Monitoring of magnetic sensing elements in switching devices

Abstract

To provide a switching device capable of confirming a normal operation of a magnetic sensing element and having high reliability and high diagnosis coverage.SOLUTION: A switching device comprises: a header; first and second magnets; first and second magnetic sensing elements; first and second inductors; a print circuit board in which an upper surface to which the first and second magnetic sensing elements are previously attached and a lower surface to which the first and second inductors are previously attached are provided; and first and second micro controller units. Each of the first and second micro controller units reads a response corresponded to a field magnet generated by the first and second inductors that receive a stimulus signal transmitted by the second and first micro controller units in response to the generation by the first and second magnetic sensing elements, and each of the first and second micro controller units determines a state of the switching device on the basis of the response to be read.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a switching device, and more particularly to monitoring of elements of a switching device.

Background Art

[0002] A switching device generally refers to any device that connects or disconnects an electric circuit. All electrical switching devices consist of a set of contacts that open and close when the device is activated. Switching devices operate in various ways, from the simplest switches such as household lighting switches to more complex switches used in industrial applications. In such cases, the switching device can be operated using an electromagnetic coil as an inductor element together with a magnetic sensing element to activate the switch.

[0003] Examples of such applications include, but are not limited to, commercial aviation, space flight, military applications, and industrial processes, where redundant measurements are required to ensure the continuous performance of equipment in the event of a partial failure. Such stringent requirements are necessary because of the possible impact of a failure.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a highly reliable and high-diagnostic-coverage switching device that can confirm the normal operation of the magnetic sensing element of the switching device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to the subject matter of the present invention. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the subject matter of the claims, nor is it intended to be used in determining or limiting the scope of the subject matter of the claims.

[0006] In one embodiment, a switching device, Header and The first magnet and the second magnet, A first magnetic sensing element and a second magnetic sensing element, A first inductor and a second inductor, A printed circuit board comprising a top surface on which a first magnetic sensing element and a second magnetic sensing element are pre-mounted, and a bottom surface on which a first inductor and a second inductor are pre-mounted, A first microcontroller unit and a second microcontroller unit Equipped with, The first microcontroller unit and the second microcontroller unit are configured to transmit stimulus signals to the second inductor and the first inductor, respectively. The first microcontroller unit is configured to read a response generated by the first magnetic sensing element, which includes a set of values ​​for the magnetic field generated by the first inductor that receives a stimulus signal transmitted by the second microcontroller unit. The second microcontroller unit is configured to read a response generated by the second magnetic sensing element, which includes a set of values ​​for the magnetic field generated by the second inductor that receives the stimulus signal transmitted by the first microcontroller unit. A switching device is provided, wherein a first microcontroller unit and a second microcontroller unit are configured to determine the state of the switching device based on the read response.

[0007] The switching device enables seamless crossed input monitoring of magnetic sensing elements in redundant input channel configurations, significantly improving the input diagnostic coverage of redundant input switching devices. The switching device offers a cost-effective solution for obtaining highly reliable switching devices suitable for both short and long cycle times.

[0008] Conveniently, this configuration enables a simple and compact verification system that can be adapted to many applications, such as push buttons and selectors, and can also be extended to any application requiring highly reliable switching equipment.

[0009] In one embodiment, when the switching device is activated, the header is pressed toward the printed circuit board, bringing the first magnet and the second magnet closer to the first magnetic sensing element and the second magnetic sensing element, respectively. As a result, the magnetic flux through the magnetic sensing elements increases, and when a threshold is reached, the state of the switching device changes.

[0010] In one embodiment, the state of the switching device is determined by a voting process performed by a first microcontroller unit and a second microcontroller unit based on the read response.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first microcontroller unit and the second microcontroller unit each verify the agreement between a set of values ​​of a stimulus signal transmitted by the first microcontroller unit and a magnetic field generated by the second inductor, and the agreement between a set of values ​​of a stimulus signal transmitted by the second microcontroller unit and a magnetic field generated by the first inductor.

[0012] In one embodiment, the stimulus signal is a static magnetic field induced by a first or second inductor, and a set of values ​​of the response generated by the first or second magnetic sensing element corresponds to a steady-state value.

[0013] In one embodiment, the stimulus signal is a dynamic magnetic field induced by a first or second inductor, and a set of values ​​of the response generated by a first magnetic sensing element (MSE1) or a second magnetic sensing element corresponds to the oscillation signal.

[0014] In one embodiment, a first magnetic sensing element is aligned with a first magnet and a first inductor, and a second magnetic sensing element is aligned with a second magnet and a second inductor.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first microcontroller unit and the second microcontroller unit are configured to communicate directly with each other.

