A sensing arrangement for an ac-DC converter

Abstract

A mechanism for monitoring an AC voltage supplied to an AC-DC converter. A DC power output of the AC-DC converter is monitored, together with an AC current supplied to the AC-DC converter. These two values are processed, together with an efficiency value representing an efficiency of the AC-DC converter, to predict the AC voltage.

Description

[0001] 2025PF80012

[0002] 1

[0003] A SENSING ARRANGEMENT FOR AN AC-DC CONVERTER

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present disclosure relates to the field of AC-DC conversion, and in particular to the sensing of properties of an AC-DC conversion.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] There is an increasing use of AC-DC converters for powering consumer and industrial electronic devices, such as light sources. Typically, an AC-DC converter is connectable to an AC supply, such as a mains supply.

[0008] There is significant variation of the voltage of an AC mains supply across the world. For instance, in Japan, the most common voltage of a mains supply is 100V. In the United States of America, a mains supply of 110V is common. In other jurisdictions, such as Europe, the voltage of a mains supply is between 220V and 240V.

[0009] There is a desire to facilitate identification of the voltage of the AC signal provided to an AC-DC converter, i.e., by an AC supply.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0012] According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a sensing arrangement for predicting the voltage of an AC signal provided to an AC-DC converter configured to transform the AC signal to produce a DC signal.

[0013] The sensing arrangement comprises: an AC current detector configured to monitor, as an AC current, a current of the AC signal provided to the AC-DC converter; a DC power detector configured to monitor, as a DC power, a power of the DC signal produced by the AC-DC converter; and a processing arrangement configured to process the monitored AC current, the monitored DC power and an efficiency value, representing the efficiency of the AC-DC converter, to predict the voltage of the AC signal.

[0014] The present disclosure recognizes that there is a desire to facilitate indirect identification of the voltage of an AC signal supplied to the AC-DC converter, i.e., an AC voltage or an input voltage. The present disclosure proposes a mechanism for performing2025PF80012

[0015] 2

[0016] such an indirect measurement or prediction, by processing the AC current, the DC power (output by the AC -DC converter) and an efficiency of the AC -DC converter.

[0017] The proposed approach avoids the need for direct voltage monitoring of the AC signal supplied to the AC -DC converter, which may otherwise cause a path for electrical discharge (and potential damage) if there is a power surge and / or improves efficiency by avoiding or reducing diversion of power away from the input supply.

[0018] In some examples, the processing arrangement is configured to predict the voltage of the AC signal by dividing the monitored DC power by the product of the efficiency value and the monitored AC current.

[0019] This approach recognizes that an AC power can be calculated by dividing the monitored DC power by the efficiency value (e.g., when expressed as a fraction on a scale of 0 to 1). The AC current is subsequently determinably using the relationship P = IV. The proposed approach provides a reliable and efficient mechanism for calculating or predicting the value of the input AC current.

[0020] The efficiency value may be predetermined. This recognizes that the sensing arrangement may be designed for use with a known or particular AC -DC converter, whose efficiency is known in advance. This embodiment thereby provides a more efficient approach for calculating the AC current.

[0021] The AC current detector may comprise a first Hall effect sensor for monitoring the AC current. This provides a reliable mechanism for monitoring the AC current, which is galvanically isolated from the AC signal to reduce an exposure to power surges or the like.

[0022] The AC current detector may comprise: a sensing winding magnetically coupled to a winding of the AC -DC converter; and a winding sensor configured to monitor a current through the sensing winding. This provides an alternative reliable mechanism for monitoring the AC current, which is similarly galvanically isolated from the AC signal to reduce an exposure to power surges or the like.

[0023] The DC power detector may comprise: a DC current detector configured to monitor, as a DC current, a current of the DC signal produced by the AC -DC converter; and a DC power processing arrangement configured to process the monitored DC current and a predicted DC voltage to produce the DC power. This provides an approach for calculating the DC power by a monitored current and a predicted DC voltage (which may be predefined or actively determined).

