Ballast Voltage Evaluation Circuit for Luminous Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to accurately differentiate between DC and AC supply voltages and do not effectively analyze voltage parameters such as polarity, frequency, and modulated information, limiting the evaluation of supply voltage for light source operating devices.
Innovation Solution
A circuit with separate measuring circuits and an analysis circuit using AD converters to evaluate and analyze voltage components, identifying the type of voltage and calculating additional characteristics like overvoltage and amplitude, with adaptive measurement windows and threshold-based detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bridge rectifier is used in emergency operation mode, then the device can operate with different supply voltage types, but exact differentiation of DC and AC voltage types is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage evaluation into two separate measuring circuits: one for detecting positive voltage components and another for negative voltage components. By segmenting the measurement function and comparing outputs from both circuits, the system can precisely differentiate between AC, pulsating DC, and constant DC voltage types, resolving the inability to accurately distinguish voltage types while maintaining adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If separate measuring circuits with AD converters are added to analyze voltage components, then precise voltage parameter detection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the analysis circuit to perform multiple evaluation functions using a unified approach: it detects voltage type, measures amplitude, determines frequency, and identifies polarity reversal all through the same measuring circuits and analysis architecture. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to implementing separate dedicated circuits for each measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary analysis circuit that processes signals from the measuring circuits before final evaluation. This intermediary layer standardizes the signal processing and enables precise detection of multiple voltage parameters simultaneously, achieving high measurement precision while managing circuit complexity through modular design.
3Measurement precision
If the analysis circuit uses adaptive measurement windows based on voltage frequency, then measurement accuracy improves, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic measurement windows that automatically adjust their duration based on the detected voltage frequency. For higher frequencies, shorter measurement windows are used, while lower frequencies trigger longer windows. This dynamic adaptation ensures accurate measurements across different voltage conditions while minimizing unnecessary processing time, directly addressing the trade-off between precision and speed.
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 precise identification and analysis of supply voltage types, including AC, pulsating DC, and constant DC, allowing for effective voltage parameter detection and modulation analysis, enhancing the evaluation of supply voltage for lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
with rectifying means for the voltage present, the rectifying means being designed in such a way that they split the voltage present into a positive and a negative voltage component
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a ballast operating device for luminous elements, comprising separate measuring circuits (M1, M2) in order to break down a voltage (Vmains) rectified by a rectifying means into a positive voltage component and a negative voltage component, wherein the voltage (Vmains) can be, for example, an alternating voltage, a pulsing direct voltage, or a constant direct voltage, an evaluating circuit, which evaluates the voltage components (Vac/dc) of the two measuring circuits (M1, M2) in order to identify the type of the applied voltage, and an analyzing circuit, which analyzes the voltage components (Vac/dc) by means of an AD converter and calculates additional characteristics of the voltage (Vmains), such as the presence of an overvoltage, in particular due to reverse polarity, an amplitude value, an average of the voltage (Vmains), and/or a piece of information modulated upon the voltage.