How to auto-range digital electrical operation

Abstract

A set of packet energy transfer operating parameters is automatically configured to optimize safety, efficiency, and / or resilience in the digital power system. A set of limits for packet energy transfer operation that does not immediately preclude safe operation of the transmission line is configured, with each limit in the set specifying a constraint for at least one of measurements and calculations based on impedance in series or parallel with the transmission line, operational efficiency of the digital power system, and / or voltage or current signal integrity. Operation of the transmission line is measured, and the measurements are compared to the limits. When at least one of the limits is exceeded, a modified set of limits is automatically configured (or a new configuration is generated) based on which limit was exceeded. The measurements, comparisons, and reconfigurations are repeated until an acceptable operating range is identified or a predefined time limit is exceeded.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical power distribution system safety protection device, such as an electrical power distribution system with electronic monitoring to detect and disconnect power in the event of a power outage or safety hazard, particularly if an individual comes into contact with an exposed conductor. The present invention is applicable to electrical power distribution in general and to specific examples such as electric vehicle charging, telecommunications or alternative energy power systems. [Background technology]

[0002] The following discussion of the background art may reflect hindsight gained from the disclosed invention, and these features are not necessarily admitted to be prior art.

[0003] Digital power or digital electricity can be characterized as any power format in which power is distributed in discrete, controllable units of energy. Packet Energy Transmission (PET) is a new type of digital power protocol, disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,068,937 B2 (Eaves '937), U.S. Patent No. 8,781,637 B2 (Eaves '637), and Eaves '289 in WO 2017 / 139289 A1.

[0004] The primary distinguishing factor of a digital power transmission system compared to a traditional analog power system is that electrical energy is separated into discrete units, and each individual unit of energy can be associated with analog and / or digital information that can be used for purposes of safety, efficiency, resilience, control, or routing optimization. Because energy is transmitted in discrete quantities or amounts in a PET system, it can be called "digital power" or "digital electricity."

[0005] As described in Eaves '637, the power supply controller and load controller are connected by a power line. The power supply controller in Eaves '637 periodically isolates (disconnects) the power line from the power source and analyzes the voltage characteristics present at the power supply controller terminals at least immediately before and after power line isolation. The period during which the power line is isolated is referred to in Eaves '637 as the "sample period," and the period during which the power source is connected is referred to as the "transmission period." The rate at which the power line voltage rises and falls before, during, and after the sample period indicates whether an abnormal condition exists on the power line. Measurable abnormalities include, but are not limited to, a short circuit, high power line resistance, or the presence of an individual improperly contacting the power line.

[0006] Eaves '637 also describes digital information that can be transmitted over the power lines between the power source and the load controller to further improve safety or provide overall characteristics of the energy transmission, such as the overall energy or voltage at the load controller terminals. One method of communication over the same digital power lines used for electrical power is further described and elaborated upon in U.S. Pat. No. 9,184,795 B2 (Eaves '795).

[0007] One application of digital power distribution systems is the safe distribution of direct current (DC) power at elevated voltages in digital format from the source side of the system to the load side.

[0008] US Patent No. 9,853,689 B2 (Eaves '689) describes packaging various configurations of the power side components of Eaves '637 into a device called a digital power transmitter.

[0009] US Patent No. 9,419,436 B2 (Eaves '436) describes packaging various configurations of the load-side components of Eaves '637 into a device called a digital receiver.

[0010] U.S. Patent No. 9,893,521 B2 (Lowe '521) introduces the concept of securely connecting multiple sources and multiple loads in a digital power network using packet energy transmission. The concept of a power control element (PCE) was introduced in Lowe 2014 as a key component in a digital power network.

[0011] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0313886A1 (Mlyniec '886) describes a method for verifying the integrity of a digital power line, including biasing the power line during a sample period, synchronizing the start of each sample period on a first and second power line, and other methods.

[0012] US Patent No. 10,714,930 B1 (Weiss '930) describes the use of carrier detection to measure the impedance of power lines in an electrical distribution system. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] Described herein are methods and apparatus for automatically configuring a set of operating parameters for packet energy transmission, various embodiments of which may include some or all of the elements, features, and steps described below.

[0014] Described herein is a method for automatically configuring a set of packet energy transmission operating parameters that optimizes one or more of the following factors in a digital power system: safety, efficiency, and resilience. The digital power system includes one or more transmission channels. Each transmission channel manages packet energy transmission on a respective transmission line, and the method is performed in an "always safe" sequence. The method includes configuring a set of limits for operation of the transmission line that do not immediately preclude safe operation of the transmission line, each limit specifying a constraint for at least one of measurements and calculations based on at least one of the following parameters: impedance in series or parallel with the transmission line, operational efficiency of the digital power system, voltage signal integrity, or current signal integrity. Characteristics of the operating transmission line are measured and compared to these limits. When one of the limits is exceeded, a new set of limits is automatically configured based on which limit was exceeded. The process of measuring and configuring new limits is repeated until an acceptable operating range is identified or a predetermined time limit is exceeded.

[0015] The method described below builds on the earlier work of Eaves '637 and Mlyniec '886 by focusing on a novel method for automatically maximizing the operating range for digital electrical fault detection without compromising shock and fire safety. Some variables that may be present in a digital electrical system, such as how much line-to-line capacitance there is in a power transmission line, present challenges for accurate measurement, control, and limit assessment when static methods are used.

[0016] Digital power or digital electricity can be characterized by any power format in which power is distributed in discrete, controllable energy units. Digital electricity systems periodically isolate the power line from both the source and the load and analyze analog line characteristics that reflect faults or possible human contact with the power wires. Line fault detection involves periodic measurements of the power line's voltage, current, or both. As system parameters, such as the distance between the source and the load, change, these measurements, techniques, and limits are adapted to ensure safe operation at all times while maximizing performance capabilities. The methods of the present disclosure can be used to meet adaptive requirements through automatic ranging of the measurement devices and limits applied to these measurements, maximizing performance without compromising safety.

[0017] Described herein is a method for auto-ranging measurement devices and limits applied to measurements used in identifying power line faults during packet energy transmission. Various embodiments of the method and apparatus for carrying out the method may include some or all of the elements, features, and steps described below.