[0016] In one embodiment, if a discrepancy is found in the read response, either the first microcontroller unit or the second microcontroller unit reports a failure.

[0017] In one embodiment, the switching device is part of a push button or selector.

[0018] In another embodiment, a method for monitoring magnetic sensing elements of a switching device comprising a header, a first magnet and a second magnet, a first magnetic sensing element and a second magnetic sensing element, a first inductor and a second inductor, a printed circuit board having a top surface on which the first magnetic sensing element and the second magnetic sensing element are pre-mounted and a bottom surface on which the first inductor and the second inductor are pre-mounted, and a first microcontroller unit and a second microcontroller unit, The first microcontroller unit and the second microcontroller unit each transmit a stimulation signal to the second inductor and the first inductor, and the first microcontroller unit reads a response generated by the first magnetic sensing element, the response corresponding to the magnetic field generated by the first inductor that has received the stimulation signal transmitted by the second microcontroller unit, and the second microcontroller unit reads a response generated by the second magnetic sensing element, the response corresponding to the magnetic field generated by the second inductor (EM2) that has received the stimulation signal transmitted by the first microcontroller unit, and the first microcontroller unit and the second microcontroller unit determine the state of the switching device based on the read responses A method is provided that includes the above.

[0019] In another embodiment, a computer-readable medium in which a computer program for monitoring a magnetic sensing element of a switching device is embodied is provided. The computer program includes instructions for performing steps according to the method of the present invention.

[0020] A detailed description will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings, the leftmost number(s) of a reference sign identify the drawing in which the reference sign first appears. Throughout the drawings, the same reference signs are used to refer to like features and components. Here, some embodiments of a system and / or method according to embodiments of the present subject matter are described merely by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. shows a schematic block diagram of a switching device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]It is a diagram illustrating a cross - input monitoring routine of a switching device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart of a method for cross - input monitoring of a magnetic sensing element of a switching device according to an embodiment. **Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention**

[0022] In all the drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same elements or elements of the same type.

[0023] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that block diagrams in the drawings all represent conceptual diagrams of exemplary systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, flowcharts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudocode, etc. all represent various processes that can be substantially represented on a computer - readable medium and can be executed by such a computer or processor whether or not the computer or processor is explicitly shown.

[0024] The drawings and the following description illustrate specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various configurations that embody the principles of the present invention and are included within the scope of the present invention can be devised although not explicitly described or illustrated herein. Further, any examples described herein are intended to contribute to the understanding of the principles of the present invention and should not be construed as being limited to the specific examples and conditions thus recited. As a result, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments or examples described below, but is limited by the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a switching device SD includes a header HD, a printed circuit board PCB, a first magnet C1 and a second magnet C2, a first magnetic sensing element MSE1 and a second magnetic sensing element MSE2, and a first inductor EM1 and a second inductor EM2.

[0026] The printed circuit board (PCB) has a top surface on which the first magnetic sensing element MSE1 and the second magnetic sensing element MSE2 are pre-mounted, and a bottom surface on which the first inductor EM1 and the second inductor EM2 are pre-mounted.

[0027] The printed circuit board (PCB) further comprises a first microcontroller unit (MCU1) and a second microcontroller unit (MCU2) that can communicate with each other. At least one of the first microcontroller unit (MCU1) and the second microcontroller unit (MCU2) can communicate with an interface of a host computing unit that can take action based on feedback provided by one of the first microcontroller unit (MCU1) and the second microcontroller unit (MCU2).

[0028] The first magnetic sensing element MSE1 is positioned to be sufficiently aligned with the first magnet C1 and the first inductor EM1, and the second magnetic sensing element MSE2 is positioned to be sufficiently aligned with the second magnet C2 and the second inductor EM2. Using this architecture, the first magnetic sensing element MSE1 and the second magnetic sensing element MSE2 can be excited by the first magnet C1 and the second magnet C2 and the first inductor EM1 and the second inductor EM2, respectively.

[0029] A set consisting of a first magnetic sensing element MSE1, a first microcontroller unit MCU1, and a first inductor EM1 is considered to form a first channel CH1 to be tested, and a set consisting of a second magnetic sensing element MSE2, a second microcontroller unit MCU2, and a second inductor EM2 is considered to form a second channel CH2 to be tested. Thus, this architecture is defined by two completely independent channels that can be tested.

