A concentrator communication module
By using a current-limiting protection circuit and a dual-branch power supply design, the high load capacity problem of the concentrator communication module was solved, achieving stable power supply for the 5G communication module, expanding the application scope and improving communication quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHUHAI ZHONGHUI MICROELECTRONICS
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing concentrator communication modules cannot meet the high load capacity requirements of 5G communication modules, resulting in insufficient current or power supply pull-back, which affects communication stability.
It adopts a current-limiting protection circuit and a dual-branch power supply design. The current is limited by the current-limiting circuit, and the energy storage circuit stores energy in the low power consumption state and replenishes the current in the high power consumption state to ensure stable power supply.
It expands the application scope of 5G communication modules, improves power supply capabilities, and ensures the stability and communication quality of communication modules under high power consumption conditions.
Smart Images
Figure CN224583181U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of electronic circuit technology, specifically relating to a concentrator communication module with current limiting protection function. Background Technology
[0002] With the promotion of smart grids and ubiquitous IoT concepts, communication terminals such as concentrators require faster and higher-speed communication methods, necessitating the upgrading of existing power grid concentrator communication modules. However, the load capacity of power grid concentrators is generally 5V / 1A, while the maximum instantaneous transmission power of 5G communication modules is 4V / 5A. If conventional communication module designs are used, the concentrator's load capacity cannot meet the RF transmission requirements of the 5G communication module, and the 5G communication module may experience communication abnormalities due to insufficient current. Furthermore, when the current consumed by the 5G communication module exceeds the power supply capacity of the concentrator, it may drain the concentrator's power supply, causing resets or other abnormal malfunctions. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a concentrator communication module that integrates a current-limited energy storage scheme, which can solve the dependence of the communication module on the high load capacity of the concentrator and expand the application scope of communication modules using 5G communication technology.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0005] A concentrator communication module includes: a communication module circuit, a first voltage conversion circuit, a current limiting circuit, an energy storage circuit, and a power combined output circuit. The communication module circuit receives a power supply voltage from the concentrator via a concentrator interface, and the power supply voltage is supplied to the input terminal of the current limiting circuit. The current limiting circuit includes a first current limiting branch and a second current limiting branch. The output terminal of the first current limiting branch is connected to the input terminal of the first voltage conversion circuit, and the output terminal of the first voltage conversion circuit is connected to the input terminal of the power combined output circuit. The first current limiting branch and the first voltage conversion circuit form a first power supply branch. The output of the second current limiting branch... The first power supply branch is connected to the input terminal of the energy storage circuit, and the output terminal of the energy storage circuit is connected to the input terminal of the power merging output circuit. The second current limiting branch and the energy storage circuit form a second power supply branch. The second power supply branch supplies power together with the first power supply branch in the high-power transmission state. The first power supply branch and the second power supply branch are connected in parallel, and the output voltage of the first power supply branch is greater than the output voltage of the second power supply branch. The power merging output circuit is used to merge the current output by the first current limiting branch after passing through the first voltage conversion circuit and the current output by the energy storage circuit and output it to the communication module circuit.
[0006] In some embodiments, a watchdog circuit connected to the communication module circuit is also included. The power input pin of the communication module circuit is connected to a power switch. The output terminal of the watchdog circuit and the output terminal of the power combined output circuit are respectively connected to the power switch. The watchdog circuit is used to output a low level to disconnect the power switch when the communication module circuit malfunctions.
[0007] In some embodiments, the energy storage circuit includes a supercapacitor and a boost circuit connected in sequence, the output terminal of the second current limiting branch is connected to the supercapacitor, and the output terminal of the boost circuit is connected to the input terminal of the power supply combined output circuit.
[0008] In some embodiments, the power combining output circuit includes two reverse diodes, one of which is connected to the output terminal of the first voltage conversion circuit, and the other reverse diode is connected to the output terminal of the energy storage circuit.
[0009] In some embodiments, the first current-limiting branch includes a current-limiting resistor.
