Bus Current Limiting for Signal Interference Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bus systems face limitations in connecting a large number of bus devices due to interference between power supply and data signals, and the need for large and expensive input transformers, which restrict the maximum number of bus subscribers and can cause data transmission issues during voltage changes.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that dynamically limit the maximum bus current based on the current source, load conditions, and temperature, using a controllable current source and feedback mechanisms to prevent overshoots and ensure stable operation, allowing more bus devices to be connected without compromising functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an input transformer is used to separate power supply and data signals, then interference between power and data is reduced, but the device becomes larger, more expensive, and has higher inductive load which limits the maximum number of bus participants

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interference preventionVSAvoidtransformer size and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the transformer component from the bus device architecture and replaces it with a common-mode choke. This substitution removes the problematic inductive load while maintaining the essential function of separating power and data signals. The common-mode choke provides isolation without the size, cost, and performance limitations of traditional input transformers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the isolation element by using a common-mode choke with specific inductance values (e.g., 100 μH to 10 mH) that are optimized for the bus system rather than using a large input transformer. This parameter optimization reduces the inductive load on the bus while maintaining signal separation, allowing more bus devices to be connected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the bus current is increased to supply more bus devices, then the capacity of the bus system increases, but voltage drops and instability occur during data transmission and load changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebus system capacityVSAvoidvoltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a control unit that continuously monitors the bus voltage and adjusts the power supply current accordingly. When voltage drops are detected during data transmission or load changes, the control unit increases the current to compensate. This feedback mechanism maintains voltage stability while allowing the bus system to support more devices and higher data rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the power supply current dynamic rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the current in real-time based on bus conditions, increasing current during data transmission when voltage drops occur and reducing it when conditions are stable. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain stability across varying loads and transmission conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of stationary object

If switching occurs during data transmission to recharge the capacitor, then the capacitor can be recharged, but the current changes rapidly which negatively affects data transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitor charge maintenanceVSAvoiddata transmission quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares the power supply and control system in advance to handle capacitor recharging needs. The control unit anticipates when capacitor recharging will be needed and adjusts the power supply current proactively, preventing rapid current changes during actual switching events. This preliminary preparation ensures that data transmission is not disrupted by sudden current variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach enables a higher number of bus devices to be connected while maintaining system stability, preventing data transmission interference and reducing the need for oversized power supplies, thereby increasing the capacity of the bus system with the same voltage supply.

Implementation Method 1

A current source 24, across which a voltage U DIF drops, and a switch 26 are connected in series. The current I BUS is converted by the current source to the current I SP.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical current conversion with controlled time derivative:

Implementation Method 2

A junction 28 is provided downstream of the switch 26, which is connected to another junction 29 via a capacitor C, thus connecting it in parallel to inputs 22 and 23.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

To initiate an increase in ISP, an operational amplifier 34 is provided. Its negative input is connected to the output terminal 30, where UVSP is present. The positive input of the operational amplifier 34 is connected to a terminal 36, where a reference voltage VREF is present.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOperational amplification:

Data Source

PatentEP2190094B1Method for providing electricity to the consumer in a bus and preswitching device
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG
  • EP2190094B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2190094B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2190094B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The method involves limiting the maximum current intensity of a bus current (I-BUS) to a value by a current source (40). The value is dependent on the current intensity of a current source stream (I-SP), load current intensity, a load voltage (U-VSP), a temperature (T) and a time derivative. The temperature is measured in bus device. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a switching device for bus device; and (2) a bus system with a system.