Logic board for a variable speed drive, electronic identification system and method for identifying a logic board

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic identification system (160) for a logic board (100) for use in a variable speed drive, particularly to a logic board (100) for a variable speed drive having: a configuration block (162) including a plurality of resistors (190); a control system (166) communicatively coupled to the configuration block (162) and configured to receive a signal (164) from the configuration block (162), the control system (166) configured to decode the signal (164) and generate data indicative of the identity of the logic board (100); and a communications interface (180) coupled to the control system (166), the communications interface (180) configured to provide the data indicative of the identity of the logic board (100) to an operator.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, as described below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. [Background technology]

[0002] Chiller systems for use in commercial or industrial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems typically include a relatively large motor to power the compressor. The motor's power output can be selected based on the capacity (e.g., cooling demand) of the HVAC&R system. For example, the motor's power output can range from 100 horsepower (HP) to 5,000 HP or more. Many of these systems include a variable speed drive (VSD) to control the motor's speed in response to changes in the HVAC&R system's cooling demand. The VSD can increase the motor's speed, thereby increasing the compressor's speed, when the HVAC&R system's cooling demand increases. Conversely, the VSD can decrease the motor's speed when the HVAC&R system's cooling demand decreases.

[0003] The threshold power output of the motor may determine the size (e.g., power output range) of the VSD. For example, a relatively high-power motor may be controlled by a VSD that can support higher rated current and voltage demands than a VSD for controlling a relatively low-power motor. Different sizes of VSDs may thereby be included in an HVAC&R system to accommodate motors operating over a wide power output range. Each size of VSD may include a logic board (e.g., a printed circuit board) that controls the operation of the VSD. In some cases, the logic board may include various programming and / or instructions specific to the associated size of the VSD. Unfortunately, existing HVAC&R systems do not allow for electronic identification of the logic board. Thus, identifying the logic board of a VSD in an existing HVAC&R system may involve manual observation of the logic board, which may increase the likelihood that an operator will misidentify the correct logic board and / or otherwise increase the time associated with identifying the logic board. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The present disclosure relates to an electronic identification system for a logic board for use in a variable speed drive. In particular, the disclosure relates to a logic board for a variable speed drive, the logic board having a configuration block including a plurality of resistors, a control system communicatively coupled to the configuration block and configured to receive signals from the configuration block, the control system configured to decode the signals and generate data indicative of the identity of the logic board, and a communications interface coupled to the control system, the communications interface configured to provide the data indicative of the identity of the logic board to an operator or to another logic board.

[0005] The present disclosure also relates to an electronic identification system for a logic board including a power supply configured to output a voltage, and a plurality of resistors electrically coupled to the power supply and communicatively coupled to a control system for the logic board, wherein one or more pairs of resistors of the plurality of resistors are configured to establish a voltage difference between the power supply and ground, and the control system is configured to receive the voltage difference from the one or more pairs of resistors of the plurality of resistors.

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a method for identifying a logic board that includes establishing a first voltage difference across a first pair of resistors disposed between a power source and ground, establishing a second voltage difference across a second pair of resistors disposed between the power source and ground, directing signals indicative of the first and second voltage differences to a control system of the logic board, and decoding the signals to generate data indicative of the identity of the logic board. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] The various aspects of the present disclosure may be better understood by reading the following detailed description and by reviewing the drawings, in which:

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a building that may utilize a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system in a commercial setting, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vapor compression system according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the vapor compression system of FIG. 2 according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the vapor compression system of FIG. 2 according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a general configuration of a variable speed drive (VSD) that may be used in the vapor compression systems of FIGS. 2-4, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a logic board identification system according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a circuit diagram of a logic board identification system according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic representation of a decoded version of a signal configured to be output and / or otherwise used by a logic board identification system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. These described embodiments are merely examples of the techniques of the present disclosure. Additionally, in order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described herein. In developing any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, it will be understood that many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's particular goals, including compliance with system- and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. Moreover, it will be understood that such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0010] When referring to elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. In addition, it is to be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "embodiments" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0011] Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems may be used to thermally condition spaces within a building, home, or other suitable structure. For example, an HVAC&R system may include a vapor compression system that transfers thermal energy between a heat transfer fluid, such as a refrigerant, and a conditioned fluid, such as air. The vapor compression system may include a condenser and an evaporator that are fluidly coupled to each other via conduits. A compressor may be used to circulate the refrigerant through the conduits, thereby enabling the transfer of thermal energy between the condenser and the evaporator.

[0012] In many cases, the compressor of an HVAC&R system may be driven by a motor. The motor may be communicatively coupled to a control system including a variable speed drive (VSD). The control system may accelerate the motor from zero revolutions per minute (RPM) to a threshold speed. In some cases, the control system may further adjust the magnitude of the threshold speed during operation of the HVAC&R system. The power output of the motor may be selected based on the capacity (e.g., cooling demand) of the HVAC&R system. In some cases, the size of the VSD is proportional to the power output of the motor. For example, a relatively large motor may be controlled by a VSD that can supply more current and voltage than a VSD configured to control a relatively small motor. Several sizes of VSDs may thereby be used with an HVAC&R system to control a wide range of motors with different power output thresholds.

