Circuit Breaker ETU Supply With Parallel Regulators for Fast Wake-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit breakers face challenges in providing a cost-effective and efficient energy supply to the electronic trip unit (ETU) that ensures rapid wake-up from an idle state and maintains efficient operation during normal conditions, particularly when transitioning from a sleep phase.
Innovation Solution
A parallel connection of a linear regulator and a switching regulator, with a PowerGood output connected to a Disable input, allows the linear regulator to quickly provide output voltage, which is then deactivated by the switching regulator, minimizing additional components and ensuring seamless transition without external signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a switching regulator is used to supply power to the electronic trip unit, then energy efficiency is improved during normal operation, but the wake-up time from idle state increases due to slower voltage stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is segmented into two distinct regulators: a linear regulator for rapid wake-up and a switching regulator for efficient normal operation. Each regulator handles different operational phases, with the linear regulator activating first to quickly stabilize voltage, then the switching regulator taking over for energy-efficient operation during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two power supply modes based on operational state. During wake-up from idle state, the linear regulator provides fast voltage stabilization. Once stabilized, the system transitions to the switching regulator for efficient power conversion during normal operation, optimizing performance for each phase.
2Loss of time
If a linear regulator is used to supply power to the electronic trip unit, then wake-up speed is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is divided between two specialized regulators: the linear regulator handles the critical wake-up phase where speed is paramount, while the switching regulator handles normal operation where energy efficiency is critical. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between power supply modes. During the initial wake-up phase, the linear regulator operates to quickly establish stable voltage. Once voltage stabilization is achieved, the system transitions to the switching regulator for efficient continuous operation, creating a periodic pattern of regulator activation.
3Reliability
If additional components and control logic are added to manage regulator transitions, then seamless switching between regulators is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service switching where the regulators inherently manage their own activation and deactivation through their electrical characteristics. The linear regulator's natural voltage stabilization property and the switching regulator's PowerGood signal automatically coordinate the transition without requiring complex external control logic or additional managing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The PowerGood signal from the switching regulator acts as an intermediary that automatically triggers the disable input of the linear regulator. This intermediary signal enables seamless transition between regulators by using the switching regulator's own operational status to control the linear regulator, eliminating the need for separate control circuitry.
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
This configuration achieves rapid voltage stabilization with reduced power loss and complexity, enabling efficient energy utilization and quick wake-up of the ETU without the need for additional components or microprocessors.
Implementation Method 1
a linear regulator (33), referred to below as "linear regulator", which quickly provides an output voltage
Implementation Method 2
a switching regulator (34), referred to below as "switching regulator"... which effectively utilizes the (limited) available energy
Implementation Method 3
The switching regulator (34) has a PowerGood output and the linear regulator (33) a Disable input, which are connected to one another
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a circuit breaker (LS) with an electronic trip unit (ETU) and a supply circuit (NT) for supplying power to the electronic trip unit (ETU) from a monitored circuit. In the circuit breaker according to the invention, the supply circuit (NT) is formed with a linear regulator (LDO) and a switching regulator (DCDC). The linear regulator (LDO) and the switching regulator (DCDC) are connected in parallel. The switching regulator (DCDC) has a PowerGood output (PG/SS) and the linear regulator (LDO) has a disable input (SHDN), which are connected to one another. This arrangement is low-complexity and, when setting up a power supply, results in the output voltage being quickly provided by the linear regulator, which is then deactivated via the disable input when the lower-loss switching regulator is able to ensure the power supply.The switching regulator takes over the supply automatically without any additional external elements or signaling.