Control device, electronic device and method for controlling an electronic component of an electronic device

Abstract

A control device for an electronic component of an electronic device comprises an interface that receives a measurement signal generated by a sound sensor device as a function of sound generated in an environment of the electronic device. The control device further comprises a control unit configured to control the electronic component in order to change the frequency response of the electronic component as a function of the measurement signal.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, an electronic device and a method for controlling an electronic component of an electronic device. State of the art

[0002] Electronic components exhibit specific switching behaviors, which can often be modified within certain limits. For example, switching frequencies can be selected based on the operating range of the electronic components.

[0003] DE 10 2020 205 915 A1 discloses a control method for an electric drive system. A monitoring device is provided that determines a rotational frequency and / or a torque of an electric machine and determines a variation in the determined rotational frequency and / or the determined torque. A control device defines a control range for a switching frequency of a power converter using the variation in the rotational frequency and / or the variation in the torque and controls the power converter with a switching frequency within the defined control range.

[0004] Depending on the frequencies generated during switching, a noise may occur that can be perceived as disturbing. Switching electronics often generate high frequencies that are very tonal.

[0005] There is therefore a need to reduce the impact of sound on the switching behavior of electronic components. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The invention provides a control device, an electronic device and a method for controlling an electronic component of an electronic device having the features of the independent patent claims.

[0007] Preferred embodiments are the subject of the respective subclaims.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a control device for an electronic component of an electronic device, wherein the electronic component has a variable frequency response. The control device comprises an interface configured to receive a measurement signal generated by a sound sensor device as a function of sound generated in an environment of the electronic device. The control device further comprises a control unit configured to control the electronic component in order to change the frequency response of the electronic component as a function of the measurement signal.

[0009] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an electronic device with a sound sensor device configured to generate a measurement signal depending on sound generated in an environment of the electronic device. The electronic device further comprises an electronic component with a variable frequency response. The electronic device further comprises a control device for the electronic component according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0010] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for controlling an electronic component of an electronic device, wherein the electronic component has a variable frequency response. A measurement signal generated as a function of sound generated in an environment of the electronic device is received. The electronic component is controlled to change the frequency response of the electronic component as a function of the measurement signal. Advantages of the invention

[0011] The invention enables the switching behavior of an electronic component to be adapted depending on ambient noise. The switching behavior can be adjusted in such a way that disruptive noises caused by the switching behavior are reduced.

[0012] In particular, it is possible to optimize the opposing interests of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) with regard to service life, where low switching frequencies are preferred, and acoustics, where high switching frequencies are preferred. This results in a longer service life but also better psychoacoustics. The switching electronic component is adapted to the acoustic environment, thus becoming adaptive.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the control device for the electronic component, the sound sensor device is designed to measure structure-borne sound and / or airborne sound and generate the measurement signal. The sound may be generated by external devices, but may also additionally include sound generated by the electronic device, which depends in particular on the frequency response.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the control device for the electronic component, the electronic component has a variable switching frequency. The control unit is designed to control the electronic component in order to change the switching frequency of the electronic component depending on the measurement signal. The switching frequency can influence a sound generated by the electronic component, in particular the pitch of the sound.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the control device for the electronic component, the control unit is designed to shift the switching frequency of the electronic component into an inaudible range. This reduces disturbing noises.

[0016] For example, when charging an electric vehicle in a garage in a residential area away from major roads, the environment is very quiet. Here, noise frequencies become noticeable much earlier. The switching frequency can then be shifted into the inaudible range.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the control device for the electronic component, the control unit is designed to change the frequency distribution, for example, by broadening the frequency spectrum when switching the electronic component. The electronic component can be operated, for example, at changing switching frequencies that vary within the frequency spectrum.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the control device for the electronic component, the control unit is configured to shift the switching frequency of the electronic component to a frequency that is at least partially masked by the sound generated in the environment of the electronic device. The term "masking" refers to an effect that causes the human ear to perceive a sound not at all or only with reduced sensitivity.

[0019] For example, in the construction industry, vehicles may operate in close proximity to large construction equipment such as excavators, saws, or aggregates. These construction machines generate a multitude of masking low-band spectra in the airborne sound, which can be used to lower the switching frequency of electronic components in the vehicle.