[0024] In some examples, the predicted DC voltage is a predefined DC voltage. This recognizes that many AC -DC converters are designed for performing a conversion to a fixed2025PF80012

[0025] 3

[0026] or predetermined voltage. This embodiment exploits this recognition to avoid potentially unnecessary components or circuitry for monitoring the DC voltage, instead relying upon a known or fixed value for the DC voltage.

[0027] In some examples, the DC power detector comprises a DC voltage detector configured to monitor, as the predicted DC voltage, the voltage of the DC signal produced by the AC -DC converter. This adapts the proposed sensing arrangement for a converter that has a variable DC voltage output, improving a flexibility and applicability of use for the proposed sensing arrangement.

[0028] In some examples, the DC current detector comprises a second Hall effect sensor for monitoring the DC current. This similarly provides a reliable mechanism for monitoring the DC current, which is similarly galvanically isolated from the DC signal to reduce an exposure to power surges or the like. This also reduces a power draw of the DC current detector (e.g., compared to an inline current sensing arrangement) by instead monitoring an inherent magnetic field leakage.

[0029] The DC current detector may comprise an inline current sensing arrangement. This provides a highly reliable mechanism for monitoring the DC current.

[0030] The sensing arrangement may further comprise an alert system configured to generate an alert signal configured to indicate whether or not the predicted voltage of the AC signal breaches a predetermined threshold. This provides a mechanism for identifying if the AC voltage is not within a desirable range, e.g., to alert an operator or installer of the AC -DC converter.

[0031] There is also proposed a converter arrangement comprising any herein disclosed sensing arrangement and the AC -DC converter.

[0032] In some examples, the AC -DC converter comprises a switched-mode power supply; and a switching operation of the switched-mode power supply is responsive to the predicted voltage of the AC signal.

[0033] In some examples, the AC -DC converter is configured to regulate the DC signal responsive to the predicted voltage of the AC signal.

[0034] In some examples, the converter arrangement comprises a transformer configured to galvanically isolate the AC signal from the DC signal.

[0035] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment s) described hereinafter.2025PF80012

[0036] 4

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Fig. 1 illustrates an existing converter arrangement; and

[0040] Fig. 2 illustrates a converter arrangement with a proposed sensing arrangement.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0042] The invention will be described with reference to the Figures.

[0043] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0044] The invention provides a mechanism for monitoring an AC voltage supplied to an AC -DC converter. A DC power output of the AC -DC converter is monitored, together with an AC current supplied to the AC -DC converter. These two values are processed, together with an efficiency value representing an efficiency of the AC -DC converter, to predict the AC voltage.

[0045] In the context of the present disclosure, a voltage of an AC signal is a rootmean-square voltage (measurable in volts). A current of an AC signal is a root-mean-square current (measurable in amperes). This reflects the common usage of the term “voltage” and “current” in the context of AC signals or waveforms.

[0046] The skilled person will also appreciate that a DC signal is a signal having a substantially constant voltage value. However, this does not prevent a DC signal having a ripple or (slight) periodic variation, as is widely known in the art.

[0047] Figure 1 conceptually illustrates a converter arrangement 10 in which proposed embodiments may be employed, for the sake of improved contextual

[0048] understanding.2025PF80012

[0049] 5

[0050] The converter arrangement 10 comprises an AC -DC converter 15 configured to transform an AC signal SAC to produce a DC signal SDC. A wide variety of different AC-DC converters 15 are known in the art, and are not described in detail for the sake of conciseness.

[0051] More particularly, the converter arrangement may comprise an input interface 11 for receiving the AC signal SAC (from an AC power supply / source, such as a mains supply) and an output interface 12 for outputting the DC signal SDC (e.g., to a connected load 19).

[0052] The input interface 11 may define an input power line and an input return line. The AC signal SAC may be defined as the signal across these lines. Similarly, the output interface 12 may define an output power line and an output return line. The output return line may be connected to a ground or reference voltage GND. The DC signal SDC may be defined as the signal across these lines.

