A distributed high power transmitter fast off protection system and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a distributed high-power transmitter fast shutdown protection system and method. The shutdown protection system includes: a monitoring computer: serving as a human-machine interface and system monitoring layer, used for status display, parameter setting, historical data storage, and advanced logic control; a main controller: implemented using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), serving as the core control and coordination layer of the system; a transmitter module control unit: each unit corresponds to an independent transmitter module and is implemented using a microcontroller (MCU); and a power system control unit, implemented using an MCU and connected to the main controller, controlling the output of the transmitter's main power system. This provides a transmitter fast shutdown protection system suitable for distributed architectures, with fast response speed and high reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of controlled nuclear fusion technology, and in particular to a distributed high-power transmitter rapid shutdown protection system and method. Background Technology

[0002] High-power transmitters, especially those employing multi-channel power combining technology ranging from several kilowatts to several megawatts, have core power amplifier modules that are expensive and extremely sensitive to overload. During operation, load mismatch (such as antenna failure), cooling failure, or power supply anomalies can cause faults in the power amplifier module, such as excessively high voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), excessive power, excessive current, and excessive temperature. If the RF excitation signal and power amplifier bias power supply are not cut off within a very short time (e.g., microseconds) after these faults occur, the power amplifier module will be permanently damaged.

[0003] Traditional transmitter protection systems typically employ a centralized control architecture, where all sensor signals are aggregated to a central controller for processing and decision-making.

[0004] However, for distributed transmitter systems containing dozens or even thousands of independent power amplifier modules, this architecture has inherent defects: 1) The signal transmission path is long, and the aggregation, processing and decision-making delays are large, making it difficult to meet the requirements of microsecond-level fast protection; 2) A single point of failure in the central controller will cause the entire protection system to fail, resulting in low reliability; 3) The long-distance transmission of a large number of analog and switching quantities is susceptible to interference in harsh electromagnetic environments, leading to false alarms or missed alarms. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed to provide a distributed high-power transmitter fast shutdown protection system and method to overcome or at least partially solve the above problems.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a distributed high-power transmitter fast shutdown protection system is provided, the shutdown protection system comprising: Monitoring computer: As the human-computer interaction and system monitoring layer, it is used for status display, parameter setting, historical data storage and advanced logic control; Main controller: Implemented using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), serving as the core control and coordination layer of the system; Transmitter module control unit: Each unit corresponds to an independent transmitter module and is implemented using a microcontroller (MCU); The power system control unit, implemented using an MCU, is connected to the main controller and controls the output of the transmitter's main power system.

[0007] Optionally, the main controller is connected to the monitoring computer via a high-speed communication network and to multiple lower-level control units via an optical fiber communication network.

[0008] Optionally, the transmitting module control unit specifically includes: The local fault detection module is integrated into the hardware circuit of the MCU and collects at least one key fault signal of the power amplifier module in real time. The local fast shutdown execution module is integrated into the hardware circuit of the MCU and generates at least one local fast shutdown signal; the local fast shutdown signal directly controls the excitation signal path or the power amplifier bias power supply path of this transmitting module. Local protection logic unit: running in the MCU, configured to: when any critical fault signal collected by the local fault perception module exceeds the preset local protection threshold, immediately trigger the local fast shutdown execution module to achieve local microsecond-level shutdown without communication confirmation with the main controller.

[0009] Optionally, the key fault signals include: forward and reverse power obtained through a directional coupler and a power detection circuit, power amplifier temperature obtained through a temperature sensor, and power amplifier drain current obtained through a current detector.

[0010] Optionally, the output of the control transmitter main power system specifically includes: The main controller is configured to send a global shutdown command to the power system control unit to control the main power system to power down when it receives a serious fault signal reported by the transmitter module control unit, or when it determines that the entire system needs to be shut down according to system logic.