[0030] When the switching device is operated, for example, by a human, the header is pressed toward direction P, i.e., toward the printed circuit board, bringing the first magnet C1 and the second magnet C2 closer to the first magnetic sensing element MSE1 and the second magnetic sensing element MSE2, respectively. As a result, the magnetic flux through the magnetic sensing elements increases according to the magnetic principle, and when a threshold is reached, the state of the switching device changes. This suggests that the state of the switching device is related to the magnitude of the magnetic field. When a DC current passes through inductor EM1 or EM2, a magnetic flux is induced, which can be measured by the corresponding magnetic sensing element MSE1 or MSE2.

[0031] In one embodiment, the switching device is part of a button or selector, such as a push button. In all cases, the action performed by the operator on the button (pushing or rotating the button) results in the movement of the header and magnet to the magnetic sensing element.

[0032] Referring to Figure 2, a cross-input monitoring procedure in a switching device is described according to one embodiment, for example, by testing the second channel CH2 first, and then the first channel CH1.

[0033] The first microcontroller unit MCU1 informs the second microcontroller unit MCU2 via the communication bus that the second channel CH2 is to be tested. The second microcontroller unit MCU2 acknowledges the test to be performed and awaits the stimulus signal.

[0034] The first microcontroller unit MCU1 transmits a stimulus signal S2 to a second inductor EM2 that generates a magnetic field B2.

[0035] The second magnetic sensing element MSE2 reads the value of the magnetic field B2 and generates a response O2, which can be read by the second microcontroller unit MCU2.

[0036] The second microcontroller unit MCU2 transmits the value of the magnetic field B2 to the first microcontroller unit MCU1 via the communication bus.

[0037] The first microcontroller unit MCU1 verifies the agreement between the transmitted stimulus signal and the value of the magnetic field B2. Upon generating the stimulus signal, the first microcontroller unit MCU1 estimates a set of specified values ​​for the magnetic field generated by the second inductor. The first microcontroller unit MCU1 defines an electrical signal that depends on the characteristics of the second inductor. Therefore, once the electrical signal is generated by the first microcontroller unit MCU1, the electrical signal acts as a stimulus signal for the second inductor, which converts this electrical signal into a magnetic field having specific behavior according to the characteristics of the second inductor.

[0038] In a similarly redundant manner, the first channel CH1 needs to be tested beforehand, just like the second channel.

[0039] The second microcontroller unit MCU2 informs the first microcontroller unit MCU1 via the communication bus that the first channel CH1 is to be tested. The first microcontroller unit MCU1 acknowledges the test to be performed and waits for the stimulus signal.

[0040] The second microcontroller unit MCU2 transmits a stimulus signal S1 to the first inductor EM1, which generates a magnetic field B1.

[0041] The first magnetic sensing element MSE1 reads the value of the magnetic field B1 and generates a response O1 which can be read by the first microcontroller unit MCU1.

[0042] The first microcontroller unit MCU1 transmits the value of the magnetic field B1 to the second microcontroller unit MCU2 via a communication bus.

[0043] The second microcontroller unit, MCU2, verifies the agreement between the transmitted stimulus signal and the value of the magnetic field B1.

[0044] Following the cross-input monitoring procedure, the status of each input is checked independently for each channel. Once both checks are complete, a voting process is performed to determine the status of the switching device. During the voting process, both microcontrollers exchange information about the switching device status, the results of the cross-input monitoring, and all internal diagnostics. If all results match, the checked status of the switching device is sent to the control system. If either of the cross-input monitoring results indicates a malfunction, a diagnostic is issued listing the faulty channel, and the switching device is set to a faulty state.

[0045] In one embodiment, the stimulus signal can be set using two different methods, namely a static method or a dynamic method. In the static method, a steady magnetic field can be induced by an inductor and then continuously sensed by a magnetic sensing element. In the static method, it would be difficult to distinguish between the magnetic field from a magnet and the magnetic field from an inductor because both magnetic fields are static. In the dynamic method, the sensor can be diagnosed without conflicting with position measurement. For example, the dynamic stimulus signal may be an oscillating signal whose frequency, instead of a threshold, is detected by a microcontroller. This allows the microcontroller to naturally distinguish the magnetic field from that of a magnet.

[0046] As mentioned above, there are two embodiments for activating the stimulus signal for cross-input monitoring.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the microcontroller opens a time window during the switching device cycle time to perform full cross-input monitoring. In this mode, the entire monitoring process is initiated from start to finish. This suggests that a stimulus signal is applied and removed between two readings of the switching device state. The monitoring procedure must be much faster than the intended cycle time for receiving the switching device state.

[0048] In a second embodiment, the microcontroller sets a stimulus signal over a significant portion of the switching device's cycle time. This implies that the stimulus signal should not interfere with reading the switching device's state. Using this technique, a magnetic field offset is set in the magnetic sensor reading, which can be verified by the microcontroller. This technique is suitable when the response time of the monitoring system exceeds or is equal to the switching device's cycle time.