[0053] A simple version of an AC -DC converter, having a passive topology, will comprise a rectifying arrangement (for rectifying the AC signal SAC) and a smoothing capacitor configured to store the rectified voltage of the AC signal SAC, thereby producing a DC signal SDC.

[0054] More complex versions of AC -DC converters further comprise one or more inductors, transformers and / or switches or switching arrangements to control the conversion of the AC signal SAC to produce the DC signal SDC. In particular, such components are designed to control or define the magnitude of the DC signal SDC for a particular AC signal SAC. Example AC -DC converters may have a one-stage or a multi-stage (e.g., two-stage or three-stage) switching topology.

[0055] By way of example, the AC -DC converter may comprise a switched-mode power supply that controls the conversion of power from the AC signal SAC to the DC signal SDC according to well known principles.

[0056] Where present, the one or more inductors and / or transformers of the AC -DC converter will define one or more windings (e.g., coils) of the AC -DC converter 15. As is well known in the art, a current flowing through a winding will create a magnetic field.

[0057] Typically, the winding(s) receive a time-varying signal (e.g., the AC signal SAC or a rectified version thereof), such that the magnitude of any induced magnetic field will change with time.

[0058] Where an AC -DC converter comprises a transformer, it will be appreciated that the AC -DC converter will provide galvanic isolation between the AC signal SAC and the2025PF80012

[0059] 6

[0060] DC signal SDC. More specifically, the transformer of such an AC -DC converter will provide this galvanic isolation.

[0061] It will be appreciated that a converter arrangement is effectively divisible into two parts, an AC-side and a DC-side.

[0062] A number of suitable example AC -DC converters for use with the present disclosure, and their topologies, are described by Arias, Manuel, Aitor Vazquez, and Javier Sebastian. "An overview of the AC -DC and DC-DC converters for LED lighting applications." automatika 53.2 (2012): 156-172. Other examples are well known to the skilled person.

[0063] The converter arrangement 10 may be configured to provide the DC signal SDC to a load 19, e.g., connected to the output interface 12. The load 19 may comprise any suitable electronic device configured to function or operate using a DC voltage, such as a lighting device, a consumer electronics device, a household appliance, a personal care device and so on.

[0064] The present disclosure recognizes that there is a desire to predict the voltage of the AC signal SAC (i .e. , an “input voltage”) provided to the AC -DC converter.

[0065] In particular, it has been recognized that when a load with a relatively large power rating (i.e., large wattage) attempts to draw power from an AC -DC converter supplied with a relatively low voltage (e.g., 120V instead of 200V-240V), then the load may attempt to draw a dangerous or undesirable amount of current (e.g., triggering a breaker) and / or limitations are placed upon the operation of the load.

[0066] The present disclosure provides a mechanism for facilitating the identification of a voltage of the AC signal. In particular, the proposed mechanism provides an indirect approach to determining the voltage of the AC signal.

[0067] Figure 2 illustrates a proposed sensing arrangement 200, in the context of a converter arrangement 20 having an AC -DC converter 15. The converter arrangement 20 may be embodied as previously disclosed, with the addition of the proposed sensing arrangement 200.

[0068] The sensing arrangement comprises an AC current detector 210, a DC power detector 220 and a processing arrangement 230.

[0069] The AC current detector 210 is configured to monitor, as an AC current IAC (also known as an AC current), a (electrical) current of the AC signal SAC provided to the AC -DC converter.2025PF80012

[0070] 7

[0071] In some examples, the AC current detector comprises a first Hall effect sensor for monitoring the AC current. In particular, the first Hall effect sensor may be positioned in proximity to a wire, or more preferably (if present) a winding, that carries the AC signal SAC or a time-varying signal that is defined by the AC signal SAC (such as a rectified version of the AC signal SAC). The first Hall effect sensor monitors a magnetic field produced responsive to AC signal SAC and produces a voltage proportional to the magnitude of said magnetic field. The value of this voltage thereby defines or represents the value of the AC current IAC.