[0011] Optionally, in the local fault perception module, the power detection circuit used for voltage standing wave ratio calculation adopts a power detector; the current detection circuit adopts a current detection amplifier with high common-mode rejection ratio.

[0012] Optionally, the optical fiber communication network between the main controller FPGA and the multiple transmitter module control units (MCUs) adopts a star topology. The FPGA is connected to the optical fiber transceiver through a transceiver and polls each transmitter module control unit (MCU) in a time-division multiplexing manner.

[0013] Optionally, the local protection logic unit in the transmitter module control unit (MCU) runs on a real-time operating system, and the task of processing fault signals has the highest priority and is monitored.

[0014] Optionally, the system further includes: The interlocking protection signal hardwired link ensures that the important global interlocking signals generated by the main controller or power system control unit are directly sent to some or all of the transmitting module control units via hardwired transmission, serving as the highest priority local shutdown trigger condition.

[0015] This invention also provides a method for fast shutdown protection of distributed high-power transmitters, applying the aforementioned fast shutdown protection system for distributed high-power transmitters. The shutdown protection method includes: Step S1: The system is powered on and initialized. The transmitter module control unit loads the local protection threshold and starts the local fault perception module to collect data in real time. Step S2: The local fault detection module of any transmitter module control unit detects a critical fault signal; Step S3: The MCU's local protection logic unit immediately makes a judgment. If the signal value exceeds the local protection threshold, proceed to step S4; otherwise, continue monitoring. Step S4: Trigger local fast shutdown: The MCU's local fast shutdown execution module immediately takes action to turn off the RF excitation or the power amplifier bias of this module. The shutdown action is completed within 10 microseconds. Step S5: Fault Reporting and Recording: After performing local shutdown, the MCU reports detailed fault information to the main controller through the communication network; Step S6: System-level collaborative processing: After receiving a fault report, the main controller performs logical judgment: if it is an isolated minor fault, it logs and issues an alarm; if it is a serious or spreading fault, it sends a command to the power system control unit to control the main power system to shut down in a safe sequence. Step S7: Monitor the computer to update the human-machine interface status, record fault data, and wait for maintenance personnel to intervene.

[0016] This invention provides a distributed high-power transmitter fast shutdown protection system and method. The shutdown protection system includes: a monitoring computer: serving as a human-machine interface and system monitoring layer, used for status display, parameter setting, historical data storage, and advanced logic control; a main controller: implemented using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), serving as the core control and coordination layer of the system; a transmitter module control unit: each unit corresponds to an independent transmitter module and is implemented using a microcontroller (MCU); and a power system control unit, implemented using an MCU and connected to the main controller, controlling the output of the transmitter's main power system. This provides a transmitter fast shutdown protection system suitable for distributed architectures, with fast response speed and high reliability.

[0017] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and in order to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. 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.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the composition architecture of a distributed high-power transmitter fast shutdown protection system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a hardware block diagram of the transmitter module control unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the fast shutdown protection function provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0021] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, embodiments, claims, and drawings of this invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such as including a series of steps or units.

[0022] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] Example 1 This invention provides a distributed high-power transmitter fast shutdown protection system, comprising: 1. Monitoring computer: As the human-computer interaction and system monitoring layer, it is used for status display, parameter setting, historical data storage and advanced logic control.

[0024] 2. Main Controller: Implemented using a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), serving as the core control and coordination layer of the system. The main controller is connected to the monitoring computer via a high-speed communication network (such as Ethernet) and to multiple lower-level control units via a fiber optic communication network.

[0025] 3. Transmitter Module Control Unit: Each unit corresponds to an independent transmitter module and is implemented using a microcontroller (MCU). Each transmitter module control unit includes: Local fault detection module: integrated on the hardware circuit of the MCU, used to collect at least one key fault signal of the power amplifier module in real time. The key fault signal includes: forward power and reverse power obtained by directional coupler and power detection circuit, power amplifier temperature obtained by temperature sensor, and power amplifier drain current obtained by current detector.