[0013] Each VSD may include a logic board (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)) that may monitor and / or control certain operating parameters of the respective VSD. For example, the logic board may monitor the magnitude of current and / or voltage drawn by the VSD (e.g., from a power source), the magnitude of current and / or voltage supplied by the VSD (e.g., to a motor), or both. Additionally, the logic board may store predetermined (e.g., preprogrammed) thresholds associated with certain monitored operating parameters of the VSD. The logic board may compare the monitored operating parameters to the thresholds and control operation of the VSD (e.g., adjust operation of components of the VSD and / or shut down the VSD) based on the results of the comparison. Particular logic boards may be configured to correspond to particular sizes of VSDs, such that the logic board is configured to monitor operating parameters of particular sizes of VSDs. For example, a logic board configured to monitor operating parameters of a relatively large VSD may be preprogrammed with relatively high thresholds (e.g., thresholds associated with monitored operating parameters of the VSD) to enable the VSD to operate more effectively at relatively high loads. Similarly, another logic board configured to monitor operating parameters of a relatively small VSD may be programmed with relatively low thresholds (e.g., thresholds associated with the monitored operating parameters of the VSD) to allow the VSD to operate more effectively with relatively small loads. Additionally, a particular logic board may be configured to accommodate particular fault handling mechanisms or other features associated with retrofit or non-retrofit versions of the logic board. Thus, one of several logic boards may be included within an HVAC&R system, and each HVAC&R system may include different internal components and / or programming associated with a particular size VSD. During maintenance and / or assembly of an HVAC&R system, an operator may be tasked with determining the type of particular logic board (e.g., the logic board's PCB revision, etc.) used to control and / or otherwise monitor the HVAC&R system's VSD.Unfortunately, existing HVAC&R systems do not include electronic identification systems that allow an operator to determine the type of logic board and / or PCB revision of the logic board of the HVAC&R system without manual visual inspection by the operator. In particular, existing HVAC&R systems do not allow for electronic identification of identifying features of the logic board, such as the line number (e.g., corresponding to the size of the VSD), the VSD revision, and / or the PCB revision.

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an electronic identification system for logic boards (e.g., printed circuit boards). In some embodiments, the electronic identification system may be added as an additional component to an existing logic board. The electronic identification system may include a plurality of resistors communicatively coupled to a control device (e.g., a field programmable gate array) of the logic board. The plurality of resistors may be incorporated into a portion of the logic board and / or a separate printed circuit board that communicates with the control device of the logic board. The plurality of resistors is configured to direct a signal to a control system indicative of the identity of the particular logic board being utilized. In some embodiments, the signal may include a plurality of voltages and / or voltage differences, each representing a particular characteristic of the logic board (e.g., cardinality, line number, bill of materials (BOM) revision level, and / or bare PCB revision level). In some embodiments, the plurality of voltages and / or voltage differences may be represented as a binary code that enables the control system to determine the identity and / or particular characteristic of the logic board and direct additional signals to a user interface device (e.g., via a secure digital card, wireless communication, and / or another communication interface). In this way, an operator can quickly and accurately identify a particular logic board, so that appropriate maintenance can be performed according to the identified logic board. In some cases, different troubleshooting processes and / or maintenance procedures may be utilized for different types of logic boards. The electronic identification system of the present disclosure may thereby facilitate maintenance operations and reduce maintenance costs and time for HVAC&R systems.

[0015] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an environment for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system 10 within a building 12 in a typical commercial setting. The HVAC&R system 10 may include a vapor compression system 14 (e.g., a chiller) that supplies chilled liquid that can be used to radiate heat to the building 12. The HVAC&R system 10 may also include a boiler 16 to supply warm liquid for heating the building 12 and an air distribution system that circulates air through the building 12. The air distribution system may also include an air return duct 18, an air supply duct 20, and / or an air handler 22. In some embodiments, the air handler 22 may include a heat exchanger connected to the boiler 16 and the vapor compression system 14 by a conduit 24. The heat exchanger within the air handler 22 may receive either heated liquid from the boiler 16 or chilled liquid from the vapor compression system 14, depending on the operating mode of the HVAC&R system 10. Although HVAC&R system 10 is shown with a separate air handler on each floor of building 12, in other embodiments, HVAC&R system 10 may include air handlers 22 and / or other components that may be shared between floors.

[0016] 2 and 3 are embodiments of a vapor compression system 14 that can be used in HVAC&R system 10. Vapor compression system 14 may circulate a refrigerant through a circuit that begins with a compressor 32. The circuit may also include a condenser 34, an expansion valve or device 36, and a liquid chiller or evaporator 38. Vapor compression system 14 may further include a control panel 40 having an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter 42, a microprocessor 44, non-volatile memory 46, and / or an interface board 48.

[0017] Some examples of fluids that may be used as refrigerants in vapor compression system 14 are hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, e.g., R-410A, R-407, R-134a, hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), or “natural” refrigerants such as ammonia (NH), R-717, carbon dioxide (CO), R-744, or hydrocarbon-based refrigerants, water vapor, or any other suitable refrigerant. In some embodiments, vapor compression system 14 may be configured to efficiently utilize refrigerants having a normal boiling point of approximately 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) at 1 atmosphere, also referred to as low-pressure refrigerants, compared to medium-pressure refrigerants such as R-134a. As used herein, “normal boiling point” may refer to the boiling point temperature measured at 1 atmosphere.