[0072] In other examples, the AC current detector 210 comprises a sensing winding magnetically coupled to a winding of the AC -DC converter. The winding of the AC -DC converter may, for instance, be a winding defined by an inductor or a transformer of the AC-DC converter (where present). In such examples, the AC current detector further comprises a winding sensor configured to monitor a current through the sensing winding. In a simple variant, the winding sensor comprises an AC sensing resistor connected in series with the sensing winding. A voltage across the AC sensing resistor represents a current through the winding of the AC -DC converter and therefore of the AC signal SAC.

[0073] Other suitable examples of AC current detectors will be apparent to the skilled person.

[0074] In preferred examples, such as those outlined above, the AC current detector 210 is galvanically isolated from the AC -DC converter 15. This reduces a risk of damage to the sensing arrangement, and improves an efficiency of the overall AC -DC converter.

[0075] The DC power detector 220 is configured to monitor, as a DC power (also known as an “output power”), a power of the DC signal SDC produced by the AC -DC converter.

[0076] In some examples, as illustrated, the DC power detector 220 comprises a DC current detector 221 configured to monitor, as a DC current (also known as an output current), a current of the DC signal produced by the AC -DC converter.

[0077] Such a DC power detector 220 also comprises a DC power processing arrangement 222 configured to process the monitored DC current and a predicted DC voltage (also known as an “output voltage”) to produce or determine the DC power. This can be performed trivially, by calculating the DC power PDC as the product of the monitored DC current IDC and the predicted DC voltage VDC, i.e., as defined in the known relationship:

[0078] PDC — VDC- IDC (1)2025PF80012

[0079] 8

[0080] In some variants, the predicted DC voltage PDC is a predefined DC voltage. For instance, the predefined DC voltage may be the voltage rating or demand of a known load configured to draw power from the DC signal SDC. In some examples, the predefined DC voltage may be defined by the AC -DC converter, e.g., which is designed for supplying a particular voltage.

[0081] In other variants, the DC power detector 220 comprises a DC voltage detector (not illustrated in Figure 2) configured to monitor, as the predicted DC voltage, the voltage of the DC signal produced by the AC -DC converter. Suitable examples of DC voltage detectors (e.g., voltmeters or analogue-to-digital converters) are known in the art.

[0082] In some examples, the DC current detector comprises a second Hall effect sensor for monitoring the DC current. The function and operation of a Hall effect sensor for monitoring a current has been previously detailed, and is not repeated for conciseness.

[0083] In other examples, the DC current detector 221 comprises an inline current sensing arrangement. Thus, for instance, the DC current detector may comprise a DC sensing resistor that receives the DC signal SDC (e.g., is connected in series with a load 19). The voltage across such as DC sensing resistor represents a current of the DC signal SAC.

[0084] Other suitable examples of a DC power detector 220 may be used.

[0085] The processing arrangement is configured to process the monitored AC current, the monitored DC power and an efficiency value to predict the voltage of the AC signal. The efficiency value represents the efficiency of the AC -DC converter (e.g., expressed as a fraction).

[0086] The efficiency of the AC -DC converter may be predefined or determined in advance, e.g., defined in a datasheet for the AC -DC converter or determined in a calibration process - examples of which are well known in the art. In particular, the efficiency of the AC -DC converter may be preprogrammed into the processing arrangement (e.g., defined in factory settings) for use with a known or accompanying AC -DC converter.

[0087] In some examples, the processing arrangement is configured to predict the voltage of the AC signal by dividing the monitored DC power by the product of the efficiency value and the monitored AC current.

[0088] Thus, the processing arrangement may effectively calculate the voltage of the AC signal VAC using the following equation:2025PF80012

[0089] 9 PDC

[0090]

[0091] VAC = -77^ effc- c

[0092] where PDC is the determined power of the DC signal SAC, effcis the efficiency value and IAC is the monitored AC current.

[0093] If employed, the DC power processing arrangement 222 and the processing arrangement 230 may form different modules of a same, shared processing unit.