[0018] In the first method, an initial set of limits for packet energy transmission operation is configured, and if a limit is exceeded, the power supply to the transmission line is de-energized (packet energy transmission is stopped and power output to the transmission line is interrupted), and a new set of limits is automatically configured based on the limit that was exceeded. After the limits are configured and power is restored to the transmission line, the process is repeated until a suitable set of limits is found without compromising the safe operation requirements of preventing the risk of electric shock to personnel and electrical fires.

[0019] In the second method, an initial set of operational limits is configured, and packet energy transfer operation continues until one or more limits are exceeded, at which point one or more limits are reconfigured without interrupting power to the transmission line. This process of reconfiguring limits while operating is repeated until a suitable configuration is identified or until a maximum period of safe operation is exceeded, at which point power to the transmission line is interrupted.

[0020] In a third method, an initial set of operating parameters is configured, and if a limit is exceeded, a modified set of operating parameters is automatically configured in a constant safety sequence. This reconfiguration of operating parameters can occur after operation has been stopped due to a limit being exceeded, or can occur during operation. This may or may not require new limits to also be configured.

[0021] The concept of "always safe" herein refers to an item designed to meet a selected safety standard under all reasonable operating conditions at all times. For example, if a designer chooses to define safety as avoiding ventricular fibrillation by not exceeding the DC-4 threshold of IEC 60479-1, then an item is always safe if and only if the DC-4 threshold is never exceeded under all reasonable operating conditions. References to "all reasonable operating conditions" are used herein to refer to conditions excluding probabilistically unlikely events, such as unforeseen natural disasters, extreme catastrophic failure modes, and other events. IEC 61508, for example, provides some guidance regarding events to be considered when evaluating operating conditions. "Always" is used to refer to an extremely high probability of success, and the evaluation criteria and acceptable thresholds for this probability are also defined by the selected safety standard. For safety standards such as IEC 62368-1, it is typical to induce failures in the device under test and evaluate whether the device still maintains a predetermined level of safety.

[0022] As taught in Mlyniec '886, biased measurements can be performed in combination with unbiased measurements to calculate the effective line-to-line impedance, which includes at least the parallel resistor and capacitor connected to the positive output 16 of the power supply controller and the negative output 23 of the power supply controller, especially when ringing is suppressed and the voltage difference between the power supply controller and the load controller is negligible. Limits can be applied directly to these calculated impedance values. These values ​​can be updated with the most recently taken measurement, so that the most recent values ​​are always used.

[0023] The disclosed methods extend known existing techniques in which reconfiguration of measurements, techniques, limits, or any combination thereof can be performed through non-automatic means. For example, these non-automatic means may include a human manually reconfiguring an apparatus and / or using different physical devices to obtain / perform / implement these various measurements, techniques, limits, or any combination thereof. In a similar example, these non-automatic means may include software commands sent by a human to reconfigure these measurements, techniques, limits, or any combination thereof. Hence, through these disclosed methods, significant improvements in operation can be realized by utilizing automatic means to perform these reconfigurations.

[0024] High inter-line capacitance can mask the effects of line-to-line resistance drop, as taught in Mlyniec '886. This high capacitance can exist in a variety of ways, both in correct system configuration and through improper configuration. As an example, in transmission line theory, it is known that the two conductors in a cable have a mutual capacitance. This capacitance is often expressed per unit length (e.g., picofarads per foot). As the length of a given cable increases, the total capacitance increases. If these line-to-line attenuation limits are exceeded, it is suggested to the power controller that there may be a higher or lower capacitance than previously thought, and the power controller can conclude that this difference may be due to a longer or shorter length of cable.

[0025] In another example, as described in Lowe '521, multiple receivers may be connected to the same transmitter in a PET system. Because each of these receivers contains more capacitance, shown as capacitor (C2) 9 in FIG. 1, these receivers may be added in parallel to create a larger capacitance. Configuring a system to operate with these increased line capacitances may prevent ideal operation at lower capacitance levels, at least because the bias may be too strong or the measurements and limits may be too sensitive. Using the methods of the present disclosure, these effects of high line capacitance, whether due to the transmission line, multiple receivers, or other means, may be overcome, allowing operation across a range of possible configurations without user intervention.

[0026] In summary, the operating range for safe power distribution in terms of fault detection within a digital power system can be automatically maximized without compromising either personnel shock safety or electrical fire safety. Auto-ranging can be achieved in many ways, such as reconfiguring measurement devices, using different techniques, configuring a different set of limits based on previous measurements, and dynamically calculating new limits based on past measurements, without necessarily stopping operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a digital electrical system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a PET voltage waveform. [Figure 3] PET waveforms are shown where operation ceases when measurements fall outside the expected range. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 shows the PET waveform when a different set of limits is used and operation can be resumed without error. [Figure 5] PET waveforms are shown where operation can be adapted to use the new limits without failure. [Figure 6] PET waveforms are shown where adaptation to new limits requires stopping operation when measurements fall outside the expected range. [Figure 7] PET waveforms are shown where operation can be adapted by using different biases without causing failure. [Figure 8] PET waveforms are shown where operation can be adapted by reconfiguring the duty cycle without causing glitches. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed on illustrating certain principles of the examples described below. For drawings that include text (words, reference letters and / or numbers), alternate versions of the drawings that do not include the text shall be understood to be part of this disclosure and may be replaced by formal replacement drawings that do not include such text.

[0029] These and other features and advantages of various aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following more particular description of various concepts and specific embodiments within the broader scope of the invention. The various aspects of the subject matter introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the subject matter is not limited to any particular implementation method. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0030] Unless otherwise specifically defined, used, or characterized herein, terms (including technical and specialty terms) used herein shall be understood to have meanings consistent with their accepted meanings in the relevant technical field, and shall not be construed in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined as such herein.

[0031] In this disclosure, when an element is described as being "on," "connected," "coupled," "in contact," etc., with another element, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or in contact with the other element, or there may be intervening elements present, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0032] The terms used herein are intended to describe particular embodiments and are not intended to limit example embodiments. As used herein, singular forms such as "a" and "an" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context indicates otherwise. In addition, the terms "comprise," "comprising," "including," and "comprising" specify the presence of stated elements or steps, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements or steps.

