T be the temperature of the i-th channel. avg The average temperature across all channels;

[0013] The host control module, based on the set Ob objective function and the real-time acquired voltage, current, and temperature values, calculates the channel selection scheme that minimizes the Ob objective function value, thereby determining the X value of each channel. i Based on the solved channel selection scheme, the on / off state of each channel is controlled.

[0014] Furthermore, the dynamic adjustment process for the weights of power consumption, efficiency, and temperature balance includes:

[0015] (1) Real-time acquisition of voltage values ​​V of each channel i (t), Current value I i (t) and temperature T i (t), where i represents the channel number and t represents the time;

[0016] (2) Calculate the power dissipation P of each channel based on the real-time voltage and current values. i (t)=V i (t)×I i(t), and calculate the total power dissipation P. total (t);

[0017] (3) The efficiency of the current electronic load is measured by the efficiency index η(t). The formula for the efficiency index η(t) is:

[0018]

[0019] Where V max and I max These are the maximum values ​​of voltage and current, respectively; X i (t) represents the state of whether the i-th channel is selected at time t;

[0020] (4) According to the preset power setting value P set Efficiency setpoint η set Temperature setpoint T set And in the current working mode M, the weights W1(t), W2(t), and W3(t) in the Ob objective function are dynamically adjusted using the following formula:

[0021]

[0022] Where α1, α2, and α3 are weight adjustment coefficients, with values ​​ranging from 0 to 1; β1 and β2 are smoothing adjustment coefficients, with values ​​ranging from 0 to 1, P max P min For maximum power dissipation and minimum power dissipation, η max η min For maximum and minimum efficiency, T max T min These are the maximum and minimum temperatures.

[0023] Furthermore, the host control module communicates with the host computer via an RS232 interface, receiving instructions and data sent by the host computer, including the target channel number, operating mode, and corresponding settings. The host control module also communicates with the slave control modules of each channel via a UART bus, acquiring real-time information on the current channel voltage, current, and power dissipation module status from each slave control module.

[0024] Furthermore, it also includes a power supply board, which is connected to the host control module, multiple slave control modules, and multiple power dissipation modules to supply power to the host control module, multiple slave control modules, and multiple power dissipation modules.

[0025] Furthermore, the electronic load includes:

[0026] The input interface unit connects to the power supply under test and introduces the power output;

[0027] Power electronic converters adjust the input current according to the set load characteristics to simulate different load conditions.

[0028] Furthermore, it also includes a redundant power supply module, which provides backup power in the event of a power board failure, ensuring stable system operation.

[0029] Furthermore, the redundant power supply module includes at least two independent power supply units and a diode assembly. The diode assembly includes at least one Schottky diode, with the anode of each Schottky diode connected to the output terminal of the corresponding power supply unit and the cathode of the Schottky diode connected to the power bus.

[0030] Furthermore, the power dissipation module includes a temperature detection circuit and a fan control circuit. The fan control circuit is connected to the temperature detection circuit, and the fan control circuit adjusts the fan speed in stages according to the temperature information output by the temperature detection circuit to achieve dynamic control of heat dissipation efficiency.

[0031] Furthermore, the temperature detection circuit includes at least one temperature sensor for detecting the real-time temperature on the heat sink and converting the temperature information into an electrical signal.

[0032] Furthermore, the fan control circuit includes a PWM signal generation unit and a driving unit. The PWM signal generation unit calculates the duty cycle of the PWM signal based on the temperature information output by the temperature detection circuit. The driving unit includes at least one field-effect transistor (FET). The gate of the FET is used to receive the PWM signal, the source is grounded, and the drain is connected to one end of the fan. The FET is turned on and off according to the PWM signal to control the fan speed.

[0033] According to the above-described solution, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0034] (1) The present invention provides a multi-channel electronic load capable of channel selection. This multi-channel electronic load utilizes an Objective Function (Ob) containing multiple objective weights, where W1, W2, and W3 are weights for power consumption, efficiency, and temperature balance, respectively. Based on the voltage V... i and current I i The power dissipation of each channel is calculated based on real-time values, and channels are selectively turned on or off to minimize the Ob objective function value and optimize the power dissipation P of each channel. i This maximizes energy efficiency, avoids unnecessary energy consumption, and improves resource utilization.