[0018] In some embodiments, the vapor compression system 14 may use one or more of a variable speed drive (VSD) 52, a motor 50, a compressor 32, a condenser 34, an expansion valve or device 36, and / or an evaporator 38. The motor 50 may drive the compressor 32 and may be powered by the variable speed drive (VSD) 52. The VSD 52 receives AC power having a particular fixed line voltage and fixed line frequency from an alternating current (AC) source and provides power having a variable voltage and frequency to the motor 50. In other embodiments, the motor 50 may be powered directly from an AC source or a direct current (DC) source. The motor 50 may include any type of motor that can be powered by a VSD or powered directly from an AC or DC source, such as a switched reluctance motor, an induction motor, an electronically commutated permanent magnet motor, or another suitable motor.

[0019] The compressor 32 compresses a refrigerant vapor and delivers the vapor to the condenser 34 through a discharge passage. In some embodiments, the compressor 32 may be a centrifugal compressor. The refrigerant vapor delivered by the compressor 32 to the condenser 34 may transfer heat to a cooling fluid (e.g., water or air) in the condenser 34. The refrigerant vapor may condense into a refrigerant liquid in the condenser 34 as a result of the heat transfer with the cooling fluid. The liquid refrigerant from the condenser 34 may flow through an expansion device 36 to an evaporator 38. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3 , the condenser 34 is water-cooled and includes a tube bundle 54 connected to a cooling tower 56 that supplies cooling fluid to the condenser 34.

[0020] The liquid refrigerant delivered to the evaporator 38 may absorb heat from another refrigeration fluid, which may or may not be the same refrigeration fluid used in the condenser 34. The liquid refrigerant in the evaporator 38 may undergo a phase change from liquid refrigerant to refrigerant vapor. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the evaporator 38 may include a tube bundle 58 with a supply line 60S and a return line 60R connected to a cooling load 62. The evaporator 38's refrigeration fluid (e.g., water, ethylene glycol, calcium chloride brine, sodium chloride brine, or any other suitable fluid) enters the evaporator 38 via the return line 60R and exits the evaporator 38 via the supply line 60S. The evaporator 38 may reduce the temperature of the refrigeration fluid in the tube bundle 58 through heat transfer with the refrigerant. The tube bundle 58 in the evaporator 38 may include multiple tubes and / or multiple tube bundles. In either case, the refrigerant vapor exits the evaporator 38 and returns to the compressor 32 via a suction line, completing the cycle.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a vapor compression system 14 having an intermediate circuit 64 incorporated between the condenser 34 and the expansion device 36. The intermediate circuit 64 may have an inlet line 68 directly fluidly connected to the condenser 34. In other embodiments, the inlet line 68 may be indirectly fluidly coupled to the condenser 34. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the inlet line 68 includes a first expansion device 66 positioned upstream of an intermediate vessel 70. In some embodiments, the intermediate vessel 70 may be a flash tank (e.g., a flash intercooler). In other embodiments, the intermediate vessel 70 may be configured as a heat exchanger or a “surface economizer.” In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the intermediate vessel 70 is used as a flash tank, and the first expansion device 66 is configured to reduce the pressure (e.g., expand) the liquid refrigerant received from the condenser 34. During the expansion process, a portion of the liquid may vaporize, and thus the intermediate vessel 70 may be used to separate the vapor from the liquid received from the first expansion device 66.

[0022] Additionally, intermediate vessel 70 may provide further expansion of the liquid refrigerant due to the pressure drop the liquid refrigerant experiences as it enters intermediate vessel 70 (e.g., due to the sudden increase in volume it experiences as it enters intermediate vessel 70). Vapor within intermediate vessel 70 may be drawn by compressor 32 through suction line 74 of compressor 32. In other embodiments, vapor within the intermediate vessel may be drawn into an intermediate stage of compressor 32 (e.g., rather than the suction stage). The liquid refrigerant collecting in intermediate vessel 70 may be of lower enthalpy than the liquid refrigerant exiting condenser 34 due to expansion within expansion device 66 and / or intermediate vessel 70. Liquid from intermediate vessel 70 may then flow in line 72 through second expansion device 36 to evaporator 38.

[0023] It should be understood that any of the features described herein may be incorporated with the vapor compression system 14 or any other suitable HVAC&R system. As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an electronic identification system for the logic board of the VSD 52. The size of the VSD 52 may indicate the magnitude of the power output range (e.g., supply current, supply voltage) that the VSD 52 is configured to generate. For example, a larger VSD may be used to control the operation of a relatively large motor (e.g., a 5,000 horsepower (HP) motor). Conversely, a smaller VSD may be used to operate a relatively small motor (e.g., a 100 HP motor). In some embodiments, the logic board may monitor and / or control the operating parameters of the VSD 52 and / or may include programming or instructions that enable the logic board to control a VSD 52 having a particular size. Thus, different logic boards may be included in the VSD 52 based on the size of the VSD 52. Indeed, the logic board may include programming, a fault handling system, and / or other instructions that enable the logic board to control a VSD 52 having a particular size in retrofit and non-retrofit applications. Thus, different logic boards may be included in VSD 52 based on the particular size of VSD 52 and / or whether the logic boards are adapted for retrofit or non-retrofit use on the VSD. Existing systems do not include identification systems other than visual, physical labels or PCB etchings that an operator may view to determine the particular type of logic board. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to electronic identification systems that may display and / or otherwise generate signals that may facilitate identification of particular logic boards on VSD 52. For example, the electronic identification system may include a plurality of resistors that generate corresponding voltages and / or voltage differences indicative of the identity and / or characteristics of the logic board.The plurality of resistors may be communicatively coupled to a controller (e.g., a field programmable gate array) of the logic board, which may be communicatively coupled to a display, an external memory device, and / or an operator device to provide an operator with identification information associated with the logic board. This may reduce the possibility of misidentifying the logic board and may also reduce maintenance time and costs for the HVAC&R system.

