Galvanic Isolation Transmission Unit for Explosive Areas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for galvanic isolation in explosive areas are complex and costly, requiring significant space and components for bidirectional energy and data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A transmission unit is used between the first and second electronic units, which modulates electrical energy to transmit data by controlling the frequency, allowing for bidirectional data transfer without the need for additional components, using techniques like frequency modulation for digital data transmission and current modulation for information transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional galvanic isolation with separate transformers and optocouplers is used for bidirectional energy and data transmission, then reliable isolation is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegalvanic isolation reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of energy transmission and bidirectional data transmission into a single transformer component. The transformer's primary winding transmits energy while also carrying modulated data signals, eliminating the need for separate optocouplers and additional transformers that would otherwise be required for isolated bidirectional communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides galvanic isolation, transmits electrical energy to power the sensor unit, and enables bidirectional data transmission through frequency modulation of the primary winding current. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate components are used for energy transmission and bidirectional data transmission across galvanic isolation, then transmission reliability is maintained, but space requirements and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission unit area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges energy transmission and data transmission paths into a single transformer component. The primary winding serves dual purposes: delivering power to the secondary side and carrying frequency-modulated data signals, thereby eliminating the space required for separate optocouplers and additional isolation components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses frequency modulation of the transformer's primary winding current to encode data signals. By varying the frequency of the energy transmission current, digital information is embedded in the power signal itself, allowing data transmission without requiring separate communication channels or additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If frequency modulation is used to transmit data through the primary winding, then component requirements are reduced, but data transmission precision must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent quantityVSAvoiddata transmission precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent encodes binary data by modulating the frequency of the current through the transformer's primary winding. Different frequencies represent different binary states (0 or 1), allowing digital data transmission through the power supply line. The evaluation unit detects these frequency variations to reconstruct the transmitted data, maintaining precision without requiring additional communication components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach reduces space and cost requirements while maintaining effective galvanic isolation, enabling efficient energy and data transmission in explosive environments.

Implementation Method 1

The electrical energy is transmitted via a two-wire connection that has a transformer as galvanic isolation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the transmission unit transmits data from the first electronics unit to the second electronics unit by controlling the frequency of the transmission of the electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 3

the transmission unit transmits data from the second electronics unit to the first electronics unit by the transmission unit modulating the current that the second electronics unit taps from the first electronics unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCurrent modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP2087318B1System for determining and/or monitoring at least one process quantity
Publication Date: 2014.06.11 ENDRESS & HAUSER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2087318B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2087318B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for determining and/or monitoring at least one process quantity, with at least one first electronics unit (1) and at least one second electronics unit (2). According to the invention, at least one transmission unit (3) is provided, the transmission unit (3) is arranged between the first electronics unit (1) and the second electronics unit (2), and the transmission unit (3) is constructed in such a way that the transmission unit (3) transmits electrical energy and data between the first electronics unit (1) and the second electronics unit (2).