[0035] (2) The present invention provides a multi-channel electronic load that can realize channel selection function, by setting a maximum power consumption limit P. max Maximum voltage value V max and maximum current value I maxEnsuring operation within these limits helps prevent equipment damage due to overload, thus improving system safety. Simultaneously, monitoring the temperature T of each channel... i and the average temperature T of all channels avg Comparisons can help avoid overheating and further enhance safety.

[0036] (3) The present invention provides a multi-channel electronic load that can realize channel selection function. By introducing power consumption weight and considering the maximum power consumption limit in the objective function, the power consumption of each channel can be automatically adjusted, making the power consumption distribution of the electronic load more reasonable, effectively reducing the power consumption peak and improving energy utilization efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the multi-channel electronic load in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 A flowchart for dynamically adjusting the weights of power consumption, efficiency, and temperature. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of the present invention by way of example, but should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention, that is, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0041] To better understand the present invention, it will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0042] See Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-channel electronic load capable of channel selection, including a master control module, multiple slave control modules and multiple power dissipation modules, with the multiple slave control modules and multiple power dissipation modules connected in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0043] The host control module is used to communicate with the host computer and receive instructions and data sent by the host computer. The host control module obtains the current channel voltage, current and power dissipation module status information fed back by each slave control module in real time through the internal communication bus.

[0044] Calculate the power dissipation of each channel based on the obtained voltage and current values;

[0045] Define the objective function of Ob, which includes multiple objective weights, as follows:

[0046]

[0047] Where W1, W2, and W3 are the weights for balancing power consumption, efficiency, and temperature, respectively, P i X is the power dissipation of the i-th channel. i V is a binary variable representing whether the i-th channel is selected. i and I i P represents the voltage and current values ​​of the i-th channel, respectively. max For maximum power consumption limit, V max and I max T represents the maximum values ​​of voltage and current, respectively. i Let T be the temperature of the i-th channel. avg The average temperature across all channels;

[0048] The host control module, based on the set Ob objective function and the real-time acquired voltage, current, and temperature values, calculates the channel selection scheme that minimizes the Ob objective function value, thereby determining the X value of each channel. i Based on the solved channel selection scheme, the on / off state of each channel is controlled.

[0049] Specifically, the multi-channel electronic load uses an Objective Function (Ob) containing multiple objective weights, where W1, W2, and W3 are the weights for power consumption, efficiency, and temperature balance, respectively. Through this Objective Function, the power dissipation of each channel is calculated based on the real-time values ​​of voltage Vi and current Ii, and channels are selectively turned on or off to minimize the value of the Objective Function, optimize the power dissipation Pi of each channel, thereby maximizing energy efficiency, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption, and improving resource utilization.

[0050] The multi-channel electronic load provided in this embodiment, which enables channel selection, ensures operation within specified limits by setting maximum power consumption (Pmax), maximum voltage (Vmax), and maximum current (Imax). This helps prevent equipment damage due to overload, thereby improving system safety. Furthermore, by monitoring the temperature Ti of each channel and comparing it with the average temperature Tavg of all channels, overheating can be avoided, further enhancing safety.

[0051] The multi-channel electronic load provided in this embodiment, which enables channel selection, can automatically adjust the power consumption of each channel by introducing power consumption weights and considering the maximum power consumption limit in the objective function. This makes the power consumption distribution of the electronic load more reasonable, effectively reduces the peak power consumption, and improves energy utilization efficiency.

[0052] See Figure 2 As shown, the dynamic adjustment process for balancing power consumption, efficiency, and temperature includes:

[0053] (1) Real-time acquisition of voltage values ​​V of each channel i (t), Current value I i (t) and temperature T i (t), where i represents the channel number and t represents the time;

[0054] (2) Calculate the power dissipation P of each channel based on the real-time voltage and current values. i (t)=V i (t)×I i (t), and calculate the total power dissipation P. total (t);

[0055] (3) The efficiency of the current electronic load is measured by the efficiency index η(t). The formula for the efficiency index η(t) is:

[0056]

[0057] Among them, V max and I max X represents the maximum values ​​of voltage and current, respectively. i (t) represents the state of whether the i-th channel is selected at time t;

[0058] (4) According to the preset power setting value P set Efficiency setpoint η set Temperature setpoint T set And in the current working mode M, the weights W1(t), W2(t), and W3(t) in the Ob objective function are dynamically adjusted using the following formula:

[0059]

[0060] Where α1, α2, and α3 are weight adjustment coefficients, with values ​​ranging from 0 to 1; β1 and β2 are smoothing adjustment coefficients, with values ​​ranging from 0 to 1, P max P min For maximum power dissipation and minimum power dissipation, η max η min For maximum and minimum efficiency, T max Tmin These are the maximum and minimum temperatures.