[0024] With the above in mind, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a VSD 52 including a logic board 100 that may be used to control the motor 50 of the vapor compression system 14 of FIGS. 1-4. An alternating current (AC) power source 102 may supply AC power to the VSD 52, which in turn supplies the AC power to the motor 50. The AC power source 102 may provide three-phase, fixed-voltage, and fixed-frequency AC power from an AC power grid or distribution system to the VSD 52. For example, the AC power source 102 may provide a first phase of AC power, a second phase of AC power, and a third phase of AC power over a first incoming line 104, a second incoming line 106, and a third incoming line 108, respectively.

[0025] The AC power may be provided directly from an electric utility or from one or more transformer substations between the electric utility and the AC power source 102. In some embodiments, the AC power source 102 may provide a three-phase AC voltage or line voltage of up to 15 kilovolts (kV) at a line frequency of 50 Hertz (Hz) to 60 Hz to the VSD 52, depending on the corresponding AC power source 102. However, in other embodiments, the AC power source 102 may provide any suitable fixed line voltage or fixed line frequency to the VSD 52, depending on the configuration of the AC power source 102. Additionally, a particular site may have multiple AC power sources capable of meeting different line voltage and line frequency requirements.

[0026] The VSD 52 directs AC power from the AC power source 102 to the motor 50 at a desired voltage and frequency. In certain embodiments, the VSD 52 may provide AC power to the motor 50 having a higher or lower voltage and frequency than the fixed voltage and frequency received from the AC power source 102. For example, the VSD 52 may have three internal stages: a converter 110 (e.g., a rectifier), a direct current (DC) link 112, and an inverter 114. The converter 110 may convert a fixed line frequency and / or a fixed line voltage from the AC power source 102 to DC power. The DC link 112 may filter the DC power from the converter 110 and / or store energy via components such as a condenser and / or inductor (not shown). The inverter 114 may convert the DC power from the DC link 112 to variable-frequency, variable-voltage AC power (e.g., three-phase AC power) for the motor 50. For example, inverter 114 may supply first phase AC power, second phase AC power, and third phase AC power to motor 50 via first output line 116, second output line 118, and third output line 120, respectively.

[0027] In some embodiments, converter 110 may be a pulse-width modulated (PWM) boost converter or rectifier with insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) to provide a boosted DC voltage to DC link 112 and create a fundamental root-mean-square (RMS) output voltage from VSD 52 that is greater than a fixed nominal fundamental RMS input voltage to VSD 52. Additionally, in some embodiments, VSD 52 may incorporate additional components from those shown in FIG. 5 to provide an appropriate output voltage and frequency to motor 50.

[0028] In certain embodiments, motor 50 may be an induction motor capable of being driven at variable speeds. The induction motor may have any suitable pole arrangement, including two poles, four poles, six poles, or any suitable number of poles. The induction motor is used to drive a load, such as compressor 32 of vapor compression system 14. In other embodiments, motor 50 may be any suitable motor for driving compressor 32 and / or another suitable device.

[0029] In some embodiments, logic board 100 may be communicatively coupled to VSD 52 via a harness 124 or multiple harnesses (see, e.g., FIG. 5 ). Harness 124 may include multiple wires (e.g., copper wire, optical fiber) that enable transmission of data and / or signals between VSD 52 and logic board 100. In some embodiments, logic board 100 may monitor and / or control various operating parameters of VSD 52, such as the magnitude of current drawn by VSD 52 from AC power source 102. For example, logic board 100 may be communicatively coupled (e.g., via harness 124) to input current transducer 130, which may be disposed on each of first power receiving line 104, second power receiving line 106, and / or third power receiving line 108. The input current transducer 130 may be used to monitor and / or control the current flow through a power line (e.g., the first 104, second 106, or third power receiving line 108) and generate an output signal (e.g., a current) that is proportional to, but smaller than, the current flow through the respective power line.

[0030] For example, a first input current transducer 132 disposed on the first power receiving line 104 may monitor a first phase of AC power flowing through the first power receiving line 104. The first input current transducer 132 may thereby output a current (e.g., a signal) proportional to the magnitude of the first phase of AC power. For example, the amperage of the current flowing through the first power receiving line 104 may be between 100 amperes (amps) and 2000 amperes, and the amperage of the output signal generated by the first input current transducer 132 may be between 1 milliampere (mA) and 2 amperes. Similarly, a second input current transducer 134 disposed on the second receiving line 106 may monitor the second phase AC power flowing through the second receiving line 106, while a third input current transducer 136 disposed on the third receiving line 108 may monitor the third phase AC power flowing through the third receiving line 108.

