Non-Polarized Bus Flank Detection With Low-Power Differentiator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bus devices connected to non-polarized buses require high power for accurate modulation signal measurement, limiting the number of devices that can be connected without compromising modulation signal integrity.

Innovation Solution

A bus device with a differentiator and bias voltage circuit connected directly to the bus, allowing for low-power operation and high sensitivity measurement, featuring a high-pass filter and comparator to detect modulation signal flanks, and a microcontroller for processing and controlling the signal, while maintaining modulation signal integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a measurement circuit with low input impedance is used to accurately measure the modulation signal after the rectifier circuit, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases and the number of devices that can be coupled to the bus is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodulation signal measurement accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The differentiator is positioned before the rectifier circuit to perform preliminary differentiation of the modulated power signal. This allows the measurement to be performed on the differentiated signal which has better characteristics for high-impedance measurement, thereby enabling accurate measurement without requiring low input impedance that would consume more power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The differentiator acts as an intermediary circuit between the bus and the measurement circuit. It transforms the modulated power signal into a differentiated signal that can be measured with high input impedance, thus bridging the gap between accurate measurement and low power consumption requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a measurement circuit with low input impedance is used to accurately measure the modulation signal, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of devices that can be coupled to the bus is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodulation signal measurement accuracyVSAvoidnumber of devices that can be coupled to the bus

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By performing differentiation before rectification, the measurement circuit can operate with high input impedance, which draws less current from the bus. This allows more devices to be coupled to the bus while maintaining measurement accuracy, thus improving system adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The differentiator serves as an intermediary that enables the measurement circuit to achieve accurate measurements without loading the bus heavily, thereby allowing multiple devices to be connected to the bus simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the differentiator is designed to be directly connected to the bus in front of the rectifier circuit, then power consumption is reduced and measurement sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The differentiator is designed with specific parameter optimizations (high-pass filter configuration, symmetrical design) that enable it to achieve low power consumption and high sensitivity while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized circuit topologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 a large number of bus devices to be connected to a single non-polarized bus with low power consumption and high sensitivity, effectively maintaining modulation signal integrity by using a low-power circuit design and high CMR for interference rejection.

Implementation Method 1

The differentiator is arranged to differentiate the power signal modulated with the modulation signal to detect a flank of the modulation signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferentiation:

Implementation Method 2

a rectifier circuit (160) arranged to rectify the input signal for providing a rectified signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 3

a power supply decoupler (190) arranged for decoupling the rectified signal for extracting power from the bus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower decoupling:

Implementation Method 4

Because of this symmetry, and by providing a bias voltage circuit, a high CMR (Common Mode Rejection) can be obtained for interferences between the primary and secondary

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCommon Mode Rejection:

Data Source

PatentEP2482454B1Device detecting of a signal flank on a bus with unknown polarity

Publication Date: 2013.11.27 NIKO NV

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AI summary

Device for measuring a modulation signal modulated on a power signal on a non-polarized bus designed to be connected to a rectifier circuit of a bus device, comprising a differentiator for differentiating the power signal modulated with the modulation signal, which differentiator is arranged to detect a flank of the modulation signal; a bias voltage circuit for providing a bias voltage; a comparator coupled to the differentiator and the bias voltage circuit in such a way that an output signal is obtained which is representative for the modulation signal and which is suitable for further processing.