[0061] Specifically, by dynamically adjusting the power consumption weight W1, the system can flexibly select the channel with lower power consumption based on the real-time power consumption of different channels, thereby effectively reducing overall power consumption and improving energy efficiency. By dynamically adjusting the efficiency weight W2, the system can prioritize the channels with higher efficiency, and automatically select the optimal combination of channels based on real-time monitoring of the efficiency of each channel, thereby improving operating efficiency. By dynamically adjusting the temperature balance weight W3, the system helps maintain the temperature balance between channels. By monitoring the temperature of each channel, the system can automatically adjust the operating status of the channels, preventing some channels from being damaged due to excessive temperature, while also reducing overall temperature fluctuations and improving operational stability and reliability.

[0062] In this embodiment, the host control module communicates with the host computer via an RS232 interface, receiving instructions and data from the host computer, including the target channel number, operating mode, and corresponding settings. The host computer controls the constant current (CC), constant voltage (CV), constant power (CW), and constant resistance (CR) modes of each channel. The host control module communicates with the slave control modules of each channel via a UART bus, acquiring real-time information on the current channel voltage, current, and power dissipation module status from each slave control module.

[0063] In this embodiment, the multi-channel electronic load also includes a power supply board, which is connected to the host control module, multiple slave control modules, and multiple power dissipation modules to supply power to the host control module, multiple slave control modules, and multiple power dissipation modules.

[0064] Electronic loads include:

[0065] The input interface unit connects to the power supply under test and introduces the power output;

[0066] Power electronic converters adjust the input current according to the set load characteristics to simulate different load conditions.

[0067] In this embodiment, the multi-channel electronic load also includes a redundant power supply module. This module provides backup power in case of a power board failure, ensuring stable system operation. Specifically, the redundant power supply module includes at least two independent power supply units and a diode assembly. The diode assembly includes at least one Schottky diode, with the anode of each Schottky diode connected to the output terminal of the corresponding power supply unit, and the cathode of the Schottky diode connected to the power bus.

[0068] Traditional fan-assisted cooling methods involve the fan running at full speed when the instrument is powered on. This control method has drawbacks such as high noise and energy waste. To solve the problems of high noise and energy waste, this embodiment adopts intelligent temperature-controlled fan speed regulation. By controlling the fan speed in a positive correlation with temperature: when the temperature is higher than the fan's activation temperature, the fan turns on and rotates at a corresponding speed according to the temperature change; when the temperature is lower than the fan's shutdown temperature, the fan turns off; when the temperature is higher than the maximum limit temperature, the fan runs at full speed. Fan speed regulation not only reduces noise but also saves energy.

[0069] Specifically, the power dissipation module in this embodiment includes a temperature detection circuit and a fan control circuit. The fan control circuit is connected to the temperature detection circuit. The fan control circuit adjusts the fan speed in stages according to the temperature information output by the temperature detection circuit to achieve dynamic control of heat dissipation efficiency.

[0070] The temperature detection circuit includes at least one temperature sensor for detecting the real-time temperature on the heat sink and converting the temperature information into an electrical signal.

[0071] The fan control circuit includes a PWM signal generation unit and a driving unit. The PWM signal generation unit calculates the duty cycle of the PWM signal based on the temperature information output by the temperature detection circuit. The driving unit includes at least one field-effect transistor (FET). The FET's gate receives the PWM signal, its source is grounded, and its drain is connected to one end of the fan. The FET's on / off state is controlled according to the PWM signal to control the fan speed. In this embodiment, fan speed control is achieved using PWM pulse width modulation technology. By adjusting the duty cycle of the PWM signal, the on / off time ratio of the FET can be controlled, thereby controlling the fan speed. Specifically, a higher duty cycle results in a longer FET conduction time and a faster fan speed; a lower duty cycle results in a shorter FET conduction time and a slower fan speed.

