Inductive Load Simulation with Multi-Stage Converter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current simulation devices for peripheral circuit arrangements, particularly for inductive loads, lack scalability and adaptability, requiring extensive hardware changes to simulate different loads accurately, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A simulation device with a multi-stage converter using semiconductor switches, such as FETs, SiC-JFETs, or IGBTs, that generates a dynamically changeable simulation current based on a model code, allowing for precise simulation of current and voltage curves, and includes a computing unit for real-time execution of the model code to adjust switch control signals for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a controllable voltage source with internal voltage source is used for simulation, then the device can provide voltage output, but it proves insufficient for highly precise simulation applications due to unwanted current superposition and ripple currents
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation device is divided into multiple independent half-bridge circuits (first half-bridge, second half-bridge, etc.), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to selectively activate only the necessary bridges for a given simulation scenario, reducing unwanted current superposition and improving simulation precision by isolating ripple current sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different half-bridge configurations based on the simulation requirements. The control unit dynamically adjusts which half-bridges are active and their switching states, enabling the system to adapt to varying simulation conditions and maintain high precision across different operating scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If known electric motor simulation devices are used, then they can replicate electrical load behavior, but they lack flexibility to adapt to changing electric motors without extensive hardware modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation device employs dynamic, software-based adaptation through the control unit that can reconfigure the half-bridge circuits via control signals. This allows the system to adapt to different motor characteristics and simulation scenarios without physical hardware changes, simply by modifying the control logic and switching patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple half-bridge circuits are designed with universal functionality to simulate various types of electrical loads and motor characteristics. Each half-bridge can operate independently or in combination, providing versatile simulation capabilities that can accommodate different motor types and operating conditions using the same hardware platform.
3Measurement precision
If simulation devices require extensive hardware modifications to adapt to different loads, then accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic reconfiguration of half-bridge circuits through software control rather than static hardware modifications. This allows rapid adaptation to different simulation scenarios by changing control parameters and switching patterns, maintaining simulation accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required to adapt to new loads or motor types.
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
The solution enables a more realistic simulation of inductive loads, allowing for precise reproduction of current and voltage curves, enhancing the accuracy of test results and reducing the need for extensive hardware modifications, thus improving the adaptability and scalability of simulation devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first actuating device S1, which influences a first simulation current Is1 that can flow from a first load terminal D1 of the control device DUT to a first actuator output Out1 of the first actuator S1, with a first multi-stage converter
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a simulation device (Hx) for simulating a peripheral circuit arrangement connectable to a control device (DUT), wherein the simulation device is electrically connected or electrically connectable to the control device, and the simulation device has a first actuator (S1) for influencing a first simulation current (Is1) which can be forwarded from a first load connection (D1) of the control device to a first actuator output (Out1) of the first actuator, and wherein the first actuator includes a first multi-stage converter, and wherein the first multi-stage converter comprises a first converter output (M1), wherein the first converter output is provided and configured to be electrically connected to a converter-side connection of a first inductor component (L1), at whose control-device-side connection the first actuator output (Out1) is formed.and wherein the flow direction of the first simulation current is reversible, and the simulation device further comprises a computing unit (Cx) for executing a model code, wherein a first switch control signal (Ts1) can be provided for transmission to a first semiconductor switch control means (Tc1) by means of the model code stored and executable on the computing unit, and wherein the first semiconductor switch control means is provided and configured to convert the first switch control signal into at least one first modified switch control signal (Ts11, Ts12, Ts13, Ts14) and to apply at least the first modified switch control signal to the first multi-stage converter. The invention further relates to a method for simulation.