[0031] Logic board 100 may additionally monitor and / or control the magnitude of the current supplied by VSD 52 to motor 50. For example, output current transducer 140 may include first output current transducer 142, second output current transducer 144, and third output current transducer 146 disposed on first output line 116, second output line 118, and third output line 120, respectively. First output current transducer 142, second output current transducer 144, and third output current transducer 146 may thereby monitor the first phase AC power, second phase AC power, and third phase AC power flowing through first output line 116, second output line 118, and third output line 120, respectively. Similar to input current transducer 130, output current transducers 140 may each be communicatively coupled to logic board 100 via harness 124.

[0032] As described above, the VSD 52 may include a logic board 100, which may be selected from a variety of logic boards having different types, models, and / or circuitry based on the size or application (e.g., retrofit or non-retrofit) of the VSD 52. To facilitate identification of the logic board 100 used to control the operation of the VSD 52, the logic board 100 may include an electronic identification system 160. For example, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the electronic identification system 160 of the logic board 100. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the electronic identification system 160 includes a configuration block 162 integrated into the logic board 100. However, it should be understood that in certain embodiments, the configuration block 162 may be a separate component (e.g., a separate printed circuit board) communicatively coupled to the logic board 100. As discussed in further detail below, the configuration block 162 includes a plurality of resistors that provide a signal 164 to a control system 166 (e.g., a field programmable gate array) of the logic board 100. Signal 164 may include multiple voltages (e.g., multiple voltage differentials) that indicate identification data of logic board 100 (e.g., product number, logic board type, reference number, line number, bare PCB revision, and / or bill of materials (BOM) revision level).

[0033] Thus, control system 166 may receive signal 164 and interpret and / or decode the identification data. For example, control system 166 may receive signal 164 as multiple voltages and decode and / or interpret each voltage of the multiple voltages as a bit of data. The bits of data decoded and / or interpreted from the multiple voltages may be combined with each other by control system 166 to form a unique sequence corresponding to the particular logic board 100. In some embodiments, control system 166 is configured to compare the unique sequence generated from signal 164 with a lookup table stored in memory 168 of logic board 100 to determine information about logic board 100 that may be interpreted and / or otherwise understood by an operator (e.g., information provided to an operator on a display of an operator device). In some embodiments, configuration block 162, control system 166, and / or memory 168 are communicatively coupled to each other via wired connections (e.g., buses and / or electrical cables). In certain embodiments, suitable connectors may be used to communicatively couple configuration block 162, control system 166, and / or memory 168 to one another. For example, when configuration block 162 is a separate component (e.g., a PCB) from logic board 100, connectors may be used to communicatively couple configuration block 162 to logic board 100. In other embodiments, configuration block 162, control system 166, and / or memory 168 are communicatively coupled to one another via wireless connections.

[0034] In some embodiments, the control system 166 may direct the identification data, the signal 164, and / or information related to the logic board 100 to the microcontroller 172 via a second signal 174. The microcontroller 172 may be configured to receive an additional input 176 from sensors and / or sensing devices on the logic board 100 and / or VSD 52 that monitor operating parameters of the VSD 52. The microcontroller 172 may utilize the additional input 176, in addition to the identification data, the signal 164, and / or information related to the logic board 100, to further identify and / or characterize the logic board 100. For example, the operating parameters of the VSD 52 may indicate a size of the VSD 52 that may correspond to a particular logic board 100. The additional input 176 may thereby provide further data and / or information that enables the microcontroller 172 to provide further identification information related to the particular logic board 100 used to control the VSD 52. Additionally or alternatively, additional inputs 176 may be provided to an operator so that the operator can evaluate the suitability of the logic board 100 utilized to control the VSD 52 based on the operating parameters of the VSD 52. In other words, the operator can determine whether a particular logic board 100 is sized and / or programmed to properly control the size of the VSD 52 to which it is attached.

[0035] In some embodiments, microcontroller 172 may be communicatively coupled to an external memory device 178 and / or a communication interface 180. External memory device 178 may include a secure digital (SD) card and / or another removable memory device accessible by an operator and utilized to extract information related to logic board 100. In this manner, an operator may utilize external memory device 178 to extract information related to logic board 100 and determine the identity of logic board 100. Similarly, communication interface 180 may output a third signal 182 (e.g., a wireless signal) to an external computing device 184 (e.g., a phone, a computer, a tablet, a smart wearable device, or another suitable computing device) via a wireless or wired communication technology (e.g., Wi-Fi, near field communication, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave, ISM, an embedded wireless module, another suitable wireless communication technology, or a wired connection). In this manner, logic board 100 is configured to provide identification information associated with the particular logic board 100 to an operator (e.g., the operator's external computing device 184), so that the characteristics of logic board 100 can be quickly and efficiently obtained by the operator.