[0010] In some embodiments, the second current-limiting branch includes an adjustable parallel regulator and a transistor.
[0011] In some embodiments, the system further includes a concentrator interface, an antenna SMA interface, a UART debugging interface, an indicator light circuit, and a SIM card slot circuit connected to the communication module circuit.
[0012] In some embodiments, a network transformer and an Ethernet interface are also included, the Ethernet interface being connected via the network port of the network transformer and the concentrator interface.
[0013] In some embodiments, a second voltage conversion circuit is further included, wherein the input terminal of the second voltage conversion circuit is connected to the output terminal of the power combining output circuit, and the output terminal is connected to the input terminal of the network transformer.
[0014] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, this utility model solves the problem of 5G communication modules' dependence on the high load capacity of the concentrator by setting a current-limiting branch to prevent the maximum circuit in the loop from exceeding the load capacity of the concentrator. By reducing the current demand, it expands the application range of the 5G communication module, allowing even a power grid concentrator with a load capacity of 5V / 1A to use the 5G module for high-speed communication. At the same time, it adopts a dual power supply branch design. By setting an energy storage circuit in the second current-limiting branch, the current is supplied to the energy storage circuit for energy storage when the communication module is in the receiving state, reducing the power supply requirements of the concentrator. When the communication module is in the low-power receiving state, it is powered by the first power supply branch. When entering the high-power transmitting state, the power supply merging output circuit combines the current output by the first power supply branch and the current output by the energy storage circuit of the second power supply branch for joint power supply. The energy stored in the energy storage circuit in the second power supply branch is released to supplement the instantaneous high current demand and improve the power supply capacity. Attached Figure Description
[0015] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this utility model, 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 this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0016] Figure 1 This is a circuit block diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0017] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of the communication module circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of the watchdog circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of the current limiting circuit and energy storage circuit in an embodiment of this utility model.
[0020] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, for ease of explanation, the drawings illustrating the device structure will be partially enlarged without adhering to the general scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that the drawings are in a simplified form and use non-precise scales, solely for the purpose of conveniently and clearly illustrating the embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, in the description of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Terms such as "positive," "negative," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," and "right" indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.
[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can also refer to the internal connection of two components; and they can refer to a wireless connection or a wired connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0023] Communication modules are characterized by high current draw when transmitting signals and low current draw when receiving signals. When the communication module is in receiving mode, the current supply exceeds the demand; when it is in transmitting mode, the current supply is less than the demand. The concentrator's own load capacity must exceed the current generated by the communication module in transmitting mode to ensure normal operation. However, for communication modules using 5G technology, the current draw during transmission is very high, posing a risk of exceeding the concentrator's load capacity and forcing the concentrator power supply to reset.
[0024] To protect the concentrator power supply, this invention incorporates a current-limiting protection scheme into the communication module. By designing a current-limiting protection circuit, it prevents the concentrator power supply from being overloaded when the communication module operates at high current, ensuring the stable operation of the entire system. Simultaneously, a dual-branch power supply approach is adopted, with an energy storage circuit designed. When the communication module is in receiving mode (low power consumption), current is supplied to the energy storage circuit for energy storage, reducing the power supply requirements of the concentrator power supply. When the communication module is in transmitting mode (high power consumption), the supercapacitor in the second power supply branch can release energy to supplement the first power supply branch, providing current together with the first power supply branch to enhance the power supply capacity.
[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the concentrator communication module in this embodiment includes a communication module circuit 1, a first voltage conversion circuit 2, a current limiting circuit 3, an energy storage circuit 4, a power merging output circuit 5, a watchdog circuit 6, and a power switch 7.
[0026] The communication module circuit 1 in this embodiment uses a 5G communication chip of model RM500U. The circuit diagram of the 5G communication chip is shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the communication module circuit 1 (22 pins) is connected to the watchdog circuit 6. The power input pin of the communication module circuit 1 is connected to the power switch 7, and the output of the watchdog circuit 6 is connected to the power switch 7. In this embodiment, the watchdog is fed once per second. If the watchdog is not fed for one minute, the watchdog circuit will reset the communication chip.
