Bus Interface Voltage Regulation Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bus connections for field devices in process automation experience significant electrical losses due to the use of full bus voltage, which is inefficient and results in heat conversion when bus voltages exceed the minimum required level.
Innovation Solution
A bus connection circuit that utilizes a controllable resistor and switching means to regulate the input voltage to the minimum necessary supply voltage, along with an operational amplifier and Z-diodes to manage the supply voltage, reducing electrical losses and allowing for efficient use of the field device's functional units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the full bus voltage is used to supply the field device, then the field device can operate with sufficient voltage headroom, but significant electrical losses occur and heat is generated when bus voltages exceed the minimum required level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage regulation circuit adaptive to the bus voltage level. The controllable resistor and switching means dynamically adjust the voltage drop based on the actual bus voltage, allowing the circuit to optimize power delivery in real-time rather than using a fixed voltage drop configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage regulation parameter by introducing a controllable resistor whose resistance value can be adjusted based on bus voltage conditions. This allows the system to change the voltage drop parameter dynamically, ensuring minimal electrical losses while maintaining proper operation of the field device.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a voltage regulation circuit is added to reduce electrical losses, then power efficiency improves, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary voltage regulation circuit between the bus and the field device. This intermediary circuit, consisting of a controllable resistor and switching means, acts as a mediator that optimizes power delivery by adjusting the voltage drop based on actual bus voltage conditions, thereby improving power efficiency without requiring complex regulation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulation circuit is designed to be self-regulating by using the bus voltage itself as the control signal. The switching means and controllable resistor automatically adjust the voltage drop based on the detected bus voltage level, eliminating the need for external control signals or complex regulation logic.
3Loss of energy
If the bus voltage is reduced to the minimum necessary level, then electrical losses are minimized, but the available voltage headroom for signal modulation and internal circuitry is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by introducing a controllable resistor that can be adjusted to provide just the right amount of voltage drop. This allows the system to use only the necessary voltage headroom for signal modulation and internal circuitry, rather than providing excessive voltage that would result in significant power losses.
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 solution minimizes electrical losses by using only the necessary supply voltage, enhancing the variability and efficiency of field device functional units, particularly in measuring devices, while reducing construction costs and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a controllable resistor for generating a further operating voltage as well as switching means which activate the controllable resistor as a function of the bus voltage in such a way that the input voltage of the switching circuit is regulated to its minimum necessary supply voltage
Implementation Method 2
an operational amplifier and Z-diodes to manage the supply voltage, reducing electrical losses and allowing for efficient use of the field device's functional units
Data Source
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AI summary
The connection has a circuit (5) for sending and receiving databus signals (RxD, TxD, RTS) and for generating a regulated operating voltage (Ua1). A controllable resistor e.g. bipolar transistor or FET, generates an additional operating voltage. A circuitry unit controls the controllable resistor as a function of a bus voltage (Ubus) such that an input voltage (Ue) of the circuit is regulated with a minimum required power supply voltage. The sum of the regulated operating voltage and the additional operating voltage is supplied to a field device (2) as a power supply voltage.