[0094] In some examples, the processing arrangement 230 (and the DC power processing arrangement 222, if present) may be embodied as a digital processor. Thus, the determined power of the DC signal and the monitored AC current may be transformed into the digital domain (e.g., using an ADC of the digital processor) and processed digitally to calculate the voltage of the AC signal.

[0095] The digital processor may be embodied as a microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Within this processor, different sections of code or logic blocks may be designated to perform the functions of the processing arrangement and (if present) the DC power processing arrangement.

[0096] A wide variety of potential uses for the predicted voltage of the AC signal are envisaged.

[0097] In some examples, the processing arrangement is further configured to process the predicted voltage of the AC signal to determine or define a maximum allowable power draw for a load that draws from the DC signal SDC. This maximum allowable power draw may be usable by the load, for instance, to control or modify its functionality, as later described.

[0098] In some examples, the sensing arrangement comprises an alert system. The alert system is configured to generate an alert signal configured to indicate whether or not the predicted voltage of the AC signal breaches a predetermined threshold or falls outside of a predetermined range. The alert system may be formed as a module or aspect of the processing arrangement.

[0099] In some embodiments, the sensing arrangement comprises a user output interface. The processing arrangement may be configured to control the user output interface to provide a user perceptible output of the predicted voltage of the AC signal or any data / information / signal derived therefrom (e.g., the determined maximum allowable power draw or the alert signal).2025PF80012

[0100] 10

[0101] This advantageously provide information to an operator about the state of the voltage of the AC signal, e.g., for performing manual control or configuration of the maximum allowable power to be drawn by the load (e.g., via a manual interaction with the load).

[0102] There is herein proposed a converter arrangement comprising any herein proposed sensing arrangement; and the AC -DC converter.

[0103] In some examples, the converter arrangement comprises an override switch or arrangement configured to control whether or not the AC -DC converter is activated responsive to the predicted voltage of the AC signal and / or the alert system. For instance, the converter arrangement may be configured to deactivate the converter arrangement (e.g., short the AC signal to a ground or reference voltage) responsive to the predicted voltage of the AC signal breaching a predetermined threshold or failing outside of a predetermined range, e.g., as indicated by the alert signal (if generated).

[0104] In some examples, the AC -DC converter comprises a switched-mode power supply, also known as a switching converter. Examples of switched-mode power supplies are well known in the art, including buck converters, boost converters, buck-boost converters, flyback converters, synchronous converters, power factor correction converters (such as totem-pole power factor correction converters) and so on.

[0105] In some examples, a switching operation of the switched-mode power supply is responsive to the predicted voltage of the AC signal. Control techniques for operating an AC -DC switched-mode power supply (SMPS) that make use of a predicted voltage of an input AC signal are well known in the art, such as those that control a switching frequency of the AC -DC SMPS responsive to the voltage of the input AC signal.

[0106] There is also proposed a system comprising any herein disclosed converter arrangement and a load configured to draw power from the DC signal. Thus, the load is connected to the DC-side of the AC -DC converter, e.g., to an output interface of the converter system.

[0107] In some examples, the load is configured to modify its functionality responsive to the predicted voltage of the AC signal. For instance, the load may be configured to control the maximum power draw (by the load) responsive to the predicted voltage of the AC signal. This may be performed, for instance, by controlling whether or not one or more components or elements of the load are activated, to thereby control a maximum power draw of the load. In particular, the load may be configured to reduce the number of2025PF80012

[0108] 11

[0109] activated / active elements responsive to a reduction in the predicted voltage of the AC signal. This helps reduce a risk of system overload or a power breaker or fuse tripping.

[0110] By way of working example, the load may comprise a light source with a plurality of separate lighting elements. The load may be configured to control which lighting elements are activated (i.e., able to draw power) responsive to the predicted voltage of the AC signal.

[0111] It has been previously mentioned how the processing arrangement may be further configured to process the predicted voltage of the AC signal to determine or define a maximum allowable power draw for a load that draws from the DC signal SDC. In such examples, the load may receive an indication of the defined maximum allowable power draw from the processing arrangement, and control which components / elements are activated responsive thereto.

