AC Current Regulator Feedback Circuit for Impedance and Distortion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current regulation devices using transformers face limitations such as low output impedance and signal-dependent distortion noise, particularly in AC coupling applications, where the output current may not meet desired specifications due to non-linear transformer characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A current regulator with feedback circuits that includes an AC coupling device, a current control device, and both AC and DC feedback circuits to adjust the output current based on error correction voltages, using a power transformer and differential amplifiers to compare input and feedback voltages, thereby controlling the current flow and eliminating DC offsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transformer is used in a current regulator for AC coupling, then the output current can be provided to a load device, but the output impedance and current regulation are lower than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an AC feedback circuit that samples the output current through a current sense resistor and feeds it back to a differential amplifier. The differential amplifier compares the feedback voltage with a reference voltage and adjusts the output current accordingly. This feedback mechanism increases the output impedance and improves current regulation by continuously correcting deviations from the desired output current.
2Reliability
If a transformer is used in a current regulator, then current transformation can be achieved, but the output current includes signal-dependent distortion noise and intermodulation products
Solution Approach 1:
The AC feedback circuit continuously monitors the output current and feeds it back to the differential amplifier, which compares it with the reference voltage. This feedback mechanism detects and corrects distortion components by adjusting the output current to minimize the difference between the desired and actual output, thereby reducing signal-dependent distortion noise and intermodulation products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an AC coupling capacitor in series with the output current path. This capacitor blocks DC components and low-frequency noise while allowing AC signals to pass through. By filtering out unwanted frequency components, the capacitor acts as an intermediary that cleans the output current signal.
3Ease of operation
If an AC coupling device is used, then AC current can be coupled to the load, but DC offsets are not eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs both AC and DC feedback circuits. The DC feedback circuit samples the output current through a DC sense resistor and feeds it back to a DC error amplifier. This DC feedback mechanism detects and corrects DC offsets by adjusting the output current to eliminate any DC component, ensuring that only pure AC current is delivered to the load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the feedback mechanism into distinct AC and DC components. The AC feedback circuit handles AC signal regulation, while the DC feedback circuit specifically addresses DC offset elimination. This segmentation allows each feedback circuit to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall system performance.
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
The solution effectively enhances output impedance and reduces distortion noise, allowing for precise regulation of AC current to a load device by using feedback mechanisms to adjust the current flow through the transformer, ensuring accurate and noise-reduced output.
Implementation Method 1
The current regulator can include an AC coupling device that can be electrically connected to the load device via an output electrical path
Implementation Method 2
The amplifier or other current regulator can use a feedback voltage to determine a difference between a specified output current for the amplifier and a measured output current
Data Source
AI summary
A current regulator for regulating alternating current (AC) flow to a load device is provided. The current regulator can include an AC coupling device that can be electrically connected to the load device via an output electrical path, a current control device electrically connected in series with the AC coupling device, and an AC feedback circuit electrically connected to the output electrical path and the current control device. The current control device can modify a current flow through at least one component of the AC coupling device in response to receiving an error correction current. An output AC current provided to the load device can be controlled based on the current flow through the component of the AC coupling device. The AC feedback circuit can include voltage error compensation device that provides the error correction current in response to receiving a feedback voltage corresponding to the output AC current.