Building sensor with self-configuring analog output circuit with fault detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building sensors often face compatibility issues with building controllers due to differences in analog output types, leading to installation mistakes and increased product diversity, as sensors must be designed to accommodate both voltage and current inputs, resulting in duplicative outputs and higher chances of wiring errors.
Innovation Solution
A self-configuring analog output circuit in building sensors that detects the input impedance of an external device to determine whether to generate an analog current or voltage output, allowing a single sensor to adapt to either type of input, thereby reducing the need for multiple product versions and minimizing installation errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If building sensors include separate duplicative current and voltage inputs/outputs to accommodate different controller types, then compatibility with various building controllers is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The building sensor is designed with a single analog output that can function as either a current source or voltage source based on the input impedance of the connected building controller. The sensor automatically detects the controller type and configures its output accordingly, eliminating the need for separate duplicative current and voltage output circuits while maintaining compatibility with both current-input and voltage-input controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor changes its output parameter (current or voltage) based on the detected input impedance of the building controller. By monitoring the feedback voltage across the output terminals and comparing it to expected impedance values, the sensor dynamically adjusts its output mode to match the connected controller, thereby achieving universal compatibility without requiring multiple fixed-output versions.
2Device complexity
If building sensors are designed with fixed current or voltage outputs, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different building controller inputs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The building sensor performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the input type of the connected building controller through impedance measurement. The sensor monitors the feedback voltage at its output terminals and uses this information to determine whether to operate as a current source or voltage source, thereby adapting to the specific controller without requiring manual configuration or external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor uses the feedback voltage from the building controller as an indicator of the controller's input type. By measuring the voltage across its output terminals and comparing it to expected values based on known impedance characteristics of current-input versus voltage-input controllers, the sensor determines the appropriate output mode and adjusts its operation accordingly, enabling automatic adaptation to different controller types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple product versions with different output types are manufactured, then compatibility with various controllers is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing separate product versions for current-output and voltage-output sensors, the invention implements a single universal sensor design that can operate in both modes. The sensor includes circuitry that detects the building controller input type and automatically configures its output accordingly, allowing one product design to replace multiple specialized versions and thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining full compatibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate duplicative outputs are provided for current and voltage, then compatibility is improved, but installation errors increase due to wiring complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor automatically identifies the correct wiring configuration by measuring the feedback voltage from the building controller. Regardless of whether the controller expects current or voltage input, the sensor detects the controller type through impedance measurement and configures its output accordingly, eliminating the need for installers to pre-determine or manually configure the output type and thereby reducing wiring errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback voltage from the building controller serves as a diagnostic signal that enables the sensor to verify proper connection and determine the controller input type. By monitoring this feedback signal, the sensor can detect mismatches or improper wiring and automatically adjust its output mode, providing a self-correcting mechanism that reduces installation errors even when wiring variations occur.
Data Source
AI summary
An environmental building sensor, the environmental building sensor including a sensing device configured to measure an environmental condition of a building, an output connection between one or more circuits of the environmental building sensor and an external device, the output connection connected to an input impedance of the external device, and one or more circuits. The one or more circuits are configured to detect a feedback voltage, the feedback voltage based on the input impedance, determine, based on the feedback voltage, whether the external device is configured to receive an analog current input or an analog voltage input from the environmental building sensor, and generate the analog current input or the analog voltage input based on the environmental condition measured by the sensing device and provide the analog current input or the analog voltage input to the external device via the output connection.