[0112] These approaches provide mechanisms for automatically adjusting the operation of the load responsive to the predicted voltage of the AC signal.

[0113] Ordinal numbers (e.g. “first”, “second” and so on) have been used purely to distinguish different elements from one another for the sake of clarity, and does not necessarily imply a specific order, importance, relationship, or presence of all numbered elements. Reference to a non-“firsf ’ (e.g. “second” or “third”) element does not necessitate that a “first” element be present. The skilled person would be capable of relabeling any such elements as appropriate (e.g. relabeling a “second” element as a “first” element if only the second element is present).

[0114] Embodiments make use of a processing arrangement. The processing arrangement can be implemented in numerous ways, with software and / or hardware, to perform the various functions required. A processor is one example of a processing arrangement which employs one or more microprocessors that may be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the required functions. A processing arrangement may however be implemented with or without employing a processor, and also may be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) to perform other functions.

[0115] Examples of processing arrangement components that may be employed in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).2025PF80012

[0116] 12

[0117] In various implementations, a processor or processing arrangement may be associated with one or more storage media such as volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. The storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and / or processing arrangements, perform the required functions. Various storage media may be fixed within a processor or processing arrangement or may be transportable, such that the one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into a processor or processing arrangement.

[0118] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0119] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "arrangement" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "arrangement" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system", and vice versa.

[0120] A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. If a computer program is discussed above, it may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

[0121] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

2025PF8001213CLAIMS:

1. A sensing arrangement for predicting the voltage of an AC signal provided to an AC -DC converter configured to transform the AC signal to produce a DC signal, the sensing arrangement comprising:an AC current detector configured to monitor, as an AC current, a current of the AC signal provided to the AC -DC converter;a DC power detector configured to monitor, as a DC power, a power of the DC signal produced by the AC -DC converter; anda processing arrangement configured to process the monitored AC current, the monitored DC power and an efficiency value, representing the efficiency of the AC -DC converter, to predict the voltage of the AC signal.

2. The sensing arrangement of claim 1, wherein the processing arrangement is configured to predict the voltage of the AC signal by dividing the monitored DC power by the product of the efficiency value and the monitored AC current.

3. The sensing arrangement of claim 1 or 2, wherein the efficiency value is predetermined.

4. The sensing arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the AC current detector comprises a first Hall effect sensor for monitoring the AC current.

5. The sensing arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the AC current detector comprises:a sensing winding magnetically coupled to a winding of the AC -DC converter; anda winding sensor configured to monitor a current through the sensing winding.

6. The sensing arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the DC power detector comprises:2025PF8001214a DC current detector configured to monitor, as a DC current, a current of the DC signal produced by the AC -DC converter; anda DC power processing arrangement configured to process the monitored DC current and a predicted DC voltage to produce the DC power.

7. The sensing arrangement of claim 6, wherein the predicted DC voltage is a predefined DC voltage.

8. The sensing arrangement of claim 6, wherein the DC power detector comprises a DC voltage detector configured to monitor, as the predicted DC voltage, the voltage of the DC signal produced by the AC -DC converter.

9. The sensing arrangement of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the DC current detector comprises a second Hall effect sensor for monitoring the DC current.

10. The sensing arrangement of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the DC current detector comprises an inline current sensing arrangement.

11. The sensing arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an alert system configured to generate an alert signal configured to indicate whether or not the predicted voltage of the AC signal breaches a predetermined threshold.

12. A converter arrangement comprising:the sensing arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 11 ; andthe AC -DC converter.

13. The converter arrangement of claim 12, wherein:the AC -DC converter comprises a switched-mode power supply; and a switching operation of the switched-mode power supply is responsive to the predicted voltage of the AC signal.

14. The converter arrangement of claim 12 or 13, wherein the AC -DC converter is configured to regulate the DC signal responsive to the predicted voltage of the AC signal.2025PF800121515. The converter arrangement of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the converter arrangement comprises a transformer configured to galvanically isolate the AC signal from the DC signal.

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