[0033] Initially, a representative digital power system, as described in Eaves '637 and Mlyniec '886, is shown in FIG. 1. The system includes a power source 1 and at least one load 2. A PET protocol is initiated by operating switch (S1) 3 and switch (S5) 24 to periodically disconnect power source 1 from power lines 77 and 78. When the switches are open (non-conducting), the lines are also isolated from any stored energy that may be in load 2 by isolation diode (D1) 4 and diode (D2) 37. In other embodiments, one switch may be open or closed and / or one diode may be isolated when performing the methods described herein. Additionally, when one or more diodes are used, one or more controllable bidirectional or unidirectional solid-state switches may be used.

[0034] Eaves '637 provides several versions of alternative switches that can be used in place of D1 and D2, all of which will achieve the same results when used in the manner described herein. Capacitor (C3) 5 represents an energy storage element on the load side of the circuit.

[0035] Power lines 77 and 78 have inherent inter-line (or cross-line) resistance (R4) 6 and capacitance (C1) 7. Additional inter-line resistance (R3) 8 and capacitance (C2) 9 are added to the PET system architecture, as described in Eaves '637. At the moment switch 3 is opened, C1 and C2 have stored charge, which decays at a rate inversely proportional to the sum of R4 and R3. Capacitance (C3) 5 does not discharge through resistors R3 and R4 due to the reverse blocking action of isolation diode (D1) 4. The amount of charge contained in capacitors (C1 and C2) is proportional to the voltage across it and can be measured at power supply-controller positive output 16 by power supply controller 18 with respect to power supply-controller negative output 23, and at load-controller positive input 17 by load controller 19 with respect to load-controller negative input 79.

[0036] As described in Eaves '637, the rate at which the energy stored in C1 and C2 decays can indicate the presence of a cross-line fault on transmission lines 77 and 78. The difference between normal operation and a fault as presented in Eaves '637 is illustrated in Figure 2.

[0037] Additional elements common in the art are incorporated into this system. Power supply controller 18 uses switches (S7) 27 and (S8) 28 as secondary protection, allowing disconnection in the event of a component failure, such as switch (S1) 3 failing due to a short circuit. These secondary switches S7 and S8 typically remain closed once operation is initiated unless there is a fault. The following precharge circuit components enable a current-limiting soft-start function: resistor (R1) 10, resistor (R6) 26, switch (S2) 11, and switch (S6) 25. Current-limiting earth-ground balance is provided by resistors (R7) 31, (R8) 32, and (R9) 33. These high resistance values ​​center earth ground 34 with respect to the high-voltage power supply terminals, while current-limiting earth-ground fault currents through R9, using matching impedance values ​​for R7 and R8.

[0038] Another fail-safe protection is also present. Switch (S9) 36 provides a fail-safe crowbar circuit that is actively disabled by power supply controller 18 or by any other monitoring "watchdog" element as described for disconnection in Eaves '637. Fuse (F1) 29 and fuse (F2) 30 are standard circuit protection elements that, together with crowbar switch (S9) 36, provide a method of disconnecting the power supply in the event that main switches 3 and 24 and secondary switches 27 and 28 fail and are unable to command power supply 1 to turn off.

[0039] A bias circuit including resistor (R2) 12 and switch (S3) 13 allows for verification of power line integrity as taught in Mlyniec '886. This bias circuit, along with another bias circuit including resistor (R5) 14 and switch (S4) 15, is used for in-line communication between power supply controller 18 and load controller 19, as taught in the Eaves Communications patent. Communication using a separate copper or fiber optic communication line between power supply controller 18 and load controller 19 is shown by communication link 22. A synchronization signal 15 is used for time synchronization of multiple power supply controllers as an additional means for improving power line integrity, as taught in Mlyniec '886.

[0040] 1 , the combination of switch (S1) 3, power supply controller 18, resistor (R1) 10, switch (S2) 11, resistor (R3) 8, resistor (R2) 12, switch (S3) 13, switch (S5) 24, switch (S6) 25, resistor (R6) 26, switch (S7) 27, switch (S8) 28, fuse (F1) 29, fuse (F2) 30, resistor (R7) 31, resistor (R8) 32, resistor (R9) 33, and switch (S9) 36 can be referred to as a power transmitter 20. The combination of switch (S4) 15, resistor (R5) 14, load controller 19, diode (D1) 4, capacitor (C2) 9, capacitor (C3) 5, and diode (D2) 37 can be referred to as a power receiver 21.

[0041] In the first method, as taught in Eaves '637, the rate of voltage decay during a sample period is checked to assess whether it is occurring too quickly or too slowly. As taught in Mlyniec '886, the rate of voltage decay during a biased sample period is compared to a predetermined maximum and a predetermined minimum. Based on the results of these two operations, power supply controller 18 can conclude that the amount of line capacitance may be greater or less than previously thought, depending on whether the predetermined minimum or maximum value has been exceeded. If power supply controller 18 concludes that the line capacitance is greater or less than previously expected, power supply controller 18 can take action to enable more optimized operation.

[0042] The power supply controller 18 can take several actions to enable more optimized operation. The power supply controller 18 can configure another set of predetermined minimum and maximum values ​​optimized to ensure that the smallest line-to-line resistance fault is always detected within this new distance range. The power supply controller 18 can reconfigure the amount of bias applied to better counter the effects of capacitance, whether this bias is a resistor, a current source or sink, or any other means of providing bias. The power supply controller 18 can change the off-time by reconfiguring the duty cycle, period, or both to optimally measure the next expected amount of capacitance. The power supply controller 18 can use different sensors, filters, gains, bias offsets, AC coupling, ADC resolution, and other known methods for maximizing signal quality through hardware reconfiguration, firmware reconfiguration, or both to achieve optimal measurement in the next expected capacitance range.

[0043] For example, power supply controller 18 measures the voltage at point 16 by using a circuit designed for voltage sensing on power supply controller negative output 23. In designing a circuit to be used as a voltage sensor, the input signal level, desired output signal, expected signal-to-noise ratio, and other constraints are considered when configuring the hardware components. If the input signal is expected to have a small voltage level range, it can be designed with a gain that maximizes the output signal-to-noise ratio. This circuit, with a gain value configured in this way, will not work as the input signal range increases. If the circuit is designed to support this larger input signal range, the signal-to-noise ratio will be low when the input signal range is small, which could result in erroneous measurements. Therefore, if multiple voltage sensor circuits are implemented to accommodate different expected operating ranges, power supply controller 18 can determine the optimal sensor to use based on which limit is exceeded.

