A/D Converter Selector Diagnostics Using Dual Reference Voltages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining abnormality in A/D converters, particularly those with selectors, lack reliability as they fail to accurately diagnose issues beyond the A/D conversion circuit, such as selector abnormalities, leading to potential misdiagnosis and reduced system reliability.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device and abnormality determination method that utilize a power supply device with a voltage adjusting unit, an A/D converter, and a determination unit, which includes diagnostic ports receiving different voltage values, allowing the A/D converter to determine abnormality by comparing conversion results when the selector connects either diagnostic port to the A/D conversion circuit, thereby detecting issues in both the A/D conversion circuit and the selector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single diagnostic port with constant voltage is used for A/D converter abnormality determination, then the determination method is simple, but it cannot detect selector abnormalities and has limited diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 1:
The single diagnostic port is segmented into multiple diagnostic ports (first diagnostic port and second diagnostic port), each receiving different voltage values. This segmentation allows the system to independently test different voltage levels, enabling detection of both A/D conversion circuit abnormalities and selector fixation issues, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each diagnostic port is assigned a specific voltage value (first voltage value for the first diagnostic port, second voltage value for the second diagnostic port) to create localized diagnostic conditions. This local quality differentiation enables the system to test specific voltage levels at specific ports, allowing accurate identification of whether abnormalities are in the selector or A/D conversion circuit
2Reliability
If multiple voltage values are supplied to diagnostic ports, then selector and A/D conversion circuit abnormalities can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply unit periodically alternates between outputting the first voltage value and the second voltage value to the diagnostic ports. This periodic action allows the system to sequentially test different voltage levels without requiring complex simultaneous multi-voltage generation, simplifying the voltage supply system while maintaining the ability to detect both selector and A/D conversion circuit abnormalities
Solution Approach 2:
A voltage dividing circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the supply unit and the diagnostic ports. This intermediary component simplifies the voltage supply system by using a single voltage source that is divided into multiple voltage levels, reducing the complexity of generating and managing multiple independent voltage sources while enabling accurate voltage differentiation at each diagnostic port
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
This approach enhances the reliability of A/D converter abnormality detection by accurately identifying abnormalities in both the A/D conversion circuit and the selector, improving overall system reliability through the use of distinct voltage values and waveforms for diagnostic ports.
Implementation Method 1
the A/D converter includes an A/D conversion circuit that converts a voltage to a digital value
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply device includes a voltage adjusting unit, an A/D converter, a determination unit, and a supply unit configured to supply a voltage. The A/D converter includes an A/D conversion circuit, and a selector that connects any one of a plurality of input ports to the A/D conversion circuit. The input ports include load ports, a first diagnostic port, and a second diagnostic port, the supply unit supplies a first voltage value to the first diagnostic port and supplies a second voltage value to the second diagnostic port, and the determination unit determines abnormality of the A/D converter on the basis of conversion results by the A/D conversion circuit when the first diagnostic port and the A/D conversion circuit are connected together and conversion results by the A/D conversion circuit when the second diagnostic port and the A/D conversion circuit are connected together.