Transformer-Coupled Luminaire Interface for Isolated Power and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luminaires face challenges in ensuring effective power delivery and communication capabilities with connectable modules, particularly in high humidity or dusty environments, requiring complex circuitry and additional communication channels.
Innovation Solution
A communication interface using a transformer to enable isolated power and data transfer between a luminaire and a connectable module through a pair of windings, utilizing a driver circuit to generate AC power and a data sensing arrangement to detect voltage or current variations, allowing bidirectional communication with only two wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless power transfer system is used to provide power isolation, then isolation capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for additional communication channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transfer and data communication functions into a single transformer coupling interface. The transformer provides both galvanic isolation for power delivery and a magnetic coupling path for bidirectional communication, eliminating the need for separate communication channels and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer coupling serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides galvanic isolation, transfers power wirelessly, and enables bidirectional data communication between the luminaire and connectable module. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining isolation capability.
2Reliability
If opto-couplers are used for isolated communication, then communication isolation is improved, but power delivery efficiency deteriorates due to additional isolation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and communication isolation functions into the transformer coupling. The magnetic coupling provides both power transfer and isolated communication pathways, eliminating the need for separate opto-coupler-based communication channels and the associated energy losses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional communication channels are implemented, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer coupling enables bidirectional data communication while simultaneously providing power transfer and galvanic isolation. This single interface replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate channels, reducing circuit complexity while maintaining full communication capability.
4Ease of operation
If two-wire interface is used, then ease of operation is improved, but power and data transfer capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery, bidirectional data communication, and galvanic isolation into a single transformer coupling interface connected via two wires. The magnetic coupling enables multiple functions to be achieved through this simplified interface without compromising capability.
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
This solution maintains isolation while providing wireless power and communication capabilities, reducing complexity and power requirements, and ensuring consistent power supply to connectable modules.
Implementation Method 1
The alternating current flowing through the primary winding induces a similar, typically proportional alternating current in the secondary winding, analogously to a transformer, thereby providing a wireless (and thereby isolated) transfer of power for the connectable module.
Implementation Method 2
the communication interface comprises a data sensing arrangement. The data sensing arrangement is adapted to detect a voltage or current variation in the primary winding, wherein the said variation has been induced by a voltage or current variation in the secondary winding.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to a concept of the invention, there is proposed a communication interface that enables communication and power transfer between a luminaire and a connectable module. The communication interface comprises a driver circuit which generates an AC power supply for a primary winding, the primary winding being magnetically couplable to a secondary winding for powering the connectable module. A data sensing arrangement is adapted to detect a variation in the voltage/current of the primary winding which has been induced by the secondary winding. A control arrangement selectively couples a first and second DC input, upon which the AC power supply is based, together or to a common voltage.