[0049] Referring to Figure 3, a method for monitoring a magnetic monitoring element of a switching device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises steps S1 to S5.

[0050] In step S1, the first microcontroller unit MCU1 transmits a stimulus signal S2 to the second inductor EM2 which generates a magnetic field B2.

[0051] A second magnetic sensing element MSE2, located near and aligned with the second inductor EM2, retrieves a set of values ​​for the magnetic field B2 and generates a response O2 that includes the set of values ​​for the magnetic field B2.

[0052] The second microcontroller unit MCU2 reads the response and sends this response to the first microcontroller unit MCU1.

[0053] In step S2, the first microcontroller unit MCU1 verifies the agreement between a set of values ​​of the stimulus signal S2 and the magnetic field B2. If the agreement is correct, the reading of the magnetic field B2 is deemed reliable.

[0054] In step S3, the second microcontroller unit MCU2 transmits a stimulus signal S1 to the first inductor EM1 which generates the magnetic field B1.

[0055] A first magnetic sensing element MSE1, located near and aligned with the first inductor EM1, retrieves a set of values ​​for the magnetic field B1 and generates a response O1 that includes the set of values ​​for the magnetic field B1.

[0056] The second microcontroller unit MCU2 reads the response and sends this response to the first microcontroller unit MCU1.

[0057] In step S4, the second microcontroller unit MCU2 verifies the agreement between a set of values ​​of the stimulus signal S1 and the magnetic field B1. If the agreement is correct, the reading of the magnetic field B1 is deemed reliable.

[0058] Steps S1-S2 and S3-S4 can be performed in reverse order or substantially in parallel.

[0059] When stimulus signals S1 and S2 correspond to a static magnetic field, a set of response values ​​generated by a defined magnetic sensing element corresponds to a steady-state value. When stimulus signals S1 and S2 correspond to a dynamic magnetic field, a set of response values ​​generated by a defined magnetic sensing element corresponds to a fluctuating value, such as an oscillating signal.

[0060] In step S5, the first microcontroller unit MCU1 and the second microcontroller unit MCU2 perform a "voting process" for the status of each channel and report the status of the switching device. If the readings for each channel are deemed reliable, the status of the switching device is reported as operational. If a discrepancy is found during channel testing, the switching device is reported as faulty.

[0061] In one embodiment, if a discrepancy is found, one of the first microcontroller unit MCU1 and the second microcontroller unit MCU2 issues a diagnostic routine.

[0062] Although the present invention has been described above with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Rather, the present invention is limited only by the appended claims, and other embodiments other than the specific embodiments described above are also conceivable within the scope of the appended claims.

[0063] Furthermore, while exemplary embodiments have been described above in several exemplary combinations of components and / or functions, it should be understood that alternative embodiments can be provided by various combinations of components and / or functions without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain features described separately or as part of an embodiment can be combined with other separately described features or can be part of other embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] SD Switching Device HD Header PCB (Printed Circuit Board) C1 First magnet C2 Second Magnet MSE1 First Magnetic Sensing Element MSE2 Second Magnetic Sensing Element EM1 First inductor EM2 Second inductor MCU1 First Microcontroller Unit MCU2 Second Microcontroller Unit CH1 First Channel CH2 Second channel S1, S2 stimulus signal B1, B2 magnetic field O1, O2 Response

Claims

1. A switching device, Header and A first magnet (C1) and a second magnet (C2), A first magnetic sensing element (MSE1) and a second magnetic sensing element (MSE2), A first inductor (EM1) and a second inductor (EM2), A printed circuit board (PCB) comprising an upper surface on which the first magnetic sensing element (MSE1) and the second magnetic sensing element (MSE2) are pre-mounted, and a lower surface on which the first inductor (EM1) and the second inductor (EM2) are pre-mounted, A first microcontroller unit (MCU1) and a second microcontroller unit (MCU2) Equipped with, The first microcontroller unit (MCU1) and the second microcontroller unit (MCU2) are configured to transmit stimulus signals (S1, S2) to the second inductor (EM2) and the first inductor (EM1), respectively. The first microcontroller unit (MCU1) is configured to read the response generated by the first magnetic sensing element (MSE1), which includes a set of values ​​for the magnetic field generated by the first inductor (EM1) that receives the stimulus signal (S1) transmitted by the second microcontroller unit (MCU2). The second microcontroller unit (MCU2) is configured to read a response generated by the second magnetic sensing element (MSE2), which includes a set of values ​​for the magnetic field generated by the second inductor (EM2) that receives the stimulus signal (S2) transmitted by the first microcontroller unit (MCU1). The first microcontroller unit (MCU1) and the second microcontroller unit (MCU2) are configured to determine the state of the switching device based on the read response. A switching device in which the first microcontroller unit (MCU1) and the second microcontroller unit (MCU2) each confirm the agreement between the stimulus signal (S2) transmitted by the first microcontroller unit (MCU1) and the set of values ​​of the magnetic field generated by the second inductor (EM2), and the agreement between the stimulus signal (S1) transmitted by the second microcontroller unit (MCU2) and the set of values ​​of the magnetic field generated by the first inductor (EM1).

2. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein when the switching device is activated, the header is pressed toward the printed circuit board (PCB), and the first magnet (C1) and the second magnet (C2) move closer to the first magnetic sensing element (MSE1) and the second magnetic sensing element (MSE2), respectively, thereby increasing the magnetic flux through the magnetic sensing elements, and when a threshold is reached, the state of the switching device changes.

3. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the state of the switching device is determined by a voting process by the first microcontroller unit (MCU1) and the second microcontroller unit (MCU2) based on the read response.

4. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the stimulus signals (S1, S2) are static magnetic fields induced by the first inductor (EM1) or the second inductor, and a set of values ​​of the response generated by the first magnetic sensing element (MSE1) or the second magnetic sensing element (MSE2) corresponds to steady-state values.

5. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the stimulus signals (S1, S2) are dynamic magnetic fields induced by the first inductor (EM1) or the second inductor, and a set of values ​​of the response generated by the first magnetic sensing element (MSE1) or the second magnetic sensing element (MSE2) corresponds to a fluctuation value.

6. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the first magnetic sensing element (MSE1) is aligned with the first magnet (C1) and the first inductor (EM1), and the second magnetic sensing element (MSE2) is aligned with the second magnet (C2) and the second inductor (EM2).

7. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the first microcontroller unit (MCU1) and the second microcontroller unit (MCU2) are configured to communicate directly with each other.

8. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein if a discrepancy is found in the read response, one of the first microcontroller unit (MCU1) and the second microcontroller unit (MCU2) reports a failure.

9. A switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is part of a push button or selector.

10. A method for monitoring the magnetic sensing elements of a switching device comprising a header, a first magnet (C1) and a second magnet (C2), a first magnetic sensing element (MSE1) and a second magnetic sensing element (MSE2), a printed circuit board (PCB) having a top surface on which the first magnetic sensing element (MSE1) and the second magnetic sensing element (MSE2) are pre-mounted and a bottom surface on which the first inductor (EM1) and the second inductor (EM2) are pre-mounted, and a first microcontroller unit (MCU1) and a second microcontroller unit (MCU2), the method for monitoring the magnetic sensing elements of a switching device, the switching device comprising a header, a first magnet (C1) and a second magnet (C2), a first magnetic sensing element (PCB) having a top surface on which the first magnetic sensing element (MSE1) and the second magnetic sensing element (MSE2) are pre-mounted and a bottom surface on which the first inductor (EM1) and the second inductor (EM2) are pre-mounted, The first microcontroller unit (MCU1) and the second microcontroller unit (MCU2) transmit stimulus signals to the second inductor (EM2) and the first inductor (EM1), respectively (S1, S3), The first microcontroller unit (MCU1) reads the response generated by the first magnetic sensing element (MSE1), which corresponds to the magnetic field generated by the first inductor (EM1) that receives the stimulus signal transmitted by the second microcontroller unit (MCU2) (S2), The second microcontroller unit (MCU2) reads the response generated by the second magnetic sensing element (MSE2), which corresponds to the magnetic field generated by the second inductor (EM2) that receives the stimulus signal transmitted by the first microcontroller unit (MCU1) (S4), The first microcontroller unit (MCU1) and the second microcontroller unit (MCU2) determine the state of the switching device based on the read response (S5), The first microcontroller unit (MCU1) and the second microcontroller unit (MCU2) each confirm (S4) that the stimulus signal (S2) transmitted by the first microcontroller unit (MCU1) matches the set of values ​​of the magnetic field generated by the second inductor (EM2), and that the stimulus signal (S1) transmitted by the second microcontroller unit (MCU2) matches the set of values ​​of the magnetic field generated by the first inductor (EM1). A method for monitoring a magnetic sensing element of a switching device, comprising the following features.

11. A computer-readable medium on which a computer program for performing a method for monitoring a magnetic sensing element of a switching device according to claim 10 is embodied.

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