[0036] As described above, the configuration block 162 may include a plurality of resistors 190 communicatively coupled to the control system 166 (e.g., a field programmable gate array) of the logic board 100. For example, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a circuit diagram of the electronic identification system 160 of the logic board 100. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7, the electronic identification system 160 includes the configuration block 162 having a plurality of resistors 190. The plurality of resistors 190 may include various or multiple resistor sets 192 (e.g., multiple resistor sets 192) that establish a voltage difference between a voltage source 194 and a ground connection 196. For example, a first resistor 198 of a first resistor set 200 of the sets of resistors 192 is coupled to the voltage source 194, and a second resistor 202 of the first resistor set 200 is coupled to the ground connection 196. A tap 204 between the first resistor 198 and the second resistor 202 may be coupled to an input 206 of the control system 166 and may direct a portion 208 of the signal 164 indicative of a voltage difference established between the first resistor 198 and the second resistor 202. As will be appreciated, each resistor set of the various resistor sets 192 is configured to provide a respective portion 208 of the signal 164 to the control system 166. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7 , the signal 164 includes six portions 208, with each portion 208 associated with one of the six resistor sets 192.

[0037] In some embodiments, voltage source 194 may include a power supply for logic board 100 (e.g., control system 166) and / or VSD 52. Thus, voltage source 194 may include a single power supply configured to direct a constant voltage to each set of resistors in resistor set 192. In other embodiments, voltage source 194 may be a power supply separate from logic board 100 and / or VSD 52. In either case, voltage source 194 provides a voltage (e.g., a single voltage or a variable voltage) to each set of resistors in resistor set 192. Resistor sets 192 are configured to establish a voltage difference at a respective tap 204 of each resistor set 192. Thereby, each resistor in plurality of resistors 190 may include a different resistance, enabling each resistor set 192 to generate a target voltage difference that is ultimately directed to control system 166.

[0038] In some embodiments, the target voltage difference established by each resistor set 192 may represent a bit of data that is decoded and / or interpreted by control system 166 to determine identification information associated with logic board 100. For example, in some embodiments, the target voltage difference may indicate a “0” or a “1,” whereby portions 208 of signal 164 together form a binary sequence. More specifically, a first resistor set of resistors in resistor set 192 may generate a target voltage difference greater than a threshold voltage difference, thereby representing a “1” as a bit of data transmitted to control system 166. Additionally, a second resistor set of resistors in resistor set 192 may generate a target voltage difference less than the threshold voltage difference, thereby representing a “0” as a bit of data transmitted to control system 166. Each voltage difference received by control system 166 from resistor set 192 may thereby represent a bit of a sequence of data indicative of a property and / or characteristic of logic board 100. 7 , electronic identification system 160 includes six resistor sets 192, such that control system 166 receives six bits of data forming a sequence. In embodiments utilizing binary code, control system 166 may receive 64 (e.g., 26) different sequences, each representing a particular logic board 100. In other embodiments, electronic identification system 160 may include any suitable number of resistor sets 192 that enable control system 166 to identify any suitable number of logic boards 100. Additionally or alternatively, the voltage differences received by control system 166 may not be in binary code format, such that the actual voltage difference sequence (e.g., the numerical value detected by control system 166) may be associated with a logic board 100.

[0039] As described above, control system 166 may decode signal 164 received from configuration block 162 and compare information (e.g., code, bits of data) from signal 164 to identify logic board 100. For example, as described above, control system 166 may compare the unique sequence decoded or extracted from signal 164 to a lookup table stored in memory 168 of electronic identification system 160. The lookup table may identify the particular logic board 100 and provide information indicative of the identity of logic board 100 to control system 166 and / or microcontroller 172. In this manner, control system 166 and / or microcontroller 172 may determine particular information associated with logic board 100 and output the information to external memory device 178 and / or generate a third signal 182 (e.g., via communication interface 180) that may be received by an operator at external computing device 184.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a logic board identification code 220 that may be provided to an operator via the external memory device 178 and / or the communication interface 180. For example, the external computing device 184 may include a display configured to provide a visual representation of the logic board identification code 220. The operator may scan the logic board identification code 220 (e.g., similar to a barcode) to extract additional identification information associated with a particular logic board 100. In this manner, the operator may quickly identify the logic board 100 used in the VSD 52 of the HVAC&R system when performing installation and / or assembly, maintenance, and / or other procedural tasks on the HVAC&R system. In addition to the logic board identification code 220, the operator may receive further information related to the identification of the logic board 100 (e.g., information from a look-up table provided to the operator via the external memory device and / or the third signal 182). In either case, the logic board identification code 220 and / or other information received by the operator may facilitate actions performed by the operator on the HVAC&R system and reduce assembly costs, maintenance costs, and / or maintenance time.

[0041] As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8 , logic board identification code 220 may include a logic board identifier 222, a reference number sequence 224, a board line number sequence 226, a BOM revision sequence 228, a unique identifier 230, and / or a bare PCB revision or layout identifier 232. The logic board identifier 222, shown as “031” in the embodiment of FIG. 8 , may be any sequence of numbers, letters, or alphanumeric symbols to represent all different types of logic boards 100. It should be understood that the sequence “031” is for illustrative purposes; in other embodiments, logic board identifier 222 may include any sequence of numbers, letters, and / or alphanumeric symbols. In either case, logic board identifier 222 may be the same regardless of the particular logic board 100 used for VSD 52. In other words, logic board identifier 222 is used to verify that the electrical hardware controlling VSD 52 and / or another device is, in fact, a logic board. The reference number sequence 224 may be a unique number sequence that may be associated with a particular logic board 100 and may identify one or more characteristics of the logic board 100 with respect to the VSD 52. The reference number sequence 224 may represent a model or series number, logic board type, size, circuit-related information, and / or other identifying information associated with the logic board 100.