[0027] The concentrator communication module in this embodiment also includes a concentrator interface 8, an Ethernet interface 9, an antenna SMA interface 10, a UART debugging interface 11, an indicator light circuit 12, a SIM card slot circuit 13, a network transformer 14, and a second voltage conversion circuit 15. The concentrator interface 8, the antenna SMA interface 10, the UART debugging interface 11, the indicator light circuit 12, and the SIM card slot circuit 13 are all connected to the communication module circuit 1.
[0028] The concentrator interface 8 includes a network port, a USB communication interface, and an Ethernet power interface. A network transformer 14 is connected to the Ethernet interface 9, and also to the network port of the concentrator interface 8. The concentrator interface 8 is connected to the Ethernet interface 9 via the network transformer 14, thus enabling the Ethernet communication function of the communication module circuit 1. The output of the second voltage conversion circuit 15 is connected to the input of the network transformer 14. In this embodiment, the second voltage conversion circuit 15 uses a linear regulator of model XC6203P332, which converts the input 3.8V voltage to 3.3V before outputting. In this embodiment, the USB communication interface of the concentrator interface 8 is connected to the communication module circuit 1 (pins 7 and 9). The Ethernet power interface of the concentrator interface 8 receives a 5V power supply from the concentrator and outputs it to the current limiting circuit 3 and the energy storage circuit 4.
[0029] The current limiting circuit 3 in this embodiment includes two current limiting branches: a first current limiting branch 3-1 and a second current limiting branch 3-2. The first current limiting branch 3-1 limits the current output to the power input pin of the communication module circuit 1, and the second current limiting branch 3-2 limits the current output to the energy storage circuit 4. The first current limiting branch 3-1 and the first voltage conversion circuit 3-2 connected in series with it form the first power supply branch, which can supply power when the communication module is in a low-power receiving state, maintaining a basic stable power supply. The second current limiting branch 3-2 and the energy storage circuit 4 connected in series with it form the second power supply branch. The second power supply branch is a backup power supply for the first power supply branch. When the load of the first power supply branch cannot meet the operating current, the second power supply branch will start to supplement the current. The first power supply branch and the second power supply branch are connected in parallel. The output voltage of the first power supply branch is higher than that of the second power supply branch. In this embodiment, the output voltage of the first power supply branch is 4V, and the output voltage of the second power supply branch is 3.9V.
[0030] The input terminals of both the first current-limiting branch 3-1 and the second current-limiting branch 3-2 are connected to the Ethernet power interface of the concentrator interface 8. The output terminal of the first current-limiting branch 3-1 is connected to the input terminal of the first voltage conversion circuit 2. In this embodiment, the first voltage conversion circuit 2 uses a linear regulator of model SPX29302 (see SPX29302 linear regulator and its peripheral circuit diagram for details). Figure 4 The input 5V voltage is converted to 4V and then output. The voltage output from the first current-limiting branch 3-1 is converted by the first voltage conversion circuit 2 before being output. In this embodiment, the first voltage conversion circuit 2 adopts a low-dropout regulator. The low-dropout regulator has the characteristics of strong power ripple suppression capability and high energy conversion efficiency, which makes the output ripple of the first current-limiting branch 3-1, which supplies power to the communication module in the low-power receiving state, control it at an extremely low level, meet the stable power supply requirements of the precision communication module, and its energy efficiency ratio is significantly better than that of traditional linear voltage regulation schemes under light and medium load conditions.