[0026] Local fast shutdown execution module: integrated on the hardware circuit of the MCU, used to generate at least one local fast shutdown signal; the local fast shutdown signal directly controls the excitation signal path or power amplifier bias power supply path of this transmitter module.

[0027] Local protection logic unit: running in the MCU, configured to: when any critical fault signal collected by the local fault perception module exceeds the preset local protection threshold, immediately trigger the local fast shutdown execution module to achieve local microsecond-level shutdown without communication confirmation with the main controller.

[0028] 4. Power System Control Unit: Implemented using an MCU, connected to the main controller, used to control the output of the transmitter's main power system. The main controller is configured to: upon receiving a serious fault signal reported by any of the transmitter module control units, or upon determining, based on system logic, that a complete shutdown is required, send a global shutdown command to the power system control unit to control the main power system to power down.

[0029] In the local fault perception module, the power detection circuit used for VSWR calculation adopts a linear RMS power detector with a dynamic range of not less than 30dB; the current detection circuit adopts a current detection amplifier with high common mode rejection ratio (CMRR).

[0030] The optical fiber communication network between the main controller (FPGA) and the multiple transmit module control units (MCUs) adopts a star topology. The FPGA is connected to the optical fiber transceiver through its high-speed serial transceiver (GTX) and polls each transmit module control unit (MCU) in a time-division multiplexing manner.

[0031] The local protection logic unit in the transmitter module control unit (MCU) runs on a real-time operating system (RTOS), and the task of processing fault signals has the highest priority and is monitored by a watchdog circuit.

[0032] The system also includes a hard-wired interlocking protection signal link. Important global interlocking signals (such as emergency stop or cooling failure) generated by the main controller or power system control unit are directly sent to some or all of the transmitter module control units via the hard wire as the highest priority local shutdown trigger condition.

[0033] This invention provides a fast shutdown protection method for the above-mentioned system, comprising the following steps: S1: The system is powered on and initialized. Each transmitter module control unit loads the local protection threshold and starts the local fault perception module to collect data in real time.

[0034] S2: The local fault detection module of any transmitter module control unit detects a critical fault signal (such as excessive power, excessive current, excessive temperature, excessive standing wave).

[0035] S3: The local protection logic unit of the MCU immediately makes a judgment. If the signal value exceeds the local protection threshold, it proceeds to S4; otherwise, it continues to monitor.

[0036] S4: Trigger Local Fast Shutdown: The local fast shutdown execution module of this MCU immediately takes action to shut down the RF excitation or the power amplifier bias of this module. The shutdown action is completed within 10 microseconds.

[0037] S5: Fault Reporting and Recording: After performing a local shutdown, the MCU reports detailed fault information (type, value, timestamp) to the main controller via the communication network.

[0038] S6: System-level collaborative processing: After receiving a fault report, the main controller performs logical judgment: If it is an isolated minor fault, it can log and issue an alarm; if it is a serious or spreading fault (such as multiple modules experiencing standing waves at the same time), it sends a command to the power system control unit to control the main power system to shut down in a safe sequence.

[0039] S7: Monitors the computer to update the human-machine interface status, records fault data, and awaits intervention from maintenance personnel.

[0040] The method also includes: a global emergency shutdown signal generated by the main controller or power system control unit is sent to each transmitter module control unit via hardwire direct connection or highest priority interruption, triggering all modules to synchronously execute the local fast shutdown described in S4.

[0041] Example 2 like Figure 1 As shown, a distributed high-power transmitter fast shutdown protection system includes a monitoring computer, multiple main controllers, a power system control unit, and multiple transmitter module control units.

[0042] The monitoring computer is connected to the main controller via an Ethernet switch. The main controller communicates with multiple transmitter module control units via multiple SFP+ fiber optic modules using time-division multiplexing technology. The power system control unit is connected to the main controller via an independent communication interface (such as CAN or Ethernet).

