Alternator Regulator Detection Circuit Using Attenuation and DC Blocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alternator rotation detection circuits are costly, prone to defects, and susceptible to noise interference from DC common mode voltages in automotive systems.
Innovation Solution
A detection circuit that attenuates phase signals from an alternator regulator, using a high input impedance voltage divider circuit and blocking capacitance to reduce voltage levels, allowing for smaller components and improved noise immunity, and compares the attenuated signals to reference voltages to detect alternator rotation frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional detection circuits use two phase signals to reject DC common mode voltage, then immunity to common mode voltage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary function of common mode rejection by using a single phase signal with an attenuated version, rather than requiring two full phase signals. The attenuation circuit removes the harmful DC component while preserving the AC rotation detection capability, simplifying the overall circuit architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an attenuator as an intermediary component between the phase signal source and the detection circuit. This attenuator provides the necessary signal conditioning (DC blocking and level reduction) without requiring the complex differential signaling of conventional approaches.
2Power
If conventional detection circuits use full voltage level phase signals, then signal strength is improved, but component size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage level parameter of the phase signal by introducing an attenuator that reduces the signal amplitude to an optimal range for the detection circuit. This allows the use of smaller components and reduces power consumption while maintaining sufficient signal strength for reliable rotation detection.
3Reliability
If conventional detection circuits are designed for high reliability, then defect resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available components such as simple attenuators using resistors and capacitors, rather than expensive specialized ICs. This approach reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate reliability for automotive applications through proven component selection and simple circuit topology.
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
The solution results in a low-cost, compact, and noise-immune detection circuit capable of effectively detecting alternator rotation states, reducing the size and power consumption of the detection circuit while compensating for DC common mode voltages.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking capacitance operably coupled between the input circuit and the detection component and arranged to block a DC component of the attenuated sense signal
Implementation Method 2
an input circuit arranged to receive a phase signal from an alternator regulator and to output an attenuated sense signal representative of the received phase signal
Data Source
AI summary
A detection circuit for an alternator regulator, and method therefor. The detection circuit comprises an input circuit arranged to receive a phase signal from an alternator regulator and to output an attenuated sense signal representative of the received phase signal, a detection component operably coupled to the input circuit and arranged to receive the attenuated sense signal output by the input circuit, and a blocking capacitance operably coupled between the input circuit and the detection component and arranged to block a DC component of the attenuated sense signal. The detection component is arranged to compare the received attenuated sense signal to at least one reference voltage signal, and to output a signal representative of a frequency of the phase signal from the alternator regulator based at least partly on the comparison of the received attenuated sense signal to the at least one reference voltage signal.