AC-DC Converter Sync Using Transistor Voltage Transition Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional AC-to-DC converter systems halt operation when grid voltage measurement devices fail, necessitating a system that can function without continuous grid voltage measurements.
Innovation Solution
An AC-to-DC converter system utilizing a transistor network with field-effect transistors and a controller unit to detect AC power source transitions, enabling operation through grid voltage estimation by monitoring drain-source voltages across transistors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grid voltage measurement device is implemented to continuously measure grid voltage, then the system can synchronize with the AC power source and operate efficiently, but the system stops operation when the measurement device fails
Solution Approach 1:
The transistor network automatically detects AC voltage transitions through its own switching operations and voltage measurements across its terminals, without requiring external measurement devices. The system uses its operational components to generate the measurement information needed, making it self-sufficient and eliminating the single point of failure associated with dedicated measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The transistors in the power factor correction circuit serve dual functions: they perform their primary power conversion role while simultaneously detecting AC voltage transitions through their voltage-current characteristics. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement devices and ensures that components already present in the system can provide measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If the system uses a dedicated grid voltage measurement device, then accurate voltage measurement is achieved, but the system becomes unable to operate when the measurement device is not operational
Solution Approach 1:
The transistor's channel current and drain-source voltage serve as intermediaries that indirectly indicate the AC voltage transition state. Instead of directly measuring grid voltage, the system monitors the transistor's electrical characteristics, which naturally respond to voltage transitions, providing measurement capability through a mediating physical quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic measurement device with an electronic field-based detection method using transistor voltage-current characteristics. The detection is achieved through electrical field interactions within the transistor rather than through physical measurement connections, substituting a more integrated electronic sensing approach.
Data Source
AI summary
An AC-to-DC converter system and method uses first and second transistors of a transistor network, which are connect in series to a low voltage terminal, to detect negative-to-positive and positive-to-negative transitions of a voltage of an alternating current (AC) power source. A controller unit of the AC-to-DC converter system is operable to control the first and second transistors and to detect the negative-to-positive and positive-to-negative transitions of the voltage of the AC power source using voltages across the first and second transistors.