Fault-managed power via single-pair Ethernet safety protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fault-managed power systems in industrial automation environments face limitations in safety and voltage delivery, particularly with traditional power systems requiring professional installation and conduit for low-voltage cabling.
Innovation Solution
A fault-managed power system utilizing single-pair Ethernet cabling to transmit unpulsed fault-managed power from a transmitter to a receiver, incorporating built-in safety mechanisms to detect line-to-line and line-to-ground faults, and allowing for continuous power delivery and data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional power systems are used to deliver power to industrial automation devices, then power delivery is achieved, but installation complexity increases and safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using a single-pair Ethernet cable to simultaneously perform multiple functions: transmitting data, providing power delivery, and implementing fault management. This eliminates the need for separate conduit installations and professional electrical work, while maintaining safety through integrated monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using low-voltage Ethernet infrastructure as a mediator between power sources and industrial automation devices. This intermediary system provides both power and data communication through a standardized, safe platform that doesn't require traditional high-voltage electrical installation.
2Reliability
If fault-managed power is transmitted over low-voltage cabling, then safety is improved, but power delivery capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing continuous monitoring of power transmission parameters through the Ethernet infrastructure. The system monitors current, voltage, and fault conditions in real-time, providing feedback to maintain safe operation while maximizing power delivery capability within the low-voltage constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by operating within the low-voltage parameter regime (450V or less) while optimizing power delivery through controlled current and impedance management. This allows safe power transmission by maintaining voltage parameters within NEC Class 4 limits while delivering sufficient power to industrial automation devices.
3Reliability
If pulsed fault-managed power is transmitted to allow receiver communication, then safety is maintained, but power delivery is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power transmission and data communication functions into a single continuous signal over the same Ethernet infrastructure. By combining these functions, the system eliminates the need for pulsed power transmission, allowing uninterrupted power delivery while maintaining communication capabilities through the integrated low-voltage platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by transmitting fault-managed power as a continuous signal rather than in pulses. This continuous transmission maintains constant power delivery to the receiver while safety monitoring and communication functions operate simultaneously through the same infrastructure without interrupting the power flow.
4Reliability
If separate communication infrastructure is used for power management, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the low-voltage Ethernet infrastructure to simultaneously handle data communication and power management functions. This universal platform eliminates the need for separate communication infrastructure, reducing system complexity while maintaining communication reliability through the standardized Ethernet protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to fault-managed power, and particularly, to generating fault-managed power in an industrial automation environment using single-pair Ethernet cabling. A fault-managed power system may include transmitter circuitry and receiver circuitry coupled together via a transmission link formed using single-pair Ethernet cable. The transmitter circuitry can generate a fault-managed power based on power from a power source and transmit an unpulsed signal, including the fault-managed power, to the receiver circuitry via the transmission link. The receiver circuitry can identify an expected power consumption of one or more loads coupled to the receiver circuitry and provide an indication of the expected power consumption to the transmitter circuitry. The transmitter circuitry can detect a fault based on a comparison between the transmitted fault-managed power and the power consumption and terminate transmission of the fault-managed power in response to detecting the fault.