[0031] The output terminal of the second current-limiting branch 3-2 is connected to the input terminal of the energy storage circuit 4. The energy storage circuit 4 in this embodiment includes a supercapacitor and a boost circuit connected in sequence. This energy storage circuit features dynamic energy storage and instantaneous high-current output. The supercapacitor can quickly store energy, providing an energy buffer for sudden high-current demands. The boost circuit can release peak current in a short time, adapting to high-power operating scenarios. The supercapacitor in this embodiment consists of farad capacitors C86, C81, and C82. The 5V power supply charges the supercapacitor after passing through the second current-limiting branch 3-2. After charging to 2.3V, the boost circuit boosts the voltage to 3.9V, which is then output to the input terminal of the power supply combined output circuit 5. The boost circuit in this embodiment uses a TPS61089 boost chip. Figure 4The area within the dashed box is the TPS61089 boost converter chip and its peripheral circuit diagram in this embodiment.
[0032] The output terminals of the first voltage conversion circuit 2 and the energy storage circuit 4 (the output terminal of the boost circuit) are connected to the input terminal of the power combining output circuit 5. In this embodiment, the power combining output circuit 5 consists of two reverse diodes (SS34 type). One reverse diode is connected to the output terminal of the first voltage conversion circuit 2, and the other reverse diode is connected to the output terminal of the energy storage circuit 4. The reverse diodes have a voltage reduction function; the outputs of the first power supply branch and the second power supply branch are respectively output after being stepped down by their respective reverse diodes. The power combining output circuit 5 is used to combine the current output from the first current-limiting branch 3-1 via the first voltage conversion circuit 2 and the current output from the energy storage circuit 4 in high-power mode. In this embodiment, the output voltage of the power combining output circuit 5 is 3.8V.
[0033] When the communication module is in a low-power receiving state with a small operating current, the voltage of the first power supply branch (4.0V) is higher than that of the second power supply branch (3.9V). Therefore, the first power supply branch, with its higher voltage, prioritizes powering the communication module, taking into account both energy efficiency and ripple suppression requirements. After the supercapacitor discharges, the voltage needs to be boosted before output, resulting in relatively lower efficiency. When the communication module enters a high-power transmitting state with a large operating current, the first power supply branch, with its higher voltage, prioritizes outputting current. When the current of the first power supply branch is about to reach its current limit value, its voltage will drop due to the current limiting effect of the first current-limiting branch, falling below the voltage of the second power supply branch (below 3.9V). This automatically triggers the second power supply branch to intervene, and the first and second power supply branches work together to supply power. The current from the two power supply branches is superimposed, which can meet the high power consumption requirements during signal transmission. This embodiment sets up a second power supply branch for auxiliary power supply. The energy storage circuit (supercapacitor) in the second power supply branch stores energy when the current supply is greater than the demand, and releases the stored energy when the current supply is less than the demand, so as to make up for the instantaneous large current demand, improve the power supply capacity, and ensure the stability of signal transmission power.
[0034] The output terminal of the power supply combined output circuit 5 is also connected to the input terminal of the second voltage conversion circuit 15, inputting a 3.8V voltage to the second voltage conversion circuit 15. The second voltage conversion circuit 15 converts the voltage to 3.3V and outputs it to the network transformer 14.
[0035] Figure 3This is a circuit diagram of the watchdog circuit in this embodiment. The watchdog circuit outputs a low level to disconnect the power switch when the communication module circuit (5G communication chip) crashes, thereby turning off the power switch of the communication module circuit and achieving the function of restarting the communication module circuit. Specifically, the communication module circuit normally feeds the watchdog circuit. When the communication module circuit encounters abnormal situations such as program crashes or freezes, it will not feed the watchdog circuit, and the watchdog circuit will output a low level to turn off the power switch, thereby turning off communication module circuit 1 and achieving the function of restarting the communication module circuit.
[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, the first current-limiting branch 3-1 in this embodiment is a current-limiting resistor. By connecting a 1Ω current-limiting resistor (R285) in series, the maximum current through this circuit is 1000mA, limiting the current input to the first voltage conversion circuit 2. The second current-limiting branch 3-2 in this embodiment includes a transistor V37 and an adjustable parallel regulator. The current-limiting value can be adjusted by modifying the value of the current-limiting resistor in the adjustable parallel regulator. The adjustable parallel regulator in this embodiment is model TLVH431BQ1 (including U9, R147, R152, and R157). The second current-limiting branch 3-2, through the cooperation of the adjustable parallel regulator and the transistor, limits the charging current of the supercapacitor to 50mA.