[0044] In another example, the power transmitter 20 can improve the signal-to-noise ratio by using known hardware or software filtering implementations. When using a filter, portions of the signal may be altered to the point that it leads to erroneous conclusions. For example, a low-pass filter that passes only frequencies below 60 Hz may provide an improved signal-to-noise ratio when there is noise at 120 Hz, but this low-pass filter is unacceptable when the desired signal is expected to have a frequency of 240 Hz because this frequency would also be reduced by the filter. One way the power transmitter 20 can implement a filter is on the input or output of a voltage sensor. For example, the power supply controller 18 can begin operation without a filter or with a filter that passes most of the frequency content of the signal. Based on limits that may be exceeded due to poor signal integrity, the power supply controller 18 can configure a filter that targets the identified noise without affecting the desired signal. This filter implementation may alternatively be realized in software using known techniques.

[0045] In another example, the power supply controller 18 can configure different analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) parameters for optimization. ADC circuits can be configured in a variety of ways, including configuring at least speed, resolution, and topology. While faster speeds allow more samples to be taken in the same amount of time, such speed increases noise and can decrease resolution. While increased resolution can distinguish smaller changes in a signal, such increased resolution can also introduce more noise and error, as well as slower speeds. For example, if designed to support a maximum signal of 2.56V, an ADC may be able to detect changes as small as 0.01V with 8-bit resolution, but with 10-bit resolution, the ADC may be able to detect changes as small as 0.0025V. This 10-bit resolution is typically slower and noisier than an equivalent 8-bit resolution. There are various ADC topologies, such as sigma-delta and successive approximation register (SAR), that only support certain combinations of speed and resolution. As such, different speeds and resolutions may be targeted, requiring different ADC topologies. For example, power supply controller 18 may prefer to begin operation with a fast ADC speed, low resolution, and SAR topology. If a limit is exceeded, indicating poor signal integrity in the low-resolution configuration, power supply controller 18 can instead configure a higher resolution and sigma-delta topology, requiring a lower speed, for subsequent measurements.

[0046] The power supply controller 18 can perform other reconfigurations specific to the PET algorithms described in Eaves '637 and Mlyniec '886, such as configuring a different subset of samples to use for analysis by reconfiguring the timing of the first sample used for line integrity and sample period assessment; reconfiguring the number of samples to use for line integrity assessment; reconfiguring the length of the off-time to allow more or fewer samples to be collected by reconfiguring the period, duty cycle, or both. For example, the first timing used for line integrity assessment can be set to a longer time from the beginning of the sample period to avoid unstable portions of the waveform due to switching effects. This first sample can be further constrained by waiting as long as possible for the sampled data for line integrity assessment to provide the most statistically significant results. For example, sampling can begin as close as possible to the beginning of the sample period. Configuring the timing of this first sample based on the system's behavior in the intended application is therefore a design choice. If the period is reconfigured, reconfiguration of the synchronization signal 15 may also be necessary. If the same or different fault occurs on subsequent attempts, power supply controller 18 may repeat these procedures up to the limits of its implemented hardware and firmware.

[0047] A detailed example of one of these actions that the power supply controller 18 can perform to optimize control and measurement includes reconfiguring bias levels. One example of this bias implementation is shown in FIG. 1 in the form of resistor (R2) 12 and switch (S3) 13. These two components can be repeated and connected to power lines 77 and 78 in parallel with R2 12 and S2 13 between the power supply controller positive output 16 and the power supply controller negative output 23. Independent control of these switches (S3) 13 allows different bias levels to be applied. In this example, there are three bias levels and one no-bias level, depending on whether the combination of switches (S3) 13 is open or closed. When the power supply controller 18 detects that a limit has been exceeded, a different bias level is configured to provide more optimal measurement accuracy. For example, if a limit is exceeded because the voltage change or voltage slope is too small, a lower resistance bias can be used in subsequent measurements to achieve a better signal-to-noise ratio and thereby increase accuracy. Depending on how the limit was defined, this reconfiguration requires adjusting the limit to account for the new bias level being used.

[0048] In another example, the duration of a sample period is reconfigured where power supply controller 18 can optimize factors of safety, efficiency, and resilience. In this example, if power supply controller 18 detects that a limit has been exceeded, a different sample period duration may be used for the subsequent sample period. For example, if a limit is exceeded because the voltage change or voltage slope is too small, a longer sample period may be used for the next sample period, increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and thereby improving the accuracy of the measurement. Depending on how the limits were defined, this reconfiguration may require adjusting the limits to account for the new duration factors.

[0049] In both of the examples detailed above involving reconfiguring the bias level and reconfiguring the length of the sample period, there are reasons why using the most extreme bias level and longest sample period may not always be desirable. Reconfiguring the bias level can reduce efficiency by requiring the transmission line capacitance to be charged and discharged to and from the configured bias level. In the case of the sample period, a longer sample period may require a larger, more expensive capacitor to maintain voltage supply to the load during the sample period. In either case, the larger transient currents that can result from turning on again from a lower voltage can create electromagnetic compatibility problems, generating excessive noise and disrupting proper operation of power supply controller 18 or load controller 19 or other external devices.

[0050] 3 shows an example of switching between sets of limits as described by this first method, in this example showing an initial attempt when an incorrect voltage limit has been configured. In this first sample period B, the final voltage of the attenuation is compared to the expected range between an upper voltage limit 38 and a lower voltage limit 39. These limits can be absolute limits or relative to a point sampled earlier in the sample period, but the absolute limits or relative amounts are determined before transmission period A. In this example, the final voltage of sample period B falls within voltage limits 38 and 39, causing switch (S1) 3 and switch (S5) 24 to turn on again and continue operation.

[0051] During sample period D of FIG. 3, a negative bias is applied. A different set of upper and lower voltage limits 40 and 41 are used than those used during sample period B. These limits may also be absolute limits or relative to an earlier point in the sample period, but they are determined before transmission period A. In this example, the final voltage of sample period D is outside the expected range. This suggests a fault or that a different set of limits must be selected. As a result, switches (S1) 3 and (S5) 24 remain off, and power supply controller 18 configures a new set of limits to be used after the next start-up begins. In this case, because the final voltage is higher than upper voltage limit 40, power supply controller 18 may have a larger line capacitance, a smaller line resistance, or both than previously expected. Power supply controller 18 therefore configures higher limits for both normal and negatively biased sample periods B and D, respectively.

