Interleaved Differential Multiplexer Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional 2-wire differential switch modules require redundant switch contacts due to the use of double-pole, single throw (DPST) switches, leading to increased size and cost, as well as inefficiencies in testing multiple devices in series, such as battery or fuel cell stacks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an interleaved differential multiplexer using single-pole, single throw (SPST) switches, where two one-wire multiplexers are interleaved to form a two-wire multiplexer, allowing independent control of switches to efficiently test devices in a DUT stack by 'walking' through the channels one switch at a time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If DPST switches are used to implement 2-wire differential switch modules, then the switching function is achieved, but the number of switch contacts increases leading to larger size and higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 2-wire differential switch module into two separate 1-wire multiplexers that are interleaved. Each 1-wire multiplexer handles one wire independently, using SPST switches instead of DPST switches. This segmentation reduces the number of switch contacts per channel from 2 to 1, eliminating redundancy while maintaining the differential switching function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two 1-wire multiplexers into a single 2-wire interleaved multiplexer structure. By interleaving the channels of the two 1-wire multiplexers, the system achieves 2-wire differential functionality with fewer total switch contacts than traditional DPST implementations, as adjacent channels share common contacts.
2Reliability
If redundant switch contacts are used in traditional 2-wire differential switches, then switching reliability is maintained, but the size and cost of the switch module increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the differential switch into two independent 1-wire multiplexers that are interleaved, each SPST switch contacts only one wire. This segmentation eliminates the need for redundant contacts within each switch while maintaining reliability through the interleaved structure where adjacent channels share contacts in a controlled manner.
3Ease of manufacture
If DPST switches with two contacts per channel are used, then differential switching is achieved, but wiring complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the differential switching function into two independent 1-wire multiplexing systems. Each SPST switch controls a single wire independently, simplifying the wiring structure compared to DPST switches where two contacts are mechanically linked. The interleaved arrangement进一步优化 the wiring by allowing adjacent channels to share common contacts.
4Ease of operation
If traditional 2-wire channels with DPST switches are used, then common node connections are established, but redundant connections increase testing inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the switching system into interleaved 1-wire multiplexers with independently controllable SPST switches, the patent enables more flexible and efficient testing sequences. The independent switch control allows for optimized testing pathways through the DUT stack, improving productivity compared to the coupled DPST switch operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An N-wire interleaved differential multiplexer. The N-wire interleaved differential multiplexer may be formed by interleaving the channels and corresponding switches of N one-wire multiplexers. Each of the switches of the interleaved differential multiplexer may be controlled independent from the other switches to provide a signal path between a DUT stack and a measurement device. To test a first DUT, two switches of the interleaved multiplexer are closed to connect the terminals of the first DUT to the measurement device. To switch from testing the first DUT to testing a subsequent DUT, one of the previously activated switches is opened, one is kept closed, and a different switch is closed. The testing process may “walk” up or down the switch channels of the interleaved multiplexer one switch at a time to test each of the DUTs of the DUT stack.