Galvanic Isolation Testing Device Using AC Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing testing technologies cannot effectively test the continuity of vehicle bus systems with galvanic separation, as standard DC testing methods result in short circuits, preventing accurate assessment of electric connections.
Innovation Solution
A testing device and method using an AC test signal applied to one phase line of the vehicle bus system, with all other phase lines connected to a reference potential, allowing for rectification and indication of connectivity through a separate receiving unit, which avoids short circuits and provides robust testing results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard DC testing methods are used to test continuity of vehicle bus lines, then testing can be performed using conventional technologies, but short circuits occur when galvanic separation (transformer) is present in the connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the testing parameter from DC voltage to AC voltage. The AC test signal allows current to flow through the transformer coupling, enabling continuity testing without causing short circuits. The AC signal passes through the galvanic separation barrier that blocks DC signals, thus resolving the contradiction between testing accuracy and avoiding short circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of testing with DC signals as conventionally done, the patent inverts the approach by using AC signals. This inversion allows the test current to flow through the transformer coupling in the galvanically separated connection, enabling successful continuity testing without creating short circuit conditions that occur with DC testing.
2Reliability
If AC test signal is applied to test connections with galvanic separation, then accurate testing of transformed connections is enabled, but additional testing equipment and AC signal generation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device is designed to be universally applicable to both galvanically separated and non-separated connections. The AC test signal generation and measurement functionality serves multiple purposes: it can test continuity in transformed connections, untransformed connections, and can identify connection faults. This multi-functionality justifies the added equipment complexity by providing comprehensive testing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an AC signal as an intermediary that mediates between the test equipment and the galvanically separated connection. The AC signal acts as a carrier that can pass through the transformer coupling, enabling the testing device to communicate with and measure continuity in connections that would otherwise be inaccessible to DC testing methods.
3Productivity
If all phase lines are tested simultaneously, then testing efficiency is improved, but interference between phase lines may occur affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The testing process is segmented into individual phase line measurements. The system sequentially tests each phase line against the common reference potential rather than attempting to measure all phase lines simultaneously. This segmentation eliminates interference between phase lines while maintaining testing efficiency through automated sequential measurement and clear indication of results for each line.
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 accurate and robust testing of electric connections with galvanic separation, such as those involving transformers, even after final assembly, with simple and cost-effective off-the-shelf components, ensuring high-quality testing results.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the test signal applied to a first end of the electric connection is rectified at another end of the electric connection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a testing device for testing an electric connectivity of an electric connection, in particular an electric connection comprising a galvanic separation, wherein the connection comprises at least a first phase line and a reference line, wherein the testing device comprises a transmitting unit (1) and a receiving unit (2), wherein the transmitting unit (1) is connectable to a signal generator (4) via an input port (5) comprising at least one signal connecting means and one reference connecting means, wherein the signal connecting means of the input port (5) is connected to a signal part (11) of the transmitting unit (1), wherein the reference connecting means of the input port (5) is connected to a reference part (12) of the transmitting unit (1), wherein the transmitting unit (1) is connectable to the electric connection via an output port (6) comprising at least one signal connecting means and one reference connecting means, wherein the signal connecting means of the output port (6) is connectable to the first phase line, wherein the reference connecting means of the output port (6) is connectable to the reference line, wherein the signal connecting means of the output port (6) is connectable to the signal part (11) and the reference connecting means of the output port (6) is connected to the reference part (12), wherein the receiving unit (2) comprises an input port (9), at least a first rectifying means and at least a first signal indication means, wherein the receiving unit (2) is connectable to the electric connection via the input port (9) comprising at least one signal connecting means and one reference connecting means, wherein the signal connecting means of the input port (9) is connectable to the first phase line, wherein the reference connecting means of the input port (9) is connectable to the reference line, wherein the signal connecting means of the input port (9) is connected to the reference connecting means of the input port (9) via a first series connection, wherein the first series connection comprises at least the first rectifying means and the first signal indication means.