Bidirectional AC Converter Ground-Voltage Discharge for DUT Disconnects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional AC power conversion devices struggle with safely disconnecting a Device Under Test (DUT) without triggering protection mechanisms due to residual energy, requiring a significant wait time for energy dissipation, limiting flexibility in reconnection and operation resumption.

Innovation Solution

A two-way AC power conversion device equipped with a digital control module and phase-locked loop that detects disconnection through real-time voltage signal amplitude variations, immediately stops power output, and releases residual energy by providing a ground voltage, allowing quick resumption of operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the DUT is disconnected from the output without warning, then the disconnection can be detected, but the residual energy cannot be released immediately and the device must wait for energy dissipation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidwait time for energy dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the residual energy from the current path by providing a dedicated discharge path through the power conversion module. When disconnection is detected, the module switches to provide ground voltage that actively drains the residual energy, separating the energy release function from the normal operation path and enabling immediate energy dissipation without waiting for natural decay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares the power conversion module in advance to handle disconnection scenarios. The module is designed with the capability to switch between normal operation mode and ground voltage provision mode. When disconnection is detected, this pre-prepared capability allows immediate activation of the energy release mechanism, eliminating the need to wait for energy dissipation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the protection mechanism is triggered to avoid damage, then the current path can be disconnected, but the residual energy remains and operation cannot resume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice protectionVSAvoidoperation resumption speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful residual energy into a beneficial discharge process. Instead of letting residual energy cause damage or require waiting, the system actively utilizes the power conversion module to provide ground voltage that channels and dissipates the residual energy through a controlled path. This transforms the harmful residual energy into a manageable discharge process that protects the device while enabling quick operation resumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The power conversion module acts as an intermediary between the disconnected DUT and the internal circuits. When disconnection occurs, the module switches to provide ground voltage that serves as a mediator to safely discharge residual energy from the current path before allowing normal operation to resume, preventing direct exposure of internal circuits to residual energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the load current is adjusted to zero before disconnection, then safety is improved, but the flexibility to disconnect at any time is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisconnection safetyVSAvoiddisconnection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares the power conversion module in advance to handle immediate disconnection scenarios. The module is designed with switching capability that allows it to transition from normal operation to ground voltage provision instantaneously. This pre-prepared capability enables disconnection at any time without requiring prior current adjustment, while still ensuring safety through controlled energy release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables immediate detection of DUT disconnection, rapid energy release, and swift resumption of power operations, enhancing flexibility and safety by avoiding protection mechanism triggers and reducing downtime.

Implementation Method 1

the phase-locked loop detects the first AC power to be input or output and generates the real-time voltage signal, the real-time voltage signal has an amplitude component and an angular velocity component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase-locked loop:

Implementation Method 2

the power conversion module switches to provide a ground voltage according to the control signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy transformation:

Data Source

PatentUS12445044B2Two-way AC power conversion device

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 CHROMA ATE INC

AI summary

The present invention provides a two-way AC power conversion device configured to input or output a first AC power. The two-way AC power conversion device comprises a digital control module and a power conversion module. The digital control module generates a control signal. The power conversion module sets the first AC power to be input or output according to the control signal. Wherein when the digital control module determines a real-time voltage signal of the first AC power is abnormal, the power conversion module switches to provide a ground voltage according to the control signal.