Converter Output Current Measurement With Delta-Sigma Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for analog-to-digital conversion of converter output current signals face challenges in achieving high temporal resolution for measurement duration synchronization, leading to coarse time quantization and limited synchronization quality, especially in industrial control loops where precise synchronization is required.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a delta-sigma modulator to convert analog signals into a one-bit data stream, which is then processed by a digital filter with a series of integrators to produce a high-resolution digital representation of the signal, allowing for precise control of measurement duration and synchronization without the need for differentiators or decimation filters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a low-pass filter with long time duration TD is used to achieve sufficient filtering effect, then filtering quality is improved, but temporal resolution of measurement duration is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering qualityVSAvoidtemporal resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the filtering process into two distinct stages: a first digital filter (low-pass filter) that performs analog-to-digital conversion and initial filtering, and a second digital filter that performs precise temporal measurement and synchronization. This segmentation allows each filter to optimize its function without compromising the other - the first filter ensures sufficient filtering quality while the second filter achieves high temporal resolution for measurement duration determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If coarse temporal quantization TD is used for synchronization, then device complexity is reduced, but synchronization quality is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization mechanism complexityVSAvoidsynchronization quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the synchronization function between two digital filters. The first digital filter handles the coarse temporal quantization with period TD for basic synchronization, while the second digital filter introduces fine temporal quantization with period TS for precise synchronization. This segmentation enables high synchronization quality without requiring complete redesign of the entire system, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the temporal quantization period dynamic by allowing the second digital filter to operate with a variable period TS that is shorter than TD. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to achieve fine temporal resolution for synchronization when needed, while maintaining the simpler coarse quantization structure for basic operations, thus balancing complexity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If measurement duration is set in whole multiples of TD, then filtering effect is ensured, but flexibility in setting start and end points is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering effectVSAvoidmeasurement interval flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement interval definition into two components: the first digital filter ensures filtering effect through processing in multiples of TD, while the second digital filter enables flexible start and end point definition using fine temporal quantization TS. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable filtering while achieving adaptable measurement interval configuration for different application requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2471181B1Method for processing a measurement signal representing a value determined in an analogue way for the output current of a converter and device for carrying out the method
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2471181B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2471181B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2471181B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for processing a measured-value signal representing a value, determined in analog form, for the output current of a converter, and device for carrying out the method, the measured-value signals acquired by a sensor, especially including a shunt resistor, being supplied to a respective processing channel that has at least one delta-sigma modulator.