Self-Tuning Current Transformer With Dynamic ADC Gain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electricity monitoring devices face challenges in providing accurate current measurements across a wide range of current values, often resulting in coarse measurements due to fixed gain settings, which is inadequate for precise revenue-grade reporting.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of self-tuning current monitoring devices that adjust the gain of the analog-digital converter (ADC) based on standard deviation and average current readings, using lookup tables to convert analog readings into digital values with finer granularity, allowing for precise measurement across varying current ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed gain settings are used in ADC, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates across varying current ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic gain adjustment by continuously monitoring the standard deviation of current readings and automatically adjusting the ADC gain setting accordingly. This transforms the static ADC into a dynamic system that adapts its conversion parameters based on real-time signal characteristics, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and variable precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the standard deviation of current readings is calculated and fed back to control the ADC gain selection. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the measurement system automatically optimizes its precision by selecting appropriate gain settings based on the actual current signal variability, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If ADC gain is adjusted dynamically, then measurement precision improves across varying current ranges, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device performs self-adjustment by automatically calculating the standard deviation of current readings and selecting appropriate ADC gain settings without external intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external control systems or manual configuration, achieving high measurement precision through autonomous adaptation to varying current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the ADC conversion parameter (gain setting) based on the calculated standard deviation of current readings. By dynamically adjusting this critical parameter according to signal characteristics, the system maintains optimal measurement precision across different current ranges while using a relatively simple algorithmic approach.
3Measurement precision
If lookup tables with fine granularity are used, then measurement precision improves, but loss of information decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores lookup tables with fine-grained measurement mappings before operation. This preliminary preparation ensures that when measurements are taken, the system can immediately map analog readings to highly precise digital values without real-time computation overhead, preserving measurement detail while maintaining processing efficiency.
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 accurate current measurements with high precision, meeting revenue-grade accuracy standards by dynamically adjusting the ADC gain to match the specific current range, thereby enhancing the granularity of measurement reporting.
Implementation Method 1
a current transformer to conduct a fluctuating magnetic field from a fluctuating flow of electrical current in the monitored energy source
Implementation Method 2
an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to convert the analog reading to a digital value
Data Source
AI summary
An electricity usage monitor may include a coupling component to attach the electricity usage monitor to an electrical circuit to monitor electricity usage of the electrical circuit, an analog-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert analog current readings captured by the electricity usage monitor into digital values, a processor operably coupled to the ADC, and a non-transitory, computer-readable medium operably coupled to the processor and comprising instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations may include determining a standard deviation of the digital values, based on the standard deviation, adjusting a gain of the ADC, and transmitting a signal to a server comprising the digital values.