Mode-Switching Electric Interface for Superimposed Signal Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-wire electric apparatuses, such as sensors, face issues with increased wiring complexity and erroneous signal detection due to the conversion of detection signals into communication data, particularly when using superimposition signals, which can lead to incorrect ON/OFF switching detection by communication devices not compatible with these signals.
Innovation Solution
An electric apparatus with a superimposition signal transmission portion, an operation mode switching portion, and a current detection portion that switches between normal and low current consumption modes based on the current value received from the communication device, allowing it to adapt its operation mode according to the type of connected communication device and prevent erroneous signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a superimposition signal is used for communication to reduce the number of wirings, then the wiring complexity is reduced, but communication devices not compatible with superimposition signals may erroneously detect signal fluctuations as ON/OFF switching
Solution Approach 1:
The electric apparatus dynamically switches between two operation modes (normal mode and low current consumption mode) based on the type of connected communication device. When a superimposition signal-compatible device is detected, the apparatus operates in normal mode to transmit superimposition signals. When an incompatible device is detected, it switches to low current consumption mode to transmit only operation signals, preventing erroneous detection while maintaining wiring simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus changes its signal transmission parameters based on the communication device type. In normal mode, it transmits superimposition signals with data superimposed on operation signals. In low current consumption mode, it transmits only pure operation signals without superimposed data, thereby ensuring compatibility with devices that cannot interpret superimposition signals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detection signals are converted into communication data and transmitted, then communication functionality is achieved, but the time required for external apparatus to recognize detection signals increases and circuit configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary action by directly transmitting operation signals in their original form rather than converting them into communication data first. This allows external apparatus to recognize detection signals immediately without waiting for conversion processing, significantly reducing signal recognition time while maintaining communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and transmits only the essential operation signals without embedding them within complex communication data structures. By separating the core operation signal transmission from additional communication protocols, the apparatus reduces circuit complexity and enables faster external recognition of detection signals.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electric apparatus, which has excellent convenience and operates by switching an operation mode according to the type of a communication device of a connection destination. The electric apparatus includes: a superimposition signal transmission portion which transmits, to a communication device, a superimposition signal obtained by superimposing a data signal on an operation signal; an operation mode switching portion which switches between a normal operation mode in which transmission of the superimposition signal is performed and a low current consumption mode in which transmission of the superimposition signal is not performed; and a current detection portion which detects a current value supplied from the communication device, wherein the operation mode switching portion switches the low current consumption mode to the normal operation mode when the current detection portion detects a current equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value in the low current consumption mode.