Load Driver Circuit Parameter Estimation for Dynamic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load driver circuits are not optimized for specific electric devices due to unknown device-specific parameters, which can change over time, limiting their performance and efficiency in controlling and protecting electric loads such as motors and batteries.
Innovation Solution
A load driver circuit with a power supply, measurement, and signal processing circuit that estimates model parameters based on measured operation parameters using a parametric model, allowing for dynamic adjustment of control parameters to optimize the operation of the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a load driver circuit is designed for a broad range of different products with unknown device-specific parameters, then the device can be universally applied to multiple loads, but the performance and efficiency for any specific load cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The load driver circuit automatically characterizes the connected load by measuring its electrical parameters (resistance, inductance, capacitance) during operation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual parameter input or pre-programming, allowing the circuit to adapt to any load type while optimizing performance for that specific load through automatic parameter detection and control adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit continuously monitors load parameters and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust control signals and protection thresholds. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the load driver to maintain optimal performance efficiency by adapting to real-time load conditions while preserving universal applicability across different load types
2Reliability
If device-specific parameters are used to optimize control functions, then performance and protection accuracy are improved, but these parameters are a priori unknown and may change over time due to aging effects
Solution Approach 1:
The load driver circuit performs preliminary characterization of the load parameters as soon as the load is connected, before any protection or control functions are activated. This preliminary action captures the initial device-specific parameters (resistance, inductance, capacitance) and uses them to configure optimal control and protection settings, ensuring high reliability from the start
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit dynamically updates load parameters during operation to account for aging effects and parameter drift over time. By continuously monitoring and adjusting the stored device-specific parameters, the system maintains accurate protection thresholds and control optimization even as the load ages, preventing reliability degradation
3Productivity
If measurement circuitry is added to detect load parameters, then control optimization becomes possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement functions for detecting load parameters (resistance, inductance, capacitance) are merged into the existing power supply and control circuitry of the load driver. By combining measurement and control functions in a single integrated circuit, the system achieves control optimization without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same hardware components serve multiple purposes
Data Source
AI summary
A load driver circuit for driving an electric or electronic load is described. In accordance with one example, a circuit includes a power supply circuit operably coupled to the load and configured to provide a load current operably passing through the load in accordance with at least one control signal. A measurement circuit is coupled to the power supply circuit or the load and configured to measure, during operation of the load, at least one operation parameter of the load. A signal processing circuit receives the at least one operation parameter measured by the measurement circuit and is configured to estimate, based on the at least one operation parameter and a parametric model that characterizes the load, one or more model parameters of the parametric model.