[0052] FIG. 4 illustrates such a subsequent trial after the trial illustrated in FIG. 3 is completed. In FIG. 4, the same signals are shown, but voltage limits 42-45 are now higher with respect to their respective limits 38-41 in FIG. 3. Sample period B in FIG. 4 shows that the final voltage still falls within the expected range between upper voltage limit 42 and lower voltage limit 43, but the final voltage is therefore closer to lower voltage limit 43 than it was previously in FIG. 3, where lower voltage limit 39 was used. Sample period D in FIG. 4 shows that the final voltage now falls within the new expected range given by upper voltage limit 44 and lower voltage limit 45. As a result, power supply controller 18 turns switch (S1) 3 and switch (S5) 24 back on, allowing operation to continue.

[0053] In a second method, the rate of voltage decay during an unbiased sample period can be used to calculate a minimum and maximum allowable rate of voltage decay during the next biased sample period. This next biased sample period compares its rate of decay to these minimum and maximum allowable rates to determine whether operation can continue. If operation can continue, the last measured rate of voltage decay while biased can be used to calculate a minimum and maximum allowable rate of voltage decay during the next unbiased sample period. This can be continued alternating in this manner to ensure that at no point does power supply controller 18 set an allowable limit when a fault is already present and not detected by the use of alternating biasing.

[0054] The relationship between the biased and unbiased limits (e.g., via resistor 12 and switch 13) can be calculated using known electrical circuit analysis methods. In one example, when resistor 12 is used as a bias, the circuit can be represented as an RC damping circuit, as is common in electrical engineering. This circuit exhibits known relationships relating the voltage across the total equivalent line-to-line capacitance at a given time to the initial voltage across the total equivalent line-to-line capacitance, the total equivalent line-to-line resistance, and the total equivalent line-to-line capacitance. The equivalent line-to-line capacitance includes capacitor 7, capacitor 9, and any other capacitance that may be in parallel. The equivalent line-to-line resistance includes resistor 8, resistor 6, and any other resistance that may be in parallel, such as line-to-line fault resistance. This equation can be formed with and without a known value for bias resistor 12 combined in parallel with the line-to-line capacitance, resulting in two equations containing two unknowns: the total equivalent line-to-line resistance excluding bias resistor 12 and the total equivalent line-to-line capacitance, which are solved by algebraic means. Thus, with this set of two equations, algebraic manipulation can be used to construct these sets of equations for desired terms, such as line-to-line resistance and capacitance, to be compared with limits for fault testing. The primary motivation in constructing these limits as a result of this algebraic manipulation is to ensure that the resistance range between zero and an explicit upper threshold is mathematically guaranteed to always exceed the constructed limit for all capacitance values ​​greater than zero. A similar approach can be applied to other forms of bias, such as a constant current source or a constant current sink. In this case, if the limits are reconfigured on a pulse-to-pulse basis, the bias can be reconfigured on a pulse-to-pulse basis and signal quality can be maximized. It may also be possible to reconfigure the bias to improve signal quality within the same off-time, and / or obtain all the measurements needed to make an informed decision within the same off-time.

[0055] FIG. 5 shows an example of this second method, where limits are checked against voltage slope limits (volts per second) and these limits are redefined on a pulse-to-pulse basis. In sample period B, the power supply controller makes an initial estimate of the limits to be used as the expected range of slope, as indicated by upper voltage slope limit 47 and lower voltage slope limit 48. In this example, the actual voltage slope 46 did not fall within that range. The power supply controller 18 turns switch (S1) 3 and switch (S5) 24 back on, allowing a second check to be performed at a later point, during sample period D when negative bias is applied. By the time voltage slope 49 is checked, power supply controller 18 uses the actual voltage slope 46 from sample period B to calculate the expected range for sample period D, given by upper voltage slope limit 50 and lower voltage slope limit 51. In this example, the actual voltage slope 49 falls within this expected range, marked by 50 and 51. The power supply controller 18 then turns switch (S1) 3 and switch (S5) 24 on again, following another sample period F, in which, like sample period B, the bias is not applied. By the time voltage slope 52 is checked, power supply controller 18 uses the actual voltage slope 49 from sample period D to calculate the expected range for sample period F, given by upper voltage slope limit 53 and lower voltage slope limit 54. If no faults are present, the signal has not changed significantly since sample period B, and the mathematical calculation of the voltage slope limits is correct, power supply controller 18 concludes that the actual voltage 52 is within the expected range marked by 53 and 54, allowing switch (S1) 3 and switch (S5) 24 to be turned on again. As long as operating conditions and a fault-free state persist, operation continues in the sequence shown by transmission period C, sample period D, transmission period E, and sample period F, until it is eventually stopped by user intervention or other means.

[0056] FIG. 6 shows the same approach as FIG. 5, but with the presence of a cross-line fault. In FIG. 6, a sample period shows an initial check in which power supply controller 18 establishes an initial expected range, given by upper voltage slope limit 56 and lower voltage slope limit 57, which may be the same as upper voltage slope limit 47 and lower voltage slope limit 48, respectively, in FIG. 5. In this case, actual voltage slope 55 is significantly lower than lower voltage slope limit 57 due to the presence of a cross-line fault. Power supply controller 18 turns switch (S1) 3 and switch (S5) 24 back on and verifies the result in a subsequent check in sample period D. By the time voltage slope 58 is checked, power supply controller 18 uses actual voltage slope 55 from sample period B to calculate the expected range for sample period D, given by upper voltage slope limit 59 and lower voltage slope limit 60. In this example, due to the cross-line fault, actual voltage slope 58 still falls outside the boundaries of the expected range marked by upper and lower voltage slope limits 59 and 60. Because these limits 59 and 60 have been calculated so that the smallest line-to-line resistance fault will always be detected, a failure on this second check will indicate to the power supply controller 18 that there may be a cross-line resistance fault, and the power supply controller 18 will cause power to remain interrupted to the transmission lines 77 and 78 until the power supply controller 18 is able to check again for the presence of a fault, as required by standards and other safety guidelines.