[0042] The board line number sequence 226 may indicate the application and / or use of a particular logic board 100. For example, the logic board 100 may be used to control the VSD 52 associated with the motor 50 that drives the compressor 32. In other embodiments, the logic board 100 may be utilized to control a different component driven by the motor, a different suitable variable frequency drive, and / or a VSD 52 associated with a different application that may utilize the logic board. This allows an operator to quickly identify whether a particular logic board 100 is being utilized for its intended purpose and / or application. The BOM revision sequence 228 may indicate the specific components included in a particular logic board 100. For example, the BOM revision sequence 228 may identify condensers, resistors, inductors, transformers, power supplies, circuit breakers, switches, fuses, and / or other suitable components that may be included in the logic board 100. Additionally, the unique identifier 230 may indicate and / or identify deviations from a known BOM revision sequence 228. For example, BOM revision sequence 228 may include a predetermined sequence indicative of components typically included on a standard logic board. Unique identifier 230 may include a sequence of alphanumeric symbols, numbers, and / or letters that identify specific components of a particular logic board 100 that differ from the predetermined components associated with BOM revision sequence 228. For example, a particular logic board 100 may include additional components, differently sized components, and / or fewer components than the components associated with BOM revision sequence 228, whereby unique identifier 230 is configured to identify and / or provide an indication of such modifications to the particular logic board 100.

[0043] The bare PCB revision or layout identifier 232 may include information related to design parameters of a particular logic board 100. For example, the bare PCB revision or layout identifier 232 may include a sequence of alphanumeric symbols, numbers, and / or letters that indicate the layout of the circuitry, artwork of the logic board 100 (e.g., data associated with components and / or circuitry), and / or other suitable design parameters unique to the particular logic board 100. In either case, the logic board identification code 220 may be scanned or otherwise provided in electronic form to an operator to facilitate identification of the particular logic board 100 included in the VSD 52 to facilitate troubleshooting and / or maintenance of the VSD 52.

[0044] It is to be understood that this application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings, and that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0045] While the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described herein are presently preferred, it should be understood that these embodiments are offered by way of example only. As such, the present application is not limited to the particular embodiments, but covers various modifications that are within the scope of the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or reordered according to alternative embodiments.

[0046] It is important to note that the configuration and arrangement of the VSD and / or logic board as shown in various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. While only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those reviewing this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the claimed subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of separate elements or positions may be altered or changed. As such, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this application. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-ordered according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to encompass the structures described herein as performing the recited function(s), and equivalent structures as well as structural equivalents. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangements of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present application. [Aspect 1] 1. A logic board for a variable speed drive (VSD), said logic board comprising: a building block comprising a plurality of resistors; a control system communicatively coupled to the configuration block and configured to receive signals from the configuration block, the control system configured to decode the signals and generate data indicative of an identity of the logic board; a communication interface coupled to the control system, the communication interface configured to provide the data indicative of the identification of the logic board to an operator. [Aspect 2] 2. The logic board of claim 1, wherein each resistor of the plurality of resistors of the configuration block is coupled to a voltage source. Aspect 3 3. The logic board of claim 2, wherein a pair of resistors in the plurality of resistors is configured to generate a voltage difference between the voltage source and ground. Aspect 4 4. The logic board of claim 3, wherein the signal comprises the voltage difference generated by the pair of resistors of the plurality of resistors. Aspect 5 5. The logic board of claim 4, wherein the control system is configured to compare the voltage difference to a threshold voltage difference, and wherein the control system is configured to assign a numerical identifier to the voltage difference based on the comparison. Aspect 6 2. The logic board of claim 1, wherein the data indicating the identity of the logic board includes a logic board identification code. Aspect 7 7. The logic board of embodiment 6, wherein the logic board identification code comprises a logic board identifier, a reference number sequence, a board line sequence, a BOM revision sequence, a unique identifier, a layout identifier, or any combination thereof. Aspect 8 2. The logic board of claim 1, wherein the communication interface comprises a wireless communication device, a portable memory device, a wired communication interface, or a combination thereof. Aspect 9 9. The logic board of claim 8, wherein the communication interface includes the portable memory device, and the portable memory device is a Secure Digital Card. Aspect 10 2. The logic board of claim 1, further comprising a microcontroller communicatively coupled to the control system, the microcontroller configured to receive operational data from the VSD and generate additional data indicative of the identification of the logic board based on the operational data. Aspect 11 1. An electronic identification system for a logic board, said electronic identification system comprising: a power supply configured to output a voltage; a plurality of resistors electrically coupled to the power supply and communicatively coupled to a control system of the logic board, wherein a pair of resistors among the plurality of resistors is configured to establish a voltage difference between the power supply and ground, and the control system is configured to receive the voltage difference from the pair of resistors among the plurality of resistors. Aspect 12 12. The electronic identification system of claim 11, wherein the voltage difference across the pair of resistors in the plurality of resistors indicates an identification of the logic board. Aspect 13 12. The electronic identification system of claim 11, wherein the power source is configured to provide at least a portion of the voltage to the control system. Aspect 14 12. The electronic identification system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of resistors are configured to establish a sequence of voltage differences, the control system is configured to receive a signal including the sequence of voltage differences, and the control system is configured to decode the signal. Aspect 15 15. The electronic identification system of claim 14, wherein the sequence of the voltage differences forms a binary code, and the control system is configured to decode the binary code. Aspect 16 12. The electronic identification system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of resistors are arranged as pairs of resistors between the power supply and the ground point, and the pairs of resistors are configured to generate the voltage difference at respective taps positioned between a first resistor of each pair of resistors and a second resistor of each pair of resistors. Aspect 17 1. A method for identifying a logic board, the method comprising: establishing a first voltage difference across a first pair of resistors disposed between a power source and ground; establishing a second voltage difference across a second pair of resistors disposed between the power supply and ground; directing signals indicative of the first voltage difference and the second voltage difference to a control system of the logic board; and decoding the signal to generate data indicative of an identity of the logic board. Aspect 18 18. The method of embodiment 17, wherein decoding the signal to generate the data indicative of the identification of the logic board includes detecting a binary code associated with the first voltage difference and the second voltage difference. Aspect 19 18. The method of embodiment 17, wherein decoding the signal to generate data indicative of the identification of the logic board includes generating a logic board identification code. Aspect 20 20. The method of embodiment 19, wherein the logic board identification code comprises a logic board identifier, a reference number sequence, a board line sequence, a BOM revision sequence, a unique identifier, a layout identifier, or any combination thereof.

