Galvanically Isolated Load Control Circuit With Auxiliary Output Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost associated with galvanic isolation between control modules in the SELV/PELV range and electrical loads in the FELV range in household appliances make efficient control of multiple loads challenging.
Innovation Solution
A circuit arrangement using a main control module in the SELV/PELV range and auxiliary control modules in the FELV range, with a galvanic isolation unit to transmit control data, allowing efficient control of multiple loads using LED driver chips or GPIO expanders, which are cost-effective and versatile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If galvanic isolation units are used between control modules in SELV/PELV range and electrical loads in FELV range, then safety and electrical isolation are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single auxiliary control module that can control multiple electrical loads. The microcontroller unit integrates the galvanic isolation unit, auxiliary control module, and multiple control outputs in one device, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining galvanic isolation between SELV/PELV and FELV ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary control module is designed with universal functionality to control multiple different types of electrical loads (heating elements, motors, pumps, valves) through multiple control outputs. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated control circuits for each load type, reducing device complexity while maintaining safety isolation.
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated microcontrollers and isolation units are used to control multiple electrical loads, then control reliability is improved, but cost and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate components (microcontroller, galvanic isolation unit, auxiliary control modules, and control outputs) into a single integrated device. This consolidation reduces the total component count, lowering manufacturing costs and simplifying installation while maintaining control reliability through the integrated galvanic isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control device provides universal control capability for multiple electrical loads through its auxiliary control module with multiple control outputs. This single multi-functional device replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated microcontrollers and isolation units, significantly reducing cost while maintaining the ability to reliably control various load types.
3Reliability
If traditional galvanic isolation methods are used for each electrical load, then safety isolation is improved, but installation space and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple galvanic isolation functions into a single integrated galvanic isolation unit within the control device. Instead of requiring separate isolation components for each electrical load, the integrated design provides isolation for all control outputs in one compact unit, significantly reducing installation space while maintaining electrical safety between voltage ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device provides universal galvanic isolation capability across all its control outputs through the integrated isolation unit. This multi-functional isolation design protects all electrical loads simultaneously without requiring additional space for separate isolation components for each load, reducing overall installation footprint while maintaining safety.
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 efficient, cost-effective, and space-saving control of various electrical loads with reduced need for dedicated isolation units and microcontrollers, allowing flexible adjustment of controlled loads through cascading of auxiliary control modules.
Implementation Method 1
a galvanic isolation unit (122) that is set up to transmit the control data via a galvanically isolated connection from the first voltage range to the second voltage range
Implementation Method 2
The galvanic isolation unit can, for example, comprise an optocoupler
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
AI summary
A circuit arrangement (200) for controlling a plurality of loads (123) of an electrical device (100) is described. The circuit arrangement (200) comprises a main control module (121) located in a first voltage range (131) of the circuit arrangement (200), which is configured to generate control data (202) for controlling a first load (123) from the plurality of loads (123); the plurality of loads (123) being located in a second voltage range (132). The circuit arrangement (200) further comprises a galvanic isolation unit (122) configured to transmit the control data (202) from the first voltage range (131) to the second voltage range (132) via a galvanically isolated connection. Furthermore, the circuit arrangement (200) includes at least one auxiliary control module (201) which includes a plurality of control outputs (204) for the corresponding plurality of loads (123).The auxiliary control module (201) comprises a light-emitting diode (LED) driver configured to operate a corresponding plurality of LED arrays via the plurality of control outputs (204), and/or a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) expansion circuit in which the behavior of the plurality of control outputs (204) is programmable. The auxiliary control module (201) is configured, based on the control data (202), to identify a first control output (204) from among the plurality of control outputs (204) for controlling the first load (123); and to effect control of the first load (123) via the first control output (204).