Field Device Power Circuit Using Buffer Voltage Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices in automation engineering face challenges in efficiently utilizing limited energy supplies, leading to mismatched power consumption estimates due to unknown power states of individual components, especially in devices with high energy requirements like microwave or ultrasound fill level measuring devices.
Innovation Solution
The field device electronics incorporate a series regulator, shunt regulator, parallel capacitance for energy storage, a supply circuit with a clocked DC/DC converter, and a control/evaluation unit that registers buffer voltage and makes decisions based on it to manage energy distribution and component operation, including a comparison circuit to assess transverse current and control module activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a two-wire cable with series regulator and shunt regulator is used for energy supply and signal transmission, then the field device can operate with limited energy input, but the power consumption estimates become inaccurate due to unknown power states of individual components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the actual power consumption of individual components and compares it with estimated values. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts power distribution and updates power state estimates, thereby resolving the contradiction between limited energy supply and accurate power measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The field device electronics perform self-diagnosis and self-regulation by automatically monitoring their own power consumption states. The control unit assesses the actual power states of components and adjusts the power distribution without external intervention, enabling accurate power measurement and efficient energy utilization simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If measuring devices with high energy requirements (microwave or ultrasound) are integrated into field devices, then the measurement capability is enhanced, but the available energy from the two-wire cable becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the control unit continuously monitors energy availability and measurement demands. The system dynamically adjusts the power distribution to high-energy components like microwave or ultrasound devices based on actual energy states, enabling these measurement devices to operate effectively within limited energy constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of high-energy measuring devices based on available energy. The control unit adjusts power consumption levels, duty cycles, or operational modes of microwave or ultrasound devices to match the energy supply capacity of the two-wire cable, thereby maintaining measurement capability while adapting to energy constraints.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the control unit continuously monitors power states of all components to improve energy management, then energy distribution accuracy is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power monitoring function into modular components, with each component having its own power state indicator. The control unit interacts with these modular indicators rather than continuously monitoring all components in detail, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accurate energy distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements (such as power state indicators or sensors) between the control unit and individual components. These intermediaries provide simplified power state information to the control unit, enabling accurate energy management without requiring the control unit to directly and continuously monitor all component states, thus reducing complexity.
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 enables efficient energy management, allowing for dynamic power allocation and component control, ensuring reliable operation even under limited energy conditions by accurately determining the charge status and power distribution within the field device electronics.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitance connected in parallel with the shunt regulator for energy storage
Implementation Method 2
a series regulator to set an electrical input current suppliable to the field device electronics via the cable
Implementation Method 3
a shunt regulator following the series regulator and installed in a transverse branch connecting the supply conductor with a return conductor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a field device electronics for a field device of automation engineering, comprising: first and second terminals for connecting the field device electronics to a cable for an electrical input current to the field device electronics; a series regulator to set the input current; a shunt regulator following the series regulator; a first capacitance connected in parallel with the shunt regulator for energy storage; a supply circuit connected in parallel with the shunt regulator and the first capacitance for providing an operating voltage; and connected after the supply circuit and supplied by the operating voltage, a control unit adapted to register a buffer voltage lying across the first capacitance, based on the registered buffer voltage, to make a decision concerning at least one part of the field device electronics.