[0037] In uplink communication, the concentrator transmits the data to be sent to the 5G communication chip through the concentrator interface. The 5G communication chip modulates the data into a radio frequency signal and transmits it to the base station through the antenna. In downlink communication, the 5G communication chip receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, demodulates the radio frequency signal into a digital signal, and transmits the demodulated data to the concentrator through the concentrator interface.
[0038] This invention, by setting a first current-limiting branch, restricts the maximum current passing through this circuit to not exceed the load capacity of the concentrator, thereby preventing excessive current from damaging the concentrator's power supply. Simultaneously, by incorporating an energy storage circuit, current is supplied to the energy storage circuit for energy storage when the communication module is in receiving mode, reducing the power supply requirements of the concentrator. A second current-limiting branch further limits the charging current of the energy storage circuit. The communication module of this invention is installed on the concentrator to achieve remote data communication between the base meter and the main station. It features industrial-grade high performance, an operating temperature range of -40℃ to +75℃, electrostatic discharge capability of ±8KV, high communication speed, and low communication latency.
[0039] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the specific implementation of this utility model. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this utility model should be covered within the scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A concentrator communication module, characterized in that, include: Communication module circuit, first voltage conversion circuit, current limiting circuit, energy storage circuit and power supply combined output circuit; The communication module circuit receives power voltage from the concentrator through the concentrator interface, and the power voltage is delivered to the input terminal of the current limiting circuit. The current limiting circuit includes a first current limiting branch and a second current limiting branch. The output terminal of the first current limiting branch is connected to the input terminal of the first voltage conversion circuit. The output terminal of the first voltage conversion circuit is connected to the input terminal of the power supply combined output circuit. The first current limiting branch and the first voltage conversion circuit constitute a first power supply branch. The output terminal of the second current limiting branch is connected to the input terminal of the energy storage circuit, and the output terminal of the energy storage circuit is connected to the input terminal of the power merging output circuit. The second current limiting branch and the energy storage circuit form a second power supply branch. The second power supply branch supplies power together with the first power supply branch when the power consumption is high. The first power supply branch and the second power supply branch are connected in parallel, and the output voltage of the first power supply branch is greater than the output voltage of the second power supply branch; The power merging output circuit is used to merge the current output from the first current-limiting branch after passing through the first voltage conversion circuit and the current output from the energy storage circuit and output them to the communication module circuit.
2. The concentrator communication module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a watchdog circuit connected to the communication module circuit. The power input pin of the communication module circuit is connected to the power switch. The output terminal of the watchdog circuit and the output terminal of the power combined output circuit are respectively connected to the power switch. The watchdog circuit is used to output a low level to disconnect the power switch when the communication module circuit malfunctions.
3. The concentrator communication module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The energy storage circuit includes a supercapacitor and a boost circuit connected in sequence. The output terminal of the second current limiting branch is connected to the supercapacitor, and the output terminal of the boost circuit is connected to the input terminal of the power supply combined output circuit.
4. The concentrator communication module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply output circuit includes two reverse diodes, one of which is connected to the output terminal of the first voltage conversion circuit, and the other reverse diode is connected to the output terminal of the energy storage circuit.
5. The concentrator communication module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first current-limiting branch includes a current-limiting resistor.
6. The concentrator communication module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The second current-limiting branch includes an adjustable parallel voltage regulator and a transistor.
7. The concentrator communication module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a concentrator interface, an antenna SMA interface, a UART debugging interface, an indicator light circuit, and a SIM card slot circuit that are connected to the communication module circuit.
8. The concentrator communication module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a network transformer and an Ethernet interface, the Ethernet interface being connected via the network port of the network transformer and the concentrator interface.
9. The concentrator communication module as described in claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes a second voltage conversion circuit, the input of which is connected to the output of the power supply combined output circuit, and the output of which is connected to the input of the network transformer.