Power Converter Diagnostic System for Overcurrent Fault Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio systems, particularly in vehicles, face challenges in diagnosing the specific nature of faults leading to overcurrent events, as existing fault detection methods often fail to provide sufficient information to determine the cause of such events.
Innovation Solution
A power converter system with a diagnostic system that collects and analyzes data on voltages, currents, and temperatures within the system, using a burst mode to measure and analyze signals over multiple cycles, and detects overcurrents, overvoltages, and other anomalies to identify potential problems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If overcurrent protection circuitry is activated to protect against shorts, then system safety is improved, but the specific nature of the fault remains undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary diagnostic measurements of output voltages before the overcurrent protection circuitry activates. By measuring voltages at test points and comparing them against expected ranges, the system captures fault information before the protection mechanism interrupts the circuit, enabling subsequent diagnosis of the specific fault nature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where measured voltage values are compared against predetermined ranges, and the results are used to determine the nature of the fault. This feedback loop allows the system to not only detect but also diagnose the specific type of fault condition that triggered the overcurrent protection.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are taken over multiple cycles in burst mode, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic measurement cycles where multiple voltage measurements are taken at predetermined intervals during burst mode operation. By periodically sampling the output voltages across multiple cycles and analyzing the pattern of measurements, the system achieves higher diagnostic accuracy while managing the time investment through structured periodic sampling rather than continuous measurement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A power converter system that includes a diagnostic system is presented. One example of a power converter system is an audio amplifier system, such as a switch mode amplifier. The diagnostic system in the power converter may collect data indicative of signals in the power converter system and analyze the collected data. The collection and analysis of the data may be user defined (such as multiple measurements taken over a predetermined period) or may be defined by operation of the power converter system (such as an overcurrent or voltage clipping in the power converter system). The analysis of the collected data may be used to determine one or more potential problems in the power converter system, and to modify operation of the power converter system.