Dual-Path AD Converter for Reference-Based Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing AD converters cannot recognize abnormalities such as multiplexer failures, wiring issues, or excessive gain and offset errors, which hinders protective operations like operation stop or failure notifications.
Innovation Solution
An AD converter design that includes an analog processing part, selection parts, AD conversion parts, and a digital processing part with filter blocks and an error determination part, using reference voltages to generate corrected digital signals and detect errors based on differences between these signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single AD conversion path is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect abnormalities is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single AD conversion path into two separate conversion paths (first AD conversion part and second AD conversion part), each processing the same analog voltage signal independently. This segmentation enables abnormality detection by comparing results from both paths while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a duplicate AD conversion path (second AD conversion part) that processes the same input signal as the first path. By copying the conversion functionality and comparing outputs, the system gains abnormality detection capability without requiring completely new conversion mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reference voltages are used for correction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple reference voltages (first and second reference voltages) as adjustable parameters in the digital correction process. By changing reference voltage parameters and comparing correction results across different references, the system achieves higher measurement precision while managing complexity through parameter-based rather than hardware-based differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital processing part serves multiple functions: it performs AD conversion result correction using reference voltages, generates correction parameters, and detects abnormalities through comparison. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating these tasks into a single processing unit rather than requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function.
3Manufacturing precision
If correction parameters are generated from reference voltage measurements, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time occurs during calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs correction parameter generation using reference voltages during the manufacturing or initialization phase before actual measurements begin. By completing the time-consuming calibration process in advance, the system achieves high manufacturing precision without incurring time delays during operational measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous monitoring capability by periodically re-evaluating correction parameters using reference voltages during operation. This continuous action ensures precision is maintained over time without requiring complete recalibration, reducing overall time loss while preserving manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
There provided an AD converter that includes an analog processing part configured to select one of the measurement target voltages and a plurality of reference voltages for each channel, to output an analog voltage signal; a first selection part configured to select one of a plurality of analog voltage signals; a first AD conversion part configured to perform AD conversion on the analog voltage signal to generate a first original digital signal; a second selection part configured to select one of the plurality of analog voltage signals; a second AD conversion part configured to perform AD conversion on the analog voltage signal to generate a second original digital signal; a digital processing part configured to receive the first original digital signal and the second original digital signal; and a controller configured to control contents selected in the analog processing part, the first selection part, and the second selection part.