Analog Voltage Divider Programming With Fuse-Locked Reference Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic circuits face challenges in providing a variable and safely settable reference voltage within defined limits, especially for safety-relevant components, as current solutions either lack variability or complicate approval procedures due to software programmability.
Innovation Solution
An analog circuit arrangement featuring a non-inverting adder with a voltage divider having a parallel circuit of resistors connected to overcurrent protection devices, where fuses can be deliberately blown to change the total resistance and voltage, with a locking mechanism to prevent further changes once set.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital circuit solutions or digitally programmable analog IC devices are used to set reference voltage, then the voltage can be variably adjusted to specific values, but approval procedures at VDE and UL become difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces digital/software-based voltage setting with a purely analog circuit implementation using a voltage divider and adder. The voltage is set by physical resistor values rather than digital programming, eliminating the need for software and making the circuit compatible with safety approvals while maintaining variable voltage setting capability through hardware configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage setting function is segmented into multiple independent resistor stages in the voltage divider circuit. Each stage can be independently configured with different resistor values to achieve different voltage settings, allowing variable voltage adjustment through hardware composition rather than digital control.
2Device complexity
If a simple voltage divider is used on the printed circuit board to implement reference voltage, then the circuit is simple, but the reference voltage can no longer be variably adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage divider is divided into multiple stages with selectable resistor combinations. This segmentation allows the circuit to maintain simplicity while enabling variable voltage adjustment by selecting different resistor pairs in each stage, combining the benefits of simple implementation with flexible voltage setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The analog circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides a stable reference voltage like a simple voltage divider, while also enabling variable voltage setting through selectable resistor configurations, and maintaining compatibility with safety approvals by being purely analog without digital programming.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fuses are used to deliberately interrupt conduction paths for voltage setting, then the voltage can be permanently set and locked, but the circuit requires additional overcurrent protection devices
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse serves dual purposes: it provides overcurrent protection for the circuit while simultaneously acting as the voltage setting mechanism. When a fuse is deliberately blown to interrupt a conduction path, it permanently sets the voltage by excluding certain resistor combinations from the voltage divider, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing overall circuit complexity.
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
Enables safe and variable setting of a reference voltage within defined limits, ensuring it cannot be altered post-setting, thereby simplifying compliance with safety standards and approval procedures.
Implementation Method 1
At least one stage comprises a parallel circuit of n resistors that are each connected in series in a conduction path to an overcurrent protection device. At least one device actively changes one or more of the overcurrent protection devices into a state that interrupts the respective affected conduction path by a deliberately initiated overcurrent.
Data Source
AI summary
An analog circuit arrangement (1) to variably set a voltage Uout, within defined voltage limits, has a non-inverting adder (10) with a positive input (11). A voltage divider (20), with at least a first stage (21) and a second stage (22), is connected to the positive input (11) of the adder (10). At least one stage has a parallel circuit of n resistors (R1, R2, . . . , Rn) that are each connected in series in a conduction path (L1, L2, . . . , Ln) to an overcurrent protection device (F1, F2, . . . , Fn). At least one device (30) actively changes one or more of the overcurrent protection devices (F1, F2, . . . , Fn) into a state that interrupts the respective affected conduction path (L1, L2, . . . , Ln).