AC to DC Signal Extraction Using Programmable Sample and Hold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional AC to DC conversion methods using analog circuitry are complex, leading to signal processing delays, inaccuracies, and high costs due to the need for many circuit components.
Innovation Solution
The method involves extracting an AC signal during a specific time cycle, sampling, and holding it to generate a DC signal using an extraction element and a sample and hold element, which can be programmable with a microprocessor, ensuring the DC signal has the same current or voltage value as the extraction, thereby reducing unnecessary conversions and conserving energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional analog circuitry is used for AC to DC conversion, then conversion functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases due to many circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional analog circuitry (electronic/mechanical system) with a microprocessor-based digital system. The microprocessor executes software instructions to perform AC to DC conversion, eliminating the need for complex analog circuit components while maintaining conversion functionality. This substitution of mechanical/electronic systems with software-based control resolves the contradiction between achieving conversion functionality and reducing device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional analog circuitry is used for AC to DC conversion, then conversion is achieved, but signal processing delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes analog signal processing circuits with a digital microprocessor-based system that samples the AC signal at specific points and processes it through software algorithms. This digital approach reduces signal processing delay compared to conventional analog circuitry, as the microprocessor can rapidly execute conversion instructions without the propagation delays inherent in analog signal paths. The conversion capability is maintained while time loss is reduced.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional analog circuitry is used for AC to DC conversion, then conversion is achieved, but measurement precision decreases due to signal processing inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog signal processing with digital signal processing using a microprocessor. The system samples the AC signal at precise moments and processes the digital values through software to generate the DC output. This digital approach eliminates analog signal degradation, noise, and drift issues, thereby improving measurement precision and signal processing accuracy while maintaining the conversion function.
4Reliability
If continuous AC to DC conversion is performed, then output signal is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of the AC signal at specific extraction points within each AC cycle, rather than continuous conversion. The microprocessor extracts signal values at predetermined moments and processes these samples to generate the DC output. This periodic action maintains reliable output signal continuity while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous conversion operations.
Data Source
AI summary
For AC-DC conversion, signal is extracted, then sampled and held and released. Extraction element receives AC signal to generate extracted signal, then sample and hold and release element receives the extracted signal to generate DC signal. Extraction and/or sample and hold and release signal processing may use microprocessor or controller programmably to generate the extracted signal and/or DC signal. Extraction is configurable such that AC signal is received at extraction time or temporal window, whereby said extraction element generates the extracted signal having an extraction current or voltage value during at least one extraction time, and preferably said sample and hold and release element generates the DC signal having the same extraction current or voltage value.