Combined-Signal Converter with Selective Wave Rectification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices require multiple internal transmission channels and controller pins to handle different types of input signals, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in controlling lighting systems, particularly in emergency scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A converter device with a combining circuit that processes both AC and DC control signals, allowing selective full or half rectification based on a DC control signal, and a control circuit to interpret these signals, reducing the need for multiple channels and pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a rectifying circuit fully rectifies both AC control signals to reduce the number of internal transmission channels, then the number of controller pins is reduced, but the ability to distinguish between different control signals is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the rectification mode adjustable rather than fixed. The rectifying circuit can dynamically switch between full-wave rectification mode (for reducing channel complexity) and half-wave rectification mode (for preserving signal distinction). This is achieved through control circuitry that selects the appropriate rectification mode based on the type of control signal being processed, allowing the system to adapt its signal processing behavior to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rectification parameter (full-wave vs half-wave) depending on the control signal type. By adjusting the rectification mode parameter, the system can process mains voltage loss detection signals with full-wave rectification while processing light switch control signals with half-wave rectification, thereby maintaining signal distinction capability while still reducing the number of internal transmission channels compared to having separate dedicated channels for each function.
2Reliability
If the first control signal is fully rectified to enable reliable detection, then detection reliability improves, but the second control signal cannot be distinguished when both are present
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the rectification mode based on which control signal is active. When the first control signal (mains voltage loss detection) needs reliable detection, the system uses full-wave rectification. When the second control signal (light switch control) needs to be distinguished, the system switches to half-wave rectification mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain both high detection reliability and multi-signal processing capability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit periodically evaluates which control signal is present and switches the rectification mode accordingly. This periodic assessment and switching between full-wave and half-wave rectification enables the system to maintain reliable detection when needed while preserving the ability to distinguish different control signals in other periods, thus achieving both objectives through time-multiplexed operation.
3Loss of information
If separate internal transmission channels are used for each control signal type, then signal distinction is maintained, but the number of controller pins and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control signal processing functions into a single internal transmission channel by using a programmable rectifying circuit that can adapt its operation mode. Instead of having separate dedicated channels for mains voltage loss detection and light switch control, the system combines these functions into one channel that can be configured through software to perform full-wave or half-wave rectification as needed, thereby reducing the number of controller pins while maintaining signal distinction capability through firmware control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single internal transmission channel is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of handling both mains voltage loss detection signals and light switch control signals. The rectifying circuit is programmed to automatically or manually switch between full-wave and half-wave rectification modes depending on the signal type, making this single channel as versatile as multiple dedicated channels would be, thus reducing device complexity without sacrificing functionality.
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 efficient interpretation and control of lighting systems using fewer internal transmission channels and controller pins, enhancing flexibility and reliability in emergency lighting operations.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifying circuit configured to generate a combined signal based on the first control signal and the second control signal, wherein the combining circuit controls the rectifying circuit based on the second control signal to selectively fully rectify the first control signal or half rectify the first control signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a converter device for providing a supply voltage and/or current to a lighting means. The converter device (1) comprises a first input terminal (SW), a second input terminal (CF), a combining circuit (13) and a control circuit (14). The first input terminal (SW) is configured to receive a first control signal, which is a switched AC signal, and the second input terminal (CF) is configured to receive a second control signal, which is a switched DC signal or a switched AC signal. The combining circuit (13) comprises a rectifying circuit (D71, D73, D74, D75) configured to generate a combined signal form the first control signal and the second control signal, wherein the combining circuit (13) controls the rectifying circuit (D71, D73, D74, D75) based on the second control signal to selectively fully rectify the first control signal or half rectify the first control signal. The control circuit (14) controls the converter device (1) based on the combined signal.