Integrated Circuit for Energy-Converting Terminal Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy-converting terminal designs are inefficient due to separate components that restrict diagnostic capabilities, require costly electronics for local intelligence, and occupy significant space, making them costly and difficult to install.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a network connection, communication unit, logic unit, sensor unit, and power section into an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) enables data transmission over power lines, providing local intelligence and reducing installation costs and physical volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate components (network connection, communication unit, logic unit, sensors, power section) are used, then the system can perform data transmission and control functions, but the physical volume and installation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (network connection, communication unit, logic unit, sensor unit, and power section) into a single integrated circuit. This merging eliminates the need for separate physical components and their associated wiring, directly reducing physical volume and simplifying installation while maintaining all required functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used with proprietary communication standards, then real-time control is achieved, but the system requires costly electronics and central control devices
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit incorporates local intelligence directly at the terminal, enabling self-logging on, self-diagnosis, and autonomous control decisions. This eliminates the requirement for costly central control devices and proprietary communication infrastructure, as each terminal can independently process and respond to control commands while maintaining adaptability through integrated sensors and logic.
3Volume of moving object
If multi-chip modules are used for integrated design, then space is reduced, but sensor systems and logic are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is designed as a universal platform that incorporates multiple functional blocks: network connection for data transmission, communication unit for protocol handling, logic unit for control algorithms, sensor unit for monitoring, and power section for energy management. This multi-functional design provides both space reduction and complete functionality, including the missing sensor systems and logic of previous multi-chip solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connecting an energy-converting terminal to an electric power supply network and for exchanging data via the power supply network, a network connection for connecting to the power supply network, a communications unit for receiving and sending data over the power supply network, a logic unit for controlling the data exchange and for controlling or regulating the power of the energy-converting terminal, sensors and an associated signal processing unit for monitoring the energy-converting terminal, as well as a power section for controlling the energy flow to the energy-converting terminal are provided. The network connection, the communications unit, the logic unit, a sensor unit having sensors and the signal processing unit associated with the sensors and the power section are combined in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). A corresponding method is also described.