[0043] like Figure 2As shown, each transmitter module control unit is the core of the fast shutdown function. Its local fault detection module includes a power detection circuit (for acquiring forward and reverse power), a temperature sensor (for acquiring power amplifier temperature), and a current detection circuit (for acquiring power amplifier drain current). These signals are directly connected to the MCU's ADC or digital interface.

[0044] The local fast shutdown execution module is implemented using GPIO. One GPIO is directly connected to the circuit controlling the RF excitation source output, and the other GPIO is connected to the enable circuit controlling the power amplifier bias voltage of this module. The local protection logic unit program is stored in the MCU's Flash memory, setting the local VSWR, drain current, and temperature protection thresholds. Once the conditions are met, the MCU immediately sets the corresponding GPIO, shutting down the RF excitation source output and the power amplifier bias.

[0045] The main controller is responsible for polling the status of each module, executing system-level calibration algorithms, and managing power timing. When it receives a "high VSWR" fault report from a transmitter module control unit MCU, if it also receives similar reports from multiple adjacent MCUs, it determines that there is a systemic load fault and immediately commands the power system control unit to shut down the main power supply.

[0046] Example 3 A fast shutdown protection method applied to the system described in Embodiment 1, the process is as follows: Figure 3 As shown. Taking "excessive standing wave" protection as an example: (1) The MCU reads the forward and reverse power values ​​every 10μs and calculates the standing wave ratio.

[0047] (2) A calculation revealed that the standing wave ratio instantly rose to 2.5, exceeding the local threshold of 2.0.

[0048] (3) The MCU immediately (in the next instruction cycle) pulls the "Power Amplifier Bias Shutdown" GPIO pin high. The total delay from the detection of the shutdown action to its completion is less than 8μs.

[0049] (4) At the same time, the MCU puts the data packet containing "Fault code: 01 (excessive standing wave), value: 2.5, timestamp: xx:xx:xx.xxx" into the transmission buffer.

[0050] (5) When the main controller receives the data packet in the next polling cycle, it triggers a red alarm on the HMI and records it to the database.

[0051] (6) If the main controller analyzes that the fault is not a systemic fault, it will maintain the operation of other modules; if it determines that the fault is an antenna fault, it will initiate the system-level shutdown process.

[0052] Beneficial effects: 1. Extremely fast response speed: The protection decision-making power is decentralized to each transmitter module (MCU level), eliminating the communication and processing delays of signal uploading to the central controller, central processing, and command issuance, realizing local fast shutdown at the microsecond level (e.g., <10μs), which can effectively protect power amplifier devices (such as GaN HEMT) that are sensitive to transient overload.

[0053] 2. High reliability and no single point of failure: The distributed protection architecture ensures that the failure of the protection system in any one module will not affect the independent protection functions of other modules. Combined with local hardwired interlocking and system-level coordination, a multi-layered protection mechanism is formed, significantly improving the overall reliability of the system.

[0054] 3. Strong anti-interference capability: Key fault detection and shutdown decisions are completed locally within the module, with extremely short analog signal transmission paths, reducing the risk of false alarms caused by electromagnetic interference. The main communication link uses optical fiber, which is naturally resistant to electromagnetic interference.

[0055] 4. Clear architecture and good scalability: The system has a clear layering (local MCU, core FPGA, host computer), which facilitates maintenance and functional expansion. Adding or removing the number of transmitter modules only requires adding or removing the corresponding transmitter module control unit, without changing the system architecture.

[0056] 5. Complete Information: Local rapid shutdown does not affect the complete recording and uploading of fault information, providing data support for subsequent fault diagnosis, system optimization and maintenance.

