Alternator Regulator PWM Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PWM transmission methods for controlling motor vehicle alternators are complex and prone to reliability issues, particularly in noisy environments, as they require multiple pulse periods to transmit setpoints and operating parameters, making it difficult to reliably use duty ratios below 10% or above 90% for efficient control.
Innovation Solution
A method using width-modulated pulses with a predetermined period and specific duty ratios to transmit setpoint values and commands, including detecting activity on the communication line and computing averages of duty ratios to generate a signal for opening the alternator excitation circuit, allowing reliable transmission of commands to stop power generation without increasing system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pulse periods with different periods are used to transmit setpoints and operating parameters, then the control capacity of the PWM transmission is increased, but the system complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single PWM transmission system to perform multiple functions: transmitting both setpoint values and operating parameters using only one predetermined pulse period. The regulator can distinguish between different types of information (setpoints vs. parameters) and process them appropriately, eliminating the need for multiple different pulse periods while maintaining full control capacity.
2Measurement precision
If duty ratios below 10% or above 90% are used for transmission, then the control precision is improved, but the transmission becomes too sensitive to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a validation mechanism where the regulator receives and verifies transmitted duty ratio values against expected ranges. The system can detect and correct erroneous transmissions caused by noise, ensuring that only valid control signals are executed. This feedback loop maintains reliability while allowing the use of the full duty ratio range for precise control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises the transmission to a regulator (8) of the alternator of width-modulated pulses (PWM1) exhibiting a duty ratio representative of a setpoint value (Vref) continuously included between a first reference duty ratio (DC1) and a second reference duty ratio (DC2), and the detection of these pulses by the regulator so as to generate the setpoint value. The method also comprises the transmission to the regulator of other width-modulated pulses (PWM2) exhibiting a specific duty ratio (EXOF_R) which is less than the first reference duty ratio (DC1) and ties between a low duty ratio (DCL) and a high duty ratio (DCH), and the detection of these other pulses by the regulator, in a first step, and the generation of an opening signal (EXOF) for a circuit for excitation of the alternator, in a second step, following this latter detection.