Adaptive Power Supply for DS1 and DS3 Network Interface Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supplies for telecommunications networks are not adaptable to the different power requirements of DS1 and DS3 Network Interface Units (NIUs), leading to the need for separate supplies and potential user errors when switching between modes.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive power supply with a control circuit and line filter that automatically distinguishes between DS1 and DS3 NIUs by regulating voltage and current, using a hysteretic current select circuit to adjust output current based on load type, ensuring safe and appropriate power delivery without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a power supply is designed to provide constant current for DS1 NIUs, then DS1 devices can be powered reliably, but DS3 devices requiring constant voltage cannot be powered and may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of DS1 poweringVSAvoidcompatibility with DS3 devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply dynamically switches between constant current mode and constant voltage mode based on the detected load type. The control circuit monitors the load characteristics and automatically adjusts the output mode, transforming a static power supply into a dynamic one that adapts to different device requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply changes its output parameters (current limit and voltage regulation) based on the detected device type. For DS1 devices, it maintains constant current at 60mA; for DS3 devices, it switches to constant voltage mode with appropriate voltage levels, thereby accommodating different power requirements through parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a power supply is designed to provide constant voltage for DS3 NIUs, then DS3 devices can be powered reliably, but DS1 devices requiring constant current cannot be powered and may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of DS3 poweringVSAvoidcompatibility with DS1 devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply dynamically switches between constant voltage mode and constant current mode based on the detected load type. The control circuit monitors the load characteristics and automatically adjusts the output mode, transforming a static power supply into a dynamic one that adapts to different device requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply changes its output parameters (voltage regulation and current limit) based on the detected device type. For DS3 devices, it maintains constant voltage at appropriate levels; for DS1 devices, it switches to constant current mode with 60mA limit, thereby accommodating different power requirements through parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a mode-select switch is added to allow user choice between DS1 and DS3 modes, then both device types can be powered, but user error may lead to incorrect mode selection and device damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to power both DS1 and DS3VSAvoidrisk of user error
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply automatically detects the connected device type and configures its own output parameters without user intervention. The control circuit monitors load characteristics such as initial current draw and resistance to automatically determine whether a DS1 or DS3 device is connected, eliminating the need for manual mode selection and preventing user errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply uses feedback from the load characteristics to automatically adjust its operating mode. By monitoring parameters such as initial current draw, voltage drop, and load resistance, the control circuit receives feedback about the connected device type and automatically configures the appropriate power delivery mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If the power supply automatically detects load type, then user error is eliminated, but additional detection circuitry increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelimination of user errorVSAvoidcomplexity of control circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply uses feedback from the load characteristics to automatically adjust its operating mode. By monitoring parameters such as initial current draw, voltage drop, and load resistance, the control circuit receives feedback about the connected device type and automatically configures the appropriate power delivery mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical mode-select switch with an electronic detection and control system. Instead of requiring physical switch manipulation, the system uses electronic sensing of load characteristics and automatic control circuitry to determine the appropriate mode, substituting mechanical operation with electronic intelligence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8212390B1Adaptive power supply for telecommunications networks
Publication Date: 2012.07.03 ADTRAN INC
  • US8212390B1 patent drawing
  • US8212390B1 patent drawing
  • US8212390B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An adaptive power supply span powers devices used in telecommunications. It includes a power circuit and control circuit that receives power and sense signals therefrom and provides a control signal thereto and distinguishes between a first network interface load having a constant voltage input power requirement and a second network interface unit load having a constant current input power requirement. A voltage control circuit and current control circuit are interconnected together and connected to the power circuit. A control signal from the voltage control circuit and current control circuit extends to the power circuit. The control circuit maintains a fixed output voltage for constant voltage regulation for the first network interface unit load, if the output current remains below a threshold current. The circuit limits the output current to a regulated value for constant current regulation below the initial maximum value for powering a second network interface unit if the initial output current is greater than the threshold current for a time greater than a threshold time.