[0020] In another example, an inverter for a heating pump can be installed in a laundry room next to running machines (e.g., washing machines, dryers). These machines can also generate masking band spectra in the airborne sound, which can be taken into account when selecting the inverter's switching frequency.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the control device for the electronic component, the control unit is designed to change the frequency response of the electronic component as a function of the measurement signal such that a switching signal amplitude-to-noise ratio is controlled to a predetermined value.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the control device for the electronic component, the control unit is designed to carry out an acoustic analysis of the measurement signal and to change the frequency response of the electronic component depending on the acoustic analysis of the measurement signal.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the control device for the electronic component, the acoustic analysis comprises determining a sound level and / or a frequency spectrum. Based on the frequency spectrum, for example, a shift in the switching frequency can be determined.

[0024] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings. Short description of the drawings

[0025] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic frequency spectrum to explain the adaptation of the switching behavior; Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an electronic component of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an electronic component of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an electronic component of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] The numbering of procedural steps is for clarity and generally does not imply a specific chronological order. In particular, several procedural steps can be performed simultaneously. Description of the embodiments

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an electronic device 1 with a sound sensor device 5 that can measure sound. This can be, for example, structure-borne sound and / or airborne sound. For this purpose, the sound sensor device 5 can comprise, for example, an acceleration sensor and / or a microphone.

[0028] The sound sensor device 5 measures ambient sound, i.e., sound generated in the environment of the electronic device 1. Depending on the measured sound, the sound sensor device 5 generates a measurement signal and outputs it to an interface 3 of a control device 2. The interface 3 can be a wired interface or a wireless interface.

[0029] The sound sensor device 5 may be an element of the electronic device 1, as shown in Fig. 1. However, in further embodiments, the sound sensor device 5 may also be an external component.

[0030] The control device 2 controls an electronic component 6 with a variable, adjustable frequency response. For example, the switching frequency of the electronic component 6 can be changed.

[0031] The electronic component 6 can, for example, be an analog-to-digital converter in a motor vehicle. The electronic component 6 can also be a heat pump, a heating pump, a power electronics inverter in the motor vehicle, or a DC-DC converter.

[0032] The control device 2 further comprises a control unit 4, which controls the electronic component 6 in order to change the frequency response of the electronic component 6 depending on the measurement signal. For example, the control unit 4 can control the electronic component 6 in order to change the switching frequency of the electronic component 6 depending on the measurement signal. The control unit 4 can shift the switching frequency of the electronic component 6 into an inaudible range.

[0033] The control unit 4 can also shift the switching frequency of the electronic component 6 to a frequency which is at least partially and preferably completely masked by the sound generated in the environment of the electronic device 1, ie is no longer audible to a user.

[0034] Furthermore, frequency broadening can also be carried out, for example by adding white noise, so that the control frequency of the electronic component 6 is varied within a certain range.

[0035] For the purpose of controlling the electronic component 6, the control unit 4 can, for example, first perform an acoustic analysis of the measurement signal. For this purpose, the control unit 4 can, for example, determine a frequency spectrum. Based on the frequency spectrum, the control unit 4 can determine an average sound level. The control unit 4 can also determine other statistical variables, such as a variance of the sound level.

[0036] For example, by shifting the switching frequency to an acoustically less critical environment, the service life can be extended if the switching frequency can then be selected at a lower level. A lower switching frequency, for example, leads to fewer losses in a DC link capacitor or in switching electronic components, such as MOSFETs or IGBTs. These losses have a direct impact on the service life of the components and thus on the service life of the electronic component 6.

[0037] The precise change in switching behavior can be carried out based on experimental data. Based on this experimental data, data can be stored in a look-up table, for example. Depending on the current switching behavior (e.g., a switching frequency) and characteristic parameters of the ambient sound (e.g., a sound level), the corresponding changed switching behavior (e.g., a changed switching frequency) can be derived from the look-up table.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic frequency spectrum to explain the adjustment of the switching behavior. It shows an example frequency spectrum 21 of the ambient sound, which was determined from the measurement signal by the control unit 4. The sound pressure level L is shown as a function of the frequency F. The switching frequency 22 is a large distance from the audibility threshold 23 and from the region of the frequency spectrum 21 of the ambient sound where the sound level is highest.

[0039] For example, the switching frequency 22 can be increased. The increased switching frequency 24 lies above the audible threshold 23.

[0040] The switching frequency 22 can also be reduced. The contribution of the electronic component 6 is then masked by the sound pressure level SPL of the ambient noise at the reduced switching frequency 25.

[0041] Depending on the application, the increased switching frequency 24 may be advantageous. However, due to the resulting higher thermal load, the reduced switching frequency 25 may also be advantageous.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a method for controlling an electronic component 6 of an electronic device 1. The method can be performed, in particular, with the electronic device 1 described above. Conversely, the electronic device 1 described above can be configured to perform one of the methods described below. The electronic component 6 has a variable frequency response.

