Configurable Binary Relay Circuits for Flexible I/O Port Reassignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protection devices in electric power systems require separate binary input and output ports, leading to increased complexity and variability in configuration, which complicates manufacturing and customer ordering processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of configurable binary circuits that can function as both binary input and output ports, allowing for software or firmware configuration to adapt to different voltage ranges and configurations, reducing the need for multiple I/O boards and simplifying system design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate binary input and output ports are used in conventional protection devices, then the system can perform dedicated input and output functions, but the device complexity and configuration variability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal binary I/O port that can be configured through software or firmware to function as either a binary input port or a binary output port. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated input and output ports, reducing device complexity and configuration variability while maintaining reliable input/output functions through configurable operation modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple I/O boards are used to accommodate different voltage ranges and configurations, then the system can support diverse applications, but manufacturing and customer ordering processes become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal binary I/O port design that supports multiple voltage ranges (e.g., 24V, 48V, 110V, 220V) and configuration types through software or firmware configuration rather than requiring separate hardware boards for each voltage range. This approach maintains adaptability to diverse applications while significantly simplifying manufacturing processes and customer ordering by eliminating the need to stock and assemble multiple specialized I/O boards.
3Device complexity
If fixed configuration binary ports are used, then the system design is simpler, but the system lacks flexibility for dynamic reconfiguration during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically configurable binary I/O port that can change its function (input or output) and voltage range through software or firmware configuration during system operation. This dynamic capability allows the port to adapt to changing operational requirements without requiring physical reconfiguration or additional hardware, maintaining simple system design while enabling flexible reconfiguration when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Configurable binary circuits for use in electrical power systems may include an input/output port, a binary input subsystem for receiving a binary input signal, a binary output subsystem for transmitting a binary output signal, and a switch subsystem for selecting one of the binary input subsystem or the binary output subsystem for operation. Intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) and associated methods may include one or more configurable binary circuits.