Microcontroller Switch Position Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit arrangements for detecting switch positions in electrical devices require additional electronic components, making them costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A circuit arrangement utilizing a microcontroller connected to a phase of an electrical grid with a switch in series and a resistor in parallel, where the microcontroller compares a voltage at a connection to an internal reference voltage to determine the switch position, eliminating the need for additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional electronic components are used to detect switch position, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller's voltage supply connection is made multi-functional by using it both for power supply and for switch position detection. The microcontroller compares the voltage at its supply connection with an internal reference voltage to determine switch position, eliminating the need for separate detection components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power supply function and detection function into a single circuit path. The voltage supply connection serves dual purposes: providing power to the microcontroller and simultaneously enabling switch position detection through voltage comparison, thereby merging multiple functions into one integrated approach.
2Measurement precision
If additional electronic components are provided for switch position detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller uses its own internal reference voltage and built-in comparison capabilities to detect switch position, eliminating the need for external precision components. The internal resources of the microcontroller serve the detection function, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate detection accuracy for the application.
3Device complexity
If the microcontroller uses its voltage supply connection for detection, then the number of required connections is reduced, but the power supply stability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller performs detection during specific phases of its operation cycle rather than continuously, and uses the voltage comparison to determine switch position without requiring the supply voltage to be perfectly stable at all times. This partial action approach allows using the supply connection for detection while minimizing interference with power supply stability.
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 allows for cost-effective detection of switch positions using existing microcontroller components, simplifying the design and eliminating the need for extra electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
The microcontroller is programmed to compare a voltage present at the connection with a reference voltage and, on the basis of said comparison, to determine whether the switch is open or closed
Implementation Method 2
the microcontroller has an analog-to-digital converter, wherein the reference voltage is used as reference value for the analog-to-digital converter. The microcontroller is programmed to digitize the voltage present at the connection by means of the analog-to-digital converter in order to obtain a digital value
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit arrangement for detecting a switch position includes a first node configured to be connected to one phase of a power network, a third node, and a micro-controller. A switch is arranged between the first node and the third node. A resistor is arranged parallel to the switch between the first node and the third node. A connection on the micro-controller is connected to the third node. The micro-controller is programmed to compare a voltage present at the connection against a reference voltage and to determine from this comparison whether the switch is open or closed.