Network Fieldbus Power Supply Voltage Adaptor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bus network systems face limitations in maintaining consistent power supply voltage levels, especially when dealing with varying input voltages, which can impact device operation and network reliability, and are often constrained by the compliance of individual network devices, limiting cable length and system flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A network power supply voltage adaptor that regulates input voltage to a constant output level above a threshold, independent of input voltage changes, while allowing unaltered communication signal passage through capacitive coupling or active control circuits, and includes over-voltage protection and thermal protection to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If voltage regulation is applied to maintain constant output voltage, then power supply stability is improved, but communication signal transmission is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor separates the power supply function from the communication signal function by using distinct circuit paths. The voltage regulation circuit processes only the power component while the communication feed-through arrangement handles signal transmission independently, allowing both functions to operate without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication feed-through arrangement acts as an intermediary that allows communication signals to pass through the adaptor unchanged. This intermediary circuit ensures that while voltage regulation is applied to the power supply, communication signals are transmitted without distortion or alteration.
2Length of stationary object
If higher input voltage is used to extend cable length, then cable length is increased, but power supply safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor performs preliminary voltage regulation at its input stage, ensuring that regardless of the input voltage level (whether from extended cable or direct connection), the output voltage is regulated to a safe constant level before being supplied to terminal devices. This preliminary action prevents over-voltage conditions from developing downstream.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulation circuit employs feedback control to continuously monitor the output voltage and adjust the regulation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the output voltage remains within safe limits even when input voltage varies due to extended cable length or different power supply conditions.
3Reliability
If voltage regulation circuitry is added to ensure power stability, then power supply reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is designed to perform multiple functions: voltage regulation, communication signal feed-through, and thermal management. By integrating these functions into a single device with a unified circuit architecture, the overall system complexity is reduced compared to having separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor combines the voltage regulation circuitry and communication feed-through arrangement in a single integrated circuit design. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and interconnections required, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining power supply reliability.
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 longer trunk cable lengths and improved system reliability by maintaining a consistent power supply, reducing reliance on device compliance, and ensuring compliance with safety standards like IEC 60079-11 for intrinsic safety, particularly beneficial in complex bus networks like foundation fieldbus systems.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage reduction is applied by way of a voltage dropper circuitry which can comprise a voltage dropper arranged to provide a linear voltage drop
Implementation Method 2
The feed-through arrangement can include capacitive coupling and/or an active control circuit
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides for a network power-supply voltage adaptor arranged to receive an input voltage (V in) from a network trunk cable and to present an internal voltage derived from the said input voltage (V in), the adaptor being arranged, when at least one of the input voltage (V in) or the said internal voltage is above a reference voltage (Ref V), to regulate the received input voltage (V in) to provide an adaptor output dc power supply voltage (V out) at a substantially constant dc power supply level less than that of the input voltage (V in), and independent of changes in the input voltage level (V in), and the adaptor further comprising at least one communication feed-through loop (55, 56, 66, 68) for the passage of substantially unaltered communications signals through the adaptor.