Claims

1. 1. A logic board for a variable speed drive (VSD), said logic board comprising: a building block comprising a plurality of resistors; a control system communicatively coupled to the configuration block and configured to receive a signal from the configuration block, the signal comprising a voltage difference generated by a pair of resistors in the plurality of resistors, the control system configured to decode the signal to generate data indicative of an identification of the logic board; a communication interface coupled to the control system, the communication interface configured to provide the data indicative of the identification of the logic board to an operator.

2. 2. The logic board of claim 1, wherein each resistor of the plurality of resistors of the configuration block is coupled to a voltage source.

3. 3. The logic board of claim 2, wherein a pair of resistors in the plurality of resistors is configured to create a voltage difference between the voltage source and ground.

4. 4. The logic board of claim 3, wherein the control system is configured to compare the voltage difference to a threshold voltage difference, and wherein the control system is configured to assign a numeric identifier to the voltage difference based on the comparison.

5. The logic board of claim 1 , wherein the data indicative of the identity of the logic board includes a logic board identification code.

6. 6. The logic board of claim 5, wherein the logic board identification code comprises a logic board identifier, a reference number sequence, a board line sequence, a BOM revision sequence, a unique identifier, a layout identifier, or any combination thereof.

7. The logic board of claim 1 , wherein the communication interface comprises a wireless communication device, a portable memory device, a wired communication interface, or a combination thereof.

8. 8. The logic board of claim 7, wherein the communication interface includes the portable memory device, the portable memory device being a Secure Digital Card.

9. 10. The logic board of claim 1, further comprising a microcontroller communicatively coupled to the control system, the microcontroller configured to receive operational data from the VSD and generate additional data indicative of the identification of the logic board based on the operational data.

10. 1. An electronic identification system for a logic board, said electronic identification system comprising: a power supply configured to output a voltage; a plurality of resistors electrically coupled to the power supply and communicatively coupled to a control system of the logic board, wherein a pair of resistors among the plurality of resistors is configured to establish a voltage difference between the power supply and ground, and the control system is configured to receive the voltage difference from the pair of resistors among the plurality of resistors.

11. 11. The electronic identification system of claim 10, wherein the voltage difference across the pair of resistors of the plurality of resistors indicates the identity of the logic board.

12. The electronic identification system of claim 10 , wherein the power supply is configured to provide at least a portion of the voltage to the control system.

13. 11. The electronic identification system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of resistors are configured to establish a sequence of voltage differences, the control system is configured to receive a signal including the sequence of voltage differences, and the control system is configured to decode the signal.

14. 14. The electronic identification system of claim 13, wherein the sequence of the voltage differences forms a binary code, and the control system is configured to decode the binary code.

15. 11. The electronic identification system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of resistors are arranged as pairs of resistors between the power source and the ground, the pairs of resistors configured to generate the voltage difference at respective taps positioned between a first resistor of each pair of resistors and a second resistor of each pair of resistors.

16. 1. A method for identifying a logic board, the method comprising: establishing a first voltage difference across a first pair of resistors disposed between a power source and ground; establishing a second voltage difference across a second pair of resistors disposed between the power supply and ground; directing signals indicative of the first voltage difference and the second voltage difference to a control system of the logic board; and decoding the signal to generate data indicative of an identity of the logic board.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein decoding the signal to generate the data indicative of the identification of the logic board comprises detecting a binary code associated with the first voltage difference and the second voltage difference.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein decoding the signal to generate data indicative of the identity of the logic board comprises generating a logic board identification code.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the logic board identification code comprises a logic board identifier, a reference number sequence, a board line sequence, a BOM revision sequence, a unique identifier, a layout identifier, or any combination thereof.

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