[0057] Variations that mix elements of the first and second methods can also be implemented. For example, the approach of using fixed sets of limits in the first method can be used in combination with reconfiguring these sets without turning off the voltage applied to power lines 77 and 78, with one set providing upper and lower limits for both unbiased and biased sample periods. When a set is reconfigured, all four limits are reconfigured simultaneously and used for at least the next two sample periods, unless power supply controller 18 detects a fault beforehand. Whenever power supply controller 18 detects a sample period that falls outside its boundaries, it can set a flag to reconfigure the set of limits to be used for the next possible interval. If two of the last three sample periods have signals that fall outside their upper and lower limits, power supply controller 18 determines there is a fault and will not turn on again until the fault is resolved. Ideally, power supply controller 18 would perform the same calculations as described in the second method before reconfiguring the next set of limits to estimate the ideal set to use. Alternatively, when power supply controller 18 determines that a new set of limits is needed, power supply controller 18 can cycle through the sets of limits, still following the logic of turning off if two of the last three sample periods are outside the predetermined limits.

[0058] In selecting an implementation method, it is important to consider the operating voltage and possible fault current. Higher voltages, longer transmission durations, or both, resulting in a large number of pulses being generated, may be unacceptable due to the risk of ventricular fibrillation (VF). In this case, the second method may not be a viable solution. If these VF risks are acceptably low, the second method may be preferred to increase uptime and reliability.

[0059] In a third method, operating parameters can be automatically configured to optimize one or more of the following factors in a constant safety sequence: safety, efficiency, and resilience. If limits are exceeded, power supply controller 18 can configure new operating parameters either after a fault-induced shutdown or during operation, which may also require new limits depending on the implementation. With the new operating parameters, the measured signal is modified by either implementing control or providing a different measurement technique to create a new effect on the signal or improve the signal quality.

[0060] FIG. 7 shows an example in which the bias magnitude can be adapted to optimize operation in a fault-free, always-safe sequence. In the first sample period B of the figure, a negative bias is applied, resulting in an actual voltage gradient 61 lower than the acceptable range defined by upper and lower voltage gradient limits 62 and 63. This drop in actual voltage gradient 61 below the acceptable range can be due to a variety of factors, such as the presence of a cross-line resistance fault or lower-than-expected cross-line capacitance. Power supply controller 18 turns switch (S1) 3 and switch (S5) 24 back on and verifies the result in a subsequent check in sample period D. Because actual voltage gradient 64 falls within voltage gradient limits 65 and 66, power supply controller 18 can determine that there is no significant cross-line resistance fault. Power supply controller 18 can then use a smaller bias magnitude in the subsequent sample period F. This smaller bias results in a smaller voltage drop compared to sample period B, which provides benefits such as reduced current spikes improving electromagnetic compatibility, reliability, and efficiency, and further avoidance of lower voltage thresholds that may cause cumulative effects on the heart increasing the risk of ventricular fibrillation. At sample period F, the smaller magnitude bias brings actual voltage gradient 67 within the acceptable range of limits 68 and 69. This new bias magnitude can be achieved by retriggering the calculation of new voltage gradient limits to proceed with the safety sequence at all times, and reconfiguring limits 68 and 69, limits 71 and 72, or both limit pairs.

[0061] FIG. 8 shows an example in which the duration of the sample period can be adapted in a constant safety sequence. In the first sample period B, the final voltage of the attenuation may fall outside the expected range between limits 73 and 74. This may be due to a cross-line impedance fault, but it may also be due to, for example, a low signal-to-noise ratio, which causes the signal to slightly deviate from the small expected range. The power supply controller then turns on switches (S1) 3 and (S5) 24 again to perform a longer sample period in the subsequent sample period D. A larger voltage change is expected with the longer sample period. This increase in signal-to-noise ratio allows the power supply controller to perform more accurate measurements and fault limit comparisons to confirm whether a fault actually exists. If the final voltage falls within the expected range between limits 75 and 76, as shown in FIG. 8, the power supply controller can again return to a shorter duration sample period, thereby improving efficiency among other system performance parameters.

[0062] In both of these two examples of adapting the bias magnitude and adapting the sample period duration, these adaptations can be performed so that the limits being checked are not reconfigured. For example, instead of comparing the voltage gradient or voltage magnitude as the limit being checked, the power supply controller can use the cross-line impedance as the limit being checked. This cross-line impedance limit can be set to a limit that does not need to change based on these operational changes. For example, based on available data on human body impedance, the limit can be set so that all human bodies within a constructed statistical distribution are included within the detection range. Thus, the limit does not need to be reconfigured; instead, the operational change is incorporated into the calculation from the measurements. A power supply controller with sufficient support in the form of calculation speed, calculation accuracy, and other constraints that one skilled in the art would typically evaluate during component selection can incorporate the new bias level or new sample period duration into its calculation of the measured cross-line impedance.

[0063] Overview, Derivation and Scope These same techniques can be applied to load controllers in the same way that they are applied to power supply controllers. For example, the load controller can take measurements of the operation of the power line and indicate to the power supply controller using communication link 22 whether digital power transfer can continue.

[0064] These same techniques can be implemented by analyzing current instead of voltage. For example, the current from two different bias resistors during off-time can be used to estimate line-to-line capacitance and other line-to-line resistance in the circuit to identify whether a fault is present. These measurements, bias, or both can be increased or decreased appropriately depending on whether a smaller or larger line-to-line capacitance is estimated.

[0065] The initial estimate of the limit described in the second method can be set in several ways. One example of how to do this is to set a constant default within the power supply controller via firmware or similar means. Another example is to set this initial estimate based on some prior testing, for example, from a past operation or start-up mode. This start-up mode can hold the voltage at a safe level or provide more time to react at a voltage level above this safe threshold but below the peak level used during full-scale operation. If a longer time is given, calibration can be performed using techniques described herein or known to those skilled in the art to estimate, for example, cross-line capacitance and resistance so that an initial estimate of the limit can be calculated.

[0066] In Figures 5 and 6, the voltage slope limits are shown as linear slopes. Other ways to set these limits can be curves and other non-linear functions for the upper and lower limits, respectively. For example, the RC-decay equation is known to have a relationship between voltage and time that is an exponential decay. This function can be used to calculate the upper and lower limits.

[0067] In all of the described methods of line-to-line resistance fault detection, the rate of voltage drop can be directly compared to the limit. Alternatively or in addition to a direct comparison of the rate of voltage drop, the rate of voltage drop can be used to calculate values ​​indicative of the line-to-line impedance, including resistance and capacitance, and the limit values ​​are applied to these impedance values.

