Fault Insertion Circuit for High-Bandwidth Bus Overvoltage Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing error introduction units for HIL simulators cannot safely apply error voltages greater than the maximum voltage designed for bus or network interfaces without risking damage to the interfaces, especially in systems with higher bandwidths like Ethernet, due to the disruptive nature of conventional protective circuitry.
Innovation Solution
The protective circuit is relocated to the error introduction unit, where it is only activated during fault conditions, and can be selectively configured for different bus or network interfaces, ensuring that error voltages are within safe limits for the connected interface, and a switching device disconnects the interface before applying error voltages to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fault voltages greater than the maximum voltage are applied to the object to be tested, then fault simulation capability is improved, but the bus or network interface may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A protection circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the fault introduction unit and the bus/network interface. This protection circuit acts as a mediator that allows high voltage fault signals to be applied to the object under test while simultaneously protecting the bus interface from damage by limiting or clamping the voltage to safe levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional blocks: a fault introduction unit for generating high voltage fault conditions, a protection circuit for voltage limitation, and a bus/network interface for communication. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while isolating the vulnerable bus interface from damaging voltages.
2Reliability
If protection circuits are integrated into the bus or network interface, then interface protection is improved, but signal integrity may be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit serves as an intermediary that is optimally positioned between the fault introduction unit and the bus interface. It provides protection while being designed to minimize signal degradation, acting as a buffer that isolates the sensitive bus interface from both voltage spikes and signal distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection circuit implements localized protection only where needed - at the input stage before signals enter the bus interface. This localized approach protects the interface from voltage damage while minimizing the impact on signal integrity by not introducing protective elements throughout the entire signal path.
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
This solution allows for the safe application of error voltages beyond the maximum interface voltage without damaging the bus or network interfaces, improving signal integrity and reducing production costs by only installing protection where needed, and enabling universal use across various interface types.
Implementation Method 1
a protection circuit which protects a bus or network interface connected to the fault introduction unit from voltages that are greater than the maximum voltage for which the bus or network interface is designed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a fault introduction unit (1) for connection to an object (3) to be tested which is connected to a bus or network interface (2), wherein the object (3) to be tested can be subjected to fault voltages by means of the fault introduction unit (1) which are greater than the maximum voltage for which the bus or network interface (2) is designed, with a protection circuit (4) which protects a bus or network interface (2) connected to the fault introduction unit (1) from voltages which are greater than the maximum voltage for which the bus or network interface (2) is designed. This provides a way to use fault introduction units (1) even in systems that operate with high-bandwidth buses without the risk of bus or network interfaces (2) being damaged due to overvoltages.