[0072] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

[0073] The present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-channel electronic load capable of channel selection, characterized in that, include: The system consists of a master control module, multiple slave control modules, and multiple power dissipation modules, with each slave control module and power dissipation module connected in a corresponding manner. The host control module is used to communicate with the host computer and receive instructions and data sent by the host computer. The host control module obtains the current channel voltage, current and power dissipation module status information fed back by each slave control module in real time through the internal communication bus. Calculate the power dissipation of each channel based on the obtained voltage and current values; Define the objective function of Ob, which includes multiple objective weights, as follows: Where W1, W2, and W3 are the weights for balancing power consumption, efficiency, and temperature, respectively, P i X is the power dissipation of the i-th channel. i V is a binary variable representing whether the i-th channel is selected. i and I i P represents the voltage and current values ​​of the i-th channel, respectively. max For maximum power consumption limit, V max and I max T represents the maximum values ​​of voltage and current, respectively. i Let T be the temperature of the i-th channel. avg The average temperature across all channels; The host control module, based on the set Ob objective function and the real-time acquired voltage, current, and temperature values, calculates the channel selection scheme that minimizes the Ob objective function value, thereby determining the X value of each channel. i Based on the solved channel selection scheme, the on / off state of each channel is controlled.

2. A multi-channel electronic load capable of channel selection as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The dynamic adjustment process for balancing power consumption, efficiency, and temperature includes: (1) Real-time acquisition of voltage values ​​V of each channel i (t), Current value I i (t) and temperature T i (t), where i represents the channel number and t represents the time; (2) Calculate the power dissipation P of each channel based on the real-time voltage and current values. i (t)=V i (t)×I i (t), and calculate the total power dissipation P. total (t); (3) The efficiency of the current electronic load is measured by the efficiency index η(t). The formula for the efficiency index η(t) is: Among them, V max and I max X represents the maximum values ​​of voltage and current, respectively. i (t) represents the state of whether the i-th channel is selected at time t; (4) According to the preset power setting value P set Efficiency setpoint η set Temperature setpoint T set And in the current working mode M, the weights W1(t), W2(t), and W3(t) in the Ob objective function are dynamically adjusted using the following formula: Where α1, α2, and α3 are weight adjustment coefficients, with values ​​ranging from 0 to 1; β1 and β2 are smoothing adjustment coefficients, with values ​​ranging from 0 to 1, P max P min For maximum power dissipation and minimum power dissipation, η max η min For maximum and minimum efficiency, T max T min These are the maximum and minimum temperatures.

3. A multi-channel electronic load capable of channel selection as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The host control module communicates with the host computer via an RS232 interface, receiving instructions and data sent by the host computer, including the target channel number, operating mode, and corresponding settings. The host control module communicates with the slave control modules of each channel via a UART bus, and obtains real-time status information of the current channel voltage, current, and power dissipation module from each slave control module.

4. A multi-channel electronic load capable of channel selection as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a power board, which is connected to the host control module, multiple slave control modules and multiple power dissipation modules to supply power to the host control module, multiple slave control modules and multiple power dissipation modules.

5. A multi-channel electronic load capable of channel selection as described in claim 4, characterized in that: Electronic loads include: The input interface unit connects to the power supply under test and introduces the power output; Power electronic converters adjust the input current according to the set load characteristics to simulate different load conditions.

6. A multi-channel electronic load capable of channel selection as described in claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a redundant power supply module, which provides backup power in the event of a power board failure, ensuring stable system operation.

7. A multi-channel electronic load capable of channel selection as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The redundant power supply module includes at least two independent power supply units and a diode assembly. The diode assembly includes at least one Schottky diode. The anode of each Schottky diode is connected to the output terminal of the corresponding power supply unit, and the cathode of the Schottky diode is connected to the power bus.

8. A multi-channel electronic load capable of channel selection as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The power dissipation module includes a temperature detection circuit and a fan control circuit. The fan control circuit is connected to the temperature detection circuit. The fan control circuit adjusts the fan speed in stages according to the temperature information output by the temperature detection circuit to achieve dynamic control of heat dissipation efficiency.

9. A multi-channel electronic load capable of channel selection as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The temperature detection circuit includes at least one temperature sensor for detecting the real-time temperature on the heat sink and converting the temperature information into an electrical signal.

10. A multi-channel electronic load capable of channel selection as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The fan control circuit includes a PWM signal generation unit and a drive unit. The PWM signal generation unit calculates the duty cycle of the PWM signal based on the temperature information output by the temperature detection circuit. The drive unit includes at least one field-effect transistor (FET). The gate of the FET is used to receive the PWM signal, the source is grounded, and the drain is connected to one end of the fan. The FET is turned on and off according to the PWM signal to control the fan speed.

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