[0068] For line-to-line impedance fault detection, other known methods for measuring impedance can be used. For example, the carrier change detection method disclosed in Weiss '930 can be used to identify line-to-line impedance, which can then be used to set limits and use the auto-ranging method described herein.

[0069] Reconfiguring limits is described herein as an automatic operation performed by a processor. In this regard, unless otherwise specified, the terms "configure" and "reconfigure" may refer to conditional logic that loads a particular value from a particular memory location, but may also refer to unconditional logic branches, such as when initial default values ​​are loaded.

[0070] Computer implementation The controllers 18 and 19 may be in the form of a computer including logic devices such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device, or other suitable digital circuitry for executing control algorithms, and the systems and methods of the present disclosure may be implemented in a computing system environment. Examples of well-known computing system environments and their components that may be suitable for use with the systems and methods include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, handheld or laptop devices, tablet devices, smartphones, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, programmable consumer electronics devices, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like. Components of the logic device may include, but are not limited to, a computer processor, a computer-readable storage medium that serves as memory, and a system bus that couples various system components, including the memory, to the computer processor.

[0071] The methods may be executed via a computer processor accessing non-transitory computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, stored in memory. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular types of data. The methods may also be practiced in distributed computing environments, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network.

[0072] In describing embodiments herein, specific terms are used for the sake of clarity. For purposes of description, specific terms are intended to include, at a minimum, technical and functional equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve a similar result. In addition, in some instances where a particular embodiment includes multiple system elements or method steps, these elements or steps may be replaced with a single element or step. Similarly, a single element or step may be replaced with multiple elements or steps that serve the same purpose. Additionally, when various characteristic parameters or other values ​​are explicitly stated herein with respect to embodiments, these parameters or values ​​can be adjusted up or down by 1 / 100, 1 / 50, 1 / 20, 1 / 10, 1 / 5, 1 / 3, 1 / 2, 2 / 3, 3 / 4, 4 / 5, 9 / 10, 19 / 20, 49 / 50, 99 / 100, etc. (or upward by factors of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 20, 50, 100, etc.) unless specifically stated otherwise, or by rounding approximations thereof or within a range to any of the above-mentioned variables above or below the stated parameter (e.g., if the stated parameter is 100 and the variable is 1 / 100, the value of the parameter can be in the range of 0.99 to 1.01). Furthermore, where a method is described and steps / stages are described in a particular order, whether or not a sequence prefix is ​​added for ease of reference, the steps / stages shall not be construed as being limited in time to the order in which they are described, unless otherwise expressly stated or implied by the terms and phrases.

[0073] Additional examples consistent with the present teachings are provided in the following numbered sections: 1. A method for automatically configuring a set of packet energy transmission operating parameters that optimizes at least one factor selected from safety, efficiency, and resilience in a digital power system including one or more transmission channels, each transmission channel managing packet energy transmission on a respective transmission line, the method being performed in a safe sequence at all times; a) constructing a set of limits for packet energy transmission operation that do not immediately preclude safe operation of the transmission line, each limit in the set specifying a constraint for at least one of measurements and calculations based on at least one of the following parameters: impedance in series or parallel with the transmission line, operational efficiency of the digital power system, and voltage or current signal integrity; b) measuring characteristics of the operation of the transmission line and comparing the measurements with limits; c) when at least one of the limits is exceeded, automatically configuring a modified set of limits based on which limits are exceeded; d) repeating (b) and (c) until an acceptable operating range is identified or a predetermined time limit is exceeded. A method comprising: 2. Stopping operation of the transmission line when the limit is exceeded; resuming operation of the transmission line after the modified set of limits has been configured; 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: 3. The method of paragraph 1, wherein the set of modified limits is configured after at least one of the limits is exceeded, and operation of the transmission line is not interrupted unless that at least one exceeded limit is exceeded by a predetermined maximum value. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of delaying the construction of the modified set of limits for a predetermined period of time to allow for verification that the set of limits is passed one or more times. 5. The method of paragraph 3 or 4, further comprising calculating the modified set of limits based at least in part on previous limit values, recent measurements, or both. 6. The method of any one of paragraphs 1-5, wherein each set of limits includes at least a limit for voltage sag during an unbiased sample period and a limit for voltage sag during a biased sample period. 7. The method of paragraph 6, wherein the voltage drop limit is configured to ensure that a predetermined range of line-to-line resistance of the transmission line is within the detection capability of the digital power system. 8. The method of any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined time limits are calculated according to the magnitude by which at least one of the limits is exceeded. 9. A method for automatically configuring a set of packet energy transmission operating parameters that optimizes at least one factor selected from safety, efficiency, and resilience in a digital power system including one or more transmission channels, each transmission channel managing packet energy transmission on a respective transmission line, the method being performed in a safe sequence at all times; a) configuring at least one of the control device and the measurement device for operation of the power line that conforms to configured limits and does not immediately preclude safe packet energy transmission operation, each limit specifying constraints for at least one of measurements and calculations based on at least one of the following parameters: impedance in series or parallel with the power line, operational efficiency of the digital power system, and voltage or current signal integrity; b) measuring characteristics of the transmission line during packet energy transmission operation and comparing the measurements with limits; c) when at least one of the limits is exceeded, automatically configuring at least one of the control device and the measurement device to a new configuration based on which limits have been exceeded and compatibility with any previously configured or newly configured limits; d) repeating (b) and (c) until an acceptable operating range is identified or until operation is determined to be unacceptable due to a fault; A method comprising: 10. Stopping packet energy transmission operations when the limit is exceeded; resuming operation after a new configuration of at least one of the control device and the measurement device has been configured; 9. The method of claim 9, further comprising: 11. The method of paragraph 9, wherein a new configuration of at least one of the control device and the measurement device is configured after at least one of the existing limits is exceeded, and the packet energy transmission operation continues as long as the existing limit is not exceeded for a predetermined period of time or by more than a predetermined value. 12. The method of clause 11, further comprising the step of delaying the configuration of the new configuration of at least one of the control device and the measurement device for a predetermined period of time to improve safety, efficiency, and resilience in the digital power system. 13. The method of any one of clauses 9 to 12, wherein the new configuration of at least one of the control device and the measurement device is configured as a result of a calculation based on at least one of the configuration and measurements by the measurement device. 14. The method of any one of clauses 9-13, wherein each of the configurations of at least one of the control device and the measurement device includes reconfiguring at least one bias level applied to the power line during at least one sample period for measurements made when the power line is not energized. 15. The method of any one of paragraphs 9 to 14, wherein each of the configurations of at least one of the control device and the measurement device includes reconfiguring the length of the sample period for the measurements, the reconfiguration occurring when the power line is de-energized. 16. The method of paragraph 15, wherein the length of a sample period is reconfigured without reconfiguring the length of an entire period, the entire period including consecutive sample periods and transmission periods. 17. The method of paragraph 15, wherein the length of the sample period is reconfigured along with a reconfiguration of the transmission period during which the transmission line is energized with either the same duty cycle or a different duty cycle in operation of the transmission line. 18. The method of any one of clauses 9 to 17, wherein each configuration of the at least one control device and measurement device includes reconfiguring at least one of a different sensor configuration, a hardware or software filter configuration, a different analog-to-digital conversion configuration including at least resolution, topology, and speed, and a different subset of samples to use in the analysis.