[0043] In a first step S11, a sound sensor device 5 generates a measurement signal depending on an ambient sound.

[0044] In a second step S12, the measurement signal is received via an interface 3 of the electronic device 1.

[0045] In a third step S13, a control device 4 controls the electronic component 6 to change the frequency response of the electronic component 6 depending on the measurement signal. As described above, for example, a switching frequency can be increased or decreased so that a sound generated by the electronic component 6 is no longer audible or is masked.

[0046] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of a method for controlling an electronic component 6 of an electronic device 1. The control unit 4 is designed to change the frequency response of the electronic component 6 as a function of the measurement signal such that a switching signal amplitude-to-noise ratio is controlled to a predetermined value.

[0047] For this purpose, for example, a maximum or to be adjusted switching signal amplitude-to-noise ratio is specified in a step S21.

[0048] In a step S22, the switching frequency used by electronic component 6 is calculated. In a step S23, the switching behavior is changed, for example, by adjusting the switching frequency. Optionally, in a step S24, the switching behavior of electronic component 6 can be changed such that a switching strategy with a wider bandwidth is selected.

[0049] A sound is emitted from the electronic component 6 into the environment via an acoustic transmission path, S25.

[0050] Furthermore, ambient noise is generated, which can vary greatly depending on the situation, for example in a quiet garage, a busy street or noise from larger machines, S26.

[0051] In a step S27, airborne sound or structure-borne sound is continuously measured and a measurement signal is generated.

[0052] In a step S28, an acoustic analysis is carried out, for example to determine the sound level or the frequency spectrum.

[0053] The adjustment of the switching behavior in step S23 is carried out depending on the acoustic analysis.

[0054] At the Fig. In the closed-loop control system shown in Figure 4, the adaptability when the controlled system changes is advantageous, for example when components age.

[0055] Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method for controlling an electronic component 6 of an electronic device 1.

[0056] First, an ambient sound occurs, S31, whereby, analogously to step S27 described above, an airborne sound or a structure-borne sound is continuously measured and a measurement signal is generated, S32.

[0057] In a step S33, an acoustic analysis is carried out analogously to step S28 described above.

[0058] In step S34, the switching frequency used is calculated. Depending on the switching frequency used and the acoustic analysis, a modified switching frequency is determined, for example, using a look-up table, S35. The switching frequency is then adjusted accordingly, S36. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2020 205 915 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Control device (2) for an electronic component (6) of an electronic device (1), wherein the electronic component (6) has a variable frequency response, comprising: an interface (3) which is designed to receive a measurement signal generated by a sound sensor device (5) as a function of a sound generated in an environment of the electronic device (1); and a control unit (4) which is designed to control the electronic component (6) in order to change the frequency response of the electronic component (6) as a function of the measurement signal. [2] Control device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the sound sensor device (5) is designed to measure a structure-borne sound and / or an airborne sound and to generate the measurement signal. [3] Control device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic component (6) has a variable switching frequency, and the control unit (4) is designed to control the electronic component (6) in order to change the switching frequency of the electronic component (6) in dependence on the measurement signal. [4] Control device (2) according to claim 3, wherein the control unit (4) is designed to shift the switching frequency of the electronic component (6) into an inaudible range. [5] Control device (2) according to claim 3, wherein the control unit (4) is designed to shift the switching frequency of the electronic component (6) to a frequency which is at least partially masked by the sound generated in the environment of the electronic device (1). [6] Control device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (4) is designed to change the frequency response of the electronic component (6) as a function of the measurement signal such that a switching signal amplitude-to-noise ratio is controlled to a predetermined value. [7] Control device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (4) is designed to carry out an acoustic analysis of the measurement signal and to change the frequency response of the electronic component (6) depending on the acoustic analysis of the measurement signal. [8] Control device (2) according to claim 7, wherein the acoustic analysis comprises determining a sound level and / or a frequency spectrum. [9] Electronic device (1), comprising: a sound sensor device (5) which is designed to generate a measurement signal as a function of a sound generated in an environment of the electronic device (1); an electronic component (6) with a variable frequency response; and a control device (2) for the electronic component (6) according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Method for controlling an electronic component (6) of an electronic device (1), wherein the electronic component (6) has a variable frequency response, comprising the steps: Receiving (S2) a measurement signal generated as a function of a sound generated in an environment of the electronic device (1); and controlling (S3) the electronic component (6) in order to change the frequency response of the electronic component (6) as a function of the measurement signal.

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