[0057] The above specific embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A distributed high power transmitter fast off protection system, characterized by, The shutdown protection system includes: Monitoring computer: As the human-computer interaction and system monitoring layer, it is used for status display, parameter setting, historical data storage and advanced logic control; Main controller: Implemented using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), serving as the core control and coordination layer of the system; Transmitter module control unit: Each unit corresponds to an independent transmitter module and is implemented using a microcontroller (MCU); The power system control unit, implemented using an MCU, is connected to the main controller and controls the output of the transmitter's main power system.

2. The distributed high-power transmitter fast shutdown protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main controller is connected to the monitoring computer via a high-speed communication network and to multiple lower-level control units via an optical fiber communication network.

3. The distributed high-power transmitter fast shutdown protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmitting module control unit specifically includes: The local fault detection module is integrated into the hardware circuit of the MCU and collects at least one key fault signal of the transmitting module in real time. The local fast shutdown execution module is integrated into the hardware circuit of the MCU and generates at least one local fast shutdown signal; the local fast shutdown signal directly controls the excitation signal path or the power amplifier bias power supply path of this transmitting module. Local protection logic unit: running in the MCU, configured to: when any critical fault signal collected by the local fault perception module exceeds the preset local protection threshold, immediately trigger the local fast shutdown execution module to achieve local microsecond-level shutdown without communication confirmation with the main controller.

4. A distributed high-power transmitter fast shutdown protection system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The key fault signals include: forward and reverse power obtained through the directional coupler and power detection circuit, power amplifier temperature obtained through the temperature sensor, and power amplifier drain current obtained through the current detector.

5. A distributed high-power transmitter fast shutdown protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output of the main power supply system for controlling the transmitter specifically includes: The main controller is configured to send a global shutdown command to the power system control unit to control the main power system to power down when it receives a serious fault signal reported by the transmitter module control unit, or when it determines that the entire system needs to be shut down according to system logic.

6. A distributed high-power transmitter fast shutdown protection system according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the local fault perception module, the power detection circuit used for VSWR calculation adopts a power detector; the current detection circuit adopts a current detection amplifier with high common-mode rejection ratio.

7. A distributed high-power transmitter fast shutdown protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical fiber communication network between the main controller FPGA and the multiple transmitter module control units MCU adopts a star topology. The FPGA is connected to the optical fiber transceiver through a transceiver and polls each transmitter module control unit MCU in a time-division multiplexing manner.

8. A distributed high-power transmitter fast shutdown protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The local protection logic unit in the transmitter module control unit (MCU) runs on a real-time operating system. The task of processing fault signals has the highest priority and is monitored.

9. A distributed high-power transmitter fast shutdown protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes: The interlocking protection signal hardwired link ensures that the important global interlocking signals generated by the main controller or power system control unit are directly sent to some or all of the transmitting module control units via hardwired transmission, serving as the highest priority local shutdown trigger condition.

10. A method for fast shutdown protection of a distributed high-power transmitter, employing the fast shutdown protection system for a distributed high-power transmitter as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The shutdown protection method includes: Step S1: The system is powered on and initialized. The transmitter module control unit loads the local protection threshold and starts the local fault perception module to collect data in real time. Step S2: The local fault detection module of any transmitter module control unit detects a critical fault signal; Step S3: The MCU's local protection logic unit immediately makes a judgment. If the signal value exceeds the local protection threshold, proceed to step S4; otherwise, continue monitoring. Step S4: Trigger local fast shutdown: The MCU's local fast shutdown execution module immediately takes action to turn off the RF excitation or the power amplifier bias of this module. The shutdown action is completed within 10 microseconds. Step S5: Fault Reporting and Recording: After performing local shutdown, the MCU reports detailed fault information to the main controller through the communication network; Step S6: System-level collaborative processing: After receiving a fault report, the main controller performs logical judgment: if it is an isolated minor fault, it logs and issues an alarm; if it is a serious or spreading fault, it sends a command to the power system control unit to control the main power system to shut down in a safe sequence. Step S7: Monitor the computer to update the human-machine interface status, record fault data, and wait for maintenance personnel to intervene.

Images