[0074] While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will recognize that various substitutions and changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, other aspects, features, and advantages are within the scope of the present invention, and it is not necessary for all embodiments of the present invention to achieve all of the benefits or possess all of the features described above. Furthermore, steps, elements, and features described herein with respect to one embodiment may be used with respect to other embodiments as well. The contents of references, including references, articles, patents, patent applications, and the like, cited throughout this text are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes, and any suitable combination of embodiments, features, characterizations, and methods from these references and this disclosure may be included in embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, components and steps identified in the Background section are part of this disclosure and may be used in conjunction with or in place of components and steps described anywhere in this disclosure within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. A method for automatically configuring a set of packet energy transmission operating parameters that optimizes at least one factor selected from safety, efficiency, and resilience in a digital power system including one or more transmission channels, each transmission channel managing packet energy transmission on a respective transmission line, the method being performed in a safe sequence at all times; a) configuring a set of limits for packet energy transmission operation that do not immediately preclude safe operation of the transmission line, each limit in the set specifying a constraint for at least one of measurements and calculations based on at least one of the following parameters: impedance in series or parallel with the transmission line, operating efficiency of the digital power system, and voltage or current signal integrity; b) measuring a characteristic of the operation of the transmission line corresponding to the limit and comparing the measurement to the corresponding limit; c) automatically configuring a set of modified limits based on which limits are exceeded after at least one of the limits is exceeded by the corresponding measurement value, and operation of the transmission line is not terminated unless at least one exceeded limit is exceeded by a predetermined maximum value; d) repeating (b) and (c) until an acceptable operating range is identified or until it is determined that operation is not acceptable due to a possible fault, with operation of the transmission line being terminated upon said determination of said possible fault; Including, method.

2. ceasing the operation of the transmission line when the limit is exceeded; resuming the operation of the transmission line after the modified set of limits has been configured; further comprising: The method of claim 1.

3. delaying said configuration of said modified set of limits for a predetermined period of time to allow for confirmation that said set of limits is passed one or more times; further comprising: The method of claim 1.

4. calculating the modified set of limits based at least in part on previous limit values, recent measurements, or both; further comprising: The method of claim 1.

5. Each set of limits includes at least a limit for voltage sag during an unbiased sample period and a limit for voltage sag during a biased sample period. The method of claim 1.

6. the voltage drop limit is configured to ensure that a predetermined range of line-to-line resistance of the transmission line is within the detection capability of the digital power system; The method of claim 5.

7. The determination of the possible failure is based on exceeding a predetermined time limit that identifies an acceptable operating range; the predetermined time limits are calculated according to the magnitude by which at least one of the limits is exceeded; The method of claim 1.

8. 1. A method for automatically configuring a set of packet energy transmission operating parameters that optimizes at least one factor selected from safety, efficiency, and resilience in a digital power system including one or more transmission channels, each transmission channel managing packet energy transmission on a respective transmission line, the method being performed in a safe sequence at all times; a) configuring at least one of a control device and a measurement device for operation of the power line that conforms to configured limits and does not immediately preclude safe packet energy transmission operation, each limit specifying a constraint for at least one of measurements and calculations based on at least one of the following parameters: impedance in series or parallel with the power line, operating efficiency of the digital power system, and voltage or current signal integrity; b) measuring a characteristic of the transmission line corresponding to the limit during packet energy transmission operation and comparing the measurement to the corresponding limit; c) after at least one of the limits is exceeded by the corresponding measured value, automatically determining a new configuration of at least one of the control device and the measuring device based on which limit has been exceeded and its compatibility with any previously configured or newly configured limits, and operation of the power line is not terminated unless at least one exceeded limit is exceeded by a predetermined maximum value; d) repeating (b) and (c) until an acceptable operating range is identified or until it is determined that operation is not acceptable due to a possible fault, with operation of the transmission line being terminated upon said determination of said possible fault; Including, method.

9. stopping packet energy transmission operations when the limit is exceeded; resuming said operation after said new configuration of said at least one of said control device and said measurement device has been determined; further comprising: The method of claim 8.

10. delaying the determination of the new configuration of the at least one of the control device and the measurement device for a predetermined period of time to improve safety, efficiency, and resilience in the digital power system; further comprising: The method of claim 8.

11. the new configuration of the at least one of the control device and the measurement device is determined as a result of a calculation based on at least one of the configurations and a measurement by the measurement device. The method of claim 8.

12. each determination of the at least one new configuration of the control device and the measurement device includes reconfiguring at least one bias level applied to the power line during at least one sample period for the measurements taken when the power line is not energized. The method of claim 8.

13. each determination of the at least one new configuration of the control device and the measurement device includes reconfiguring a length of a sample period for the measurements, the reconfiguration occurring when the power line is de-energized; The method of claim 8.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the length of the sample period is reconfigured without reconfiguring the length of an entire period, the entire period including consecutive sample periods and transmission periods. The method of claim 13.

15. the length of the sample period is reconfigured along with a reconfiguration of a transmission period during which the transmission line is energized with either the same duty cycle or a different duty cycle in the operation of the transmission line. The method of claim 13.

16. Each determination of the at least one new configuration of the control device and the measurement device includes reconfiguring at least one of a different sensor configuration, a hardware or software filter configuration, a different analog-to-digital conversion configuration including at least resolution, topology and speed, and a different subset of samples configuration for use in analysis. The method of claim 8.

Images