Connection Detection Circuit Using High Frequency AC Signal Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security systems for monitoring electrical connections between devices and power supplies are often inaccurate, particularly when the devices draw little or no power, and fail to detect passive connections or power supply issues.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and system that modulate a high frequency AC signal onto the positive power rail and monitor its presence or absence to determine the integrity of the electrical connection, using a microcontroller unit to analyze the signal and detect both active and passive connections, and alert for potential issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current and/or load sensing circuits are used to detect electrical connection, then the system can determine if the sample is drawing power from the power supply, but the detection becomes unreliable when the sample draws little or no power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a high frequency AC signal as an intermediary carrier to detect electrical connections. Instead of directly measuring current or load, the system modulates a high frequency AC signal onto the power cable and detects its presence or absence at the monitoring point. This intermediary signal allows detection of passive connections and devices drawing minimal power, resolving the unreliability of direct current sensing in these scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from current/load magnitude to the presence/absence of a modulated high frequency AC signal. By transforming the detection approach from measuring electrical load parameters to detecting signal parameters, the system can reliably identify both active and passive connections regardless of power consumption level
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power supply provides little or no power to the electrical device, then the device may remain connected but undetectable, but the current sensing circuit cannot detect the connection
Solution Approach 1:
The high frequency AC signal serves as a mediator that can be detected regardless of the power supply level to the device. The signal is modulated onto the power cable and its detection depends on the integrity of the electrical connection rather than the power consumption of the device, enabling detection of devices that draw little or no power
3Reliability
If the connection is passive and power is not transmitted, then the electrical connection exists but cannot be detected by load sensing circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a modulated high frequency AC signal as an intermediary to detect passive connections. The signal is injected onto the power cable and its presence at the monitoring point confirms electrical connection integrity without requiring power transmission to the device, thus detecting both active and passive connections with a unified approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical load sensing approach with an electromagnetic signal-based detection system. Instead of measuring physical current flow or electrical load, the system uses AC signal modulation and detection, substituting a more sophisticated electrical measurement approach that can detect connections regardless of power transmission
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
Effectively detects and secures electrical connections, ensuring device functionality and power transmission, even when devices draw minimal power or the power supply is unreliable, without relying on load or current sensing circuits.
Implementation Method 1
The circuit, the system and/or the method may modulate a high frequency AC signal onto the positive power rail
Implementation Method 2
a capacitance of the electrical device may remove and/or may filter the high frequency AC signal from the positive power rail
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit, a system and/or a method detect a passive electrical connection and/or an active electrical connection between an electrical device and a power supply. An integrity of the electrical connection between the electrical device and the power supply is monitored to determine if the electrical device may have access to power and/or to determine if the electrical device may be secure while on display. A high frequency AC signal is modulated onto a positive power rail between the electrical device and the power supply. Capacitance circuitry of the electrical device may remove the high frequency signal from the positive power rail. An absence of the high frequency signal on the positive power rail indicates that the electrical connection exists between the electrical device and the power supply. A presence of the high frequency signal on the positive power rail indicates that the electrical connection does not exist between the electrical device and the power supply.