Reconfigurable Half-Bridge Amplifier for Portable Electrical Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test devices for electrical components are bulky and heavy due to separate voltage and current amplifiers, which hinders mobility during on-site testing in electrical protection and energy supply networks.
Innovation Solution
A switching unit that connects the first and second half bridges in parallel for high test currents and in series for high test voltages, allowing the same amplifier to function as both a current and voltage amplifier, reducing the number of components and overall size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If separate voltage amplifier and current amplifier are provided in the test device, then the device can output high test voltage and high test current, but the test device becomes bulky and heavy, reducing portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage amplifier and current amplifier into a single integrated amplifier unit. The amplifier can be switched between different operating modes (voltage amplifier mode and current amplifier mode) to provide either high test voltage or high test current as needed. This merging eliminates the need for separate amplifier units, thereby reducing the overall weight and bulk of the test device while maintaining the capability to output both high voltage and high current test signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a switching unit that dynamically reconfigures the amplifier's internal circuit topology between different operating modes. By using switching elements to change the connection configuration of the amplifier stages, the device can adapt its characteristics in real-time to function as either a voltage amplifier or a current amplifier. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single amplifier to replace multiple static amplifier units, reducing weight and improving portability.
2Power
If separate voltage amplifier and current amplifier are provided in the test device, then the device can output high test voltage and high test current, but the device complexity increases due to multiple separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal amplifier architecture that can perform multiple functions through a single unit. The amplifier is capable of operating in different modes (voltage amplification and current amplification) by reconfiguring its internal circuitry. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized amplifier units, thereby simplifying the overall device structure and reducing complexity while maintaining full test signal output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of separate voltage and current amplifiers into a single integrated unit with a unified control system. The switching unit coordinates the operation of different amplifier stages, allowing seamless transition between operating modes. This consolidation reduces the number of independent components and control systems needed, thereby simplifying the device complexity while preserving the ability to output both high voltage and high current test signals.
3Reliability
If robustly dimensioned voltage amplifier and current amplifier are provided, then the device can handle high test voltage and high test current, but the volume and mass of the test device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching to reconfigure the amplifier's internal topology based on the required operating mode. By using switching elements to dynamically change the connection configuration, the amplifier can achieve robust performance for both high voltage and high current applications without requiring permanently oversized components. This dynamic approach allows the same physical hardware to adapt its characteristics, reducing the volume and mass needed compared to having separate robust amplifier units for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the amplifier by reconfiguring its circuit topology through the switching unit. By altering the connection configuration of the amplifier stages, the device can adjust its output characteristics to match the requirements of either voltage amplification or current amplification. This parameter change capability allows a single compact amplifier to replace multiple larger, specialized amplifiers, thereby reducing overall device volume and mass while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
In order to provide a simple and robust voltage amplifier and current amplifier for a test device (10) for testing an electrical component, an amplifier (8) is designed to output a test signal at a signal output between a positive output connection (P) and a negative output connection (N), wherein the amplifier comprises a first half bridge (HB1) and a second half bridge (HB2), wherein a switch unit (7) is provided, which is designed to switch the first half bridge (HB1) and the second half bridge (HB2) in parallel with the signal output in a first operating mode (Mi) and to switch the first half bridge (HB1) and the second half bridge (HB2) in series with the signal output in a second operating mode (Mu).